Preparing for and finding somewhere to live

Renting or Buying a Home

As an adult, you may decide that you would like a home of your own. There are different ways to do this, depending on your circumstances, finances and the support you need.

Some people rent a home from the council, a housing association or a private landlord. Others choose to buy a property, either independently, jointly with somebody else, or through schemes such as shared ownership. There is no single route that is right for everyone.

Finding a home can take time, so it is important to start thinking about your future plans early. You may want support to understand housing costs, manage a tenancy, pay household bills or apply for housing. Talking about your goals as part of your Preparing for Adulthood planning can help you explore the options available and understand what support you may need to live as independently as possible.

Staying with Family

Many young people continue to live with their parents, carers or wider family while they complete education, training or employment and develop their independence.

Social housing

This refers to housing that is owned by the local authority or housing associations (registered housing providers). Cheshire East does not have any council housing of its own. We partner with The Guinness Partnership, Plus Dane and Cheshire Peaks and Plains Housing Trusts, who advertise affordable rented properties via a website called Cheshire Homechoice. Housing applications can be made through the Homechoice website.

Private landlord

This means renting from someone who owns a property. Some rents will be above the levels covered by housing benefit, so it is important to choose a property you can afford.   Private landlords can be:

• a company that owns lots of properties;
• a person or family who owns one or more properties; or
• a charity or group who just rent properties to disabled people.

Private landlords advertise their properties in these places:

• a letting agency or an estate agent;
• an advert in the local newspaper;
• on a sign outside the property;
• on the internet; or
• on a shop noticeboard.

Supported Living

Supported living is usually shared housing with several other people with similar needs, but sometimes it can be individual flats. In supported housing you are a tenant and pay rent and housing benefit will usually cover the shared costs of the accommodation only. 

Support might include:

• managing money
• shopping and cooking
• personal care
• building independence skills
• accessing work, education or community activities

The level of support can vary depending on your needs and goals.

Shared lives

In a Shared Lives scheme someone is matched with a host family and lives as part of that family. They share family life and live with, or near to, the host family. The host family gives support and care.

This can be for:

• long-term support
• a short break
• daytime support or
• family support for someone who lives nearby, but not with the host family. 

Specialist Residential Care 

Specialist residential care homes may be considered after all other options for remaining at home have been explored and tried. Access to specialist residential care is based on an assessment of your needs by your Social Worker. Residential care means having a room in a building shared with a number of other people. Twenty four hour care will be provided on site as will meals. You will pay most of your benefits towards the cost of this care and be left with a small allowance.

Residential homes are owned and managed by public, private sector or charitable bodies. Some specialise in particular forms of provision, for example for people on the autistic spectrum or those with sensory impairment in conjunction with a learning disability.