Why move out of London?

•  It may be much easier and cheaper to find accommodation outside of London.

•  You may be able to get a better standard of accommodation.

•  You might want to get back in contact with old friends or family.

•  You might want to make a fresh start.

But think carefully first

•  If you plan on moving back to an area where you lived before, you might want to think about the reasons you left there in the first place.

•  If you plan on moving to an area where you have no existing contacts, think about how you might make friends, get support, and whether you will feel comfortable.

•  If you are hoping to work, do you know the job or training prospects in the area.

Doing your research

Research and planning are highly advisable before you go, particularly if you are thinking of moving to a totally new area:

•  There are likely to be organizations in the new area that can provide help once you move. It will be useful to have their details and possibly speak with them beforehand. The easiest way to obtain details is probably google. For example type in ‘Housing advice services Leeds’.

•  The local council for the area may be a good first point of contact, particularly housing services.

•  If you are currently in supported housing your keyworker or resettlement worker should be able to help

•  If you are hoping to work, you can look at jobcentreplus.gov.uk to get a good idea of the employment prospects in the area

•  If you are thinking about education or training in a new area, have a look at learndirect.co.ukOr telephone them on 0800 100 900.

Private renting

•  See Private Renting for the different factors to take into account

•  The quality of property and rents charged vary a lot over the country. However, many areas are cheaper than London.

•  For an example of rents and types of property available, have a look at rightmove.co.uk Note though that these types of website do tend to focus on the higher end of the market.

•  Local housing advice centres can be a good starting point for information on the private rented sector. For details you could simply google, for example, ‘housing advice centre Birmingham’.

•  Details of rent deposit schemes around the country can be found through www.crisis.org.uk/prs/index.php

Hostels

•  See Hostels for general information about hostels.

•  There are not as many hostels outside London as in London. However, most cities and larger towns will have at least one.

•  A hostel might be a good option if you are not certain about settling in a particular area

•  Hostels can be a good first base in a new area as you will have potential friends around. The hostel is also likely to provide help contacting other local services.

•  Local housing advice centres can be a good starting point for information on local hostels. For details you could simply google, for example, ‘housing advice centre Nottingham’.

Live – in Work

•  See Live-in Work for some general hints on this approach.

•  This can be a successful way of making a break with London. It means that as well as accommodation, you will also have work and the immediate opportunity to meet new people.

The Council and Housing Associations.

•  You may have a better chance of getting a place through the council waiting list (not to be confused with applying as ‘homeless’ on an emergency basis) outside London. However it depends where you apply as in some areas it is just as difficult as in London.

•  Note that you are more likely to be able to apply directly to Housing Associations outside London and go on their individual waiting lists.

•  There have been nationwide schemes which have enabled people to move from London to areas of low demand or to areas where there is a good reason for them to move. At present, most of these schemes are suspended but contact your local council housing department for up to date information.