Are you looking to downsize?

If you are looking to move to a smaller property, we can support you in moving to a new home and we’ll pay at least £750 for downsizing and contribute to your moving costs.

Why downsize?

Downsizing is when you move from your current home to one that is smaller and with less rooms or space than your previous home.

There are many reasons you might be looking to downsize, such as:

• You want to move to a smaller, more manageable home in a different area – perhaps closer to friends or family.
• You’re receiving less housing benefit because of the ‘bedroom tax’ (an under occupancy charge) introduced as part of the Welfare Reforms in 2013.
• Your children have left home, and you don’t need the extra space.
• Your current home is no longer suitable for your needs.
• Rising energy costs and making it difficult to heat your home.
• You are finding it difficult to manage getting up and down the stairs

Our incentive to downsize to a smaller property

Our under-occupation incentive scheme means when you downsize by one or more rooms, you’ll be entitled to a payment from us, help with moving costs and other support.

Can I downsize?

Any ISHA tenant can apply to downsize providing you aren't in breach of the terms of your tenancy and providing we’re not taking legal action against you. If you have rent arrears, we may be able to offset your arrears with your under occupation payment.

How downsizing works

Under our updated incentive scheme:

1. We will pay you £750 for downsizing by one room, and then £500 for the second and any other rooms. So, if you downsized by two rooms, you would receive £1,250 (£750 + £500).
2. You’ll receive up to £1,200 towards moving costs.
3. We’ll provide floor and window coverings for your new property (e.g. Curtains and carpets).
4. We’ll cover the cost of disconnection and reconnection of any appliances or white goods such as cookers, fridge freezers, etc.

If you’re aged 65 or over or have a long-term disability, we will pay for a packing and removal company to assist you when you move home.

How do I downsize?

If you would like to downsize, contact our Customer Services Team on 0300 131 7300 or email isha@isha.co.uk to begin the process.They can also help you with any questions or concerns you have about downsizing.

The downsizing incentives are part of our transfer policy (pdf, 211kb).