Deciding where to live involves a lot of different considerations and sometimes choices may be limited.  There are then a series of other considerations such as location, links to work, public transport, money, and family-size and community safety.

Buying a house is one of the biggest financial transactions that we make and not everyone can afford to make a purchase.  Some people may choose to rent whilst others may need personal or medical help in their home or to live in sheltered accommodation.

Buying a house

Buying a home can be expensive and daunting.  There are hundreds of mortgage deals and it is hard to know where to start.  In Liverpool there has been a large number of new properties built as part of the rejuvenation of the city and surrounding areas so there is no end of choice of both new and existing properties for sale.

If intending to buy a house do your research and make sure you understand what is involved.  If you select a mortgage broker then ensure that they are authorised by the Financial Services Authority.

Access to ownership is a scheme for people buying their first home in Liverpool including free advice and, subject to eligibility, certain fees paid if you move to a housing market renewal area.

01204 814334      www.acccesstohomeownership.org.uk

New Heartlands is a scheme across Liverpool that refurbishes, re-develops and improves management of certain local communities to create decent, desirable homes in attractive, healthier places.

0151 233 2650     www.newheartlands.co.uk

Renting

Renting is an alternative to home ownership and there are many options to rent in Liverpool.  In renting the owner of the property (landlord) will put in place a rental agreement.  You will become the tenant and there are rights and responsibilities as a tenant that you should make yourself aware of.

Housing Associations

Housing Associations and registered Social Landlords are financed by government and the city council and provide social housing across the city.  The policy in Liverpool is to transfer all ‘council housing’ stock to Housing Associations, as they are able to access grants and make improvements in decency of houses in the area.

If you want to know more about Housing Associations and social housing in Liverpool then ring the Liverpool Direct Housing:

0151 233 3018, or visit any One Stop Shop.

Supported and Sheltered Living

Sheltered housing is accommodation for rent, which is specially designed for older people, grouped together, usually within one scheme.  There is usually a range of communal facilities available.
The City Council is keen to see people stay living in their own homes where they have family and friends around them and are able to offer some support for people who may require help or grants because of age, low income or disability.  
Sheltered housing can be applied for by contacting ACCESS Liverpool through the One Stop Shop or by calling into your local Housing Association office.

0151 233 2150

Homelessness

For some people finding a home can be very challenging as they cannot afford, or are otherwise unable to maintain, regular, safe, and adequate shelter and they may become homeless.  In Liverpool, the local council aims to prevent homelessness whenever possible and where homelessness does occur, move people into settled homes as soon as possible

Homelessness is a real problem facing some people in our communities.  You can help by supporting the efforts of local homeless people who are trying to help themselves by buying copies of the Big Issue in the North from one of the street vendors located in Liverpool.

If you are homeless or about to become  homeless and need advice contact: Liverpool Housing Options Service through Careline Adult Services. 

0151 233 3800  (freephone 0800 731 6844 OR  your local One Stop Shop

Student Accommodation

Liverpool has a large population of students and has a lot of accommidation ot choose from of verying degrees of quality.

There is plenty of information available to help locate the right place to live.

For students the National Union of Students (NUS) has four student’s unions within the city.  Three aligned to the universities and one at Liverpool College. 

The union can advise on the different types of accommodation available, deposits, staying safe and, among other things, the TV license.  We recommend you contact your local Students Union first or the NUS nationally. On the NUS website you will find helpful information in the Housing Advice section.

Liverpool John Moores University 0151 231 4900 www.l-s-u.com/

Liverpool Community College

Students Union  0151 252 3378 www.liv-coll.ac.uk/   

Liverpool Guild of Students  0151 794 6868  www.lgos.org/

Liverpool Hope Students’ Union  0151 291 3651 www.hopesu.com

National Union of Students  0871 221 8221 www.nus.org.uk