Move to a smaller council home

We understand that moving from a home you have lived in for a long time can be a difficult decision.

If your home is larger than you need or becoming difficult to maintain, you may want to consider moving to a smaller home. This is called downsizing.

Downsizing is voluntary. It allows you to move to a home that better meets your needs.

We can offer support and incentives to help you move.

If you receive Universal Credit housing costs or Housing Benefit and your home is larger than you need, your benefits may be reduced. This could mean you have to pay more towards your rent.

Who can apply 

You can apply if you live in a council or housing association home in Woking and have more bedrooms than you need.

Who cannot apply

You will not qualify for the scheme if you:

• move to a smaller property because of medical priority or into supported living or extra care
• are asked to move following the death of the tenant
• do not empty the property on the day that you move out and return the keys
• have asked someone to leave who is now homeless
• move home because of a housing emergency such as antisocial behaviour or disrepair
• arrange a move yourself without our help
• switch houses with someone (mutual exchange)

How to apply

Contact us to apply to move to a smaller home.

Start now

You can also call us.

Telephone: 0300 373 0373
Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm (except public holidays)

How we assess your application

When you apply, we will:

• check how many bedrooms your household needs
• confirm your priority band on the housing register
• assess your application against our allocation policy

We will write to you to confirm whether you are eligible, your priority band and what happens next.