Moving out of London

A fresh start in a new home

There are currently over 6,000 families waiting for a home in the London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham and over 2,500 council tenants waiting to be rehoused.

This picture is repeated across London. The reality is is that there are not enough properties in the borough to meet the growing need for housing.

We have seen a growing number of home seekers who approach the council for help to move out of London. To meet this growing demand, we offer financial and practical assistance to those home seekers who qualify for help and work with the private landlords in other areas of the country to search for desirable properties and areas.

Why out of London?

• Perhaps you have some family or friends who live in another area of the country?
• Maybe you want to get out of hectic London?
• Perhaps you have a large family and want your children to grow up with more space?    

There is a good reason why a move away from London may be right for you:

• More space and wider choice
• There is high demand for housing in London and many of the properties on offer are of a small size. In other parts of the country there are larger houses available, many with gardens.    

Whatever your reasons, this scheme is totally voluntary. If you wish to try the scheme, you will have a wide choice of homes in many parts of the country.

What types of properties are available?

A full range from one bedroom flats to family size properties.

Who can apply?

You can apply for this scheme if:

• You are a permanent social housing tenant currently living in Hammersmith & Fulham
• You are living in temporary accommodation provided by Hammersmith & Fulham and are owed a homelessness duty
• You have been told by the council that as a homeseeker that you qualify for this scheme 
  and
• You have a clear rent account
• You have not broken any conditions of your tenancy, e.g. by causing antisocial behaviour.    

Is there financial help available?

Yes. If you meet the criteria to apply, we can arrange to pay:

• Your reasonable travel expenses to tour and view properties
• A grant to help you move
• One month's paid rent in advance  to your proposed landlord    

Where can I go?

We can help you to move to the private rented housing anywhere outside of London in the United Kingdom.

How do I apply?

If you are interested in finding out more about this scheme, telephone the Direct Lettings team on 020 8753 4166 or email Direct.Lettings@lbhf.gov.uk. 

For council tenants:
Tel: 020 8753 4210/5654
Email us at: Rehousing.Opportunities@lbhf.gov.uk

» Download our leaflet on Moving out of London (pdf 774KB)
» Download our leaflet on Moving into Private Housing (pdf 1.24MB)
» Download our leaflet on Moving out of Temporary Accommodation (pdf 1.7MB)

» Visit www.homemove.co.uk (opens new window).