www.iva.co.uk

Ok so slight rant coming...I posted an ad on Gumtree as many of you suggested explaining what type of property I was looking for etc. Got a reply off someone today attaching some pictures and asking me to reply confirming my interest. I asked for an address of the property and had a reply saying the property was where I stated in my ad (i actually stated a number of areas) and he wasnt going to let me see it until I could prove I could afford it! Sounded a bit fishy to me so i've politely told him to do one!!
Should have suspected something by his lack of ability to be able to put a sentence together properly!!
Does he actually think people would fall for this?!?
[xx(]

So..the house hunt continues..but I've decided to be a little bit cheeky and I'm actually writing a few letters to owners of houses I've seen on rightmove, explaining my situation and proposing the idea of renting privately..worth a try I guess! [;)] x

It is worth a try - you may find your dream home!!

My son rents private and hasn't had a problem, long term rent too. Hope you find something soon. x

I would give anything a go! I'm in rented accommodation & dread the day the owner wants to sell up, which I know he does eventually. I hate not having a stable home especially with children, often feel I've made a mistake when we had a slim chance of buying one before the IVA.

Good luck from me too x

Ok..thoughts wanted please people...went to view a flat yesterday, 2 bed apartment in same close as we used to rent a few years back. Loved it there, only downside being no garden for my little boy but there's a park within the estate. Private landlord and she seems really nice..confused as to what to do..do we go for it as its the only option we have even though there's no garden?! Help lol x

Can't help you with the decision vimto - only you can do that. If there is a park then that's not so bad and you know and like the area so just think long and hard for a day or so before making a decision.

How long would the lease be for? You could take it on and look around for something else in the meantime.

I knew that would be the reply Jan lol. I need a guardian angel to help me decide!
The lease is initially 6-12 months but its extendable. Ideally we dont want to keep moving so I guess we could see how it goes and then decide?
My parents have said anything we dont need i.e garden table etc we can keep at theirs until we move into a house which is a bonus as obviously going from a 3 bed house to a 2 bed apartment will result in lots of stuff! Decided I'm going to do a car boot too with whatever I find whilst packing
Good thing is that she doesnt do credit checks etc and seemed to really take to us so. Oh and she said she'd be semi-flexible in terms of a date to coincide with the house sale.
Think i'm going to phone my solicitor today and see if we have a provisional date..
Aaaarrrrggghhhh...

I can't help you with your decision either vimto as you have to do what's right for you, however, for me, I would never rent a flat with children, even though there is a park there, they can't just go play outside without you being with them (as obviously you can't see them) and I think I would just miss having my own outdoor space too much where I could sit with a cuppa and watch my kids play etc, but each to their own

I know Lem thats my worry, that he wont be happy there. Thing is we're struggling to find anything else so I'm toying with the idea of going for it short term and then if it turns out to be a problem then look to move again..

I understand, I think at the end of the day, you have to have a roof over your head and that is paramount

It's such a hard decision! Thing is, we got ourselves into this mess and we've got to get ourselves out of it..

Have a think and if there is a park and playgroup etc, where he can socialise with other children then I can't see a problem.

Having a happy Mummy will mean a lot to him x

Thanks Lesley, you are totally right! I'm sure if we can make it feel like home he will be happy [:)]
There is a lovely little park in the middle of the estate which he loved before and we are finally beginning to make other mother friends through school etc so I am sure we could make it work! I will keep you all posted as always [;)] x

Lots of people do live in flats very happily and with children and pets. There is plenty out there free to explore if you take the time to find it. I've brought my 4 up with a courtyard garden so not a garden as such but we went to nature reserves and local parks during school hols and they're none the worse for it.

My daughter has a massive garden and 4 children and it's nice to see hers playing out there but your situation isn't forever and things do change. x

very wise words there Lesley x