If you live in an Oxford City Council home that is larger than you need, you may be able to get financial compensation if you move to a smaller council home. This is known as downsizing.
If you are eligible for the Under-Occupation Incentive Scheme, you could get:
- compensation for moving to a smaller home
- up to £1,750 towards moving expenses
- higher priority when bidding for another council property
Moving to a smaller home also helps us provide larger homes for families who need them.
Who is eligible
Our Assessment Team decides who is eligible for the scheme.
You may be eligible if:
- you are an existing Oxford City Council tenant
- you live in a home that is larger than you need and are willing to move to a smaller property
- you have a live transfer application and are bidding on Choice Based Letting to receive a housing offer from our Allocations Team
You do not need to apply separately for the Under-Occupation Incentive Scheme as this will be taken into consideration when your transfer application is assessed. However, if your circumstances change, please notify the Housing Needs Team on housingneeds@oxford.gov.uk.
How the scheme works
- Submit a housing transfer application. You can apply to transfer an existing social housing tenancy.
- The Assessment Team will review your application.
- If you are eligible for the Under-Occupation Incentive Scheme, an Under-Occupation Officer will contact you while you are on the waiting list to ensure you are aware of the moving process and to check that your details remain up to date.
- The Allocations Team will make you an offer of housing. The property you are offered will depend on your circumstances and what is available.
- The Under-Occupation Team will contact you to help you prepare for the move and arrange payment of any financial incentives you are entitled to.
The type and size of property you are offered will depend on your household's needs and the properties available. For example:
- if you live in a 3, 4 or 5-bedroom home that is too large for your needs, we may offer you a smaller property with a spare guest bedroom
- if you live in a 2-bedroom family home, we may offer you a 1-bedroom home
Compensation for moving to a smaller home
The amount of compensation you receive will depend on the size of your current property and the size of the property you move to.
This table shows the maximum compensation available based on property sizes.
| Current property size | Moving to a 4-bed | Moving to a 3-bed | Moving to a 2-bed | Moving to a 1-bed | Moving to designated elderly 55+ or older people's housing (2-bed) | Moving to designated elderly 55+ or older people's housing (1-bed) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5-bed | £1,400 | £2,800 | £4,200 | £5,600 | £4,700 | £6,100 |
| 4-bed | £0 | £1,400 | £2,800 | £4,200 | £3,300 | £4,700 |
| 3-bed | £0 | £0 | £1,400 | £2,800 | £1,900 | £3,300 |
| 2-bed | £0 | £0 | £0 | £1,400 | £1,400 | £1,900 |
Any unpaid rent or other council debts will be deducted from your payment.
Help with moving costs
You can also claim up to £1,750 towards moving expenses. You must agree these costs with the Under-Occupation Officer before you move, and they must be directly related to your move.
You can claim for:
- removals
- skip hire
- new floor coverings
- appliance disconnections and reconnections
Contact the Under-Occupation Officer before paying for any other moving expenses. You must provide valid receipts for all expenses you claim.
Support with your move
The Under-Occupation Officer and your Housing Officer will support you throughout your move. They can help you:
- fill in the transfer application
- understand how the process works
- prepare for your move
- answer any questions before and after you move
More information
You can also contact the Under-Occupation Team for advice and support.
