Published: Thursday 4 April 2024
A long-term Kensington and Chelsea resident is enjoying a new lease of life after the Council helped her downsize into a smaller, more accessible home.
Kudirat Kassim had lived in a two-bedroom property in the south of the borough since 1986. When her two children left home, Mrs Kassim had an extra bedroom that she no longer needed and was struggling to manage the stairs up to her fourth-floor flat.
After hearing about the option of downsizing, which can provide a more manageable home requiring less housework, help reduce rent and household bills and free up larger properties for families in need of the extra room, Mrs Kassim applied for a smaller property.
Mrs Kassim’s application resulted in her recently accepting a move to a one-bedroom property just a street away from her old flat, and she is now enjoying the freedom provided by her new home:
Mrs Kassim said:
“I had lived in my old flat for about 40 years, but the extra room was of no use after my children left home. It was on the fourth floor and I had trouble with the stairs which added to the problems I have with my knee.
“I had been waiting to move into a smaller property and I eventually was successful in finding one. I am grateful to the Council staff who did a lot to help me with moving, carpeting and other things.
“Now I am in a home very close to my old flat. It only has four steps to the street and I can go outside easily at any time for walking and exercise.
“I am very happy that my old flat can be offered to another person who needs the space. I don’t think it makes sense to keep an extra room when you don’t need it and I am happy that the extra room can now help another family.”
Benefits for residents who qualify for downsizing can include high points and priority on the housing register, help with removals and decoration and a dedicated officer to oversee a move.
To find out more about downsizing, email [email protected].