Your housing options

Downsizing

There is limited social housing in Kensington and Chelsea, especially larger, family-sized homes, and the number of people waiting for social housing is very high.


Downsizing gives you the opportunity to move into a smaller home of your choice, while giving other families who are homeless, overcrowded or in temporary accommodation the opportunity to move into your existing property. Downsizing helps to make better use of our existing stock and reduce waiting times for a better home.


Who can apply

If you are a social housing (council or housing association) tenant, and live in the borough, you can apply for the Council’s Downsizing Scheme. 

Benefits

You many want to downsize for a number of reasons, such as to: 

  • move to an accessible property that meets your health or medical needs
  • reduce or clear your rent arrears
  • reduce your household bills
  • move closer to work, family or friends
  • live somewhere new (such as near the seaside)
  • live near the centre of town or close to local amenities
  • make it easier to clean or maintain your home
  • offer your home to a family who really need it

How it works

If you’re interested in downsizing, our dedicated housing mobility team can support you.

We'll contact you over the phone, meet you in person, or arrange a virtual meeting to discuss your housing options and provide information and advice. 

Whatever your preference, we're here to support you.

If you decide to go ahead, we can guide you through the downsizing process from registration to securing a successful move. 

Offers and incentives

If you qualify, and choose to downsize, you may be entitled to:

  • cash incentives, the more bedrooms you give back, the more you’ll receive
  • support with removal costs
  • high priority points and ring-fenced homes on the Housing Register to give you first choice on the homes available
  • the opportunity for your adult family household members to move into their own social tenancy 

Contact us

To register for downsizing, or to find out more, contact the housing mobility team: 

Last updated: 20 March 2026