Can I buy my Aunt's Corporation House

[Jennypen]

Hi All,
My aunt lives alone in a Corporation house. It's my late grandmothers house, my aunt was born and raised in the house as was my mother and all of the family. Money was always tight so the house was never purchased. The house is very basic and old fashioned by today's standards. My aunt is on disability, heading into her 60's and has no family of her own so she is definitely not in a position to buy it especially as houses in the area are selling for 500 grand or more (I know she is entitled to a discount for a max of 10 yrs she's been living there, am I correct?)

She has decided she no longer feels comfortable living on her own and has asked me several times if I would buy the house and move in with her. She is open to renovation, possibly 2 apartments so we could have separate living spaces, her on the ground floor so she doesnt have to worry about stairs.

We get on brilliantly, have always been close and nobody else in the family is really in a position to do this but Im not even sure how to start going about this or if its even feasible? Its practical for me as its close to the city center and all the family and ideal for gettin to and from work.

If it matters, I was also born in the house. My birth cert has that address on it. We lived there for almost 2 yrs after I was born.

I own a house myself that I have rented out. Have a mortgage, which I have to contribute towards each month. Rent doesn't cover full amount so I contribute approx. 200 euro a month. If need be, I would be open to selling this house to raise funds.

Any advice or guidance would be so greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
Jen.

 

[okay]

Why buy? Could you not move in now, have your Aunt put you on the lease and you pay the extra rent. If they want a reason she can say she doesnt want to live alone anymore. Maybe buy later if it all goes ok, you would be in a beter position with the council if you are a tenent.

 

[z108]

Hmmm as far as I know , the Corporation/Council wouldnt let you become a tenant if you already owned your own property.

And if you cant become a tenant how can you convince them to sell to you?

 

[okay]

It wouldnt be the same as applying for a house from scratch. Plenty of people move partners in or get married etc, these people dont have to apply for tenency the original tenent just adds them to the lease. The council dont care once the original tenent is still there, there is a legitimate reason for the new person moving in, there isnt overcrowding and they pay the extra rent.

 

[Jennypen]

Thanks Guys. This is what I thought myself. If I just move in now and she adds me on the tenancy so at least I'm down on paper as a tenant. I think I have to be there for at least 12 months before I can buy. Does anyone know if its a possibility for me to gift my aunt the money and she buy the house outright. I would then repay the mortgage as normal?

The extra rent isn't a problem. Buying the house is for a couple of reasons:
1. To make it a more "liveable" and comfortable place for her and me. Also, thought it best to do renovations sooner rather than later so she reaps the benefit of it. She will have to move out while its going on. This may become an issue as she gets older and not so open to leaving home.
2. To give each of us some privacy. Both of us in the same house wont work long term. She's set in her ways and I'm in my 30's, working, etc.. It would just work better if we had separate living areas but she still knows I'm there if she needs me.
3. House prices are getting ridiculous in the area, so while I am free financially to make another committment, I felt it was a good time to try and do this. Down the road, if there's husband and kids..it may not be feasible.

Thanks for all your replies..
Jen.