First Home Buyer - looking for advice on adaptions

DylanEvans · January 2022

Hi all,

My partner and I are starting to look at buying a bungalow. We are aware that we will most likely need to adapt whatever we buy as we are both wheelchair users. We were looking for advice on what the process might include when seeking funding for adaptions etc. I have experience with adaptions from my current (parents) home but we are unsure how it works when we do not already own a property. The level of funding we can secure for adaptions will obviously affect what kind of property we can afford so ideally we would like to understand this process before purchasing.

We have contacted social services, but just wondered if anyone here had personal experience of similar circumstances. Thank you.

Tori_Scope · January 2022

You must be excited to move in with your partner @DylanEvans

Congratulations!

This isn't something I have personal experience of, but I hope someone else with a similar experience will find your post soon. Your post has been tagged as 'unanswered' so that other members can see you haven't had an answer to your query yet.

I haven't been able to find an answer to your question about how it'd work if you don't yet own the property. Most of the information I've seen assumes you already have the property, in terms of home visits and so on. Have you spoken to your local authority to see whether they can give you any guidance on this?

For some general information on housing adaptions, you might like to read our information and advice page on home adaptions.

Poppy_ · January 2022

Hi, how are you?
Do you have an Occupational Therapist? They may be able to advise you further, however, I do know that there is a disabilities facilities grant available for those who own their own home, are a tenant and intend to live there for 5 years. I have attached a government website in which the grant is explained. https://www.gov.uk/disabled-facilities-grants

I wish you well in your endeavours.

Libby_Alumni · February 2022

Hi @DylanEvans,

How exciting about your potential move!

I just wanted to check in to see how you're getting on with things and if you had found any further information in relation to adaptations and moving houses. @Poppy_ has also made some great suggestions and I wondered if you had had a chance to look into them too?

Please keep us updated on how you're getting on and how the situation is hopefully progressing.

Libby

DylanEvans · February 2022

Hi @Libby_Scope

We have had some progress and unfortunately, the news isn't good. We have spoken with OT friends of ours and had their help navigating the council labyrinth. Eventually, we spoke to the Disabled Facilities Grant team and after a preliminary financial assessment, they have determined that we have too much income to be eligible for a DFG, on account of the fact that we both work full time.

It strikes me as odd that being a couple with fairly average salaries disqualifies us from any support despite both of us having complex needs, but there we are. We have both taken decisions over the years to manage our conditions so that we could work, in the hope that this could give us security. It feels somewhat like we are being punished for those decisions now.

Thank you for your advice and suggestions all, I must admit that I am feeling a bit at a loss at present and am unsure where to turn. Apologies for the slight rant.

Thanks again,
Dylan

janer1967 · February 2022

Hi there

You may find a property that doesn't require adaptions

I'm am in a new build bungalow as a full time wheelchair user and have not needed any adaptions. It isn't classed as a disabled property

Newer properties have doors wide enough

It all depends on what you need and what you can manage as a workaround

Yes in ideal world I would like lower kitchen units wetroom etc but I manage with what I have

First Home Buyer - looking for advice on adaptions

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