onthemove

Southend-on-Sea City Council is encouraging South Essex Homes tenants who may be under-occupying their homes to consider moving to a smaller, more suitable property through the Tenant Incentive Scheme (TIS).

The scheme is designed to support tenants whose housing needs have changed—for example, where children have grown up and moved on—by offering both financial incentives and practical help to make downsizing easier.

What support is available?

Tenants who downsize may be eligible for:

• £1,000 for each bedroom given up, up to a maximum of £3,000 (subject to available funding)
• High ‘Band A’ priority on the housing register
• Priority for new-build council homes
• Practical support throughout the move, including help with removals
• Additional incentives if moving into a hard-to-let property

Why consider downsizing?

Downsizing can help tenants move into a home that better suits their current needs, while also freeing up larger family homes for households who need them most. The Tenant Incentive Scheme aims to make this process as straightforward and supported as possible.

South Essex Homes will work closely with tenants at every stage—from identifying suitable properties to helping them settle into their new home.

Find out more

If you’re a Southend council tenant and think downsizing could be right for you, further information about eligibility and how to apply is available here:
Downsizing | South Essex Homes