Things to consider

Your housing options depend on your particular circumstances. This section outlines the things you should consider when you're thinking about where you want to live.

If you are having problems finding accommodation, contact an advice agency or the Housing Executive. Despite the range of accommodation options, your choices may be limited. The factors affecting your options are likely to include:

• Income
• Family size
• Health and support needs
• Location
• Personal preferences
• How urgently you need accommodation
• How long you need the accommodation for

Income

If you are on a low income you are unlikely to be able to afford to buy a home and your choice of rented accommodation may be much more limited.

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Family size

You might find it hard to find suitable accommodation if you have a large family. You may not be able to afford to rent or buy a large place. However, you may be able to apply for housing benefit to help you pay the rent.

The Housing Executive and housing associations have a limited number of large houses and flats available.

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Health and support needs

If you need help with day to day living you may need housing where support is provided. Or you may prefer to look at ways to get support in your current home.

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Location

In some areas of the country there is much less housing available than in others. For instance your choice of housing may be more limited if you live in the country rather than a large town or city.

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Personal preferences

You may have set ideas about the sort of home you want. For example you may really want a garden or to live near a particular school. In this case you may have greater difficulty in finding accommodation you're happy with. It's easier if you're prepared to be flexible.

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How urgently you need accommodation

If you need to move quickly options such as buying a house or getting a house from the Housing Executive may not be available to you because of the time it takes to find or get these kinds of housing.

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How long you need the accommodation for

If you only need accommodation for a short period of time you may not want to consider options such as home ownership or Housing Executive accommodation. You are more likely to get short-term accommodation if you rent from a private landlord.

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