If you currently own your home you will probably want to buy, both for the investment and the security. It is also unlikely that you will be offered local council or housing association rented housing because waiting lists are usually long and, as a homeowner, you will not usually be given priority.

There are exceptions to this general rule: for example if you own a house which is unsuitable in some way or if you have health problems.

For further advice, call your local housing department - its number will be in your phone book. (Please note: in Northern Ireland, sheltered housing is not provided by the local council but through the Northern Ireland Housing Executive.)

If you are an owner-occupier but cannot afford the full cost of sheltered housing, there are schemes that can help you to buy your new home. See the section Who provides sheltered housing? for more information.