Hull City Council is offering "empty nesters", and others who find their home too big for them, the chance to downsize to a smaller home.

Hull City Council tenants who find they have bedrooms that they don't need can, if they wish, use the Council's Homesearch service to move to a smaller home. With family-sized homes being in short supply in the city, downsizing is an ideal way to free up properties for people with children. Applicants will have a high priority for re-housing in their areas of choice and will not have to bid for homes.

Residents interested in moving to somewhere smaller should contact their Neighbourhood Housing Officer or their local CSC, who can discuss whether a move is feasible, the type of property available in the chosen area and will help make the move as easy and stress-free as possible. Some areas and house types are more popular than others but you will be offered advice about the length of time you are likely to be waiting for a suitable property.

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As well as the convenience of living in a smaller, more manageable home there are financial advantages too. Heating bills are lower, the rent is cheaper and water rates and council tax bills may be less too.

In the initial phase of the scheme, 29 residents have already successfully downsized.

Angela Dearing, Interim Head of Housing at Hull City Council, said: "If tenants think they may wish to move to a smaller home, the option of downsizing offers advantages to everyone involved. Family-sized homes can be allocated to people who most need them. Downsizers get the chance to choose where they live and save on their household expenditure, and the Council makes optimum use of its housing stock."

(CD/KMcA)