STAR Housing is making a lasting impact by helping customers find homes that better suit their changing needs. Through internal moves, STAR customers are able to downsize or relocate to more suitable accommodations—improving their living conditions while freeing up larger homes for families who need them.
Recent success stories highlight the difference this initiative is making in the community.
After decades in their three-bedroom home in Morda, Bronwen and Pete Price faced growing challenges. Pete’s health issues made stairs difficult, home maintenance became overwhelming and the financial strain of bedroom tax added further stress.
“We really loved our home,” Bronwen shared. “My husband had lived there for 40 years, and I had been there over 20. We had so many memories, but we were struggling—it was just too much.”
When a one-bedroom ground-floor flat became available just across the road, they saw an opportunity—but the moving process felt daunting. That’s when STAR Housing stepped in.
“Kathy from the lettings team helped us with all the paperwork and took the stress out of everything,” Bronwen said. “She is a STAR.”
STAR Housing helped arrange removals, ensured their new home was ready to move into and provided the support they needed for a seamless transition. Now, with no stairs to navigate and a safer, more manageable space, they are thriving.
“Pete is sleeping much better, and I no longer have to worry about him falling down the stairs. This is our forever home—we are really pleased,” they said.
Mr and Mrs Stocker had lived in their three-bedroom home in Babbinswood for a decade, but with significant health challenges, including a recent cancer diagnosis, maintaining the property became overwhelming. They needed a home that worked for them, not against them.
When they learned about a nearby two-bedroom bungalow, they reached out to STAR Housing. With support from the lettings and rents teams, they navigated the process with ease.
“Kathy explained everything about the move, and Caroline from the rents team helped us with the financial details—she was really knowledgeable,” Marie Stocker shared.
To make their transition as smooth as possible, STAR provided a Dulux paint pack, carpets, and underlay, while also taking care of necessary repairs before move-in day.
“The condition of the bungalow was fantastic, and the added support from STAR took away extra stress,” Marie said. “The people who installed the carpets were brilliant.”
With financial concerns also weighing on them, STAR’s rents team worked closely to ensure the move would put them in a stronger position.
“In a couple of months, we’ll be better off because of this move,” Marie said. “We won’t move from here now—it’s just what we needed.”
These stories are just two examples of how STAR Housing’s internal downsizing option is making a difference. By helping residents move to homes that better suit their needs, whether for downsizing or medical reasons, STAR Housing is not only improving individual well-being but also freeing up larger family homes to help meet local housing demand.
“Our goal is to make sure our customers are in homes that truly work for them,” said Harpreet Rayet, Managing Director at STAR Housing. “We are committed to providing hands-on support and practical solutions to make these moves as stress-free as possible.”
For more information about STAR Housing’s internal moves for downsizing or medical reasons, please contact: Lettings@starhousing.org.uk or call 0333 32 12 200 option 3.
Tap / Click on Image to enlarge
