I gave my council house a glam makeover – trolls say it’s ‘paid for by benefits’ but it’s actually B&Q & Wickes bargains
A WOMAN has revealed that she has given her council house a super glam makeover – but it’s left people divided.
Whilst many praised Hannah Green’s home transformation, others were left questioning how she afforded to give her home a fresh new look.
But Hannah was quick to clap back to the haters, as she confirmed that she nabbed bargain buys from Amazon, B&Q, Ikea and Wickes, to give her home a stunning overhaul, without breaking the bank.
Posting on social media, the DIY fan and mother gave her followers a close-up look at her council flat, before and after its mega makeover.
At the start of the short clip, the savvy mum shared pictures of her home, before she and her family got to work on its transformation, as she wrote: “Turning my council flat into a home.”
It was clear that the property was in desperate need of some TLC – not only was there no flooring laid, but the wallpaper was peeling and the kitchen had seen better days.
Hannah then shared videos of her loved ones helping to get her council flat into better shape – as women were seen painting the walls and ceilings.
Hannah confirmed that they used a steamer to remove the old wallpaper and gave the floors an upgrade thanks to the Shimla Grey Oak flooring from Wickes.
Not only this, but Hannah also gave her council home a modern feel thanks to chic panelling, which was done on a budget with £18 panelling packs from B&Q.
The walls throughout the home were given a lick of fresh paint and Hannah explained that she used the Egyptian Cotton paint by Dulux on the panelling.
As well as this, the mum-of-one revealed that she bought her trendy radiator cover from Amazon and the beautiful circular mirror in her hallway from Ikea for £60.
The TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @hangreen9, has clearly left many open-mouthed, as it has quickly amassed 186,300 views.
Social media users were stunned at Hannah’s beautiful home and many took to the comments to express this.
One person said: “Absolutely stunning, well done.
“It might be a council house but it is your home.”
How can I get a council house?
To apply for a council home, you need to fill out and hand in an application to your local authority.
To find your local authority, simply use the Government’s council locator tool on its website.
Once you have access to your local council’s website, it should offer you guidelines on how to complete your application.
After applying, you’ll most likely have to join a waiting list.
Bear in mind, even if you are put on a waiting list, this doesn’t guarantee you a council house offer.
Your council should also offer you advice on how to stay in your current home and solve any issues you might have, such as problems with a private landlord or mortgage.
You are eligible to apply for council housing if you are a British citizen living in the UK providing have not lived abroad recently.
Each council has its own local rules about who qualifies to go on the housing register in its area, but it is based on “points” or a “banding” system.
For example, you’re likely to be offered housing first if you:
- are homeless
- live in cramped conditions
- have a medical condition made worse by your current home
- are seeking to escape domestic violence
Once you are high enough on a council’s waiting list, it will contact you when a property is available.
Some councils let people apply at the age of 18, while others let you apply even sooner at 16-year-olds.
EU workers and their families and refugees may also be eligible.
A council house is reached through a points system, so depending on your housing needs, you may be considered low priority.
The council will contact you about any available property once you are high enough on the waiting list.
There is no limit on how long you can expect to be on the waiting list.
Another added: “Well done lovely. It’s absolutely beautiful.”
A third commented: “Well done, very impressive.”
Absolutely stunning
TikTok user
Whilst someone else beamed: “You should be so proud! Your home is wonderful.”
However, at the same time, not everyone was as kind.
One troll wrote: “All paid for by benefits.”
Rules on transforming your council house
According to Gov, the kind of improvements you can make to your council property depends on the type of tenancy you have.
Introductory tenants are usually limited to minor improvements like redecorating inside.
If you’re a secure tenant, you have the right to carry out improvements to your property. These include:
- installing a new bathroom or kitchen
- building an extension
- putting up a garden shed or greenhouse
- installing a new gas fire or fireplace
- cavity wall insulation
- redecorating the outside of a house
- fitting an aerial or satellite dish
You might need your council’s written permission for work you do. Contact your council if you’re not sure.
Whilst another questioned: “How do you afford all this?”
But Hannah was keen to hit back, as she wrote: “My partner has a good job.”
Hannah later thanked social media users for being so kind, as she beamed: “Couldn’t have done it all without my family.”
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What It's Really Like Growing Up On A Council Estate
Fabulous reporter, Leanne Hall, recalls what it's like growing up in social housing.
As someone who grew up in a block of flats on a council estate, there are many wild stories I could tell.
From seeing a neighbour throw dog poo at the caretaker for asking them to mow their lawn (best believe they ended up on the Jeremy Kyle show later in life) to blazing rows over packages going missing, I’ve seen it all.
While there were many times things kicked off, I really do believe most of the time it’s because families living on council estates get to know each other so well, they forget they’re neighbours and not family.
Yes, things can go from zero to 100 quickly, but you know no matter what you can rely on your neighbour to borrow some milk or watch all of the kids playing outside.
And if you ask me, it’s much nicer being in a tight community where boundaries can get crossed than never even knowing your neighbour’s name while living on a fancy street.