A devoted father has opened up about how his family has become the sole residents of a dilapidated estate after being compelled to stay put due to the council undervaluing their home.
Undervalued Property
Demonique Wilson, 55, revealed that he was offered £165,000 to vacate his three-bedroom property, which is only worth the equivalent of a two-bedroom house according to the council's assessment.
Wilson's home, located on Holcombe Close in Salford, Greater Manchester, is the last remaining occupied house on the street.
Long-standing Dispute
Wilson and his wife Thabo, 45, have been in a protracted disagreement with the Salford City Council for over a decade.
Demonique, who resides in the house with five of his seven children, expressed his frustration, saying, "The only reason we are still living here is because the council has wrongfully valued our house as a two-bedroom rather than a three. We are not being greedy and we just want what our house is worth."
Seeking Fair Compensation
Wilson's surveyor discovered that similar-sized houses in the area have sold for prices ranging from £227,000 to £300,000.
He believes he could find a new home for around £220,000 and is prepared to move, but insists that the council should offer him the appropriate compensation.
Wilson argued, "The council has not offered any evidence that a like-for-like house in this area has sold for £165,000. I couldn't buy a two-bedroom flat across the road for that."
Legal Intervention
If an agreement cannot be reached, Wilson believes that a judge may have to determine the payout.
Since their neighbors moved away in 2009, the family has been the sole occupants of the street.
Wilson shared, "My children don't know what it is like to have people living nearby. I would love for them to go next door to play with friends. The stress is also getting to them. They are worried."
Regeneration Plans
Salford town hall officials aim to demolish the house on Holcombe Close as part of a £250 million regeneration project.
A planning application for the 485-home scheme, which is part of the ongoing Pendleton revitalization, is currently under consultation with the council.
Standing Their Ground
The family purchased the home 15 years ago for £70,000 and currently owe less than £23,000 on their mortgage.
Their solicitor argues that a home with at least three bedrooms in the area would cost between £227,000 and £300,000.
Wilson expressed his frustration, stating, "I think the city council are being unreasonable. They have offered me what it would cost for only a two-bed property. How can I accommodate a family of seven in such a place? It's virtually impossible. This situation is causing me and my family a great deal of stress."
A spokesperson for the council responded, saying, "The council can only pay the market value of the family's current home and has offered the family additional assistance in the form of a relocation equity loan to help bridge any gap to help the family buy a new home."
Wilson remains locked in a dispute with the council over the value of his home.
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