Thank you very much for your replies and suggestions. The local authority initially asked if I could have the children here, but I have been living with my hoarder boyfriend in his tiny home and there was no bedspace. The only time the children had stayed here they had to share the double bed and we slept on the floor downstairs. As the kids are 15 and 7, and different genders, this would not have been acceptable for more than an emergency overnighter. Hence the house buying hurry.
I'm aware that even with a suitable house, I may not pass the assessment. But in that case, I'll just have to sell on. The house needs a lot of work, but I shouldn't lose too much on it. And I might just get to keep the family together if I pass the assessments...