Individuals and families often find that their current home and its location no longer meet their requirements. Whereas a tenant in the private sector may, in such circumstances, simply give notice to their landlord or sell their home the process is more complicated for residents in council accommodation.

Several years ago the UK government introduced a concept of mobility to the social homes market; its aim was to allow council and housing association tenants to live in their desired area. As a result a legal right to swap homes was introduced.

If a social tenant wishes to move house then there are two main options:


Contact the housing department of the local council and be placed on their waiting list. This can take a considerable length of time since the council prioritises depending upon the urgency of their requirements.
Arrange to swap houses with another council or housing association tenant - this can be quicker than seeking a new home through the council.

Home swapping

Home swapping, also known as a Mutual Exchange, is allowable under the relevant government legislation; the Housing Act 1985. In fact the ability of the landlord in such circumstances to prevent an exchange is limited to a number of specific reasons and so the onus is upon the council or housing association landlord to provide a reason why it is not appropriate.

How to home swap

The process is actually quite simple and involves:

1. Finding a house to swap

This is perhaps the most difficult part since you need to find someone in the area you want to move to who in turn wants to move to where you currently live. It is however possible to create a chain of swaps involving several parties in order to facilitate the movement of all concerned to their choice of house.

Finding properties to exchange has been made easy by the internet and there are several sites that provide a network of people looking to house swap. It is necessary to pay to register on some of these sites whereas others provide the mutual exchange service for free.

Using these sites is an easy way to find potential homes to swap. Some councils also have their own lists and it may be worth contacting the council to establish if they have any on their books.

It is worth noting that it is an offence to offer the other party any incentive to exchange homes with you so the process must be mutually beneficial.

2. Viewing the property/more information

Once you have found a possible property you will want to find out more about it and view it to ensure it is what you are looking for.

Ensure that if you are viewing a property or having a viewing of your own property that you consider your own safety.

3. Application

When you have found a home to swap the next stage is to apply to the council or landlord. An application form must be obtained from both your current landlord and the landlord of the property you are looking to swap with - if it is the same council/landlord for both properties then usually only one form is required.

4. Approval

Once the landlord receives the application they have 42 days from receipt to approve or refuse the home swap. This will be done in writing.

5. Contract

Once approved there will be further documentation to confirm the arrangements for the swap and a moving date will be agreed.

6. Move in

The swap is deemed complete once both parties have moved into their new home. It is possible (but unusual) for parties to withdraw from the swap up until the new home is occupied.

The process is fairly simple and it is possible to move into a new house within a few weeks.




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For more information and to advertise your home swap for FREE visit the website http://www.ipropertyswap.co.uk