How to swap your council home

Whether you need to relocate for work, want to be nearer family, crave more space or need to find somewhere smaller and more manageable, a mutual exchange is a great option to get moving. It gives you more control and means you’re able to choose a home that better suits your needs in a place you want to live.

First, you need to register for free on the Homeswapper website by completing your details. Then follow the simple steps to create an advert about your current property and explain about the home you want to move to. Homeswapper will suggest properties you might like, and you will be able to search for other council and housing association tenants locally and nationally who also want to swap properties.

Remember, you can only move to a suitable property that meets your needs. This means you won’t be able to swap for a home with more bedrooms than your household requires. Plus, you need to have a clear rent account in order to make the exchange, so if you are in rent arrears talk to us about clearing your debt.

When you have found someone who would like to swap homes, you need to apply for a mutual exchange online and then wait for approval from your Local Housing Office. You cannot swap your property without getting our agreement.

When it comes to moving day, make sure that your home is left clean and tidy and meets our Moving Out Standard before you hand back your keys. If you don’t leave the property in a suitable state, you could face paying costs for any work to repair damage not due to normal wear and tear, or to clear any personal items left behind.