What is a mutual exchange? Back

A mutual exchange is a way for social housing residents to find a move by swapping homes with another social housing resident.

People move for many reasons, maybe your current home is too large or too small or perhaps you want a change of scene.

You can swap homes with any council tenant or housing association tenant in the UK providing you both have the right to mutual exchange, and that both parties wish to swap.

Swap locally or to another part of the country

The principle can work between any locations or even all in the same street! You are not restricted to your current landlord as all social housing landlords are required to allow a mutual exchange as long as you meet the necessary criteria. The key is to ensure that everyone has looked around the properties involved and is happy to move.

Swaps can involve more than one property

You can either home swap with one tenant, known as a direct exchange or you could try and find a multi-way swap. There are no limits to how many people can be involved in a home swap chain, however the more you have in the chain, the more complicated it can get, as there is always the chance that someone in the chain could change their mind.

However, multi way mutual exchanges are becoming increasingly popular as they give you more ways of getting into the property you want. So don't just dismiss them because you think they might be more troublesome!