Council House Exchange

debtfreeme

Hi Ladies and Gents,
I'm not a regular user here so apologies in advance if this is in the wrong section. Be gentle with me!

We are currently council tenants (not in receipt of any benefits and all up to date with rent etc) unfortunately, we are fast outgrowing this place and need something bigger but wouldn't be eligible for another 5 years so I'm looking at alternatives. Lots of reasons for the move but we'd like to be in a different area entirely.

Wondering if anyone can suggest some home swap type websites or organisations for this sort of thing on the off chance that we can find someone who wants to do a mutual exchange. Any constructive advice would be welcome. We are really close to London so it might just be suitable for someone who wants to downsize or be closer to work, you never know!

Many thanks

somethingcorporate

I remember googling such a query for someone on MSE recently wanting to swap their owned (non-council) home and all I could find was websites on swapping council houses.

Have you tried google?

debtfreeme

I have, I recognised home swapper so signed up with them but I'm not sure how genuine some of the sites are so a recommendation is always preferable.

ebsks76

debtfreeme wrote: »

I have, I recognised home swapper so signed up with them but I'm not sure how genuine some of the sites are so a recommendation is always preferable.

Hi, we're also council tenants and have signed up to homeswapper.co.uk website, which is really good and we've had a lot of interest.

cleggie

Hi.
i used homeswapper to exxchange twice and would really recommend it. Like most places, you do get some people who much you around, but generally i find that there are enough people on there that are decent.
Good luck!

debtfreeme

Thank you! Good to hear some positive experiences, are there any others I should sign up for?

onetomany

u could set on up on facebook?

cleggie

debtfreeme wrote: »

Thank you! Good to hear some positive experiences, are there any others I should sign up for?

I also joined up to some pages on Facebook, but from what i could see they were hardy ever sucessful. I think that more people are serious on the ones you pay fopr (such as homeswapper) as they wouldnt pay if not interested.

squinty

Contact your local council to see if they already subscribe to a service - this may mean you are able to subscribe for free. Also if you want to move to another council area, and you know which area you would like to move - see if you can find out if that council has a preferred scheme.

There are currently a number of competing on-line registers, but the government is aiming to bring them all together so you will no longer need to subscribe to more than one.

Be aware any mutual exchange scheme has more people wanting to move into larger porperties in nicer areas than those wanting to move the other way !

JESSICA_CLAIRE

Please could anyone help me?
I am so sorry I am new to this and can't work out how 2 start a new post!
I need advice on an exchange... I am wanting to exchange however I am worried it will be refused as last Jan I was served with a NOSP letter for rent arrears, nothing ever came of it and I did not have to go to court as I stuck to the payment plan however I am worried it will stop the exchange going through.
Please please can anyone help??

Many Thanks

BigAunty

Suggest that you check the council website or tenancy handbook about a mutual exchange. Typically, a social housing landlord will not consent to it if there are rent arrears but check with your specific landlord. Sample advice from a council website here

Could my swap be refused?

Your landlord, or the landlord of the person you want to swap with, may decide not to agree to the exchange if:

• There is a court order requiring you to give up possession of your home for rent arrears or anti-social behaviour.
• A Notice Seeking Possession of your home has been served due to your tenancy conditions being broken, for example, for rent arrears, anti-social behaviour or any other breach of your tenancy conditions.
• The home you want to move to is too large or small for your family’s needs.
• Your landlord re-housed you in your present home because you have special housing needs, such as adaptations, which you still need but are not included in your new home