Free Mutual Exchanges

What is a Mutual Exchange?

A housing mutual exchange is a unique process that takes place in the United Kingdom (UK) in which two individuals or families who are tenants of social housing agree to swap their homes and tenancies with each other. This type of exchange is often facilitated by a housing provider or a local authority such as a housing association or local council. There is also the potential do multi swaps, where there are more than two parties involved.

Get everything you need in a home with a mutual exchange

One of the main benefits of a housing mutual exchange is that it allows tenants to move to a different location or type of home that better suits their needs or preferences. For example, a family living in a small flat in a city may want to move to a larger house in the countryside, while a retired couple living in a large house may want to downsize to a smaller flat.A mutual exchange can make these types of moves possible. Another benefit of a housing mutual exchange is that it can help to reduce social housing waiting lists. By allowing tenants to move to properties that better suit their needs, mutual exchanges can free up properties for others who are waiting for social housing. This can help to reduce the time that individuals and families have to wait to be allocated a suitable property, housing association and council waiting lists are at an all time high. If you need help to find an ideal council home exchange, then you can count on Housing Help to match and connect with thousands of other tenants seeking a mutual exchange.We are a leading match and swap service that makes it easy for tenants of a council or housing association to find like minded tenants who want to swap. No matter what size of council or housing association home you live in, you can count on us to search for a better size council home. All it takes is a simple registration to gain access to our site exchange lists.

The truth is the housing providers don’t have enough homes.

Other terms used to describe a housing mutual exchange

In the United Kingdom, a housing mutual exchange is also sometimes referred to as a "home swap" or a "property swap". These terms are used to describe the process of multiple individuals or families who are tenants of social housing agreeing to swap their properties with each other. Other common terms used to describe this type of exchange include "tenant swap", "house exchange", "council swap", "council exchange" and "home exchange".

Who can apply for a mutual exchange?

If you are a city council tenant, you are eligible to apply for a mutual exchange. For example, if you are a Birmingham City Council tenant you can swap your home with another council or housing association tenant. Some of the factors you ought to be aware about include:

• You can only apply if you have lived in your current property for at least one year.

• Consent from both landlords is mandatory for a mutual exchange.

• If there are more than a few tenants it is possible to have multiple swaps.

• No mutual exchange can take place if you are behind in your rent.

• Many city councils like the Birmingham City Council allows tenants to request permission to exchange properties through home swap websites such as Housing Help.

What happens after a mutual exchange application?

Once your application is received the city council will scrutinise your tenancy file and arrange for an inspection of the property. The council will also request you to sign a letter of acceptance for the home you are moving to. The landlords of both tenants involved in the mutual exchange will be asked to provide a letter of consent in order for the swap to take place. Both tenants will need to agree to a moving date with their landlords, after which a Deed of Assignment will be drawn as the final step in the mutual exchange.

Enjoy a quick and smooth mutual exchange with Housing Help

At Housing Help, we have a better and larger council exchange network with powerful search and match tools. You don’t have to spend endless hours searching for the right mutual exchange and avoid unnecessary under-occupancy tax. Conduct a local or nationwide search and we will come up with relevant, freshly listed mutual exchanges from all over. Every search will include property details and plenty of other local information to help you make a well informed decision. Our database is constantly updated by the minute to ensure that you don’t waste time looking at mutual exchanges that have already been made.

Say goodbye to frustrating transfer lists

For tenants, there may be numerous reasons to move. Whether you want to move closer to family or secure a new job, Housing Help can assist to make the process smoother. No more wild goose chases and stress to deal with. As long as you haven’t rented your property from a private landlord you are eligible for an exchange. Just make sure that there are no rent arrears and you have a secured tenancy to ensure a successful mutual exchange process. All our registrations are live and accurate. Register with us today and you could be well on your way to finding a home that suits your requirements best.