A mutual exchange – where you can swap homes with another council or housing association tenant anywhere in the country – can be one of the fastest and most flexible ways to find a new home.  

It can also feel like a complicated process, which is why we’ve created this simple guide to mutual exchanges.  

We’ve also pulled together our top six tips for anyone considering a mutual exchange: 

1. First impressions count

One of your first steps will be to register on HomeSwapper, the UK’s leading mutual exchange platform, and list your home. Adding photos will greatly increase your chance of finding a potential exchange partner.  

When taking photos look to capture each room from a good angle and remove personal items like laundry, paperwork or toys.  Natural lighting can make a big difference, so try taking pictures on a sunny day to help your home stand out online and attract genuine interest.  

And don’t forget the outside space – this is often a really important area that people are interested to see.  

2. Prepare for visits

Potential swappers will want to come and see your home, so check that everything in your home works as it should. Fix small issues such as loose handles, replace any missing lightbulbs and make sure the house is tidy and looking its best – remember that first impressions count!  

If you have any larger repairs that are our responsibility as your landlord, report them early so we can complete them before the exchange, where possible, and so that there’s a clear record that the repairs are the landlord’s responsibility. 

And don’t forget that visitors will already have seen photos of your home on HomeSwapper, so do what you can to make your house look as close to those photos as you can before they arrive! 

3. Be sure about your new property 

When you complete a mutual exchange all properties in the chain are taking ‘as seen’, so make sure you’re entirely happy with the property you’re planning to move to before accepting it.  

There’s a lot to consider, from the general decoration style to the kitchen size, parking, location and access to shops and public transport links.  

Photos can be deceptive, so do try to visit the property in person. And visiting the area at different times of the day or week can help to give you a feel of what it may be like to move there.   

4. Check your tenancy responsibilities 

Before arranging a swap, make sure your rent is up to date and that you’ve met all your tenancy responsibilities. If you’ve made any changes to your home — for example, putting up a shed or replacing fixtures and fittings – check whether permission was needed and make sure everything is compliant. Being on top of these details helps avoid delays once the exchange is agreed. 

5. Be honest and organised

When you speak with another tenant about a possible exchange, be open and honest about your home’s condition. If there’s anything that needs fixing, whether it’s your responsibility or TCH’s as your landlord, mention it upfront. Gather important documents such as your tenancy agreement and any recent repair records. This will make the process easier for both parties and for your landlord when completing the checks. 

6. We’re here to help 

We know that the idea of a mutual exchange can seem daunting, especially when there are multiple properties in the chain. Remember, we’re here to help you every step of the way. If you have any questions, our team is only a phone call or email away. 

 mutual.exchanges@tch.org.uk 
 01892 501480 

A bit of preparation now can save a lot of time later — and helps you find the right match more easily. A clean, tidy home that feels well cared for can help make your mutual exchange a success.