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Finding the right home through mutual exchange and home swapping

26 February 2026

Mutual Exchange House Move

Your home should support your life, your wellbeing and your future. However, when you live in social housing, moving home can sometimes feel difficult - especially if buying a home or transferring through traditional routes isn’t an option. 

That’s where mutual exchange, also known as mutual home exchange or home swapping, can make a real difference. These options allow social housing Customers to move to a home that better suits their needs, while staying within affordable, secure housing. 

In this guide, we’ll explain how mutual exchange and home swapping work, who they’re suitable for, and how they could help you find a home that feels right for you. 

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What is mutual exchange and home swapping? 

Mutual exchange is a process that allows social housing Customers to swap homes with another tenancy holder. This is sometimes called a mutual home exchange or home swapping. 

Instead of waiting on a housing list, you and another social housing tenancy holder agree to exchange properties, with approval from your landlords. Some exchanges involve two households, while others may include three or more people in a chain swap. 

Mutual exchange and home swapping are particularly helpful if: 

  • Your home is now too big or too small
  • Your health, mobility or care needs have changed
  • You want to move closer to family, work or support networks
  • You need a different type of home or location 

Importantly, a mutual home exchange allows you to remain in social housing, keeping your rent affordable and your tenancy secure.

Who can benefit from a mutual home exchange? 

Mutual exchange and home swapping can suit people at many different life stages. 

For example: 

  • Someone living alone in a larger family home may want to downsize through mutual exchange to a smaller, easier-to-manage property
  • A family may use home swapping to move to a larger home with more bedrooms or outdoor space
  • Someone with mobility challenges may look for a ground-floor or more accessible home through a mutual home exchange
  • People may want to relocate to be closer to schools, carers, healthcare or loved ones 

If your current home no longer fits your lifestyle, a mutual exchange could help you move to a home that better supports your day-to-day life. 

Moving Into A Bigger Family Home

The benefits of mutual exchange 

Choosing a mutual exchange or home swap can bring a range of benefits, especially when other housing options feel limited. 

More choice and flexibility 

Mutual home exchange gives you the chance to actively search for homes that meet your needs, rather than waiting for a suitable property to become available. 

Staying within social housing 

Home swapping allows you to keep the security, affordability and stability of social housing, without needing to move into private renting or homeownership. 

It’s important to know that homes may have different rent levels, such as social rent or affordable rent. This means swaps are subject to affordability checks to ensure the new home is financially suitable. 

Supporting your wellbeing 

Moving through mutual exchange can help you find a home that improves your quality of life – whether that’s fewer stairs, less maintenance, more space, or a stronger connection to your local Community. 

Making best use of social homes 

Mutual exchange and home swapping help ensure affordable homes are matched to the People who need them most, benefiting Customers and Communities alike.

Moving Into New Home

Things to consider before home swapping 

Before starting a mutual exchange, it’s important to think carefully about what you need now and in the future. 

Know what you’re looking for 

Be clear about your priorities. Is location more important than size? Do you need level access, outdoor space, or extra bedrooms? Knowing this will help you find the right mutual home exchange match. 

Think long term 

A home swap should support you for years to come. Consider your health, household size and lifestyle changes when choosing a new home. 

Understand the condition of the property 

With mutual exchange and home swapping, you accept the property as it is. Always view the home carefully and ask questions before agreeing to move. 

Be patient 

Finding the right mutual exchange can take time. Checking listings regularly and keeping an open mind can help improve your chances of success.

How to start a mutual exchange 

Places for People Customers can explore mutual exchange and home swapping opportunities using HomeSwapper. 

HomeSwapper allows you to: 

  • Advertise your current home
  • Search for mutual home exchange matches locally or across the country
  • Connect with other social housing Customers looking to swap
  • Arrange viewings and agree a potential home swap 

Once a match is found, Places for People will support you through the mutual exchange approval process to ensure everything is completed safely and fairly. 

Considering A House Swap

Support from Places for People 

We understand that moving home can feel daunting, especially when options are limited. Our teams are here to help Customers understand mutual exchange, mutual home exchange and home swapping, and to guide you through each step of the process. 

Whether you need a smaller home, more space, or a different location, a mutual exchange could be a practical way to find a home that better suits your needs.