In the UK having a council or housing association property is an affordable way to live. However it’s unrealistic to stay in the same house for your lifetime.
It is common for people to have to move house due to career changes or just for life enhancement.
Council houses usually have a long waiting list in most boroughs. It can sometimes take years to get to the top of the council’s housing list.
It’s usually a good idea if you hold a council tenancy to exchange it for another council property rather than giving it up and starting out on a new waiting list. This way you also have a choice on what type of property you want to exchange with.
Many people use websites to exchange details with other council house tenants to find a mutual exchange. Online forums link people together all over the UK to enable a property swap.
Council and housing association provide an application form to start the housing exchange process.
Once you get the go ahead its now time to make sure your house is in good condition and decorated/furnished well. Think of swapping your council house the same way you would if you were selling it. Watch some of the many property tv programmes that teach you how to make your house more saleable. When you think its in a good enough state to allow any potential viewings its time to move to the next step.
Advertising your property on a home exchange website is usually straight forward. Make sure you write a good title and keep the description accurate. Make your house sound desirable but be honest to avoid wasting everyon’s time. Make sure you take some really nice photos and add them to your description.
Once your advert has been created you are in the position to browse other council house swaps to find potential properties.
If your lucky enough to find a suitable property with an interested person you can do a like for like viewing. Make sure you throughly inspect the property. It would be a good idea to do more than one viewings to ensure your satisfied its definately the house for you.
Having a list of questions already thought up is a good idea to ensure you leave no stone unturned. Be thorough and explore the area to look out for any problems which might change your mind. Most people won’t be looking to exchange their house for a poorer property so aim for a like for like exchange.
One a mutual exchange is found its time to complete the paperwork with the council authorities. This can take an agonising few weeks however you can look forward to moving into you new home very soon.
Best of luck