Mutual Exchanges - Swap Your Home with HomeSwapper

 

Looking for a different home? You could swap instead of waiting

If you rent your home from a council or housing association and would leave your home empty when you move out, you may be able to exchange your home with another tenant.

This is called a mutual exchange – and it can help you move more quickly.

Most Manchester Move landlords now use HomeSwapper, a free service that helps you find and connect with other tenants who want to swap homes.

What is HomeSwapper?

HomeSwapper is an online service that allows social housing tenants across the UK to:

  • Search for other tenants who want to swap homes
  • Find matches based on your preferences
  • Contact potential swap partners directly
  • Arrange viewings and agree exchanges

You can look for a swap within Manchester or anywhere in the country.

Why use HomeSwapper?

 Free to join

Access to a wide choice of homes across the UK

 Matches you with tenants looking for a home like yours

 Opportunity for multi-way swaps (involving more than two households)

 A quicker alternative to waiting for a transfer

 

How to get started

1. Register online

Create your account and tell us about:

  • Your current home
  • Where you would like to live
  • The type of home you are looking for

Register for HomeSwapper

2. Account check

Once you register, we will check your details before approval.
Please allow up to 5 working days.

We will not unreasonably refuse access, but eligibility rules apply (see below).

3. Find matches

Once approved, HomeSwapper will:

  • Suggest suitable matches automatically
  • Allow you to search and filter homes
  • Let you message other tenants

4. Arrange your swap

If you find a potential match:

  • Contact each other to discuss and arrange viewings
  • Agree together if you want to swap

5. Get landlord approval

Both you and your swap partner(s) must:

  • Apply to your landlords for permission
  • Meet all mutual exchange conditions

Why consider a mutual exchange?

A home swap might help if:

  • You need a different size home
  • You want to move to another area
  • Your circumstances have changed
  • You want a quicker move than waiting on the housing register

    Frequently Asked Questions

    You may be eligible if you:
    • Are a council or housing association tenant
    • Have lived in your home for at least 12 months
    • Have a clear rent account
    • Keep your home in good condition
    • Have not been involved in anti-social behaviour
    Your landlord will assess your application before approving any exchange.
    You can swap with:
    • Another Manchester Move partner landlord tenant
    • A tenant of any UK council
    • A tenant of a registered housing association
    Yes. HomeSwapper allows you to swap with tenants anywhere in the UK, giving you much more choice about where you live.
    Once you’ve found someone to swap with:
    1. You contact each other directly
    2. Visit each other’s homes
    3. Agree if you both want to go ahead
    4. Apply to your landlords for approval
    If you have a joint tenancy, all tenants must agree to the exchange. The same applies to your swap partner(s).

    Need more information?

    • Speak to your landlord for advice on your individual circumstances
    • Check mutual exchange rules if you’re unsure about eligibility