Moving to another area

Moving to another area

Want to start afresh somewhere new?

Perhaps you need to move to work or study, for example. Or move nearer to family or friends in another area. Whatever the reason, we have a variety of schemes to help you to get where you want to go.

Changing Places scheme

If you would like to consider a move outside of London, this is the scheme that can help you. If you are a tenant of Southwark Council and have registered for a transfer or you are a homeless applicant whose case has been accepted you may apply to move to a different area in England, Scotland or Wales.

A range of affordable housing may be available through this scheme, including houses, maisonettes and flats, some with gardens. Changing Places can help you to explore the range of rental opportunities available from councils, housing associations and private landlords.

You may also be able to get help with your travel expenses to view properties or with relocation expenses.

Changing Places is set up to assist with moving out of London on a permanent basis. Applying for the scheme is voluntary.  To find out more call 020 7525 5950.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

The Changing Places scheme is currently suspended to new applicants. Please check back regularly for updates on when the scheme is being re-opened.

Seaside and Country Homes scheme

If you are a council tenant and over 60 years of age, there are properties available through the Seaside and Country Homes scheme that could be right for you. The tenant of the household must be over 60 to qualify for this scheme.

The properties are located throughout coastal and country areas such as Cornwall in the South West, Norfolk on the east coast and in Lincolnshire. One and two bedroom flats and two bedroom bungalows are included in the scheme.

Click here to open another window and find out more about the scheme.

Mutual exchange scheme

If you are a council or housing association tenant, you can swap your home with another tenant anywhere in the United Kingdom.

This is known as ‘mutual exchange. You will need to find your swap partner yourself. Benefits of the scheme include:

• It is FREE
• You can go up or down one bedroom (as long as it does not cause overcrowding to either of you)
• You can go anywhere in the United Kingdom
• It is a fast way to move, avoiding long waits on re-housing registers 
• You can remain a social housing tenant, unlike many other schemes

To find your swap partner, you will need to advertise as widely as possible. The internet is a good place to start. There are many websites dedicated to finding a mutual exchange. Some ideas are (these links will all open new web pages):

• Council exchange 
• House exchange 
• Home swapper 
• UK home swap 
• Gumtree 

Some sites are free to join, other may charge a small registration fee. To improve your chances further, it is advisable to register with as many websites as possible. You will be able to find many more such sites if you google 'mutual exchange' or 'home swap'. You may also consider using publications such as the LOOT to advertise for an exchange or other local newspapers or even shop windows. There may be small charges to pay for this service, however, the more places you advertise, the more chances to exchange you will have!

Southwark council tenants can also join House-Exchange free of charge (clicking here will open another window).

How do I qualify?

If you want to swap your home, permission will not be unreasonably withheld. Some conditions must usually be satisfied before permission will be granted and some of these are as follows

• Your rent account must be up to date with no arrears
• Your home must be of a fit standard to live in, with any damage repaired

I've found my swap-partner, what happens now?

Once you have found your swap partner, you need to both agree to go ahead with the move. You should therefore arrange a mutually convenient time to view each others' properties. Once this has been done, you will both need to seek permission in writing from your landlord before you can proceed. This should not take longer than around six weeks. If you skip this step, you could both be liable for eviction. Once permission has been granted from both landlords, it is time to move!