Swapping or downsizing your home

We recognise that your needs can change and that you may wish to move home.

If you are looking to move but want to remain a housing association tenant then this section explains how to do that either by swapping with another tenant - known as a mutual exchange - or by requesting a transfer.

An overview of mutual exchange

A mutual exchange is where two tenants agree to swap homes. This is the fastest and easiest way to move.

Although some exceptions exist, you have the right to exchange your home with another tenant of Progress Housing Group, another housing association or a local council.

We will refund the costs for tenants utilising the House Exchange or HomeSwapper websites. 

You can arrange an exchange with a tenant yourself, but it is not always easy to find someone to swap with.

If you need help finding an exchange, then please get in touch with us. We can also advise where we might have other properties that suit your needs.

You can also find a mutual exchange via the following websites:

Before an exchange goes ahead, you must obtain written permission from your current landlord and the landlord of the house you wish to swap with.

We will normally allow you to swap but will not give permission if:

  • One of the homes is too small for the family’s needs and the swap would lead to that family being overcrowded
  • One of the homes is too large for the family wanting to move there and is more suited to a larger family who may be waiting for this size of property
  • One of the houses has been adapted to be used by an elderly or disabled tenant and no one in the new family needs the adaptations
  • We are taking legal action to gain possession of the house of the tenant requesting an exchange.

  • There must be no rent arrears
  • Your house and garden must be in good condition
  • You must not have made changes or improvements to your home without obtaining our written permission. If you have done this, you may be asked to return the house to its original state.

Transfer

You may want to request a transfer to another property for a number of reasons but we prioritise those people whose needs we recognise as being urgent.

It is difficult to give an idea of how long it will take to move you because it depends on the availability in the area you are hoping to move to and the priority we give to your situation. We advise considering mutual exchanges where possible because they can be a quicker way to move. 

Contact us to find out which housing association or council offers properties in the area you wish to transfer to.

You should give as much information about your current situation and why you want to move as possible so that your circumstances can be fully assessed and your request can be prioritised accordingly.

Before a transfer can go ahead:

  • There must be no rent arrears
  • Your house and garden must be in a good condition
  • You must not have made changes or improvements to your home without obtaining our written permission. If you have done this, you may be asked to return the house to its original state.

We usually prioritise tenants whose current home is:

  • Overcrowded
  • Too large
  • No longer suitable for their needs; for example, the tenant needs a ground floor flat because of ill health
  • Shared or special needs accommodation and the tenant would benefit from having self-contained accommodation.

We will also prioritise tenants experiencing threats of violence or harassment from their neighbours.

Swapping or down sizing your home (mutual exchange)

Blank placeholder image
Swapping or down sizing your home (mutual exchange)

Find out how well we are performing

Downloads

Moving home (clear print PDF)

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help from our friendly Customer Contact Team.

Get in touch

You might also be interested in

Affordability

Independent living and Extra Care

Shared ownership homes to buy