Mutual exchanges and homeswaps
A mutual exchange, also known as a home swap, provides South Ayrshire Council tenants with the opportunity to swap their home with another council or housing association tenant anywhere in the U.K.
Some tenants may wish to move to accommodation that is smaller than the home they currently live in or may need an additional bedroom because their household has increased.
Other tenants might want to live in a different town or neighbourhood to be closer to their family, friends, and support networks.
A mutual exchange may give tenants an alternative means of moving to more suitable accommodation, in addition to the Council's transfer list.
Ways to find a match
You can access HomeSwapper via your mobile, tablet or pc. Apps are available to download for both iOS and Android users.
HomeSwapper have also produced a Swapper Support Pack which is packed with helpful information. https://www.homeswapper.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Swapper-Support-Pack.pdf
More resources can be found here:
Welcome Guide: https://www.homeswapper.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/HomeSwapper-Welcome-Guide-1.pdf
How to register: https://www.homeswapper.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/How-to-register.pdf
Creating a great advert: https://www.homeswapper.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Great-adverts.pdf
Adding photos: https://www.homeswapper.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Add-photos.pdf
Top tips: https://www.homeswapper.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Top-10-Tips-For-Tenants-V2.pdf
Further information on how Home Swapper will use your personal data can be found here, if you decide to use this service: Privacy Policy - HomeSwapper
Once you have found a potential swap, you must apply to us using the form below, this will allow us to progress the exchange:
You can also contact our Housing Options Team if you would prefer not to use the Home Swapper Platform. Please contact us at: 0300 123 0900 or email: HousingOptionsTeam@south-ayrshire.gov.uk
For those who choose not to sign up with HomeSwapper, there are other ways of finding a mutual exchange including:
- Word of mouth - this could be through friends/family/support networks
- Housing and tenant events - look out for our Housing Services stall
- Social media channels i.e.: Facebook
Online access
If you do not have access to the internet our local Libraries offer the use of computers and the internet through their library card scheme. Membership is free to anyone of any age who lives, works or studies within South Ayrshire.
For more information pop into your local library or call the main help desk at Carnegie Library on 01292 286385. https://www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/libraries
Important Note
Sometimes we refuse permission for our tenants to complete a mutual exchange, usually because:
- there is tenancy related debt i.e.: outstanding rent arrears, former tenant arrears, court expenses or rechargeable repairs
- the property/garden is in an unsatisfactory condition
- the tenant or a member of the household is subject to an investigation of anti-social behaviour.
Our Housing Options Team can provide advice and guidance to ensure the best chance of an exchange for you. We would encourage you to contact us to discuss this in more detail.
For those who are not South Ayrshire Council tenants
You will need to contact your landlord to find out if your landlord is on HomeSwapper. Alternatively, you can check by sending an email to: tenants@homeswapper.co.uk
If your landlord is not on HomeSwapper, you can join by paying a small charge. More information can be found here https://www.homeswapper.me/new-to-swapping/