Temporary suspension of scheme (December 2020)

The Camden Mutual Exchange service has been temporarily closed due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the unprecedented demand this has created. Regrettably, the pandemic has impacted on the work we do and how we do it, causing delays in the process. Due to the high volume of applications already in the system that require processing we are currently unable to take any new applications, though we will return to normal service as soon as possible. We are currently working on the applications that we have received and have progressed and will be in touch with all applicants in due course.

We appreciate your understanding and consideration at this time and extend our apologies for any inconvenience this may cause.

Further updates will be posted on this webpage, please revisit this page at a later date for information on when the service will be resumed.

For urgent enquiries, please email MX@camden.gov.uk

Mutual exchanges are a fast way of moving into a different council or housing association property.  All council tenants (provided they are not introductory tenants) and most housing association tenants have a right to exchange properties, provided their landlords give permission.  To start the process we recommend using the Home Swapper website. 

In November 2018, for the purpose of mutual exchanges only, we varied the bedroom standard as set out in our housing allocations scheme and in some situations we can allow you to exchange your home to one that is one bedroom larger than you are assessed as needing in the scheme. This is only possible where there is an overall reduction in under-occupation across the households involved in the exchange.  An example of where this will be allowed is that a couple (so their usual assessed need is for a home with 1 bedroom) living in a 4 bedroom home can exchange with a family whose assessed need is for a 4 bedroom home who are living in a 2 bedroom home. Before this policy change the couple would only have been able to exchange with a family needing a 4 bedroom home but who were living in a 1 bedroom home. To find out more, contact the Mutual Exchange Team on mx@camden.gov.uk

Considering moving outside of Camden?

Find contact details of other local authorities by visiting gov.uk  Once you have picked your chosen local authority you can ask them for a housing application form.  You may be able to apply directly to their housing waiting list.

Further advice can be found on the below sites:

• Home Swapper helps you to swap homes across the UK with another tenant or housing association tenant. Housing Association tenants may face a small fee to register.
• Housing Moves is run by the Greater London Authority and allows social housing tenants living in London to move to different parts of the city.
• Homefinder UK enables moves across the UK, please contact your landlord to see if they are a part of the scheme.

• Seaside and Country Homes scheme is open to over 60 years old social housing tenants, who live in London and would like to consider moving to the coast or countryside.