as anyone exchanged council houses
does anyone know what you do if you find someone to exchange with
do you just fill in a form at your housing department
does someone come to visit you
how long does it usually take

Hi cazann,

If you go to Howden House in town and ask for the mutual exchage files at the main reception, you will be able to view other people's exchange details. Ask for the exchange form at the main reception and once you complete and hand in, the details you provide will appear in the folder for others to see and contact you -this is updated on a monthly basis.

I have been on the list for about six months and it is a long process but worth trying as your details appear in all the local housing offices too.

Once an exchange has been agreed, then there is usually a home visit from your landlord to check the property and the forms are available at Howden House (if one or both houses are Council) for you and the new tenants to sign -this aspect apparently doesn't take long.

Best to contact Sheffield Homes direct for more information: http://www.sheffieldhomes.org.uk/finding-a-new-home/mutual-exchanges

Otherwise, advertising your exchange details in newsagents and post offices in the areas you want to live might help too! I'm trying this at the moment.

The process is simple enough -the only problem is finding a suitable house to swap with people that don't mess you about. Be prepared...

Hope this helps -good luck!
Eme

Hi
We exchanged houses last year in April, from start to finish it only took about 3 weeks but it normally takes around 5 weeks I think but we were lucky because everything was so straight forward. You fill in a mutual exchange form and then someone comes out to your house to see if anything needs doing ie repairs and then you get an appointment to go to howden house in town where you both sign forms and agree on a date of the move.

thanks eme1 and brettginger

i phoned housing yesterday and went to pick up the forms it says it takes about 4 to 6 weeks. we got them filled in and took back.

we just got to wait now and hope everything goes ok

Fingers crossed for you. Hope all goes through ok :)