Swapping and transferring your home

If you're looking to move home there are a variety of options available to help you transfer to a different property, swap with another tenant, seek alternative housing opportunities or get support in moving.

Ways you can move home:

Transfer to another council or social home (via Homeseeker Plus)

You can apply to move to a different social rented property (council or housing association) through the Homeseeker Plus choice-based lettings scheme.

Register on Homeseeker Plus, which covers Cheltenham and other districts in Gloucestershire and West Oxfordshire
Once registered and assessed, you can view and bid on suitable vacancies online
Properties are allocated based on housing need, priority banding, and waiting time

This is the typical pathway for tenants who want a larger, smaller or different location property

How to do this:

Visit the Homeseeker Plus website and complete an application
Update your circumstances when needed to reflect changes in your housing needs
Place bids on advertised homes you qualify for

Mutual Exchange (home swap)

If you want to swap your home with another social housing tenant, you can apply for a mutual exchange.

Cheltenham Borough Council is part of the HomeSwapper mutual exchange service, allowing tenants to find swap partners across the UK.
Both tenants must give consent, and the exchange must be approved by the council.
You can swap with tenants in other council or using association homes, offering greater flexibility.

Requirements typically include:

You hold a secure or assured tenancy and meet criteria, this includes no significant rent arrears or tenancy breaches.

You can read our quick guide to the mutual exchange scheme for more information.

Private renting or other housing options

If you want to move out of social housing entirely:

The housing options team can help you find private rented accommodation, including advice on affordability and possible support with deposits or advance rent payments.
You can also explore low-cost home ownership options like shared ownership if you want to buy part of a home and rent the rest.

This is useful if you prefer more flexibility or can afford alternative housing but still want assistance.

Homeless related rehousing or specialist housing

If your circumstances change and you are at risk of homelessness or need specialist supported or sheltered housing:

The housing options and advice team offers help with homelessness prevention, rehousing support and links to supported housing services.

For more information email the team at housing@cheltenham.gov.uk or call 0800 408 0000

Apply for housing