How Long Does a Mutual Exchange Take?

It's the first question most people ask: how long will it take? The honest answer is that it depends, mostly on how long it takes to find the right swap. Once you've found one, the rest of the process follows a fairly predictable path.

Here's a realistic look at each stage.

The Timeline At A Glance

• Getting ready and listing your home: a few days
• Finding a swap: anything from a few weeks to many months
• Viewings and agreeing the swap: one to three weeks
• Landlord checks and decision: up to 42 days in England
• Paperwork and moving day: usually one to four weeks after approval

So once you've agreed a swap, moving within two to three months is common. The search before that is the part that varies most.

Stage 1: Getting Ready (A Few Days)

This is the part you control completely. Check you're eligible, tidy up, take good photos and write an honest description. A strong listing from day one gets more interest, so it's worth taking your time over it.

If you're not sure you can swap, our eligibility checker takes a minute.

Stage 2: Finding A Swap (Weeks To Months)

This is the big variable. How long it takes depends on:

• Where you want to go. Popular areas have more competition. Being open to a wider area, or a few nearby towns, makes a big difference.
• What you're offering. Houses with gardens are in high demand. Flats on higher floors can take longer.
• How specific you are. Every must-have narrows the field. Separate what you need from what would be nice.
• How active you are. People who search regularly and reply quickly tend to swap sooner.

If a direct swap isn't turning up, a three-way swap can open up more options.

Stage 3: Viewings And Agreeing (One To Three Weeks)

Once you've found a possible match, you'll message each other and arrange viewings of both homes. Look round properly, because most swaps are "as seen". When you're both happy, agree to go ahead and tell your landlords.

Stage 4: Landlord Approval (Up To 42 Days)

Each of you applies to your own landlord. They'll check rent accounts, inspect the homes, and carry out gas and electrical safety checks. In England, landlords must give a decision within 42 days of receiving the application. Some are much quicker.

The 42 days only starts when your landlord has your application, so send it as soon as you've both agreed. If you're not sure what can hold up approval, read Can My Landlord Refuse a Mutual Exchange?

Stage 5: Paperwork And Moving Day (One To Four Weeks)

When both landlords say yes, you'll sign a deed of assignment to swap tenancies, and agree a moving date. Most swaps happen on the same day, with both households moving at once. Book your van early, especially for a Friday or the end of the month.

What Slows A Swap Down

• Rent arrears. Your landlord can ask you to clear them before you move. See Can I Do a Mutual Exchange With Rent Arrears?
• Repairs or changes. Damage, or changes you made without permission, may need putting right first.
• Slow paperwork. Missing forms or unanswered calls add weeks.
• Different landlords. Two landlords means two sets of checks, which need to line up.
• Three-way swaps. Three households and up to three landlords take longer to coordinate.
• Someone pulling out. It happens. Keep your listing active until the paperwork is signed.

How To Speed Things Up

1. Get your rent account clear before you start looking.
2. Ask for your landlord's form now, so you're ready the day you agree a swap.
3. Fix small repairs and remove anything you've added without permission, or ask for it to be approved.
4. Widen your search to a few nearby areas.
5. Reply to messages quickly and arrange viewings within days, not weeks.
6. Stay in touch with the other household and both landlords, so nothing sits waiting.

The Short Answer

Once you've found the right swap, expect around two to three months to moving day, and sometimes less. Finding that swap is the part that takes the longest, and you can shorten it with a good listing, an open mind about where you'll go, and quick replies.

For the whole process from start to finish, read our step-by-step guide to mutual exchange. Ready to begin? List your home free and start looking for your swap today.