Houseswapp wanted

[London2001]

Hi
I am registered on two homeswapper websites to do a mutual exchange but am having no luck and finding anything and a lot of time wasters and people not even responding to my messages. Is there anyone on here looking to exchange? I have a nice spacious 2 bed flat in Colchester nice big balcony close to town centre and train line. I am looking for 2 bed property in and around London. Will consider most areas in London but will not accept high rises or estates that are not classed as safe. I would prefer to be in a safe area and would love a period conversion if possible. I wil look into Hertfordshire Surrey Buckinghamshire Chelmsford Middlesex also. If you are interested or know anyone that is then please feel free to contact me.
Kind Regards

[EdwardTheBlueEngine]

Er so you want to swap a 2 bed flat in Colchester for a 2 bed period conversion near London? I think I can see why you haven't had much interest....

[blaaake]

Good luck with that

[DarthMaiden]

I'm assuming you are a very optimistic person.

There has to be parity with a house swap.

So unless you're offering something (substantially) over and above your property (lots of cash) you're not going to get any takers, never mind being overly specific about the area/property type.

[MaggieFS]

OP as others have suggested, there may just be too much of a gap between what you want to swap. Plus I don't think it's all that common anyway.

Do you know the current value of your flat? I might help you narrow down likely swap areas and then you could target local community websites etc.

[Fluffypinkpyjamas]

don’t hold your breath OP!

[MovingOnUpMovingOnOut]

Is this for a holiday house swap?

Because Colchester would not be on my list for places to take a holiday. Especially when it’s a relatively short train journey.

If it’s for a permanent swap (like a HA swap) you need to be offering something of similar value. I can’t see the appeal there either.

[MTverystressed]

Agree with others, i live in a ground floor flat in london and i found it extremely hard to find serious swappers in london to swap with. Had to give my self a break from the homeswapper website as it it was very disheartening.

Good luck with your search OP.

[keanheather]

I swapped a 2 bed house with huge garden for a 2 bed London flat on an estate, so people do give up nicer/bigger properties for smaller ones. Mine was from Birmingham to London though - I think it's harder if you're already in commuting distance of London as if people need to be in Colchester for work/family they would just commute rather than do a swap. It also took over a year to find a swap.

There are Facebook groups which are very active, you just have to be persistent and 'market' your property (with nice photos, floor plans) to make it seem presentable. You might find someone who really needs to be in your area for family reasons. I don't think the financial value of the property is really relevant - my old house was worth about £100k and my new flat is worth 4x that as it's in zone 1!

[MovingOnUpMovingOnOut]

I would investigate the grammar school and other factors that might draw someone out of London and promote those heavily.

[London2001]

Thanks for the replies. Yes it is a mutual exchange it is an Housing association not a holiday swap or any money involved. There are lots of people wanting Essex from London but not ones I like. I am on two websites and here so hopefully someone will swap with me. I am actually viewing next week a nice flat in Islington and one in borehamwood. If anyone lives in or near these areas it would be nice for a location review :).

[London2001]

Oh and I don't need to be near good schools as son is now left school