Your options for moving home
We understand how frustrating it can be waiting to move. The demand from customers on the transfer list is always higher than the number of homes available. At RHP we value our customers and are wholly committed to providing excellent services. As part of this we have compiled advice and information here that will help you to find your ideal home. This may be with RHP or with the various other agencies. We hope that you find the information useful.
08/11/2011
Homeswapper for Mutual Exchanges
Homeswapper is the new mutual exchange scheme where you can register online to swap your property with another housing association or council tenant. You can register free as an RHP tenant and if you are not online at home, we will show you how to register at an RHP office. We can also show you how you can check if anyone is interested in doing a swap with you.
The Homeswapper site offers a number of exchange options both locally and nationally. It is quick and easy to use with powerful and effective matching. Hundreds of families swap each month through HomeSwapper. For more information please visit the HomeSwapper website at www.homeswapper.co.uk
***TOP TIP*** When registering your property on Homeswapper, add a photo. It really helps to get your property noticed by potential swappers.
Choice Based Lettings (CBL)
We were one of the first social landlords in London to launch the choice based lettings scheme (CBL). We decided to introduce this scheme because we believe that you should have a say in where you live. Under the CBL scheme customers can choose where they want to live by applying for a nominated empty property that has been advertised, rather than RHP offering you a property that we deem suitable for your needs.
Visit our dedicated page for more information about Choice based lettings
Sponsored Move scheme
Would you like £2,500 for every bedroom you give up in your home? There is a real shortage of larger properties so if you move to a smaller one you could receive £2,500 for each bedroom that you give up – up to a maximum of £7,500 for three or more.
Your costs for moving would also be paid and you can chose where you want to move to. Your new home will be decorated, ready for you to move in. If you are interested in this scheme please contact us on 0800 0322 433 or contact the London Borough of Richmond on 020 8891 7497. You can also email the council’s allocations team at housingallocations@richmond.gov.uk.
Register with the Council
If you want to move home, it is really important that you register with the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames on its housing waiting list. This is because the Council offers 75% of all of our housing vacancies and you will not be considered for these unless you are on the waiting list yourself – even if you are on the RHP transfer list. Being on the Council list also means you may be offered a chance to move to another housing association home.
We want to make sure you have the best possible chance of being offered a home that better meets your needs. If you have not registered, please let us know so that we can help you apply or contact the Council directly.
Seaside and Country Homes
This is a scheme for older tenants who wish to move out of the city to the seaside or the country. It is a government initiative run by Housingmoves. You can obtain more information at www.housingmoves.org or call 0845 021 2020.
Home buy options
FIRST STEPS could help you own your own home. With FIRST STEPS Shared Ownership you can buy a share of a property and pay rent on the percentage owned by the housing association. In time you can buy extra shares until you own the property outright.
L&Q are the FIRST STEPS Agents for South London. They work with RHP and Richmond Council to promote affordable home ownership in Richmond and other parts of London. FIRST STEPS enables you you to complete just one form to access affordable properties all over London. To find out more click onto www.firststepslondon.org or call 0845 230 8099.