HomeSwapper Reviews 

450
TrustScore 2 out of 5

2.0

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Review summary

Created with AI, based on recent reviews

Considering 56 reviews, most reviewers were unhappy with their experience overall. Many people found the customer service to be severely lacking, with frequent complaints about unresponsiveness and the inability to reach support through various channels like email or phone. Users also encountered significant issues with the website's functionality, including difficulties with logging in, resetting passwords, and setting up accounts. The matching system was often criticized for not providing accurate results and for issues with property information, making the overall user experience clunky and frustrating. However, some customers also noted that the site was good, easy to navigate, and simple to use.

What people talk about most

Website

Customers had negative experiences with the website, frequently citing dire functionality and non-existent... See more

User experience

Consumers express significant frustration with the user experience, often finding it difficult to use and... See more

Customer communications

People report negative experiences with contact, with many reviewers finding it a nightmare to get hold of... See more

Customer service

Users describe negative interactions with customer service, often citing non-existent or unresponsive support... See more

Response time

Customers consistently express frustration with the slow response times, with many reporting being ignored... See more

Reviews shaping this summary

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

Apparently site newly updated, after customer feedback... I must have missed that survey! Not much evidence to show the site uses chosen locations to generate 'matches' appears instead to rel... See more

Company replied

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

Very poor customer services and matching system. Plus don’t activate my account - even though I have been told by my Landlord that I have a secure tenancy, with a letter to prove this. They just keep... See more

Company replied

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

over the years I've moved 3 times using homeswapper. It's a clunky, old fashioned website but it works, until it doesn't. I haven't received any emails for over a month. I used to get a daily upda... See more

Company replied

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

It can be useful. But it definitely does not provide accurate matches when searching. This is the most important part of the tool for many home seekers. If i want a 3 bed in CR2...the matches don't... See more

Company replied


Company details

  1. Business Services

Written by the company

HomeSwapper is the UK’s leading mutual exchange service with over 500,000 tenants, looking to swap Council and Housing Association homes.


Contact info

2.0

Poor

TrustScore 2 out of 5

450 reviews

5-star
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1-star

No recent history of asking for reviews

This company hasn't invited customers recently, so reviews may not be representative

Replied to 97% of negative reviews

Typically replies within 1 week

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2.0

All reviews

(450)

54 reviews in the last 12 months

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Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Waste of time

Waste of time. I am in a 60 plus retirement development and get 100% matches with people not meeting the age requirements or looking totally different locations.
Raised this with homeswapper and all I got was a reply saying my age restriction was taken into account and any 100% matches met this criteria which is not the case.
There should be a section in advertisers details showing their rough age group as its just not fit for purpose as it is

19 December 2023
Unprompted review
HomeSwapper logo

Reply from HomeSwapper

Hi George, thank you for your feedback regarding age restricted homes and there being no way currently to filter these (apart from “Sheltered homes”). We have passed on your comments to our development team.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

I’m one of the lucky ones to find a…

I’m one of the lucky ones to find a swap. The site do contain a lot of people with very unrealistic expectations in regards to what they have and what they want. This results in a lot of tyre kickers however you can weed them out quickly once you been on the site for a short time.

The app itself is very poor considering that it’s not free, it’s either paid by the user or the HS or council. The company who owns it are getting a lot of money for very little input or improvement to the app. I recently logged in and the functionality was worse than usual.

It’s a shame because for very little investment to keep the software running smoothly it would be potentially very good.

On the positive side maybe some Tech savvy people will get wind of this problem and create a better app.

19 December 2023
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Avoid. It's a complete waste of time.

We signed up to this website over a year ago. All I can say is that this website is a complete waste of time. If you're looking to swap your home, there are better websites than this.

Homeswapper site is almost 75% full of properties that have no actual pictures or photos of the properties connected to them.
Even when you do request photos of properties, you are often ignored, refused or sent a rude response by the person who you have requested photos from of that property.
Try and ask homeswapper to intervene about this and they respond with a 'shrug of the shoulders' type response to say they cannot force a resident to show pictures of the property - Which defeats the object of the website really.

On the few occasions that you do manage to see photos of the properties, they are often run down middens in run down estates or people wanting to swap from their one bed terraced house/flat for a 3 bed semi-detached house.

Do yourself a favour and do not waste your time with this website.

2 December 2023
Unprompted review
HomeSwapper logo

Reply from HomeSwapper

Hi Shaun, while we cannot force swappers to upload photos of their home we do strongly encourage it and there are processes in place to do this, e.g. they are regularly emailed prompting them to upload photos, there are multiple warnings on the website every time they log in, and some landlords will also not approve their tenants unless they add photos.
You also have the option to filter your matches to show only homes with photos.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

I'm sick of them making me change my…

I'm sick of them making me change my password every half an hour

1 December 2023
Unprompted review
HomeSwapper logo

Reply from HomeSwapper

Hi Lauren, for security we ask you to change your password every 90 days. If you are having to change it more often than this then please contact our Customer Support team for help.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

preparation is key

Have a tick list of your water gas and electric account numbers and the contact details. [phone email etc] important to let internet services you are moving so that connection in your new place can be booked so I was only one day without the internet and know the existing providers in your new place. Maybe a to do tick list is helpful including what is the refuse /recycle days. It is hard work and can be overwhelming. Effective communication is key. Have everything packed a few days before and boxed and labelled as part of the prep. This makes the transition easier. You have to kiss many frogs to find a prince which translates you often have people to come and see your place and vice versa with no movement which can be disheartening however things will pan out. I would say it will take another 4-6 months to get some order and settle.

13 November 2023
Unprompted review
HomeSwapper logo

Reply from HomeSwapper

Hi MarieJo, thank you for your positive feedback and really useful advice to other swappers. Enjoy your new home!

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Over 2 years and been waste time keep…

Over 2 years and been waste time keep getting matches nothing that I've asked for and not in the area I want when I state in 5 miles, yet they keep sending me message I have matches.
Total waste time . Now keep getting e mails need to pay,care they joking !! Joined Facebook site and found a exchange in a few months

13 November 2023
Unprompted review
HomeSwapper logo

Reply from HomeSwapper

Hi Bella, finding someone to swap with can take some time so we appreciate your frustration.
With regards the matches, these will be in at least one of the areas you have specified. We recommend reviewing your preferred areas and changing them if needed, e.g. reducing the radius as this can often mean you’re matched with homes further away than you really want.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

10th Year Anniversary on Homeswapper in…

10th Year Anniversary on Homeswapper in January. To be fair the website is just a tool, but it's useless and there must be a better way to swap homes. The HA's should be dedicating staff for such a thing. The biggest problem lies with the tenants who are unrealistic in their expectations and fail to remember that most council homes are owner occupied and private rentals. They are unavailable to you. My street has 32 four in a block flats. Only 5 are HA. I am the only tenant who wants to move. Extrapolate that to most streets and your chances of securing a home this way are slim. My home is not good enough for most, despite garden, good neighbours, low crime, cheap rent and bills, free parking, great nearby facilities. They want to swap flats for bungalows and semi detached homes. Those who have them will swap with each other.

One man wanted a flat in return for his home. He was offered a new build, beautifully decorated in the best area of the city and he knocked it back. Another has a flat overlooked by a high rise and a noisy sports court. He was offered beautiful home, quiet street with garden and knocked it back. Another lives in a flat and has knocked back several homes because I thought she wanted a semi-detached. She was offered a semi-detached in the area she requested and knocked that back too! It doesn't get better. I have come to the conclusion most are not serious about moving and have just added their home to see what comes up and unless their dream home is offered they have no intention of moving.

I have tried direct swaps, multi swaps. I am advertised on 3 home swap websites and even advertise on Gumtree. Nothing works.

Another major issue is allocation policy rules. One time I almost had a multi swap and the HA blocked the move due to a bedroom that is 5 foot by 4 feet. Not allowed this spare room the size of a cupboard and prevented 5 families from moving home.

Another had a top floor flat with no lift. Very disabled and trapped in their home. They wanted to swap for my ground floor and that was refused again down to one spare bedroom. The HA are not only not helping us but are actively making things worse. Social and personal needs are being overlooked due to rules.

Also have to watch out for scammers. I had a woman try to swap me her home. Turns out the building was riddled with mice. Do your homework if you are lucky enough to find a swap. Good luck!

13 November 2023
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

The forced replies to all messages can easily be manipulated by exes to force contact

You have to reply to all messages, which might appear to be great for some to stop time wasters, but it's also a huge safeguarding concern for some when it can be equally misused by an ex that you've severed contact with for example. Having to reply to messages gives them control over you once again. They have the knowledge that they can message you and you have no choice but to reply, or loose access to home swapper messages. I think this is a huge safeguarding issue that should be addressed by the homeswapper team. There are people out there wanting to home swaps to escape people. There should be an option to not have to reply in these circumstances, even if it's just one no reply allowance per account.

1 November 2023
Unprompted review
HomeSwapper logo

Reply from HomeSwapper

Hi Jo, you only need to reply to the first message you get from someone. You do not need to reply every time they message you.

You can also “Block” other users if you do not want to receive any more messages from them.

If you’re having any technical issues or need some help with this, please contact our Customer Support team as soon as possible.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Avoid..

The android app has had thousands of complaints of crashing and freezing which was not fit for anyone to use, but they still forced it upon people asking them to pay for the service.

PC browser main website.
Absolute joke Homeswapper is, feels like it is ran by criminals.
Can not message any swappers on the website as it states I have not responded to all messages, the ones I have not replied to would be shown in RED colour.

There is no RED chats and I reply to 100% of all chats. So again more problems with the service.

I have messaged them but not holding my breath, they blocked me from using the app years back and I made a discrimination complaint. They blocked me as I made a complaint that the app was un-useable and had lots of issues.

Rather than sort the problem, they banned users to silence there voice an rights to complain regarding a paid service.

Not much to ask is it for basic common respect??

29 October 2023
Unprompted review
HomeSwapper logo

Reply from HomeSwapper

Hi, we’re sorry to hear you’re having some issues with the mobile app and messaging other swappers. If the app is not working correctly on your device we recommend using the mobile website instead. It works on any device and has additional tools and features to help you find a swap that the mobile app does not.

With regard your messages, please contact our Customer Support team who will investigate and fix any problems you may be having.

Please note: HomeSwapper cannot and do not block anyone from using the app or website. The service is available to all UK social housing residents. If your landlord is a HomeSwapper partner, they may choose to not approve your membership but that is beyond our control.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Awful experience

I understand the platform can't really do much about it as they just offer a platform but it has timewasters galore here.

I experienced some timewasters and then came across another. I was going to swap my 1 bedroom house with a good sized garden for a 1 bedroom flat in another town (for health reasons). 1 bedroom houses are like gold dust so it should have been quite easy to complete a swap.

I expressed my concerns to this person about not wanting to deal with more timewasters and she assured me 100% she would never mess anyone around as she has been messed around before.

Trusting her (and to be fair, I was swapping for her tiny 1 bedroom flat, she was getting a house for it, so I didn't think there would be any changing of minds), we viewed each others homes and agreed on a swap. As paperwork was being filled in, I sent mine off and she messaged me saying she has changed her mind.

8 months later after no doubt she messed loads of other people around, she messaged me saying she had made a mistake and wants to go ahead with swapping. I told her no chance.

The problem is the people there. Mostly the people joining think a move would be nice but are settled and fine where they live so would only consider a move if something amazing was available. Then, as the process takes so long from start to finish with the paperwork and viewings, even if they agree initially to a move, there's a lot of time for them to pull out.

The problem is no comebacks on anyone either. No fees to pay or ban from the site for timewasting. They are free to do it over and over.

3 October 2023
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Can’t sign in can’t find anyone to…

Can’t sign in can’t find anyone to contact without signing in I have premium membership Now just want to cancel! But can’t get on site

14 October 2023
Unprompted review
HomeSwapper logo

Reply from HomeSwapper

Hi, if you’re having problems logging into HomeSwapper please contact our Customer Support team. You do not have to be signed in to do this, simply click on the “Contact Us” link at the bottom of the page.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

I’m really getting sick off this site

I’m really getting sick off this site. a lot off these swappers are really living in a dream the homes there looking for just don’t exist on homeswap you’re asking for to much large garden large bedrooms large kitchen a nice lawn on suite bathrooms…… come on this is council or housing. We do not own our own homes be real and as for the time waisters if you don’t want to move don’t contact home swappers waisting there time please read what home swappers are looking for.
And the area they are looking for. Also don’t send messages if you don’t want a reply back stop home swapper was really good a couple off years ago but I’m sorry to say it’s gone down hill as for the 3 way swaps it doesn’t work that’s a load off rubbish they will do anything to get the home they want and that includes Lies I can only say beware and take your time don’t rush this is your home you’re home

8 October 2023
Unprompted review
HomeSwapper logo

Reply from HomeSwapper

Hi Euna, we’re sorry to hear that the experience or finding someone to swap with has been frustrating for you.

Obviously we can’t force people to move but we do have many features on the HomeSwapper website to discourage time wasters and help you identify them easier, e.g. “last logged in” dates, message reply badges and search filters to see only the most active swappers’ homes.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Big thumbs up!

The website was easy to use and communicate with other swappers through.

5 October 2023
Unprompted review
HomeSwapper logo

Reply from HomeSwapper

Hi Lucy, thank you for your feedback. We really appreciate it!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Assists your dream of moving home to come through

It assisted my dream of moving to London to be next to my mom to come through. I really enjoyed the experience and I really recommend it to others also.

27 September 2023
Unprompted review
HomeSwapper logo

Reply from HomeSwapper

Hi Sammy, thank you for the feedback. We hope you are very happy in your new home!

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

Initially seems easy to use and a great…

Initially seems easy to use and a great idea.

However, it is a bit soul destroying.

You can only respond to people who contact you and cannot contact anyone whose home you might like ( apparently you are supposed to be able to, as long as you have replied to all your messages)

However you can't and customer services are no help.

Good idea, but doesn't work.

19 September 2023
Unprompted review
HomeSwapper logo

Reply from HomeSwapper

Hi Maria, we’re sorry to hear you’re having problems with your messages. As long as you have the 100% Reply badge (for replying to all messages in the last 30 days) you should be able to start new conversations with swappers. If this is not the case, please contact our Customer Support team again with the details and we will ensure this is investigated further.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

Absolutely a waste of time never any…

Absolutely a waste of time never any new tenants little activity or choice.

16 September 2023
Unprompted review
HomeSwapper logo

Reply from HomeSwapper

Hi Anthony, we’re sorry to hear you’re not having much luck so far. To increase the number of matches and interest in your home, there is some useful help and advice here - https://www.homeswapper.me/experienced-swappers/

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Be patient.

Easy to enrol and fill in information. Notified of new Swappers by company. Can do a search yourself if you want to.

16 September 2023
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Terrible site

Terrible site . no-one will fix the problems on the site . So trying to swap is never going to happen.

14 September 2023
Unprompted review
HomeSwapper logo

Reply from HomeSwapper

Hi Lynne, we’re sorry to hear you’re having problems using the website. Please contact our Customer Support team with the details and they will be happy to help.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Highly unlikely to work

From the 100, you'd be lucky to find 1 peeson who has actually swapped. The system needs a whole revamp and upheaval. Bigger families need bigger places, but smaller families with bigger houses don't want to swap, don't blame them! Housing in London is a problem and the solution homeswapper offers does not work. The change needs to be froma lot higher up, someone is simply making money with this contract and not really fulfilling their obligation of actually finding a solution.

And I'm sorry, ain't no one falling for the fake reviews on here that this system actually works.

12 September 2023
Unprompted review
HomeSwapper logo

Reply from HomeSwapper

Hi, we’re sorry to hear you’ve personally not had success finding a swap yet. Thousands of tenants do swap to a new home every year using HomeSwapper which is why we are the largest and most successful service of its kind in the UK and trusted by hundreds of Housing Associations and Councils. Any positive reviews are legitimate and Trustpilot has very strong and robust procedures to ensure this is the case.

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