Why Isn’t There an exact Matching Facility for Mutual Exchanges?
When you’re looking for a mutual exchange or multi swap, it’s natural to wonder: why isn’t there a proper matching system, like other websites, that automatically finds the perfect swap for me?
The idea sounds simple, but in practice, matching council and housing association homes is much more complicated. Here’s why.
1. Everyone’s Needs Are Different
No two tenants are looking for exactly the same thing. Some want to upsize, others to downsize. Some need a dining room, others prefer a Wet room. Matching people’s wishes automatically is tricky because personal priorities don’t always fit neatly into a database.
2. Tenancy Rules Vary
Not all tenants are eligible for the same swaps. Factors like:
- tenancy type (secure, assured, introductory),
- rent arrears,
- property size rules, and
- local landlord policies
…all affect whether a swap can even go ahead. A matching system would need to factor in dozens of landlord-specific rules.
3. Multi Swaps Add Complexity
With a simple two-way swap, a system might suggest possible matches. But many exchanges involve three or more households linked in a chain. Automated systems struggle to map out all those moving parts while ensuring every property meets the right conditions.
4. Landlord Approval Is Essential
Even if two (or more) tenants are a “perfect match,” the exchange can’t happen without landlord checks and approval. Automatic systems can’t bypass this step – so a match might look good on paper, but fail once rent accounts, inspections, or local policies are considered.
5. Trust and Viewings Matter
At the end of the day, swapping homes isn’t just about numbers – it’s about people. Tenants need to visit each other’s homes, meet in person, and decide if they’re happy. A matching algorithm can’t replace the trust and reassurance that comes from seeing a property “as is.”
Final Thoughts
A fully automated mutual exchange matching facility doesn’t exist because housing swaps are about more than data – they involve personal preferences which we have included with search filters and tags, landlord rules, and real-world inspections.
That’s why most platforms simply connect tenants and let them do the matching themselves. While it takes effort, it also gives you more control and flexibility in finding the right home for your needs.