Viewing properties

For your safety, we recommend that you arrange to view a property in daylight hours with your proposed exchange partner.

You should also:

• plan your journey in advance such as how to get there or whether there are any access issues
• confirm who will meet you or who will be at the property when you visit
• take someone with you who can provide a second opinion or ask any questions you may not have thought of
• tell someone where you are going and how long you expect it will take
• check if you are affected by the spare bedroom subsidy due to benefits rules on bedroom size criteria
• check for any service charges at your new property and make sure they fit your budget, as rent and other costs may go up

Do not feel pressured to:

• accept the exchange through cash incentives or gifts. It is illegal for any party in a mutual exchange chain to do this
• make an instant decision on the day of the viewing

Inspecting the property before you exchange

We strongly recommend that you view a property more than once if you can. This will allow you to thoroughly check the condition of the property to your satisfaction including:

• all fixtures and fittings such as cupboards, gas and electrical fittings, and the condition of the garden and driveway
• the structure of the property
• the neighbourhood

Inspections we carry out

Before you move into a BCC property, we will carry out one non-invasive visual inspection of the furnished home. This inspection is limited in scope.

We inspect the quality and condition of the property including all standard and non-standard fittings left at the property. You will receive a copy of the inspection report.

You must make sure that you are happy with the property and the condition it is in before you swap. We are not responsible for any property disrepairs that are discovered after the exchange.

Page last updated: 25 August 2024