House Exchange

Lulu Rushfirth wished that she had a bigger garden for her two children to play in as living in the city meant that she couldn't let them play out the front of her house.

Madeleine Johannes on the other hand longed for city living. She had lived in Fakenham most of her life, but wanted to live in the hustle and bustle of the city. Madeleine found that there was more job opportunities in Norwich, but didn't want to have to commute to the city.

Glenda Wills lived in the sleepy village of Swanington on the outskirts of Norwich. She wanted to move to Fakenham to be near her family.

All three women wanted to move house so they contacted their landlords and as each was signed up to House Exchange, they were able to undertake a three way swap which enabled each to find the home of their dreams. All three organisations worked together to move all three families within eight weeks, quicker than a standard house move.

“I have a 10 year old and a seven year old and there was just no space for them to play outside,” says Lulu, who lived on Bull Close in the city. “I have always lived in the city, but I longed to live in a place that would be safer for my children.”

Madeleine added: “I loved my house in Fakenham, but I just hated the location. My sister lives in Norwich so I wanted to live nearer the city.”

“I've heard that sometimes these house swaps can involve six or more people and so I thought that we were in for a long wait before we could actually move,” says Madeleine. “However in just a matter of weeks I found Glenda online and her criteria matched my house in Fakenham.”

“There are no surveys or financial hold ups when you swap houses, so it was just a case of filling in the forms and then waiting for each association to complete the swap,” says Lulu. “I was quite amazed at how quickly I got to move, so much so that I only had six days to pack!”

Says Madeleine: “I love living in the city as there are so many more job opportunities around here. I also love the fact that I no longer live on an estate and that I'm close to lots of shops and my sister. The little courtyard out the back is great as I hate gardening so at least I don't have to mow the lawn!

Glenda says: “It was an easy swap and I love where I live now. When I lived in Swanington there were no shops nearby and I had to rely on the bus as I cannot drive. Now I can walk into town and do my shopping without having to rely on anyone.”

18/05/09 12:56