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Help to move into a smaller property with the My Move scheme

Over time, your circumstances may change, and you might find yourself living in a property larger than you need.

If you are of working age, you may be financially affected by the bedroom tax. Or you may be finding your current home difficult to manage due to changes to your health or mobility.

Whatever your reason for wishing to move to a smaller property, Cheltenham Borough Council (CBC) housing services can offer you support and assistance as well as financial help to cover some of your moving expenses.

How to find a smaller property

There are two options available. You can use one or both of these:

Option 1 search for a property on HomeseekerPlus

Register on HomeseekerPlus to bid on advertised social housing vacancies.

Your downsizing application will be awarded high banding priority. Please contact CBC housing services for advice and assistance if you need help to make a HomeseekerPlus application.

Option 2 search for an exchange on the Homeswapper website

Register on the Homeswapper website to search for a property exchange with another tenant.

How to qualify for My Move

  • You will hold a secure or assured tenancy with CBC and have lived in your property for 12 months or more
  • You will be downsizing to a smaller property with fewer bedrooms
  • You will have kept to the conditions set out in your tenancy agreement
  • You must give CBC vacant possession of your current home when your tenancy This means leaving the property empty of other people and personal belongings
  • Exchanges -qualification is dependent on all people involved in the exchange occupying the correct size of property (according to Homeseekerplus policy) following the move

What My Move assistance is available?

If you are moving through Homeseekerplus you will have a choice of two My Move options:

  • £500 payment
  • Free removal service

Your removal will be arranged and paid for by CBC. Please note that this option does not include a packing service but can include disconnection and reconnection of your cooker and washing machine where required.

If you are moving through Homeswapper (exchange) your My Move assistance will be in the form of a £500 payment (no removal service option available).

If you owe money to CBC in the form of current or former tenancy rent arrears or rechargeable repairs you will need to take the £500 option and the money will first be used to clear or offset the debt.

How will I receive my £500?

A cheque will be posted to your forwarding address or, on request, a Bacs payment can be made directly into your bank account.