The largest home swapping event in the UK for social housing tenants took place yesterday in Wembley.

Brent & Kilburn Times: Home Swap attracted more than 800 tenantsHome Swap attracted more than 800 tenants (Image: Archant)

More than 800 residents attended the aptly named ‘Home swap’ in search of a new property in Brent, Barnet or Harrow.

Around 11 social landlords joined forces to take part in the event aimed at tenants who wise to downsize their home or are looking for more space.

Home Swap is seen as a useful tool following the introduction of the ‘bedroom tax’ which has resulted in some tenants being financially penalised for having a spare room.

By joining forces, social landlords are providing their residents with a greater choice of homes and more opportunity to move to a more affordable or better suited property.

With more than 500 tenants registering to participate in the scheme the event has been deemed a success.

Mary Kennedy, a first time visitor to the event, said: “I’ve got a three bedroom house, but because of some health issues I’m looking to downsize and move into a ground floor flat or bungalow.

“I think that events like this are great – and I’m going to follow up on some that I’ve seen.”

David Montague, chief executive of housing provider L&Q, said: “Peoples’ needs are changing as their families grow up and new measures like the size criteria come into effect.

“These mutual exchange events are just one of the many ways that housing associations like L&Q are supporting their residents who face the changes brought by welfare reform.”