Added: 02/10/2006 |
Council House Exchanges as a Friendly Alternative to Hotel OptionsFriendly and affordable, homes exchanges are now seen as a rapidly growing sector in the travel industry, allowing a great number of options for each taste and budget. If you don't mind someone else living in your house, and like the idea of living in his apartment, this type travel alternative is definitely for you.
Among those enjoying wide popularity are council house exchanges, seen as a great alternative to hotel business. One of the forms of public housing, council houses were constructed for benefit of local population. A major boom in their construction was in the years following World War II, since approximately 35% of all homes were destroyed or damaged. For the majority of working class people council houses offered the first experience of garden space, as well as the first indoor bathrooms and toilets.
The impact of modernist architecture in the late 1950s has resulted in the model being abandoned and construction of tower blocks as the preferred model. Currently a number of councils have transferred their property to non-profit housing association, specializing in council house exchanges. As of 2005 nearly 20% of housing stock in the United Kingdom is owned by housing association. With the population of more than 100,000, Becontree in East London is seen as the largest council estate in the world, constructed in the 1940s.
Among other districts boasting a large number of council housing are London Borough of Southwark, Corby, Manchester, Sheffield, Nottingham and Hull. A similar housing system can be found in the Republic of Ireland, known as Local Authority Accommodation.
Many travelers consider council house exchanges to be a wonderful opportunity to experience new locations and surroundings at far more attractive price than that offered by most hotels. Sometimes council house exchanges involve more than two tenants, under condition each of them moves at the same time with none of homes being left empty.
It should be mentioned that such exchanges aren't restricted to council tenants, but can involve private tenants, as well as housing associations. Exchanges are also common between areas of different local councils in case of mutual agreement of landlords. Once you have found an exchange partner, you need to contact a housing office in your area to complete a form. Housing associations are required permission from their own landlords. Both houses are then inspected by the area manager, who gives permission for you to exchange.
There are some occasions, when applications can be turned down by the council. These include exchange of house, provided for disabled or elderly people, being occupied by somebody, who doesn't need its facilities; or the exchange resulting in either of the houses becoming under-occupied or overcrowded. The easiest way to find properties that suit your needs is via a web-site, which is a free service for housing association tenants and local authority. An exchange can be arranged with tenants of the same area and those of other landlords who are involved in the scheme.
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