UK house swappers seen as possible future of property deals 
Two UK families have swapped houses in what estate agent HouseSimple has suggested could be "the future of home-buying". John Davie saw David and Margaret West's home in Kinross, Scotland, on HouseSimple's website, and during a viewing, discovered the Wests were looking to downsize. The couple arranged to visit Davie's home, before agreeing to the unique swap. HouseSimple co-founder Sophie Gosling said the deal made UK property history.

PA The West's and the Davies swapped homes in what is believed a UK property first

David West and his wife Margaret, who were thinking of downsizing, ended up switching homes with a couple looking for a bigger house. Now it is claimed the “swap principle” could become increasingly popular as owners advertise for another home – and possibly save a small fortune on legal fees. Mr West, a duty manager at a student residence, listed his three-bedroom, detached family home in Kinross, near Perth in Scotland, on estate agents HouseSimple’s website in May. It was spotted by John Davie who immediately put in a request to visit the property.

PA David and Margaret West wanted to downsize, but swapped instead

The house swap made perfect sense as both our properties had what the other wanted John Davie

He was looking for a larger house for his wife Kelly and their two-year-old daughter Lucy. Mr Davie went to see the Wests for a viewing. While he was looking round the house, Mr West mentioned he and his wife were thinking of downsizing because his two grown up daughters were “leaving the nest”. When data analyst Mr Davie then mentioned he had a two-bedroomed, semi-detached house he had yet to put on the market, Mr West suggested the idea of a home swap. He and his wife then viewed Mr Davie’s house – also in Kinross – and each couple put in offers on each other’s properties.

PA John Davie Spotted the West's home up for sale and immediately requested to visit

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The move is said to be a British property first. Mr Davie said: “The house swap made perfect sense as both our properties had what the other wanted. “The process of finding David’s house online made it really convenient to find the property we wanted.” Mr West added: “The house swap allowed us flexibility on the move date.

PA The West's new home, formerly owned by the Davies