Tenants in overcrowded homes or those who need to downsize to avoid being affected by the benefit changes in April are invited to meet their match at a property swap event.

The event will provide tenants the chance to meet others who are eager to exchange properties.

Those living in homes with spare rooms face having their housing benefit reduced, as from April 1; the amount claimants receive will be based on the number of bedrooms needed by the household, rather than the number of bedrooms in the property.

Around 1,400 tenants across the borough are currently living in under-occupied homes and will be affected by the benefit changes.

At the event they will be able to display details of their property and meet with people living in smaller, overcrowded homes who they could swap with.

The council may also be able to offer financial assistance to help with the costs of moving to a smaller home.

This could be in the form of a special transfer payment scheme which pays £2,000 for each bedroom freed up, with the maximum payment set at £8,000.

Councillor Dudley Mead, cabinet member for housing, said: “This is a great opportunity for tenants who need to find a smaller property or for those who are overcrowded, to find a more suitable home.

“We urge you to come along and meet other tenants eager to exchange and find your perfect match.”

The event takes place from 2pm to 6pm on Monday, 28 January at Addington Community Centre, Central Parade, New Addington.

If you are interested in attending you need to register by contacting the council’s resident involvement team on 020 8726 6100 or email housing@croydon.gov.uk

You will also need to provide photographs of your home to give home-swappers the best view of your property.