It’s a bit of a daydream — exchange homes with a stranger for a getaway in a coveted spot. They stay in your place while you stay in theirs, and there’s no cash changing hands. And who knows, you might even meet your soulmate in that idyllic location, just like in the films.
While romance can’t be promised, swapping homes is simpler and safer than many imagine. You also cut lodging costs — and sometimes avoid renting a car.
House exchange platforms have removed much of the uncertainty from these arrangements.
Below is an overview of how house swapping operates.
What Is House Swapping?
The idea is straightforward: swap your residence to stay in someone else’s. From there, exchanges can vary. Your host might let you use their vehicle, ask that you care for pets, or request nothing in particular. Maybe you’re taking a leisurely two-week break, or just a long weekend. House swapping offers plenty of flexibility — and perks.
House Swapping: Common Terms
Familiarizing yourself with these terms used in home exchanges is useful.
Mutual or simultaneous exchange: When members directly swap residences.
Non-synchronous or non-reciprocal exchange: When parties don’t exchange homes at the same time.
Member’s home: This denotes a second residence, vacation property, condo, apartment, or house.
I Want to Swap My House. How Do I Prepare?
The first step is an honest personal assessment. Are you comfortable with strangers being in your home while you’re away? Would you trust someone to look after your property, pets, plants and privacy? Remember they’re also placing trust in you.
Next, review your homeowners insurance to confirm coverage. If your vehicles are part of the arrangement, check your auto policy as well. Condo and apartment residents should verify any building rules or restrictions.
Once you’re at ease with hosting, evaluate whether your home is ready for an exchange.
As a host, cleanliness is essential, but does everything function properly? That includes appliances, heating and cooling systems, windows, doors, TV, wifi, and more. The site Home Exchange provides an excellent checklist to help you prepare.
You’ll also want to showcase your home with plenty of good photos. Ask friends to help select the best shots. Upload your listing and you’ll be set to explore new destinations for your next trip.
Ready to Swap Homes? Home Exchange Websites to Explore
There are numerous home exchange platforms to consider. Most require an annual membership, though some offer free trials. All sites provide filters to refine searches, including options for guests with special needs.
When joining a home exchange network, you create a listing for yourself and your property. You’ll provide personal details and preferences, add photos and a description, list guest rooms and general features, and create a guide with local tips and resources. Be sure to include wifi and cable access details.
Here’s a look at several home exchange organizations so you can decide which fits your needs.
General Home Exchange Networks
One of the earliest home swap networks, founded in 1953 by Swiss teachers with generous vacation time but limited funds, Intervac emphasizes cultural exchange. You must list your home to participate.
There’s a 21-day free trial. After that, membership is $115 per year or $190 for two years.
Home Exchange reports having 100,000 homes across 133 countries. They use guest points to enable non-synchronous exchanges; points are earned by hosting, so listing your home is required to participate.
Pricing is $220 for the first year, with a free second year if you don’t complete an exchange in year one.
Also launched in 1953 by a New York teacher as a vacation exchange club, HomeLink expanded greatly in the 1960s. Members may do unlimited exchanges and can list multiple residences.
There’s a 30-day trial. Membership runs $115 for one year, $195 for two years, or $276 for longer terms. They offer a helpful checklist on preparing your home.
Love Home Swap supports traditional swaps and uses a point-based system. Homeowners assign a points-per-night value to their property, which is how members accrue points. The platform also lets members ‘borrow’ points for future swaps, enabling stays without a direct reciprocal exchange.
There’s a 14-day free trial; annual membership costs between $156 and $180.
Based in the U.K., Home Sweet Home lists properties globally. It’s straightforward and low-key. Listings include a mountain farm home in Utah, a fishing-village house in Spain, and a vicarage in Denmark.
Joining costs around $62 (£50).
Specialty Home Exchange Networks
Beyond general sites, several niche home exchange platforms may appeal to specific travelers.
PLU focuses on building community among kindred travelers, so members often become trusted housesitters and friends. It uses globes as its point currency, which has a charming touch.
Annual membership is $95.
Switchome is a free home swap service, primarily active in Europe.
Third Home is a luxury exchange network listing high-end vacation properties worldwide. They report an average home value of $2.4 million.
Membership is $295 per year, and stays range from $495 to $1,395.
Aussie House Swap says it’s Australia’s largest home exchange community. Its site includes an inspirations section to connect users with properties near points of interest. For example, here’s a selection aimed at food and wine enthusiasts.
Membership plans of 6, 12, and 24 months are available, from $54 to $120.
The Benefits and Drawbacks of House Swapping
House swapping has advantages and disadvantages. Here are some to consider.
- Swapping homes can cut lodging costs.
- Cultural immersion: living like a local gives you a different perspective than staying in a hotel or resort.
- Hosts can point you to local gems you might otherwise miss.
- A listing might turn out to be misleading when you arrive with your family.
- You may need to invest to spruce up your home for hosting.
- Guests occupying your home could cause issues.
House Swapping Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Swapping itself is generally free, but most networks charge a membership fee.
There’s no fixed trip length; stays depend on availability.
Most platforms don’t limit how many exchanges you can complete.
Yes, it’s called home exchange. Many sites allow you to use points to stay in a home without a direct swap, but you typically need to list a property. There are plenty of alternatives as well: you can sign up as a house sitter or volunteer in exchange for room and board.
Savinly contributor Jo-Mae Avery writes about lifestyle and culture topics. She once ran a neighborhood café in St. Petersburg, Florida, and hosted a community arts radio program for many years.
