How to house swapWhere to start?
Your home could hold the key to a destination abroad - or even in the UK.
Fancy a week in a villa in St Tropez, or a houseboat in the Netherlands, but can't afford peak season prices charged by holiday companies? Then home exchange may be for you.
The idea of this scheme is that two households who have never met stay in each other's homes at the same time - for free.
The major costs involved will be getting to your destination and the home exchange agency fee, the latter being around £30 to £115 per year for as many exchanges as you want, or have the energy to organise.
You can do it without using the internet (dealing with the agency by post), but really it's better to have access to a computer to get your home up on the exchange website. You'll also need to get in touch or respond speedily to potential exchangers.
Tips for a successful swap
- Don't hype up your property or location. Be as realistic as possible and get to know your exchange partners as well as you can before you reach an agreement.
- Write a holiday agreement. Make it as specific as possible, deciding who pays for accidental damage and utility bills.
- De-clutter your home. Provide clean linen, empty drawers and wardrobe space and put any precious possessions away.
- Appoint a neighbour or friend as a contact As well as answering questions from your exchange guests, they can keep an eye on things and be an emergency contact.
- Provide manuals for household appliances. Also remember alarm or heating settings.
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