Frequently asked questions
How much is Home Swap Vacation membership?
Membership to Home Swap Vacations is FREE!
Membership allows you to list your property details, add photos, contact other members to arrange a swap and receive help and support from Home Swap Vacations.
How many home swaps can I do?
Members can arrange and participate in as many home swaps as they like. We understand that we have members in all stages of their lives and some have more time available to travel. With this in mind we encourage our members to swap as often as they feel comfortable, whether it be once a year or once a month.
How long does it take to arrange a swap with another member?
Usually a home swap will take a few weeks to arrange so that both parties can decide and discuss the details, wants and needs from each swap. Home swaps in our "Last Minute Swap" posting area are usually for swaps a couple of weeks out. These members are often experienced home swappers looking for a getaway almost anywhere.
Do we have to swap at the same time?
No, although most people will arrange to swap at the same time. If your timeframes don't match up you can try to arrange for a member to stay at your home while you stay with family or friends.
Can I swap my small unit for a large house?
Yes, most people are looking for a destination, not a particular house. Of course people will need your place to accommodate the number in their party, but they will usually spend most of the time out and about.
What if I live in a place that to me does not seem desirable?
What seems undesirable to you may seem like the perfect vacation destination to someone else. Often when living in a particular area for a while, you may start to take for granted how different some of the nearby attractions and change of scenery may be. You would be surprised you would want to come to your home.
What about the security of our home during a home swap?
While it is common to be a little anxious about your home during your first home swap, you need to keep in mind that you are also staying in someone's home. Your swap partners will probably have the same feelings about their own home. When participating in a swap members go by "Respect my property and I will respect yours". If you have any valuables you do not feel comfortable about leaving while you are gone, ask friends or family to leave them at their place and watch over them for you.
If you have an alarm, security gate/door, or a doorman you should work out the details with your swap partners. Be sure to let you swap partners know how to work any alarm systems (or what not to touch) and let any doormen or front desk attendants know someone else will be staying at your place.
You may also have a friend of family member drive by or stop in to see if your swap partners need anything and take a peek at your home if it makes you feel more comfortable.
Who house swaps?
People in all stages and all ages of their lives participate in home swaps. Singles, couples, small families, large families and people just like YOU.
Can I swap something other than a house or apartment?
Yes, if you have an RV, boat, caravan etc we also encourage you to list it to swap. Some people may be looking to spend a week or two driving or sailing around rather than staying in a home.
What about letting strangers into my house?
We encourage all of our members to speak to their swap partners over the phone at some point as well as exchange copies of your drivers license and insurance if you are including the use of a vehicle.
Can I house swap if I'm only renting?
Yes, but you must have it cleared through your landlord first.
What about swapping if you have young children or babies?
We encourage members with small children and babies to participate in home swapping just as much as the next family. Members are able to list if they have children/baby facilities in their home available for use. The details of usage would need to be worked out between swapping parties.
What about home swapping if I'm in a wheelchair?
Home Swap Vacations uniquely offers members to be able to list their home as wheelchair accessible or not, making the traveling for wheelchair bound members easier.
What about pets and outdoor areas?
It is up to the parties involved if they would like their swap partners to care for their pet/s. Please keep in mind that it may deter some people from swapping if they need to be on a tight schedule to care for your pets. In some cases members welcome having a new or different pet around to enjoy their company.
Can I swap my vehicle?
Yes, you can swap a vehicle along with your home. We recommend getting a copy of your swap partners drivers license and insurance before handing over the keys. You may also want to contact your own insurance company to ask about adding another driver for that period or the coverage if they were to have an accident. Being upfront with your partners about what to expect in case of an accident will keep everyone on the same page.
Can I pull out from a house swap once I've committed?
As you know when traveling there is more than just accommodation costs involved. Do not commit to booking flights etc. until you have worked out an agreement with your partners. Just remember that your swap partners are investing just as much to make your swap happen.
Do you recommend using a house swapping and car swapping agreement?
Yes, using an agreement can prevent potential problems. The agreement allows both parties to state what is expected and the terms of the home swap then sign it. Home Swap Vacations offers a home swapping agreement that can be changed to suit the needs of your swap. (these are not a legal documents and should be used as outlines only).
Download Home Swap Agreement
Download Car Swap Agreement
Who pays the bills?
Usually the home owner will continue to pay electricity, water, phone, cable, internet etc anything that is running at the home. It is up to the swap partners to decide upon details of phone, internet or other usages. Be clear who will pay for what before you commit to a swap.
What can I use in the home?
Members participating in a home swap are usually allowing you use of anything in their home, within reason. If there are thing you like undisturbed or prefer not to be used, please remove them from the home or notify your swap partners.
Should I reply to all swap email enquiries I get even if the swap doesn't suit?
Yes, we encourage you to reply to any swap enquiries you may receive. You do not need to initiate a swap, but let the other member know you are unavailable at that time or their swap may not suit your needs. You never know if dates may work out in the future and making a home swap friend can always come in handy.
How do I update my home swap listing or change personal details?
By logging in, you have access to your update or change your listing or personal details.
Should I add photos?
Yes, by adding photos other members can really see what you are describing and what to expect if they were to arrange a home swap. The photos alone may grab a members attention.
How many photos can I add?
A limit of 7 photos is allowed for each member. Members may exchange more photos when arranging a swap if needed.
Do you send out membership renewal reminders?
Yes, two months before your membership is about to expire you will receive a renewal reminder. You will need to renew your membership before the expiry date to retain your listing details and photos. If renewing after the expiry date, you may need to create a new listing with photos.
How soon should I expect an email reply from Home Swap Vacations?
We try to email you back as soon as possible within 1 or 2 business days. Some questions may need to be passed on to our tech team, in which case as soon as they can give us information we will pass it on.
Do you get people wanting long term house swaps?
Yes, some people may be looking to swap for up to 6 months or more, if they need to move for work or to visit family etc.
How do I find a particular member's listing?
After finding a listing that you are interested in, you should record the listing id number which can then be searched again when you next return to the site.
How long does it take before I can contact other swap members?
As soon as you become a member and create a listing for your own home you may contact other members to arrange swaps.
Can other members see my email address?
No, your email address will be kept private.
How do I contact fellow members?
When you find a listing that you are interested in, click on "Contact Member" on their listing page to be taken to a contact page where you can compose a message.
Can you explain the 'Notice Board & Last Minute Swaps' section?
The Notice Board section is an area where members can place messages or questions for other members to read and respond to. We also encourage members to list any travel tips they may come across (e.g. Jetstar airlines is have a 'Bring a friend for $1 sale next week, or Eurail Passes are half price for the month of July.
Members may also use the notice board to help them find the home exchange they are looking for a specific particular kind of home exchange, specific dates, or have specific needs (e.g. wheelchair accessible, baby facilities)
Home Swap Vacations encourages new members to ask any swapping questions they have that experienced swapper may be able to answer. Giving swap advice or sharing swap stories is also a great way to make new members to the home swap community feel comfortable.
The Last Minute Swap section is for members to list their wants or needs for a swap only a few weeks out. Maybe you decide that the coming long weekend would be the perfect time to get away for a few nights and would like to arrange something quickly. Last Minute Swaps allows other members to see your listing and dates you want quickly so a swap can be arranged.
I'm a visitor to the website can I use the 'Notice Board & Last Minute Swap' areas?
Visitors are able to read postings, but are not able to respond or create their own postings. To create a posting or respond you must first become a member.
Are there any rules for posting a message on the notice board?
Home Swap Vacations asks that you never add personal details such as your full name, phone number or email address within your message. We recommend you mention your listing ID# so members can check out your listing if needed.
How do I add a link to my house profile to a message or email?
To add a link of your listing to an email, go to Home Swap Vacations and login. Once you find your listing, highlight and copy (Ctrl + C) the address in the toolbar above. Open your email, click where you want to add the link and paste (Ctrl + V). A link to your listing has been added.