Best website for house swapping? my homeexchange review

Accommodation will always be one of your biggest travel expenses…but what if it wasn’t? What if you could reduce your housing costs to zero while still enjoying the comforts of home?

That’s what home swapping promises.

Exchange of houses has been happening for decades. This was the entire basis for the movie The Holiday (starring Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet). They became very popular but were then soon eclipsed by sites like Airbnb.

But as travel prices skyrocketed post-Covid, more and more people have turned to home swapping as a means to save money while also getting a local experience while they travel ( But without the hassle of AirBnB).

Home swaps are exactly what they sound like. You sign up, list your home, and then swap it with someone else in another city. They should be in your place and you should be in their place.

The largest and most popular platform for swaps is homeexchange,

And, in this post, I’ll discuss everything you need to know to get started with home swapping and help you decide if HomeExchange is right for you.

What is HomeExchange?

Founded in 1992, HomeExchange is a network that facilitates the exchange of homes with another person or family. The company actually started out as a mail-ordered printed directory before going online. Today, there are more than 200,000 members in more than 155 countries. It is the largest and most popular house swap platform.

Currently, unlimited swaps cost $220 USD per year.

It is also easy to use. All you need to do is create a free account, fill out your profile (including lots of photos and a detailed description of your home), verify your identity, and pay the fee.

Once you’ve done this, you’re ready to start looking for exchange opportunities.

You can find home exchange opportunities simply by browsing the website (there’s a handy map function so you can see where the opportunities are) or by narrowing your search using the website’s filters. You can filter by number of bedrooms, if it’s pet friendly, accessibility and amenities (like swimming pool).

When you find a home you’re interested in, all you have to do is contact us through HomeExchange’s secure messaging system, express your interest and let the conversation begin.

There are two types of exchanges: what HomeExchange calls a “classic exchange” and an “exchange with guestpoints”.

Classic Exchange
When you think of a home exchange, the classic exchange is probably what you think of: you live in someone’s home, and in return, they live in yours. This can happen at the same time or at different times, but the main thing is that it is mutual.

But what if you want to stay at someone’s house and they aren’t interested in having you over? This is where GuestPoint (GP) comes in.

What is Guestpoint?
GuestPoint (GP) is HomeExchange’s points system. You will get 500 on signing up and you will earn more by hosting members at your home.

If you want to live in a place that doesn’t want to do the classic exchange, you can let them have a GP live in your house. They can then use those points to stay at someone else’s house.

The number of points required varies per stay, but is typically between 100-320 GP per night. This means that with your bonus welcome points you will be able to try out the platform right away!

Is HomeExchange safe?

It can feel strange to live in a stranger’s house. I understood. But it is very safe to use HomeExchange. Like sites like Airbnb, users have to verify their identity and submit proof of address and create a profile, so you can see photos of where you’re staying before you go.

Additionally, you will be required to deposit $500 USD when you book a home. This means that if something accidentally breaks in the house you’re renting, the homeowner can use that deposit to recover the costs. HomeExchange also includes damage coverage up to $1,000,000 USD, meaning you really don’t have to worry about damage caused to your home.

Additionally, HomeExchange has a Compliance Guarantee which states that if the accommodation does not meet the initial home description, they will offer an alternative solution.

Plus, if your swap is canceled at the last minute, HomeExchange will provide compensation up to $840 USD/week if you can’t find a replacement.

But perhaps most importantly, every guest on HomeExchange is also a host. This fills the system with mutual respect and trust. Members treat homes the way they would want their own home, ensuring the community remains respectful and considerate.

So, in short, it is a safe platform that you can use with confidence. They also have 24/7 support available if you have any questions or any problems or emergencies arise.

What I liked about HomeExchange

For me, the main attraction of using homeexchange The point is that it lets you live like a local. It’s like a mix between Airbnb and Couchsurfing. Homeowners can share their favorite things to see and do, give you personal recommendations about where to eat, and more. You’re able to get all kinds of insider tips and advice that you wouldn’t otherwise get, and I think it’s important to get off the beaten track and deepen your journey.

Another big plus is their private Facebook group. This is another great way to connect with fellow travelers and get travel tips and advice that you won’t find anywhere else. I’m a big fan of travel Facebook groups because you can really get lots of great tips and information from them.

Plus, if you don’t get a swap in your first year, HomeExchange waives the fee for the second year. This is a nice bonus and I think new members who don’t travel much will really appreciate it.

Plus, I also like that there are homes available in 155 different countries and there are over 200,000 members so you get a lot of options. There is 24/7 customer support available and if your swap gets cancelled, they will help you out financially so you aren’t left in the lurch and stuck in a new city!

FAQs about Home Exchange

Can I do a home exchange if I rent out my place (not own)?
Yes! You simply need to verify the guest policy in your rental agreement/lease. When in doubt, tell your landlord so there are no surprises.

Can I do a home exchange if I have pets?
Yes! Just be sure to list your pet and their needs in your profile. If you have pets that will be staying at the home, make sure you explain their needs in detail and communicate clearly with the member who is living there. If you live with pets but they are traveling with you, you will still want to list their presence in case of allergies. If you want to travel somewhere and stay with your pet in another member’s home, you will again need to be clear about this when arranging a possible exchange.

Can I host people in my spare room as an exchange?
Yes. Just be sure to indicate that this is the case in your listing by selecting “Private Room” instead of “Entire Unit.” Also, communicate clearly when arranging the exchange so everyone knows what they’re signing up for!

Is there a minimum number of nights required for exchange?
There is no minimum number of nights sitewide, although you’ll find that many hosts set their own minimum number of nights (usually 3-7 days). However, if you are traveling for an exchange, you will probably find that you will want to stay at least that long!

,homeexchange It is a great platform for those who want the amenities and facilities of a private home on a budget in a local neighbourhood. Additionally, it is a great way to connect with family. I think sharing a home creates a sense of closeness and you may even make some friends through it. It’s like adult Couchsurfing and I made a lot of friends when I used it.

It’s a great platform that can help you find more unique, affordable trips and also connect you with interesting locals who can share their tips and insider advice.