Looking for a unique way to travel without breaking the bank? Home exchange and home swap platforms might be the perfect solution for you.
These websites allow you to swap your house with someone else, giving you a place to stay while experiencing a new location.
Here are six of the best home exchange platforms you should consider for your next adventure.
Key Takeaways
- HomeExchange has over 400,000 homes in 187 countries, making it easy to find a swap anywhere.
- Love Home Swap offers a 14-day free trial and has properties in more than 160 countries.
- People Like Us focuses on building a community, making it a friendly option for home swapping.
- Kindred is well-known for its user-friendly interface and excellent customer service.
- HomeLink is one of the oldest home exchange platforms and has representatives in 27 countries.
HomeExchange
HomeExchange is a top player in the home swapping market, featuring over 400,000 homes in 187 countries. The platform is user-friendly, much like Airbnb, making it easy to find the information you need.
Joining is simple: create a profile, list your favorite destinations, and add details and photos of your home.
HomeExchange offers two types of swaps:
- Reciprocal Exchange: Swap homes with another member, either at the same time or on different dates.
- GuestPoints System: Earn points by hosting members or referring others. Use these points to stay in other members' homes.
HomeExchange is the only vacation home-swapping website we used firsthand on the list. Not because the others aren’t worth it, we just had such a great experience with HomeExchange that we have less incentive to try something new.
Membership costs $150 per year, with a free second year if you don't arrange a swap in the first year. This makes it a risk-free option for those new to home swapping.
In 2023, HomeExchange acquired Love Swap Home, which was featured in a prior version of this article.
Swaphouse
Swaphouse is a unique home exchange platform tailored specifically for remote workers and digital nomads. The platform operates on a match-based system, making it easy to connect with like-minded travelers.
The platform stands out by focusing exclusively on remote work-friendly homes. Each listing must include:
- Reliable Wi-Fi (with verified speeds)
- Dedicated workspace
- Essential amenities for extended stays
What sets Swaphouse apart is its completely free model - there are no membership fees or hidden costs. This makes it particularly attractive for digital nomads looking to minimize travel expenses.
💰 Cost: Free
🏠 Availability: 65+ countries
🤝 Types of Exchanges: Traditional home swaps
What We Love About Swaphouse:
- Intuitive match-based system (similar to dating apps)
- Verified Wi-Fi speeds for each property
- Focus on remote work essentials
- No membership fees or costs
The platform uses a simple matching system where users can "heart" properties they're interested in. When both parties express interest, they can connect to arrange the swap. This approach helps ensure both parties are equally committed to the exchange.
While Swaphouse may have fewer listings than some larger platforms, its niche focus on remote workers makes it an excellent choice for digital nomads and location-independent professionals looking to explore new destinations while maintaining their work routine.
People Like Us
People Like Us is a home exchange platform that brings together a community of travel enthusiasts. The platform was created by Drew, who combined his love for travel, software development, and language learning to build a network of like-minded individuals.
The platform offers both reciprocal and non-reciprocal exchanges, making it flexible for different needs.
💰 Cost: Membership costs $95 per year or $225 for a 3-year membership, which includes a Globe. A Globe allows you to do a non-reciprocal exchange.
🤝 Types of Exchanges: You can choose between reciprocal exchanges or non-reciprocal exchanges using Globes.
❤️ What We Love: The platform has a very engaged Facebook community, making it easy to find home swapping opportunities. They also have a partnership with the Worldschooling community, making it ideal for families interested in world schooling.
Though we haven’t secured an exchange yet through the People Like Us website, this seems like an excellent option. And it’s possible to register as a TRIAL member to get an idea before paying for the membership.
Kindred
Kindred is a new home swapping platform that started in 2021. It quickly gained traction in North America and Europe, boasting over 3,000 members and a waitlist of more than 45,000 people.
Every single profile on Kindred is analyzed by a team member and manually approved. This ensures a high level of trust and quality among its users.
Kindred operates differently from other home exchange platforms. It provides a concierge service to help you book trips and coordinate with members.
This is especially useful if you live in a trendy area and receive multiple home-swapping requests each week. The team handles the initial discussions to ensure serious and compatible requests.
On Kindred, homes are vetted and professionally photographed, so you know that what you see accurately represents what you'll get.
What We Love About Kindred
- No need to worry about cleaning; it's taken care of.
- Only primary houses can be added, keeping the home exchange feeling alive.
- All homes are well-loved and offer a feel-like homestay.
What We Don't Like About Kindred
- It's more expensive than other platforms, costing $35 per night (max) or $600 for a yearly membership, plus cleaning fees.
Type of Exchanges
- Reciprocal exchanges
- Kindred credit exchanges (1 credit = 1 night)
HomeLink
HomeLink is one of the original home swapping companies, having started in 1953. This platform offers a free 30-day trial to help you get comfortable with the website and its services.
During this trial, you can browse through listings and contact members.
After the trial, there is an annual fee if you decide to continue. The pricing depends on your chosen plan:
| Plan | Duration | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| International | 12 months | $99 |
| USA only | 12 months | $55 |
| International | 24 months | $158 |
| USA only | 24 months | $88 |
HomeLink focuses on conventional home exchange, where members swap homes at the same time. This platform has a long history and a simple approach that has stood the test of time.
HomeLink has been around since 1953, proving that house swapping existed well before the internet.
There are a few disadvantages worth noting, however. This platform:
- Has an annual fee after the free trial.
- Only offers annual memberships.
- May not have as many listings as newer platforms.
Despite these drawbacks, many families have had amazing experiences with HomeLink, finding the process smooth and straightforward.
Intervac: A Pioneer in Home Exchange
Intervac stands among the longest-running home exchange platforms, sharing HomeLink's 1953 founding date. With over 30,000 member families across the globe, Intervac has maintained its relevance by combining traditional home exchange principles with modern travel needs.
Exchange Options
Intervac distinguishes itself by offering three distinct service types:
- Traditional Home Exchange - Direct reciprocal swaps between members
- Hospitality Exchange - Bed & breakfast stays with local members
- Member-to-Member Rentals - Reduced-rate vacation rentals within the community
Platform Features
The platform maintains a user-friendly interface that emphasizes discovery and connection:
- Interactive map search for visual destination browsing
- Detailed home profiles with virtual tours
- Integrated messaging system
- Exchange agreement templates
- Last-minute exchange opportunities
- Mobile-optimized website
Membership Structure
Intervac offers straightforward membership options:
| Duration | Cost (USD) | Features |
|---|---|---|
| One Year | $115 | Full platform access |
| Two Years | $195 | 15% savings + extended planning |
All memberships include:
- Unlimited exchanges
- Access to all three service types
- Exchange insurance options
- 24/7 customer support
- Verified member profiles
Unique Benefits
What sets Intervac apart is its hybrid approach to home exchange:
- Flexibility to combine exchange types within one trip
- Strong European member base
- Local representatives in major countries
- Long-standing community with experienced exchangers
- Option to host or be hosted for shorter stays
While the platform may not boast the largest membership numbers, Intervac's established community and versatile exchange options make it particularly attractive for travelers seeking authentic local experiences with the security of a time-tested platform.
In conclusion, home exchange platforms offer a unique and budget-friendly way to travel. By swapping homes, you can experience new places like a local and save money on accommodation.
Each platform has its own features and benefits, so it's important to choose the one that best fits your needs. Whether you're looking for a luxury swap or a family-friendly exchange, there's a site out there for you.
Happy swapping and safe travels!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is home swapping?
Home swapping is when you trade homes with someone else for a vacation. You stay in their home, and they stay in yours.
How do I join a home exchange site?
To join, you usually create a profile, list your favorite destinations, and add info and pictures of your home.
Is home swapping safe?
Yes, most sites have safety measures like user reviews and verification processes to ensure trust.
Do I have to pay to use home exchange sites?
Some sites charge a membership fee, while others might offer free trials or charge per swap.
Can I swap homes internationally?
Absolutely! Many home exchange sites have listings in countries all over the world.
What if something gets damaged in my home?
Many home exchange sites offer insurance options or guarantees to cover potential damages.
How long can I stay in someone else's home?
The length of stay is usually agreed upon by both parties. It can range from a weekend to several months.
Do I need to clean my home before swapping?
Yes, it's good manners to clean your home before your guests arrive. Some people even hire cleaning services.
