Learn More About House Swapping

What is house swapping all about?

House swapping is exchanging your home with another house swapper for an agreed period of time. It is as simple as that! For over fifty years people all over the world have been taking advantage of the many benefits house swapping has to offer. Usually house swapping entails exchanging a house, unit, holiday house/unit, or even something unique like a houseboat.

What about letting strangers into my house?

Many first time house swappers feel wary about the idea to start with, and this is understandable. However there are over two hundred thousand successful house swaps happening each year worldwide. Generally you find that other house swappers are people like yourself, who are after an interesting holiday in another location without paying expensive accommodation fees. Remember that you not only swap houses but mutual concerns for each others property. It is a relationship of two way trust and respect.

Usually people swap with compatible counterparts i.e. if you have children you may choose to swap with a similar sized family, seniors may choose to swap with other seniors, a couple may choose to swap with another couple etc. Remember that it is entirely up to you who you swap with, and clear communication beforehand (including checking references) will ensure that your needs are met.

Who house swaps?

Mostly people like yourself! Of course house swappers come from all walks of life, seniors, families, couples, singles. From our experience the average profile of a house swapper is a well-educated, adventurous and open-hearted person who wants to expand their experiences in a different location. Regular house swappers are savvy people as they take advantage of the many benefits (both financial and otherwise) that house swapping offers.

What about swapping if you have young children or babies?

House swapping is perfect for families. Gone are the days of overloading your car with cumbersome baby accessories! You are able to swap houses with another young family and use each others baby or child items. Just think how much easier your traveling would be without worrying about packing cots, highchairs, bikes, etc.

What about pets, gardens and cars?

This is entirely up to you and your 'swappee'. Some people are often happy to mind a dog, a cat, a canary, etc, or water plants. Others might prefer not to, and in this case you would need to make other arrangements. Again, clear communication beforehand is essential, so that each party knows exactly what is expected of them. Just keep in mind your house swapper is on holiday as well, and taking care of pets and gardens may not be their idea of relaxing.

Some people find it convenient to swap cars if they are flying to their destination. With Australia's budget domestic airfares this becomes an affordable option. Again, this is a personal choice as hire cars and public transport are mostly available.

How do people choose where to go?

Sometimes city people long to get away for peace and quiet in the country, where others are keen for a week of theatre, restaurants, and city life. Festivals and sporting events may be another attraction for some, where others might just be happy with a change of scenery. Beach, bush, sports, snow, music, arts, restaurants, shopping and siteseeing all dictate where you might choose to have a different sort of holiday. You simply might choose somewhere because you've never been to that area before.

A Quick Guide to your First House Swap!

Step 1: Register with Aussie House Swap

-Fill out the online form. Once payment has cleared you will receive your confirmation email with username & password and login info.

Step 2: Send up to five (5) photos of your house (optional but encouraged)

-With our easy 'upload photos' page (preferred) OR

-With digital camera via email OR

-On film through the post

Step 3: Contact other house swap members

-The more members you contact the greater chance you have of finding a house swapping partner.

Step 4: Organise the swap

-Email and/ or phone each other and organise your house swap.

YOU ARE NOW READY TO ENJOY THE THRILLING WORLD OF HOUSE SWAP HOLIDAYS!!