Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know my home will be safe?

This is the single most frequently asked question. Home exchanging is fundamentally a trust-based arrangement and as such tends to attract trustworthy, decent, honest people. Your home is much less likely to be burgled when occupied by exchangers than when left empty. In over fifty years of exchanging we have had very few instances of damage and no reports of theft. The tiny number of complaints that we do receive are to do with "housekeeping standards," at the home being visited. Even in these rare situations exchangers return to find their own home just as they left it. While you are setting up your exchange you will get to know the other family. You also know the other exchanger's profession and have a good idea of the home involved before you make your first contact.

Who pays the bills?

Pay your mortgage and utilities as you normally would and agree beforehand who should pay extraordinary expenses such as long distance telephone calls. If a car-exchange is involved you should discuss who pays for minor or major damage.

Who exchanges homes?

Most of our members are professionals - doctors, engineers, teachers, business executives, retirees etc. In general, they are in an upper income bracket, well educated and are experienced travellers. They are also very proud of their homes, which is why they're not too embarrassed to let others enjoy their home whilst they're away.

What about home insurance?

Most home insurance policies will cover home exchangers but you must contact your provider before you exchange to inform them of your plans, as some companies may alter the level of cover or excess payments during their stay.

Would someone want to visit my area?

The UK is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the world, and there is never a shortage of overseas exchangers trying to find an exchange partner here. Although the popular tourist areas are often sought after by overseas members, most seem to be seeking to experience the 'real UK'. Many will already have visited the most popular places on previous visits.

Do you cater for large families?

Yes. You can search for homes suitable for larger families, by going to the Advanced Search section of the website (Go to View Homes, click on Search, then on Advanced Search). At the bottom of the page, there is a box for "home should sleep at least ? persons". Enter the appropriate number of people and view matching homes.

What if I want to list a second home?

Having a second home can open up your options enormously as you do not need to match dates and destinations with your exchange partner. A non-simultaneous exchange (NSX) is when exchange partners visit each other's homes at different times. There is a facility to add a second home on our on-line application form. Alternatively you can print out another copy of the paper form and send it in to us. Complete the form using the postal address of your primary residence on both forms. Also make sure that you insert the postcode of the second home as this allows me to locate the home in the correct region of the country.

Is there still time to arrange an exchange?

New members are joining every day, and many arrange an exchange within a couple of weeks. Just browse the '48 hour Hot List' and you will see how many 'new' listings there were in the last two days. The most successful exchangers are those who are proactive and send many invitations. The more flexible your plans, the greater your opportunities. Generally speaking, short-haul trips are planned 3-6 months in advance with long-haul trips being planned 6-9 months ahead or more.

How long will my membership last?

You can take out a 1, 2 or 3 year membership. Your listing will be displayed on our website for the duration of your membership and will be automatically deactivated on the day it expires.

How late can I make changes to or corrections in my listing?

You have full editing rights to your on-line listing and so you can make changes as often as you like.

Do I have to live in a tourist destination?

No. Members live throughout the countries listed. In big cities, rural areas, mountains, and, yes, resort areas too.

Are the homes modest or expensive?

The range of homes is large. Our members tend to be professionals and the type of home is what you would expect from this group. You can get a good idea of the types of homes available by browsing our online database.

I live in an apartment. Can I exchange it?

Yes. Many members in large cities live in apartments. We make no distinction between apartments, condominiums, etc.

Can renters use your service?

Sometimes, you will need to check this with your landlord.

What about car insurance?

You will need to get your exchange partner added to your policy for the duration of the exchange. If your current policy will not allow additional drivers, then get in touch and we will let you know which companies will accommodate your needs.