How do I know my home will be safe?
This is the single most-asked question. The simple answer is you don't. However, your home will be much safer when occupied by exchangers than if left empty. Home insurance companies know this, as do the police. In over forty years of exchanging we have had very few instances of damage and no reports of theft. Most problems are at the level of, "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, etc.- business executives, and retirees. 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?
In general, most home insurance policies covers home exchangers. After all, they're your guests, and it's really no different from having friends or relations stay in your home whilst you're away on holiday. Most insurance companies say they would much prefer you to have exchangers looking after your home rather than going off on holiday and leaving it empty.
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.
What if I want to list a second home?
Phone us and we'll send a second form to you immediately. Alternatively, make a photocopy of the subscription form and fill it out using the postal address of your primary residence on both forms. Be sure to insert the postcode of the second home. This will locate the home in the correct part of the country. It is sometimes helpful to list one home under your spouse's name to help identify which home members are interested in exchanging.
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. Prepare a letter describing your home, its environment, local attractions, your family, and other information. Get 20 or so copies made and send them out to prospective exchangers as soon as you get on line to our database or when the books arrive. Consider contacting members by email or by phone.
How long will my membership last?
Membership is for a full 12 month period. This means that your listing (and photo if included) is displayed on our website for 12 months. Actually, most listings are displayed for a week or so over the 12 months whilst the members renew their membership for the following year.
How many directories are published?
We publish two directories a year. For details, see our on-line schedule.
How late can I make changes to or corrections in my listing?
We can change your directory listing anytime up until the printing deadline; these deadlines are published in Members' Area. You can change your on-line listing anytime you wish. The facility for editing your own listing is provided to members.
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 on–line 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?
Yes, but you probably need to check this with your landlord. In most cases, the landlord will be happy that the home is not being left empty during your holiday.
What about car insurance?
If your policy allows you to add a named driver, and doesn't specifically exclude foreign drivers, you should have no problem. Some of the cut-price policies exclude drivers who don't hold a valid UK driving licence, in which case you should consider changing to a better policy. In all cases, however, you should check with your insurance provider (and by reference to your policy documents) that the exchange driver will be covered.

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