In a home swap, two parties swap their homes for an agreed period – free of charge and on an equal footing. On FreeHomeSwap.com, you can list your apartment, house or holiday apartment – a service that has been running for over 25 years (the predecessor site has been online since June 2000) – find suitable swap partners and arrange all the details directly with one another. Here you can find out, step by step, how a swap works and what you should bear in mind.
7 steps to a home swap
- Register for free: Create an account on FreeHomeSwap.com – it only takes a few minutes.
- Swap offer: Describe your home with clear photos, details of the rooms, sleeping arrangements and facilities. The more complete the information, the better.
- Specify your swap wishes: Where would you like to travel to, during which period, and how (simultaneously or at different times)? This is the most important information for potential partners.
- Search for suitable listings: Browse by country and region, on the map or using the advanced search – for example, to find listings where pets are allowed.
- Get in touch: Contact potential swap partners directly via the contact form on their listing. Introduce yourself and your home briefly.
- Get to know each other and make arrangements: Have a phone call or a video chat, exchange photos and put all agreements in writing.
- Handover and enjoying your holiday: key handover, property information, emergency contacts – then it’s time to enjoy your holiday just like a local. And afterwards, other members will appreciate your review.
Checklist for your exchange agreement
Before the swap, set everything out in writing – a short email is often enough:
- Dates, arrival and departure times, and number of people
- Key handover (in person, via neighbours, key box)
- Pets and plants: What needs looking after, and what is allowed?
- Utility costs such as electricity, heating and internet – as a rule, everyone pays their own
- Cleaning on departure and bed linen/towels
- Use of a car, bicycles or the garden (if agreed)
- Contact and emergency numbers, information on heating, rubbish and neighbours
- Procedure in the event of damage or cancellation
Tips for a successful swap offer
- Bright, up-to-date photos of all rooms and the surrounding area
- Honest description – mention even minor details such as stairs or street noise
- Clear swap wishes with holiday destinations and dates
- Describe the local area: What makes your location interesting for guests?
- Reply quickly when you receive a message
Frequently asked questions about home swaps
Posting of a swap offer is free of charge; there are no membership fees – this has been the case since the exchange platform was launched in 2000. Those wishing to attract more attention can optionally choose a paid ‘TOP’ listing. As a rule, no money changes hands between the swap partners for the exchange itself.
Search for listings in your preferred region using the location overview, the map or the advanced search. Pay attention to the other party’s swap wishes: where do they want to travel to and when? The better your preferences and timeframes match, the greater the chance of a successful exchange. A comprehensive listing of your own, complete with photos and clear swap wishes, significantly increases your chances.
No. As well as simultaneous exchanges, where both parties go away at the same time, staggered exchanges are also possible – particularly for holiday apartments and second homes. In this case, each party stays at the other’s property at a different time.
When doing a home swap, both parties entrust their homes to one another – this creates a special sense of commitment. Get to know your swap partner well in advance, for example by telephone or video call, exchange photos and contact details, and set out all arrangements in writing. FreeHomeSwap.com facilitates the contact; the swap partners make the agreement themselves and on their own responsibility.
Before the swap, check your home contents and third-party liability insurance and, if in doubt, inform your insurer that guests will be using your apartment. It is best to lock away valuables and important documents. These notes are not a substitute for professional advice – please clarify any details directly with your insurer.
If you are renting, you should obtain your landlord’s consent beforehand, as letting a third party use your apartment usually requires permission. A brief conversation or a written enquiry will clarify the situation.
Yes, many swap partners are pet-friendly. You can see in the listings whether pets are allowed and can search specifically for this. Sometimes, looking after a pet or watering the plants is even part of the arrangement – do discuss this openly.
This is possible and is occasionally agreed upon. In such cases, be sure to check with your motor insurance provider whether other drivers are covered, and set out the rules regarding fuel levels, mileage and damage in writing.
Discuss at the time of making the arrangement how to proceed in the event of a cancellation – for example, whether to look for an alternative date. Allow for a bit of leeway and stay in touch right up until your trip. Open and timely communication is absolutely essential when doing a home swap.
Yes. Once you have registered, you can edit your listing at any time, replace photos, adjust your swap wishes or remove the listing.
Any questions? Please email us at info@fewo-tausch.de. You can find out more about the history of the exchange platform since 2000 on the About Us page.