Photograph by Anna Schori

House swap, anyone?

Whether you’re planning a family holiday or perhaps you’re a have-laptop-can-travel freelancer who fancies a spell in a new destination, exchanging your home for someone else’s could prove the adventure of a lifetime. Or allow you to stay somewhere special with barely any pricetag. A couple of years ago I shared my tale of how we traded our Kensal Green terraced house for a Brooklyn apartment with The Observer.

We’re thinking of doing it again, and this time we’d enlist Luxe Home Swap. Register online for a £99 fee, then upload pictures of your stylish home. Find a property you’d like to swap with, contact the owners through their secure messaging system. And hopefully – bon voyage! And if you are someone who really loves hotels, the great thing about a house swap is that holidaying this way saves you loads of cash to lavish on a night or two in fancy pad either as a mini-break within your trip of for a weekend away somewhere else!

Paris apartment with Luxe Home Swap

Trade like for like. A studio in Swansea won’t equal a sea-view villa in St Tropez. And swapping Mayfair for Manhattan may work last-minute, but the more remote your location, the further ahead you should plan.
Decide dates with your swappers before booking flights.
Show photos galore. Don’t make like an estate agent: manage expectations honestly and if anything undersell, overdeliver.
Leave it spotless. A clash of cleanliness is one of the biggest causes for disappointment. Empty the fridge, declutter surfaces, provide cupboard space, leave bathrooms sparkling, and insist on the same.
Leave a house manual. Include local tips, including the nearest chemist, eating and drinking highlights, transport connections.
Have kids? Match a household with similar-aged children; if you have a baby, a cot, changing table, steriliser, etc, in situ makes life easier.
Check your insurance. The issue is usually how long you’re away rather than who’s in your house.
Research plan-B. Glass-half-emptiers might feel comfortable having contingency arrangements in case of a problem with the property.
Meet the neighbours. Ask your swappers who’s friendliest – especially helpful in emergencies. Then say hi as soon as you get there.
Walk/use public transport. Hightailing it around your new city on a bus or train pass rather than gas-guzzling taxis is cheaper, more eco, and better for soaking up local culture.

Tips originally compiled for Red magazine.