Long-Term Home Swaps on Swaphouse: Live Like a Local (for Real!)
Ever thought about swapping homes for more than just a quick getaway? You're not the only one! More and more Swaphouse users are looking for long-term swaps (think three months, six months, or even a year). Here's everything you need to know to make it happen.
Long-term swaps are totally possible on Swaphouse! Whether you want to spend three months working from the coast of Portugal or a full year living your best local life in Berlin, it's simple, free, and seriously fun.
Most home swaps on Swaphouse last around two to three weeks, but lately, we've seen a growing interest from our community in going for longer. More and more remote workers, slow travelers, and curious explorers want to truly settle in somewhere new, not just visit for a short stay.
So, what exactly counts as "long-term"? It's different for everyone, though on Swaphouse we generally see it as three months or more. Some adventurous swappers stay for six months, nine months, or even over a year. Think of it as pressing play on your everyday life in a brand-new setting: the perfect way to live like a local rather than just visit like a tourist.
In this article, we'll walk you through:
- 👉 Who are long-term swappers? - The types of people who love extended swaps
- 👉 Why long-term swaps are so great - The key benefits of staying longer
- 👉 How availability works on Swaphouse - Setting up your long-term availability
- 👉 See availability and filter matches - Finding the perfect long-term swap
- 👉 Frequently Asked Questions - Common questions about long-term swaps
Who Are Long-Term Swappers?
Long-term swaps attract all kinds of people. You might recognize yourself in one of these types:
- Remote workers who want to set up their home office somewhere new for a few months.
- Professionals temporarily relocating for a work project.
- Slow travelers who prefer to take their time, exploring one destination in depth.
- Expats visiting family or taking an extended break back "home."
- Students studying abroad or doing an internship.
- Sunseekers (or snow chasers) escaping the cold or the heat for a better climate.
- Curious movers trying out a new destination before making the big move.
Basically, if you want to swap your scenery for a while, you're a perfect fit.
Why Long-Term Swaps Are So Great
Besides the obvious "I get to live somewhere amazing for months!" perk, long-term swaps come with a bunch of other benefits:
Accommodation is often the biggest expense when you travel. On Swaphouse, it's free. No fees, no rent, no sneaky membership costs. The longer you stay, the more you save. It's that simple.
You're not staying in a hotel or an Airbnb. You're living in a real home, in a real neighborhood. You'll shop at local markets, meet your neighbors, and truly get a feel for your new community.
By swapping homes instead of renting, you're making use of existing spaces rather than contributing to over-tourism or unnecessary construction. Long-term swaps are an eco-friendlier, more sustainable way to explore.
Every home on Swaphouse is remote work–ready, meaning reliable Wi-Fi and a proper workspace are standard. You can stay productive by day and explore by night, all from your new (temporary) home base.
No rushing to "see it all." When you stay longer, you can relax, settle in, and explore your surroundings at your own pace. It's the perfect balance between work, travel, and everyday life.
How Availability Works on Swaphouse
Setting up your availability for a long-term swap is super easy, and it helps you find the perfect match faster. The clearer you are about when and where you're available, the easier it is for others to connect with you for swaps that actually fit both your schedules.
Long-term swaps often take a little more planning than short stays, but with Swaphouse's simple availability setup, you can organize everything in just a few clicks. Here's how it works:
🗓 Step 1: Add your availability
Go to your Availability page and click "Add availability." Then select your start date and end date. This defines the period when you and your home will be available for a swap.
⏳ Step 2: Select your preferred swap duration
Next, choose how long you want your swap to be. This is especially helpful for long-term stays, as not everyone's timeline is the same.
You can pick from four easy options:
- Full duration: Stick to the exact dates you've marked as available.
- Specific duration: Choose a fixed timeframe, like "3 months" or "1 year."
- Range duration: Keep it flexible with a range like "3 to 9 months."
- No preference: Open to anything? Select this and let the opportunities roll in!
📍 Step 3: Select your preferred destinations
Now for the fun part: choosing where you'd love to go! You can add as many destinations as you like, from continents ("Europe", "Asia") to specific cities ("Lisbon", "Bali", "Amsterdam").
Your preferences will appear right on your home listing and profile, so your matches can quickly spot if you're a perfect match for their next adventure.
✨ Pro tip: The more destinations you add, the better your chances of finding a match! You never know who's looking for a swap in your hometown.
See Availability (and Filter Matches)
Once you've added your availability (with dates, duration, and destinations), Swaphouse automatically displays it on your home listing. This way, other swappers can easily see when you're available, and you can see theirs too.
And vice versa, you can see your matches' availability too. Simply go to the Matches page and filter by availability to see who's available to swap with you.
This means no more guessing games or endless messaging to find the right match. You'll instantly see who's available when you are — making it easier than ever to plan longer swaps that fit both your lifestyle and timeline.
Ready to Try a Long-Term Swap?
The beauty of long-term swaps is that you can truly settle in without worrying about cost or logistics. You can learn the language, get to know your favorite café owner, join local activities, and feel part of a community. And because Swaphouse swaps are free, it's not just an affordable choice, it's a sustainable lifestyle. Live longer in fewer places, travel smarter, and truly connect with where you are.
If you've ever thought, "I'd love to live in another country for a while," this is your sign to do it. Head to Swaphouse.io, list your home, set your available dates and duration, and start connecting with like-minded remote workers and travelers. Who knows? Your next long-term swap could be the start of your next big adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I really do a long-term swap on Swaphouse?
Yes, absolutely! Most swaps on Swaphouse are a few weeks long, but many members are now choosing to stay for several months, even up to a year. You can set your available dates, preferred duration, and dream destinations right in your profile to find matches who want the same.
How long is considered "long-term"?
There's no strict rule, but generally anything three months or longer counts as a long-term swap. Some members swap for a full year, it's totally up to what fits your lifestyle and the other swapper's plans.
Can I extend a swap if things are going well?
Yes! As long as both you and the other swapper agree, you can absolutely extend your swap. Many members end up staying longer once they've settled in and love their new setup, just make sure to communicate early so everyone can plan accordingly.
Do I need a visa for a long-term swap abroad?
That depends on where you're going and how long you're staying. If you're planning to work remotely from another country for more than a few months, you might need a digital nomad visa or similar permit. Check the local visa requirements before traveling, and for more info, check out our blog post Everything You Need to Know About Digital Nomad Visas.
Can I work remotely during a long-term swap?
Definitely, that's what Swaphouse is all about! All homes listed on Swaphouse are remote work-friendly, with solid Wi-Fi and dedicated workspaces. You can stay productive, take your Zoom calls, and then explore your new city after hours.
What if the other swapper cancels?
Cancellations are rare, but communication is key. If something unexpected comes up, both parties can easily update their availability or adjust their plans directly on Swaphouse. We always encourage users to have a quick video call before confirming a swap, it helps build trust and ensures everything goes smoothly.
Can I list multiple availability periods for different times of the year?
Yes! You can add multiple availability periods with different start and end dates. This is great if, for example, you're available in the summer and again in the winter, just click "Add availability" again and set new dates.
Is Swaphouse really free?
Yep, completely free. No membership fees, no booking costs, no hidden extras. Swaphouse is built for remote workers and travelers who want to experience new places without the price tag of traditional accommodation. Learn more about how we at Swaphouse make it possible.
About Swaphouse
Imagine if you could work remotely from a destination of your choice, for free, without having to pay any accommodation costs. At Swaphouse, we believe this is the future of work, and it's our mission to make it an accessible reality for every remote worker.
