Frequently Asked Questions

Home swapping is an arrangement where two people agree to exchange their homes for a set period of time. Instead of paying for accommodation, you stay in someone else’s home while they stay in yours. It’s a unique, budget-friendly way to travel and experience living like a local in a new destination. With Swaphouse, home swapping is simple and free. You can connect with like-minded travelers, explore homes around the world, and swap based on mutual interest. It’s ideal for people who want to travel more affordably while staying in a real home that’s ready for everyday living and getting some work done. If you'd like a broader introduction to how home swapping works and why travelers love it, read our guide to home swapping.

Swaphouse is a free home exchange platform built around work-ready homes. It was designed with remote workers in mind, but it is open to anyone who wants a more affordable, flexible way to travel while staying in a real home. Every home on Swaphouse should offer reliable Wi-Fi and at least one laptop-friendly place to sit and work, whether that's a dedicated desk or simply a comfortable table. The goal is to make every stay practical for real life, not just sleeping. Because Swaphouse is free to use, you can list your home, discover matches, and plan swaps without membership fees or booking fees.

Swaphouse makes it easy to exchange homes with people around the world for free. Here's the basic flow: #1 Sign up and list your home Create an account with LinkedIn, then add your home details, work-from-home setup, Wi-Fi information, and good photos so others can clearly understand your space. #2 Add your availability Set the dates, preferred trip length, and destinations you're open to. This helps your home appear in the right searches, and you need at least one availability period if you want to receive swap requests. #3 Explore homes Once your home is listed, you can browse homes one at a time and use filters to narrow things down. If you like a home, tap 'like'. If it's not a fit, tap 'pass'. #4 Match and chat When you like someone's home and they like yours back, it's a match. You can then chat, compare availability, ask questions, and set up a video call if you want. #5 Plan and confirm your swap When you're both ready, one of you can send a swap request through the platform. After the other person accepts, you can share practical details like contact info, key exchange, Wi-Fi access, and house rules to get swap-ready. For a more detailed walkthrough, see our guides on getting started with Swaphouse and how our match-based system works.

Yes! Swaphouse is completely free to use. Unlike other home swapping platforms, we don’t require any paid memberships or fees to list your home, connect with other members, or swap homes. As the founders, we discovered how much money we could save by swapping our own home a few times a year. We reinvest those savings into covering Swaphouse’s operational costs, like hosting and development. While the core service will always remain free, we may introduce optional paid features in the future, such as ID verification or travel insurance, to enhance the user experience. For more details on how we keep the platform free, read our full article.

Yes, Swaphouse is a legitimate platform. But don’t just take our word for it—here's how we back it up: Verified company information Swaphouse B.V. is a registered company in the Netherlands. You can find us listed at the local Chamber of Commerce (Kamer van Koophandel) under registration number 91817056. Learn about us Swaphouse was started by travelers for travelers. We built the platform after discovering the joys and cost-saving benefits of home swapping. You can learn more about our story and why we created Swaphouse on our About page. Read what others are saying Thousands of members have joined Swaphouse and are swapping homes worldwide. You can read reviews and testimonials from our members on Trustpilot. You can also browse our own reviews page, where we collect feedback from users about both their swap experiences and their experience with the Swaphouse platform. We've also been featured in various travel blogs and news sites, which you can check out on our press page. We’re here to help and always open to connect. If you’d like to learn more about Swaphouse or speak with us directly, feel free to contact us.

Swaphouse stands out by being completely free to use, without required membership fees or booking fees. We focus on work-ready homes, so members can see practical details like Wi-Fi speed and workspace information before deciding if a home is a fit. We also use a modern, double opt-in match system inspired by dating apps. That means you only connect after there's mutual interest, which keeps things more focused and avoids unwanted messages. On top of that, Swaphouse supports both simultaneous and non-simultaneous swaps without using a complicated points system. Once you've found the right match, you can also plan, confirm, and manage your swap directly on the platform. For a fuller comparison, read our detailed comparison of what makes Swaphouse different.

Yes, you can get the full Swaphouse experience on your phone by installing our web app! While we don’t have a native app in the App Store or Google Play, our website is designed to function just like one when you add it to your home screen. This gives you instant access to all features, without taking up storage on your device. For simple instructions on how to install the web app, check out our step-by-step guide.

No. Swaphouse is open to anyone who wants a more personal, flexible, and affordable way to travel. Remote work is part of the platform's DNA, which is why every home should be work-ready with reliable Wi-Fi and at least one laptop-friendly place to sit. But you do not need to be a remote worker, freelancer, or digital nomad to join. For more detail, read our guide on who Swaphouse is for.

Swaphouse welcomes anyone who owns or rents a home that is eligible for swapping and suitable for everyday living. You do not need to be a remote worker to join, but every home should be work-ready, with reliable Wi-Fi and at least one laptop-friendly spot that is clearly shown in the listing. If you own a home, please check with your homeowners' association, mortgage provider, insurance provider(s), and any relevant local authorities to confirm that home swapping is permitted. For renters, it's essential to get permission from your landlord and review your rental agreement carefully before listing your home. Swaphouse cannot assume liability in these matters. It is your responsibility to confirm and follow any local rules, restrictions, or agreements that apply to your home. For more context on who Swaphouse is for and what “work-ready” means in practice, read our guide on who Swaphouse is for.

Yes, a LinkedIn account is currently required to sign up for Swaphouse. We only access your name, email address, and profile picture to create your account. We do not access your messages, contacts, or private information, and we never post anything on your behalf. You do not need LinkedIn Premium. A regular active LinkedIn account is enough. Keeping a LinkedIn account connected is currently required to use Swaphouse, but showing your LinkedIn profile publicly on your Swaphouse profile is optional. We use LinkedIn because it helps create a stronger baseline of trust, especially in a community built around swapping homes. It is not foolproof, so we still recommend doing your own checks and communicating clearly with potential swappers. For the full explanation, read why Swaphouse uses LinkedIn for sign-up.

Yes, you can join Swaphouse if you have a rental home. However, you should first review your rental agreement and get permission from your landlord if needed before listing your home. As a tenant, it is your responsibility to make sure home swapping is allowed under your contract and any building or local rules that apply. Swaphouse cannot be held responsible if you host guests without the proper approval. If you are unsure, it is always best to check first so you can avoid issues later.

To maximize your chances of attracting the right matches, it's important to create a clear and complete listing. We recommend covering four main areas: 1. Home location: Add your city or town and mention useful nearby highlights such as public transport, the airport, the beach, or the city center. 2. Home details: Share the key facts about your home, including bedrooms, bathrooms, and amenities. Add a short description that helps people picture what it is like to stay there. Mention practical comforts like a kitchen, laundry, heating or air conditioning, outdoor space, parking, or family and pet-friendly details when relevant. 3. Work-from-home setup: Clearly show where someone can sit with a laptop, whether that's a desk, dining table, or quiet corner. Add your Wi-Fi speed too, ideally using the Swaphouse Wi-Fi Speed Test for a more reliable result. 4. Photos and captions: Upload at least 5 clear photos that show the main rooms, your workspace, and any standout features. You can also add photo captions to give extra context and highlight what makes your home special. For more listing tips, see our guides on listing your home, writing a strong home description, taking great photos, and using photo captions.

A great user profile is key to building trust and getting more matches. Here are the main sections to focus on: 1. Profile picture: Upload a clear, friendly photo of yourself. A smiling face helps build instant trust. 2. About your work: Briefly describe what you do. This adds a layer of transparency and helps others get to know you. 3. Personal introduction: Let your personality shine! Share your hobbies, travel style, and what you love about home swapping. 4. Travel buddies: Add the people you usually travel with, such as your partner, kids, friends, or pets, so potential matches know who to expect. 5. Personal photos: Add a few photos of yourself, your family, pets, or travel buddies to give your profile a personal touch. 6. Social links: Optionally, add links to your LinkedIn, Instagram, or other social profiles to build more trust. For more tips and examples, read our guide on how to write the best user profile.

Photo captions let you add short descriptions to the photos in your home listing so potential swappers get more context about what they are seeing. To add one, go to the Photos section of your Home Listing, click Add caption, write a short caption, and save it. Captions are a simple way to highlight things like your workspace, balcony, view, or other details that may not be obvious from the photo alone. For screenshots and extra tips, read our photo captions guide.

Before you sign up, you can discover a selection of the newest homes recently listed on Swaphouse. To get access to all the homes on our platform, simply sign up and list your own home. Once your home is listed, you’ll unlock the Explore page, where you can swipe through all available homes. You’ll be shown one home at a time, and you can either ‘like’ or ‘pass’ to see the next one. This match-based system ensures you only connect with members when there is mutual interest. You can learn more about it in this blog post.

Yes. On the Explore page, you can use filters for things like destinations, rooms, pet-friendly homes, Wi-Fi speed, and other preferences to narrow down the homes you see. Swaphouse also offers extra destination tools if you want to search more strategically. For example, you can browse destinations by average Wi-Fi speed, timezone, and temperature to help you find a home that fits your trip or work schedule. You can learn more in our guide to Swaphouse destination tools.

When you 'like' a home, you’re expressing interest in a potential swap with that member. The homeowner will be notified that you’ve liked their home. If they like your home back, it becomes a match, and you can start a conversation to discuss a potential swap. Liking a home does not mean you have to swap right away—it simply means you’re interested in swapping at some point, whether that’s soon or in the future. Feel free to like as many homes as you’d ever want to visit to collect as many matches as possible. On your Matches page, you can then filter your matches by availability to find the best options for your next home swap adventure. For more on how likes, passes, and matches work, read our match-based system guide.

If you change your mind or clicked the wrong button, you can easily switch a ‘pass’ to a ‘like’ or the other way around. Simply go to the Explore page and check the ‘Passed homes’ or ‘Liked homes’ tab. From there, you can review the homes you’ve previously liked or passed and make any updates.

If someone likes your home and you haven't yet liked or passed theirs, their home will appear in the 'Match Requests' tab on the Explore page. From there, you can easily decide to like or pass their home.

You can only message someone if you're a match. This means both you and the other member must like each other's homes before you can start a conversation. This ensures you're only connecting with members who share mutual interest, making the process smoother and saving you from (receiving) unnecessary messages.

A 'match' on Swaphouse happens when both you and another member like each other's homes. It's a mutual sign of interest in a potential home swap. Once you've matched, you can start chatting directly with the homeowner to introduce yourselves, discuss availability, and talk about the details of a possible swap. Matches are saved in your account, so even if the timing doesn't work right away, you can reconnect later to explore new dates!

A Match Request is created when another member likes your home. You can find all your Match Requests in the 'Match Requests' tab on the Explore page. It's an invitation to view the profiles and homes of other members, so you can decide if you want to 'like' them back to create a match.

Once you get a match, start by sending a message and getting to know each other better. A good next step is to compare availability, talk through the basics of the swap, and set up a video call if you both want extra reassurance. If the timing and expectations line up, one of you can send a formal swap request on the platform to confirm the trip. After the other person accepts, you can use the swap flow to share practical details like who is traveling, contact details, your address, key handoff instructions, Wi-Fi access, and house rules. The more clearly you discuss expectations before confirming, the smoother the swap usually is. For extra tips, read what to do after getting a new match.

During your initial conversation with a (new) match, it is important to discuss various aspects to ensure a successful home swap. Here are some key topics to cover: 1. Introduction: Take the opportunity to introduce yourself and your family. Share basic information about your background, interests, and any specific requirements or preferences you may have. 2. Home details: Discuss the details of your respective homes, including the number of bedrooms, amenities, and any unique features. Ensure you have a clear understanding of what each home offers. 3. Availability and dates: Confirm the availability of your homes for the desired travel period. Discuss potential dates and any flexibility you have. Ensure there is a mutual understanding of the duration of the swap. 4. Expectations: Discuss your expectations for the home swap experience. Clarify rules, preferences, and any specific requirements you may have, such as pet care, maintenance responsibilities, or housekeeping arrangements. 5. Communication and logistics: Determine the preferred mode of communication during the swap, whether it's through the Swaphouse platform, email, or phone calls. Discuss logistics, such as key exchange, arrival and departure procedures, and any necessary instructions for managing the homes. 6. Local information and recommendations: Share local insights and recommendations about your respective areas. This could include nearby attractions, restaurants, transportation options, or any other information that might enhance the experience for the visiting party. 7. Safety and security: Address any concerns or questions related to safety and security. Discuss measures you both can take to ensure a secure exchange, such as verifying identities, sharing emergency contact information, or discussing home security arrangements. For a more detailed checklist, read our guide on having a successful home swap video call.

Absolutely! A video call is a great way to get to know your match better, ask questions about their home, and build trust. It's a personal touch that can help both parties feel more comfortable before finalizing a swap. For more tips on how to have a successful home swap conversation, check out our blog post.

You can update your availability anytime from your Availability page. Add the dates you are open to swapping, choose your preferred trip length, and optionally add destinations you are interested in. You can add multiple availability periods, stay flexible with duration, or simply choose "No preference / Anywhere" if you want to keep your options open. Keeping your availability up to date helps your listing stay visible and makes it easier for the right matches to find you. For a step-by-step walkthrough, read our availability guide.

Yes. You need to add at least one availability period if you want to receive swap requests on Swaphouse. Availability helps your home appear in the right search and match results, and it shows other members that you are actively open to planning a trip. Adding availability does not lock you into a swap - it simply opens the door to conversations. For more detail, read our guide on adding swap availability.

You can plan and confirm your home swaps directly on the Swaphouse platform. Here's the usual flow: 1. Send a Swap Request: Go to your Matches page, choose the match you want to swap with, and send a request with your proposed dates. 2. Confirm the Swap: Once the other person accepts, your swap moves from Pending to Upcoming and becomes officially confirmed. 3. Share Important Details: After confirmation, you can privately share practical information such as travel companions, contact details, your address, key exchange instructions, Wi-Fi access, and house rules. 4. Manage the Swap: You can keep track of your swaps on the Swaps page, where statuses such as Pending, Upcoming, Active, Completed, Declined, and Canceled help you stay organized. For a full walkthrough, please read our guide on how to plan and confirm your swap.

Once a swap is confirmed, it helps to share as much practical information as possible so both sides feel prepared and know what to expect. The most useful things to share are who is traveling with you, contact details, your full address and arrival instructions, key handoff details, Wi-Fi access, house rules, and any other practical notes like alarm codes, garbage days, or neighborhood tips. Everything should be clear, accurate, and easy to find. The more complete the information is, the smoother the swap usually feels for both sides. For a detailed walkthrough, read our guide on planning and confirming a swap.

Yes, you can arrange a non-simultaneous home swap. This means you and your match do not need to stay in each other's homes at the same time. Simultaneous swaps are still the most common on Swaphouse, but non-simultaneous swaps can work well when both sides have enough trust, flexibility, and clear communication. Because Swaphouse does not use a points system, both people simply need to agree on an arrangement that feels fair. For a closer look at the pros and cons, check out our article on simultaneous vs. non-simultaneous swaps.

It depends on the homeowner you're swapping with. Many homes on Swaphouse are pet-friendly, while others are not. You can use the pet-friendly filter on the Explore page to look for homes that welcome pets. You can also set your own pet rules in your home listing under Home listing -> Amenities -> Home rules. Before confirming any swap, always discuss your pet with the other member, confirm their rules, and make sure everyone is comfortable with the arrangement. For more tips, check out our dedicated article on how to swap with pets.

Key exchange is something you should discuss early while planning your swap. Common options include meeting in person, asking a trusted friend, family member, or neighbor to help, using a lockbox or smart lock, or using a dedicated key exchange service. Whatever method you choose, make sure it works for both sides and create a backup plan in case something changes. It also helps to confirm other arrival details at the same time, such as towels, bed linen, and check-in instructions. For more detailed tips, check out our blog: How to Coordinate Key Exchange for Your Home Swap?.

Being a good home swap guest starts with respect, communication, and leaving the home as you would hope someone would leave yours. Follow the house rules, make sure you understand the key exchange and arrival plan before you travel, be clear on expectations like Wi-Fi, linen, cleaning, or anything else that matters during the stay, and respect both the property and the local community. After the swap, always leave an honest review. Good guest behavior helps build trust, makes future swaps easier, and creates a better experience for everyone involved. For more tips, read our guide on being a great home swap guest.

Yes. Swaphouse is open to members from around the world, so international home swaps are absolutely possible. Before confirming an international swap, make sure you research visa requirements, local customs, language considerations, and any practical details that may affect your stay or your ability to work remotely from there. Clear communication matters even more when you are planning across borders. For more, read our guides on international home swaps and working remotely from another country.

Swaphouse aims to foster a friendly and trustworthy swapping community, but we do not verify users, homes, or profiles and we are not liable for incidents, damages, or disputes that may happen during a swap. Safety still depends on the precautions you choose to take. To build trust, we recommend messaging first, checking profiles carefully, reading reviews, asking questions, and arranging a video call before confirming a swap. If you need extra reassurance, you can also ask for ID or proof of home ownership or tenancy. For extra peace of mind, Swaphouse offers optional damage protection through Truvi for eligible guest-caused damage during a home swap. Guest screening is required, and protection depends on your selected option and Truvi’s terms. The service is not insurance. For current prices, protection options, exclusions and setup instructions, visit our Damage Protection page. If a member behaves aggressively, offensively, or seems suspicious, please report it to support@swaphouse.io. And if something does not feel right, trust your instincts and move on. For more safety tips, verification ideas, and insurance pointers, read How We're Making Home Swapping Safer.

Swaphouse does not provide insurance, so members are responsible for arranging their own liability, home, contents, and travel coverage before a swap. When speaking with your insurer, it can help to explain that a home swap is not a commercial rental, but more like having a friend or acquaintance stay in your home. Ask specifically whether your current policy covers temporary guests, whether you need to update your policy or add extra coverage for home swapping, whether there are limits on how many weeks per year you can host or swap, and whether your premium could change. You should also make sure you have liability coverage for accidental damage while staying in someone else's home. Every policy is different, so always review your documents carefully and confirm the details with your insurance provider. For more detail on safety, insurance, and optional damage protection, read How We're Making Home Swapping Safer.

Ensuring the safety of your home during a swap is essential. Here are some steps you can take to enhance security: 1. Communication and verification: Maintain open and thorough communication with your match(es). Get to know them, exchange information, and verify their identity. Establishing trust is crucial for a successful swap. 2. Clear expectations: Discuss rules and expectations for the care of each other's homes. Clarify guidelines regarding pets, smoking, housekeeping, and any other important considerations. Having mutual understanding and respect is key. 3. Security measures: Prioritize home security by ensuring all doors, windows, and locks are in good working condition. Consider installing security systems or utilizing smart home technology for added protection. 4. Valuables and personal belongings: Secure or remove valuable items and personal belongings that you consider sensitive or irreplaceable. This provides an extra layer of protection and peace of mind. 5. Insurance coverage: Review your existing (home/contents/travel/liability) insurance policy to understand the coverage during a home swap. Consider contacting your insurance provider to discuss any necessary adjustments or additional coverage required. 6. Damage Protection: Swaphouse offers optional damage protection through Truvi for eligible guest-caused damage during a home swap. Guest screening is required, and protection depends on your selected option and Truvi’s terms. The service is not insurance. For current prices, protection options, exclusions and setup instructions, visit our Damage Protection page. 7. Emergency contacts: Share emergency contact information with your match, including local authorities, neighbors, or a trusted person who can assist in case of any unforeseen circumstances. 8. Documentation and inventory: Take photos or create an inventory of your home's condition before the swap. This documentation can be useful in case of any disputes or damages. Remember, while Swaphouse endeavors to create a safe community, it is important to exercise caution, use your best judgment, and take necessary precautions to ensure the security of your home during a swap.

After your swap is completed, you can leave a review to share your experience and help build trust in the community. If you planned and confirmed your swap on Swaphouse, you will be prompted to write a review from the Swaps page once the swap is marked as completed. If the swap was not fully confirmed on the platform, you can still leave a review manually from your Matches page or from Messages by opening the three-dots menu and selecting "Write a review." After that, you'll be taken to a short form where you can leave a star rating and written feedback. Once both you and your swap partner have submitted your reviews, they will be published on your respective home listings. For more advice on what to include in a helpful review, read our review-writing guide.

If a member behaves offensively or aggressively, or if something feels like a scam, stop engaging and report it to Swaphouse at support@swaphouse.io. We recommend trusting your instincts, keeping communication on-platform where possible, and only moving forward with matches that feel transparent and respectful. For more general safety tips, read How We're Making Home Swapping Safer.

If you have a Swaphouse account, you have direct access to Swaphouse Support via our chat, where you can raise any questions or concerns you may have. Simply log in to your account, go to Messages and reach out to 'Swaphouse Support' for assistance. If you don't have a Swaphouse account, you can still contact us. You can email us at support@swaphouse.io or send us a direct message (DM) via Instagram or Facebook. We are here to help and provide the guidance you need to make the most of your Swaphouse experience.

We have a dedicated blog where you can find valuable resources, tips, and information to maximize the benefits of home swapping. Visit our blog to read articles on topics such as working remotely and making the most of your home swap experience. Additionally, we encourage you to follow Swaphouse on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and/or X to stay updated with the latest tips, insights, and community stories. A few helpful places to start are our guides on getting started, planning a swap, and being a great home swap guest.

We greatly appreciate your feedback and suggestions to help us improve the Swaphouse platform. We are dedicated to creating a user-friendly platform that meets your needs. If you have any feedback or suggestions, we encourage you to contact us. We value your input and look forward to hearing from you as we work together to enhance your home swapping experience.