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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

AIBU to encourage you to consider a home exchange for a holiday?

111 replies

notanothertakeaway · 29/05/2022 18:18

We have had fantastic experiences and it ticks so many boxes for us -

Free holiday

Live like a local

No ethical dilemma about holiday lets decimating local housing stock

Plenty of comfortable houses to choose from. For many people, it's a lifestyle choice, not because they cant afford a holiday

Yes you have to clean your house before you leave, but it needn't be a show home. Just be honest about facilities, distance from town centre etc

I realise it's not for everyone, but I hope some people might consider it. I think it's a great idea

OP posts:
Volterra · 29/05/2022 22:30

I’d happily do this and will probably do it in our new house once it’s sorted. Have done it with friends but that’s a bit different.

NotAScoobyToBeSeen · 29/05/2022 22:35

I wouldnt be worried so much by the house being trashed, more by people snooping, which Ive had close family do so I dont trust strangers to not snoop and I have too much personal stuff to move it all!

Solasum · 29/05/2022 22:38

I have been very tempted like this, and think I could probably get visitors as in Central London. What puts me off is having to sort various minor issues with the house that we just live with, such as a light switch not working so having to cross the room to use the other one to turn it on, for example. Has anyone stayed somewhere which has quirks like this, or would it all need to be fixed in advance?

godmum56 · 29/05/2022 22:41

I have kind of done it for family in the past...we went off on hols, they came to ours for a holiday but I did it cos I love my family, wasn't ever keen to do it.

mycatisannoying · 29/05/2022 22:50

Solasum · 29/05/2022 22:38

I have been very tempted like this, and think I could probably get visitors as in Central London. What puts me off is having to sort various minor issues with the house that we just live with, such as a light switch not working so having to cross the room to use the other one to turn it on, for example. Has anyone stayed somewhere which has quirks like this, or would it all need to be fixed in advance?

Mine is quirky too. Shower gone cold? Simply switch off and then on again to restart the flow of hot water ConfusedBlush

BadLad · 29/05/2022 23:08

I like my privacy, so I'd never consider this for a second. Hotels for me.

Albless · 29/05/2022 23:14

Solasum · 29/05/2022 22:38

I have been very tempted like this, and think I could probably get visitors as in Central London. What puts me off is having to sort various minor issues with the house that we just live with, such as a light switch not working so having to cross the room to use the other one to turn it on, for example. Has anyone stayed somewhere which has quirks like this, or would it all need to be fixed in advance?

Quirks like that wouldn’t be a problem at all.

Another way of looking at is that it can be a bit of motivation to fix minor things like that! Although I’ve been happily swapping with a bathroom with a couple of holes in the walls and needing painted because I ran out of motivation and no one has said anything about it.

maddening · 29/05/2022 23:17

It is the idea of my personal effects with other people in my home, i would feel the need to remove all my personal belongings which would be a palaver and would rather pay for a holiday home tbh.

funkysheep · 29/05/2022 23:26

While I can see the attraction (and we live in a reasonably desirable location), the amount of tidying and cleaning that would be necessary is insane, and definitely not worth it for me.

Plus the house has a range of quirks, not all of which would be simple to explain by email. I didn't think we were that unusual living like this?

CounsellorTroi · 29/05/2022 23:45

I wouldn’t want strangers snooping through my drawers and cupboards thank you very much.

MrsJorahMormont · 29/05/2022 23:47

Watching with interest.

Puzzledandpissedoff · 29/05/2022 23:50

You're preaching to the converted, here, OP - I've done over 60 exchanges and loved every minute of them. To hell with holiday lets, even the posh ones; for me nothing quite beats staying in a real community to get the best out of a place Smile

I can't speak for all insurers, but mine love it because better an occupied house than one left empty. Admittedly they disallow accidental damage claims while swappers are here, but then I've never known anything to be broken ... IME folk are even more careful in someone else's home, remembering that you're also in theirs!!

Jalepenojello · 29/05/2022 23:52

I live in a shitty house in a shitty town. Nobody would want to come here. That’s why I need to get away. No thank you

Puzzledandpissedoff · 29/05/2022 23:54

I could probably get visitors as in Central London

You would't just "get" visitors - with London in particular you'd be absolutely deluged with offers

No need to worry too much about the occasional quirk either, providing they're nothing bad; it's all part of the fun even when you're left to feed a rabbit with no teeth

MaximumLeeway · 30/05/2022 00:14

My house is a shit tip which is why I like to go away and pretend I can live the luxury Pinterest lifestyle instead.

YABU because this whole concept is absolutely classist!

MrsEthelMorningtonCrescent · 30/05/2022 02:11

No way. No.

Aquamarine1029 · 30/05/2022 02:47

There is no way I would ever allow strangers to stay in my home. There's no discussion to be had.

BigCheeseSandwich · 30/05/2022 03:06

We do this, it's awesome. We've stayed in some really amazing places and made new friends. And because it's free, we. can afford to do more cool stuff in our destination place (theatre, leisure activities etc).

Original poster
notanothertakeaway · 30/05/2022 07:44

We've done approx 15 - 20 exchanges. The only breakage / damage in our house has been (1) one casserole dish broken, and they replaced it and (2) a pillow case taken home by mistake

I put private paperwork in the filing cabinet and clear a bit of wardrobe space, but don't remove everything

OP posts:
Darbs76 · 30/05/2022 07:46

It’s not something I’d want to do, but if I couldn’t afford a holiday I might think about it. But I’d hate all the prep and if something went wrong that would be so much stress on holiday to sort out

MsTSwift · 30/05/2022 07:48

Done it for 12 years it’s amazing and meant our dc are remarkably well travelled! Downsides are house prep and fretting that they like your house. Only issues we’ve ever had have been car related

MsTSwift · 30/05/2022 07:50

Yes 2 weeks in villa in southern Spain with pool and car for cost of flight only 😁

Original poster
notanothertakeaway · 30/05/2022 07:52

MaximumLeeway · 30/05/2022 00:14

My house is a shit tip which is why I like to go away and pretend I can live the luxury Pinterest lifestyle instead.

YABU because this whole concept is absolutely classist!

@MaximumLeeway For some people, a home exchange would enable them to have a holiday that wouldn't have been possible otherwise. You don't have to live in a luxury house, or in a tourist area (although I accept that if you do, you're likely to get more requests). So, I don't think the whole concept is classist

OP posts:
coffeecupsandfairylights · 30/05/2022 07:53

Surely you need to have a reasonably nice house or flat in a good condition and location to do this, though?

rookiemere · 30/05/2022 07:59

@coffeecupsandfairylights yes I think you're right. Our house is well lived in but it is a detached house outside a very popular tourist town.

I must admit that we rejected one house swap once we saw the photos as DH didn't fancy staying there. So you're right it's another middle class perk Blush.

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