How it works
A more personal, trusted way to travel
Swap Holiday Homes brings together verified members who exchange real homes and enjoy a more personal way to travel. Here's is how you go from joining SHH to enjoying your first exchange.
Six simple steps to your next exchange
Set up your profile and home, explore the community and choose the exchange that works for you.
Create your profile
Join SHH, tell us a little about yourself and complete your identity verification.
Add your home
Add your photos, home details, availability and exchange preferences. Your home will be reviewed before it goes live.
Explore SHH homes
Browse member homes, save favourrites and start thinking about where you would like to go.
Activate your membership
When your ready to contact another membere, activate your SHH Membership using your secure payment method.
Agree your exchange
Contact another member, discuss dates and details, and agree the exchange that works for both of you.
Travel and review
Enjoy your stay, then leave a review after the completed exchange to help build trust across the SHH community
Choose the exchange that suits you
Every member travels differently. Choose a Reciprocal Swap for the same dates, a Flexible Swap for different dates, an SHH Key Stay when you don't need a direct swap, or a Hosted Stay when the host remains at home.
Reciprocal Swap
You exchange homes with another member at the same time. You stay in their home while they stay in yours on the same agreed dates. No Keys are used.
Learn moreFlexible Swap
You exchange homes with another member, but at different times. For example, you might stay in their home in March, and they stay in yours in June. Both stays form part of the same exchange agreement. No Keys are used.
Learn moreSHH Key Stay
Stay in another member's home without arranging a direct swap in return. Each approved home has an SHH Key Rate , and the number of Keys required depends on the home and length of your stay.
Learn moreHosted Stay
Stay with another member while they remain in their home. Hosted Stays offer a more social way to travel and use SHH Keys.
Learn moreCompare the exchange types
| Feature | Reciprocal Swap | Flexible Swap | SHH Key Stay | Hosted Stay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Both homes exchanged | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Same dates | Yes | No | N/A | N/A |
| SHH Keys used | No | No | Yes | No |
| Host remains in the home | No | No | No | Yes |
| Best when | Exchange on the same dates | Dates differ | No direct match | You want to stay with the host present |
Verified members. Reviewed homes. More confidence when you swap.
Trust is at the heart of Swap Holiday Homes. Members complete identity verification, and homes undergo SHH verification and review before being published. We also review supporting documentation to help confirm each member's connection to their property. These checks, alongside secure communication and member reviews, help create a safer, more transparent community where members can exchange homes with greater confidence.
- Members complete identity verification as part of joining SHH.
- Homes undergo SHH Verification and are reviewed before publication.
- Exact home addresses are never dislayed publicly.
- Members can leave reviews following completed exchanges and stays.
Home swapping, explained
What is home swapping?
Home swapping is a more personal way to travel using real members homes. You can exchange homes directly with another member,stay at different times, use SHH Keys for a stay without a direct swap, or enjoy a Hosted Stay with the host present.
Do I have to swap on the same dates?
No. Choose a Reciprocal Swap for the same dates, a Flexible Swap for different dates, an SHH Key Stay when you don't need a direct swap, or a Hosted stay when the host remains at home.
Do I need to own my home to join?
You need the right to offer your home for an exchange. When you addd your home, you'll confirm this is part of the set up process and SHH will review the supporting information before your home is published.
What happens after I send an exchange request?
The other member receives your request and can accept, decline, suggest changes or message you to discuss the details. An exchange is only confirmed once both members have agreed to the final arrangements through SHH. Once confirmed, you can begin preparing for your stay.
How do SHH Keys work?
SHH Keys give you greater flexibility when a direct home swap isn't possible. You earn Keys by hosting eligible stays and can use them to arrange stays in other members' homes without a reciprocal exchange. Each approved home has an assigned SHH Key Rate, and the number of Keys required depends on the property and length of stay. Hosted Stays have a separate Key Rate. Keys have no cash value and cannot be purchased, sold or transferred outside eligible SHH exchanges.
What is a Hosted Stay?
A Hosted Stay lets you stay in another member’s home while they remain there. It offers a more social way to travel and uses SHH Keys.
When do I need to activate my membership?
You can create your profile, add your home and browse SHH homes before activating your membership. An active membership is required before you can contact another member or arrange an exchange.
Is my home good enough to join SHH?
Absolutely. Your home does not need to be luxurious or perfect. What matters is that it is clean, comfortable, well cared for and accurately described. SHH welcomes all kinds of homes, from city apartments and family houses to countryside and coastal properties. Every home is reviewed before it is published.
What happens if something is damaged during an exchange?
Accidents can happen, and we encourage members to treat each other's homes with care and respect. If damage occurs during an exchange, it must be reported to SHH within 48 hours of the end of the stay, along with photographs and any supporting evidence. SHH will review the circumstances and give both members an opportunity to respond before deciding whether a damage charge is justified. Our Damage Security process provides for a maximum security amount of £1,000 per exchange. Only validated damage costs may be charged, and normal wear and tear is excluded. We also strongly recommend that all members maintain suitable home and contents insurance that covers home exchanges.
Ready to find your next home exchange?
Browse homes shared by the community or join to list yours and start swapping.