A growing number of British families are cutting their holiday costs by swapping homes with strangers, exchanging their own property for another family's abroad and paying nothing for accommodation beyond an annual membership fee to a listings platform. The trend, which dates back to at least the 1950s, is reportedly being embraced more widely amid the rising cost of living and a desire for a more authentic, less touristy style of travel. For those featured, the savings run into thousands of pounds, allowing more frequent trips and a chance to live like locals.

Henry Vanderpump, 42, and his family from Tarporley in Cheshire estimate they save around £2,500 on accommodation per trip, plus £700 on transport by swapping cars, having stayed in Hamburg and Copenhagen via Home Link. Other enthusiasts report larger totals: May Burrough, who has done 34 swaps through HomeExchange, reckons she has saved £5,000–£8,000, while Petra Novak, who uses Kindred, estimates £18,000–£20,000. The article notes drawbacks and cautions, including extensive preparation, the need for flexibility (members typically send 10–15 messages before an offer), and advice from the Association of British Insurers to check home, contents and travel insurance cover before hosting or staying.