ONE of the best ways to search for a property is to spend some time in a region so that you can get a good feel for the place.
But it may cost you a small fortune in hotel fees or to let a holiday home, however a house swap may be a very cheap alternative.
A typical house swap will be for a couple of weeks but it is possible to stay in a home for longer periods, even up to six months.
Not only do you get to stay in a house for free, it will give you a base to explore a region thoroughly and allow you to experience it as the locals do.
Naturally you will have to make sure your own home is clean and tidy in return, but you also know that your house is being occupied whilst you are away.
There are a few house swapping agencies on the internet (see below) that allow you to search their database for free.
To access contact details you will have to pay an annual membership with prices ranging from £21 to nearly £100.
When you search the sites you can narrow down your particulars so that long-term arrangements can be found or whether a place is suitable for children.
Should you find a place then it is worth taking some time getting to know your counterparts so that you are both clear on what is available.
Often you will be able to have use of a telephone, the internet and even a car, which will be very handy for your property search.
And it is advisable to check on insurance cover and ask a neighbour to offer a helping hand if needed, or at least be there with a set of keys when your exchange partners arrive.
A house swap could be a very useful, and cheap, way to see a particular region of France with all the creature comforts of home.
Websites:
http://www.homebase-hols.com
http://www.homelink.org.uk/
http://www.intervac.co.uk/
http://www.gti-home-exchange.com/
Comments
11 responses to “House swap to home hunt in France”
looking for a home exchange for 2008 June, July and part of August.
I plan to bring along with me my wife of 56 years, my one or two grandsons ages 13 and 9. My oldest grandson is studying Fench and he loves it. A fre nch / english school nearby to re-enforce his French. At this point in time I am not sure which region I would like to exchane. Possibly south of Paris. I have a two story colonial home with a full kitchen and laundry room in the basement. Our proximity to New York is 45 minutes by train. We live in a suburban area and are acceable to shopping and stores.
Sincerely,
Charles Lillin
Hi Charles, many thanks for dropping in on the site. I hope the sites I mention in the article will help you with your home swap search.
All the best, Craig
Seeking a lovely home to exchange in the Loire Valley for a week in September, my house is in Berkeley,California. Or a house in Paris for one week. Thank You!
My husband and I are looking to house sit in France. While we search for a home to live. We are currently looking to live in Perpignan, as we have visited their and love the area. We would take take of the house and any gardens or pets. We are also experienced house sitters, and can provide references.
We would like to be in France ASAP as we are at the moment in Colorado. Please respond to my email (titiancelt@yahoo.com
Thank you, Ann Akeroyd
My husband and I will be retiring from work in 2009 and would like to spend a year living in France. My husband is a very keen snow skier and I would like to learn to speak French and become an expert cook of French food. We have a home in North Queensland and one on the Sunshine Coast of Queensland, Australia.(Townsville and Coolum Beach). Both properties are very comfortable with inground pool and a very short walk to the surf beach. Both locations have universities within a close drive. We are looking for a home in a village close to the ski fields for approximately a year. We will both be in our early sixties and are non smokers.
I have found a really useful site which although mainly for holiday /short term swaps there is the occasional long term offer. The site is French based and the majority of offers stem from France so might be handy if France is your choice of destination. What sets it apart from other home exchange sites is that it is completely free of any charges so there will never be subscription charges or other costs. Lots of house swapping advice offered too! Hope this is of use!
http://www.switchome.org/
This Site Allows you to Exchange Homes anyplace in the World. So you can stay for FREE and avoid Hotel Costs. You also get to meet new poeple and live like a local.
http://www.EasyHomeExchange.com
We are planning to take our family to Europe for one month in December 2009. Our children plus their spouses. We would like some time in Italy, France and the UK. We have in Australia a large working sheep property and an appartment in Sydney overlooking the water.
Would like to house swap for 1 year. From January 2010 to December 2010 in South of France. Prefer close to Uzes.
Hi,
We do specialize in Home exchanging in France for almost 10 years. Take a look and you’ll find what you are looking for.
http://www.Another-Home.com
My wife and I (non Smokers) are looking to swap our three bedroom house on the beach at Penneshaw, Kangaroo Island, South Australia for 2 to 3 months in Sept Oct Nov 2011 or Apr May June 2012 with someone in the Dordogne area in France. lesstewart@iprimus.com.au