thread: What do you think of House Swapping???

  1. #1
    BellyBelly Member

    Oct 2007
    Ever so slowly going crazy...
    2,268

    Question What do you think of House Swapping???

    After our Fiji holiday last year, I'd like to be able to do something like it each/every second year...But there is NO way we can afford it!!!

    It was mentioned to me to go online, find a good site, and house swap!!

    Have had a lok, and it seems AWESOME.. airfares and spending are ok, its the accomodation and buying meals that would kill us, but with free acc, and home cooking in a proper home, its MUCH more affordable than a proper holiday....

    We have the PERFECT house for house swapping, plus Ad's folks have a holiday unit on the GC, so we could swap for that one too, if they would prefer a beach holiday, (plus they wouldnt bee in my house then either! )
    I know my location isnt the best, but with the CMF each year, I think we could swap most of January no worries... or they could stay here, and have access to the unit for a another trip while they were here....

    So, what do you think?? Good or bad idea? Would you do it? It looks so easy, and like such cheap easy fun!!!!


    (P.s.. we have heaps of space to lock up an entire room with stuff we dont want them seeing/touching while in my house!)

  2. #2
    Registered User

    Feb 2006
    NSW Central Coast
    5,301

    I think it's a great idea, but as you said you would have to be careful with what you leave out/packaway. I'm sure there would be other things to consider too. It's a great strategy to save money, if you live in a desirable location. Our house is a great place too, but noone would want to comeout here to the sticks!!

  3. #3
    BellyBelly Member

    Oct 2007
    Ever so slowly going crazy...
    2,268

    You'd be surprised how many are looking for "country" retreats babe!!!

  4. #4
    Registered User

    Jul 2007
    Rural NSW
    491

    Do you own your house or rent? If you rent you may need to speak to your landlord/real estate as you could be in violation of your lease.

  5. #5
    Registered User

    Feb 2006
    Newcastle, NSW
    4,219

    My friends parents do this and it has been a real success for them. They live in the middle of no where and they've swapped a few times now. I think it is a great idea, especially for larger families.

  6. #6
    BellyBelly Member

    Oct 2007
    Ever so slowly going crazy...
    2,268

    Nope, its ours.

    Its a good swap house.... has 7 bedroom, 5 loungerooms, 3 bathrooms, pool, spa etc... we arent in the best town, but I think in January we'd have a hit on our hands!!

    And if not, they could have the unit, which is a holiday rental and looked after by the buildings people anyway...which is a proper holiday place, indoor pool, spa, fully self contained unit, 1 block from the beach, and walking distance to Cavell Ave in GC.....

  7. #7
    BellyBelly Member

    Oct 2007
    Ever so slowly going crazy...
    2,268

    Oh, thanks for that Lisa...

  8. #8
    Registered User

    Jul 2007
    Rural NSW
    491

    I say go for it. You also have a pretty good regional airport in your town, they can use it as a home base and travel from there.

    I also know how busy it get at CM...good luck

  9. #9
    Registered User

    Feb 2006
    NSW Central Coast
    5,301

    PB, lol, we're not rural, we're remote....waaaaayyyyy out west of NSW, in a little place called Cobar if you're interested! I don't think many people would want to come out this far. It's kind of like we\re too far out for some, but not far enough for others, itms! Not quite 'outback', but too far for 'country'!
    Your place sounds amazing!! I'm pretty sure there are websites you can register with if you really want to do it.

  10. #10
    Registered User

    Dec 2007
    Sunny Qld
    14,682

    Hehe wanna come to tassie!?

  11. #11
    BellyBelly Member

    Oct 2007
    Ever so slowly going crazy...
    2,268

    If you get a cow, you could call it a farm stay!!!!

    There are so many sites to go through..... and some of the houses for swap.. WOW...... just gorgeous, in beautiful places.....

    Maybe I should ask Adam first???

  12. #12
    BellyBelly Member

    Oct 2007
    Ever so slowly going crazy...
    2,268

    Oohh, do you get snow there??

    Zavier wants snow this winter sooooo bad!!! None of us have been except Adam, years ago.. so we promised them a snow trip.. but funds will be very short then, and bub is due June... so a quick trip somewhere about late august is on the cards maybe...

    Hoping to house swap internationally from Nov- Jan.....

  13. #13
    BellyBelly Member

    Oct 2007
    Ever so slowly going crazy...
    2,268

    OMG.. there are beautiful chalets in France, houses in the Hamptons!! Some on Florida beach, some in the Carribean......

    I'm drooling!!!!!

    Might work out where its easiest/cheapest to fly to first, then find somewhere...

  14. #14
    BellyBelly Member

    Oct 2007
    Ever so slowly going crazy...
    2,268

    I MUST stop looking........ a 5 bedder, 10 mins from DISNEYLAND!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Adam is going to KILL the person who told me about house swapping!!!!