From staycations to freecations
Gumtree.com is reporting a 61 per cent surge in holiday seekers searching out house swaps as a smart way to save on the usual holiday accommodation expense.
Gumtree.com spokesperson Sanjay Balakrishnan exlains: “Accommodation is usually the single most expensive part of any holiday. So in the current climate when many of us are stressed out yet in need of a holiday, it makes sense that people are turning to cheaper alternatives and looking for house swaps.
“We have seen a huge growth on Gumtree.com in the amount of short-term swaps being advertised, from city pads to country escapes. People are able to find whatever holiday they want – a family home with access to a ready-made play room of toys, a house with a garden with BBQ for summer sun entertainment or a centrally placed location in key cities in walking distance of cultural interests – and all without costing an additional penny.”
Experts in property swapping, Gumtree.com provides top tips on how to make the most of freecationing:
Be honest when describing your home, include photos on the ad so that potential swappers know exactly what to expect
Search the address of your potential freecation swapper on Google Earth so you can see what the area is like
If you have children, look for a home swap with a family that has children of similar ages —that way you’ll be in a place you know is suitable for children
Create a rule book for your freecationing counterparts that are clear and easy to understand e.g. no smoking, or no pets allowed
Compile a folder with everything your house swappers might need: instructions on how to use the household appliances, restaurant recommendations, locations of nearby shops and pubs, telephone numbers for local services
Be courteous to your swappers and treat your house swap as you would treat your own house
Lock away any valuables or high-value items
Inform your neighbours of your house swap plans
Always leave your house swap clean and tidy – as you would your own home
Top UK 15 regions leading the charge in freecationing according to site traffic on Gumtree.com:
Leicester
Cambridge
Portsmouth
Sheffield
Aberdeen
Cardiff
Luton
Leeds
Reading
Glasgow
Kent
Nottingham
Norwich
Manchester
Birmingham