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FAQ's
The following list of frequently asked questions (FAQ's) has been put together to help answer the common questions that we have received about Swapandstay.com
If your question is not answered, please Contact Us and we will not only endeavour to answer your question but may also include it in our FAQ´s. Thanks!
- Why join Swapandstay.com?
- What's the idea?
- Is this timeshare?
- How do I qualify to join Swapandstay.com?
- Why are only holiday homeowners eligible for membership?
- What can I swap?
- Are time-share properties eligible for membership?
- Do swapping partners have to stay in each other's holiday homes at the same time?
- How is Swapandstay.com different from ´home exchange` services?
- Why is it a condition of membership that all listings must include the properties rental rates?
- Who do I pay if there is a rental value difference?
- Our holiday home is only used by family, friends and ourselves, therefore we don't have ´rental rates`. How do I determine the appropriate rental rates for my property listing?
- How do I know that other member's rental rates are genuine?
- How do I know that the information given on your site about a property is accurate?
- Do I have to swap ´like for like`?
- Is it possible to take a multiple destination holiday?
- How simple is it to Swapandstay?
- My holiday home is listed with a rental agency, will this affect my Swapandstay.com membership?
- I own more than one holiday home, is there a discount if I submit more than one property?
- How simple is it to list my holiday home on Swapandstay.com?
- Is it possible to apply for membership by post?
- Will my listing include photographs?
- How soon can I access the property listings and view other member's properties?
- When will other members be able to view my property listing?
- How do I find a suitable holiday home swap?
- What do I do if someone is interested in my property?
- Do I have to exchange with another member when they contact me?
- How do I confirm swapping arrangements?
- What would happen if a member has enjoyed a stay in my holiday home, and before I stay in their holiday home, they sell it?
- What about cancellations?
- How can I increase my chances of finding a suitable swap?
- How can I make my listing more appealing to other members?
- Does Swapandstay.com make any recommendations on how to swap?
- How do I access the Member Zone?
- Can I change my listing details?
- How do I change photos?
- How do I add my property to the Last Minute Swaps page?
Why join Swapandstay.com?
You can save money! Why pay for holiday accommodation when your empty holiday home can ´pay` for holiday accommodation all over the world. Most holiday home owners find themselves with ´empty weeks`, very few are full all year round. Members of Swapandstay.com can utilise these empty weeks in order to travel the world and never pay for holiday accommodation again! Owning your own holiday home can be your passport to free accommodation all over the world. It is like owning thousands of holiday homes worldwide! Swapandstay.com members determine where they stay, when they stay and for how long they stay. See Why Swapandstay.What's the idea?
Swapandstay.com brings together people from all over the world who have holiday or vacation property they wish to swap so that they can enjoy holidays in a variety of worldwide locations.Is this time-share?
No, most definitely not. It does, however, enjoy the main benefit of owning a time-share, you can take holidays anywhere in the world without paying for accommodation. The difference is that you own the property, it is your own holiday home.How do I qualify to join Swapandstay.com?
You must own a ´holiday home`. This must be a second home that you use for holidays, not your primary residence.Why are only holiday home owners eligible for membership?
Holiday homes are specifically set up to accommodate people on holiday. They have all the amenities and are equipped with holidaymakers in mind.What can I swap?
Anything suitable as long as it complies with Swapandstay.com'sTerms and conditions. Anything that can be used as holiday accommodation can be exchanged. It must be a holiday home and not a primary residence. Villas, apartments, condos, ski chalets, cottages, cabins, even yachts and mobile homes. You could exchange a week in a Florida villa for two weeks in an apartment in Mallorca, a week in a ski chalet in Switzerland for a week on a yacht in Australia. Swap your mobile home in America for a mobile home in Europe. The choice is yours!Are time-share properties eligible for membership?
No. Swapandstay.com membership is only available to sole owners of holiday / vacation properties.Do swapping partners have to stay in each other's holiday homes at the same time?
No. Unlike ´home exchange` systems, it does not have to be a direct swap. Swapandstay.com members can swap ´holiday weeks` at any time. For example, you could swap a week in your holiday accommodation in April for a week in your swapping partner's property in August.How is Swapandstay.com different from ´Home Exchange` services?
Home Exchange services are very popular but depend on members exchanging their properties for exactly the same period of time, at exactly the same time. These are usually residential properties rather than holiday homes and are mainly in residential areas rather than holiday hotspots. These exchanges take very careful planning, particularly the timing! The difference with Swapandstay.com is that properties are designed and equipped to meet holidaymakers needs. All members' properties are in locations that many people would like to spend a holiday. You probably bought your holiday home because you like the location, the property, the surrounding area and amenities. If you enjoy spending time in your holiday home so will others.Why is it a condition of membership that all listings must include the properties rental rates?
Holiday home rental rates can vary due to location, size, time of year and quality of accommodation. Therefore, all members are requested to display their standard rental charges in their listing so that cash adjustments can be made if necessary.Who do I pay if there is a rental value difference?
All dealings regarding a holiday home swap are made between the participating members. Swapandstay.com solely provides a contact service and does not participate in the swapping process. Any difference in holiday value is paid directly from one owner to the other.Our holiday home is only used by ourselves, family and friends, therefore, we don't have ´rental rates`. How do I determine the appropriate rental rates for my property listing?
Including rental rates in your property listing is a condition of membership, therefore, you need to estimate what you could charge paying guests. Speak to your neighbours who rent, ask them what they charge, look for comparable properties on rental sites or ask a local property management agent for their view on appropriate rental charges for your property.How do I know that other members' rental rates are genuine?
Our staff check every new members listing. If we think that the rental rates do not seem appropriate, the member's listing will be suspended for further investigation by our team.How do I know the information given on your site about a property is accurate?
It is the responsibility of the property owners to maintain the accuracy of the information displayed on their property listing page. Swapandstay.com do not take responsibility for any inaccuracies. We recommend that all our members undertake their own confirmations that the holiday home is as stated before committing to a swap. Swapandstay.com is a contact only site. We provide the facility for like-minded holiday homeowners to contact each other with a view to swapping holiday homes for a holiday. Therefore, we do not inspect any properties, nor get involved in the booking process.Do I have to swap ´like for like`?
No. This is why Swapandstay.com insists on members including their normal rental rates in their property listing. For example; You may own a two bedroom apartment in mainland Spain but wish to take family and friends to the Caribbean for Christmas and New Year. There are ten people in your party and you would need a 4/5 bedroom house to accommodate everyone. Not a problem. You find a swapping partner that wishes to stay in your 2 bedroom apartment and you pay any difference in the rental rates direct to your swapping partner.Is it possible to take a multiple destination holiday?
Yes it certainly is! For example, you could swap with an apartment owner in New York for four days, a Florida villa owner for a week and a Caribbean condo owner for two weeks. Use your imagination and put together your dream holiday. The combinations are endless!How simple is it to Swapandstay?
It's easy. When you become a member of Swapandstay.com your property details will be registered in our database. Along with other members you can then search for and select your ideal location and accommodation. Once you have found a suitable property you can contact the owner and arrange your perfect exchange. See How to Swapandstay .My holiday home is listed with a rental agency, will this affect my Swapandstay.com membership?
When you receive enquiries from other Swapandstay.com members, contact your rental agent / manager and confirm that the dates are still available. Before arranging a swap inform your agent the dates that your property will be occupied by Swapandstay.com members so that your property doesn't end up double booked.I own more than one holiday home, is there a discount if I submit more than one property?
Yes. We welcome enquiries from owners of multiple properties. Each property is allocated a unique property reference number. Therefore, if you wish to list more than one property you will have to fill in a property listing form for each property. The 'Add a New Property' page can be found in the Member Zone. Providing the registered owner for that property is the same as a previous application a listing charge of £10 GBP (or equivalent) will be payable for each additional property. Members may list a maximum of three properties.How simple is it to list my holiday home on Swapandstay.com?
Very easy, just follow the guidelines contained within the Membership Application FormIs it possible to apply for membership by post?
We are happy to input property details for you if you don't feel comfortable doing it yourself. This service incurs a small administration charge. Print and fill in a copy of the Membership Application form, include your photographs (and a stamped addressed envelope for their return) and send it to us. Please include a cheque for your membership plus the admin charge of £5 GBP payable to Swapandstay Ltd. Further details can be found on our Contact Us page. Your membership will be processed the day that we receive it.Will my listing include photographs?
Yes. Each Swapandstay.com listing comes with up to three pictures. These pictures are easy to upload using our image manager. Any digital photo can be uploaded if it is less than 1 MB in size. If you have printed photos, you will need to scan them first to create a photo file. If you don't have access to a scanner or don't feel confident uploading photographs you can send the photos to us and we will upload them for you free of charge. Due to postal times this will delay your listing appearing on the Swapandstay.com property listings page. You will need to include a stamped addressed envelope if you want us to return your photographs. Address details can be found on our Contact Us page. We would suggest that the main photo is of the outside of the property. The additional photos ideally would show the inside of the property and/or views. See Listing GuidelinesHow soon can I access the property listings and view other members properties?
After registration is complete and your account is activated.When will other members be able to view my property listing?
As soon as your account is activated your property details will be featured in the Latest AdditionsLatest Additions section.How do I find a suitable holiday home swap?
Click on Search Properties to view listings by desired locations and/or your specific dates. You can then browse a list of potentially suitable properties from the search results list. When you see a property that you think may be suitable, you can click on the 'click for info' link to see the full page listing for that property. You can add all the properties that interest you to your Swapping Basket. When you click 'Contact Owner' your interest will be forwarded to the relevent member expressing your interest in a swap. Your property listing number will appear in your enquiry so that they can view your property and available dates. If they like the look of your property they will contact you.See How to Swapandstay
What do I do if someone is interested in my property?
If you receive an enquiry it will contain a reference number and direct link to the other member's property. Have a look at it and, if you like what you see, you can contact the member.See Swapping Guidelines
Do I have to exchange with another member when they contact me?
No. If the holiday home is not suitable for your needs you do not have to swap. It would be polite to contact the member and tell them that you are not interested at this time, just as a matter of courtesy.How do I confirm swapping arrangements?
Before making travel arrangements, i.e. airline tickets, ask your swapping partner to email you with a written confirmation of the booking dates. Once tickets have been booked forward a copy of your reservation to your swapping partner. This will finalise your accommodation booking and give your swapping partner peace of mind. See Swapping GuidelinesWhat would happen if a member has enjoyed a stay in my holiday home, and before I stay in their holiday home, they sell it?
They would have to reimburse you for their stay in your holiday home as per your standard rental rates. We recommend that all members draw up a swapping agreement form that states the normal rental rates for the period of the swap to cover themselves in the unlikely event of a swap being cancelled.What about cancellations?
Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, cancellations can happen. It is up to the members concerned to resolve this problem amicably.How can I increase my chances of finding a suitable swap?
By being as flexible as possible in where you are looking to go and when you can travel. Try to be open to suggestions as to where to travel. Be flexible on the type of accommodation that you wish to stay in. Be adventurous! See Swapping GuidelinesHow can I make my listing more appealing to other members?
Include as much detail as possible in your listing. The more information that you can provide, the more likely you will get a successful swap. Nobody knows your property like you do, after all it's your holiday home! Tell others all its benefits so that they can enjoy staying in it as much as you do.See Listing Guidelines
Does Swapandstay.com make any recommendations as to how to swap?
As Swapandstay.com is a contact only site we are not responsible for any arrangements made between the participating members. All swapping arrangements are made directly between the property owners concerned. Swapandstay.com does not get involved in discussions, negotiations or any arrangements between members. Nor does Swapandstay.com assume any liability for the arrangements made. We do, however, provide Swapping Guidelines . In our opinion, it makes sense to have some kind of contract, that outlines the details of the swapping arrangements so that both parties have peace of mind.How do I access the Member Zone?
Log-in on the Home page by clicking on 'Member Login' and filling in your User Name and Password.Can I change my listing details?
Yes, you can change your details at any time. If you want to change your photos, edit your property listing, or even delete your property go to the 'Property Manager' page.To change your personal details, swap preferences or desired dates go into 'My Account'.
We encourage members to keep their property listing as current as possible and we never charge you for any changes you may make to your property listing.
How do I change photos?
Make sure your pictures are on your hard disk, floppy disk or a CD and in JPG/JPEG or GIF format before continuing. Go to the Property Manager page and use the image manager to change the photo.How do I add my property to the Last Minute Swaps page?
If you have a Last minute vacancy or cancellation, simply use the email form on the contact us page and let us know. Your property will be added to the Last minute Swaps within 12 hours of us receiving your email. Don't forget to tell us your PROPERTY LISTING NUMBER in the email and make sure that your availability calendar on your Property listing is showing an availability within the next ten weeks.Swapandstay opens up a World of holiday opportunities
Swapandstay.com - Your passport to FREE holiday accommodation in destinations all over the world!