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Hostshare Versus Home Exchange
Ready to swap homes for your next adventure? Let’s compare Hostshare and Home Exchange. Hostshare offers flexibility with no nightly fees and premium short-term rentals, while Home Exchange focuses on personal home swaps with a points-based system. Hostshare grants instant travel credits for verified hosts, whereas Home Exchange welcomes all travelers.
What Is Home Swapping?
As James Chen notes in Investopedia: “A house swap, or home swap, is a temporary exchange of homes. It allows two people or families to enjoy a change of scenery with all the amenities of a home—without the costs and fees of a hotel.”
Swaps are perfect for vacations or short-term relocations. Hostshare elevates this for Airbnb and VRBO hosts, offering seamless access to vetted properties. We call it "home SHARING :)" List your property, get approved, and unlock 21 free travel nights to redeem at any Hostshare listing.
Let’s dive into how Hostshare and Home Exchange stack up.
Key Differences: Hostshare vs. Home Exchange
🧳 Nights Available for Travel
- Hostshare: Average of 21 nights per year per listing—10x more scheduling flexibility.
- Home Exchange: 1–4+ weeks annually, depending on your home’s appeal and activity level, often 1–2 swaps for new users.
Why It Matters: Hostshare’s generous credits enable spontaneous travel, while Home Exchange’s swaps depend on finding a match, which can take effort for newbies.
💰 Fees
- Hostshare: $0 nightly platform fees (just cleaning fees). Annual membership: $395 ($237 if you are a new member)
- Home Exchange: $220 annual membership, plus ~$20/night via GuestPoints for non-reciprocal swaps, and cleaning fees ($50–$150).
Why It Matters: Hostshare’s flat fee unlocks cost-free stays, potentially saving thousands. Home Exchange’s lower entry cost comes with per-trip expenses.
🏡 Listing Types
- Hostshare: Exclusively 4.5+ star commercial short-term rentals for top-tier quality.
- Home Exchange: Primarily personal homes (primary or second homes), offering a lived-in experience.
Why It Matters: Hostshare ensures professional amenities and maintenance. Home Exchange delivers authentic, homey stays but less consistency.
⏰ Lead Time to Travel
- Hostshare: Instant access—list, get approved, and book with your 21 nights right away.
- Home Exchange: Swaps require profile setup (1–3 days) and often hosting first to build trust.
Why It Matters: Hostshare enables quick getaways, while Home Exchange rewards patience with a community-driven approach.
🔒 Verification Process
- Hostshare: Strict vetting for verified hosts, owners, or rental pros, ensuring trust.
- Home Exchange: Open to anyone 18+ with basic ID checks, prioritizing accessibility.
Why It Matters: Hostshare’s rigorous process builds confidence; Home Exchange fosters inclusivity with community reviews.
Why Choose Hostshare?
Hostshare saves you hundreds—or thousands—while staying in professionally managed homes. Just ask David, who saved $2,000 on a recent trip!
Ready for fee-free travel? Sign up today and unlock your 21 nights.
