Olayie

Hello, we are having an eight week holiday in Oz between April and June next year. To save cost and have a real feel of living down under, we are thinking of house swap. Any recommended website please? There are quite a few and all need paid subscription. Any other suggestions will be really appreciated!

PS we have a four bedrooms house in Cotswold, England.

Olayie

Anyone can help please? What's the most popular house swap site in Oz?

Hebe

Where are you looking for in Australia?

Alfresco

Hi, it's not something that comes up a lot on BE.

I would try going to www.google.com.au (The Oz Google not UK Google) and search for House Swap Australia.

You should get a load of websites which you can browse.

e.g. http://www.aussiehouseswap.com.au/

Good luck!

Olayie

Sydney is definitely on the list, but we are open to offers. We are not particular about whereabout in Oz. We need to taste the real life of oz not just as tourists before we make our final decision.... Houseswap is therefore ideal.

Olayie

Many Thanks!

paddyo

I understand the flexibility, but do understand that each State can be different in many ways and different suburbs offer a very differing view of Australia. Its a massive place and there are so many variations to take into account.
My suggestion, and it is just that, is to find a swap into a suburb where you would 'likely' be if you were to come over. That means looking into the Industry you are coming to, the availability of jobs and the best areas for recruitment. Suburb selection is one of the most common questions on these forums and no one will have the right answer for you. It will depend on the lifestyle you want, the family time you enjoy, schooling, your leisure pursuits, your ethnic preference, your cultural identity needs and finally, and most importantly, your expected commute.
Oh, one final thing, the glamourous names of Aussie suburbs rarely reflect there international equivalent. Padstow in NSW for example is NOTHING like Padstow in Cornwall

Hebe

Nor Sunshine in Melbourne!!!

joeyballantyne

Alfresco, this is not a bad idea for a new BE section though????? It is after all BE and what better way to exchange lifestyles and maybe try out oz than through a house swap? much better and cheaper than the whole recce method if you can also get first hand advice from those already 'living the dream' (sic) have disclaimers all over so it is not your responsibility.

Pollyana

We have had some people post in the classifieds looking for house swaps, its not something that comes up often in the Aussie forum though. The problem from the point of view of the Mods would be how to distinguish between people genuinely looking for private swaps, and companies using the forum for free advertising.
I'll make sure Sue sees the idea though

Alfresco

Indeed! It may well work.


Agree.

Olayie

I think it's such a lovely idea too!

Olayie

I have taken some pictures of our house. If anyone's interested, please pm me. I can email pictures to you.