From finding flights to planning the perfect itinerary, your next ThirdHome trip just got easier.
Planning a getaway should be part of the fun. That’s why we’re introducing the ThirdHome Travel Concierge, an AI-powered trip-planning assistant designed to help you go from “Could I see myself here?” to “When can I go?”
Available directly on ThirdHome property pages, the Travel Concierge can help you explore a destination, compare travel options, build an itinerary, estimate trip costs, and more, all while keeping the specific home you’re viewing at the center of your plans.
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Your trip planning, all in one place
When browsing a ThirdHome property, look for the I’m ThirdHome AI ✦ button. Open it to start a conversation about the home or destination. You can choose from suggested questions or simply type whatever you’d like to know.
Better yet, your conversation is saved to that property, so you can come back and pick up where you left off.
Here are just a few things your Travel Concierge can help with:
- Find flights: Explore flight options from your home airport to the airport nearest your destination, including estimated fares, travel times, stops, and departure and arrival times.
- Discover what’s nearby: Get recommendations for restaurants, activities, culture, wellness, shopping, and hidden gems near the home.
- Check the weather: Compare expected conditions for upcoming availability and even get season-specific packing suggestions.
- Plan your itinerary: Choose an available week and build a day-by-day itinerary with ideas for mornings, afternoons, and evenings.
- Estimate your trip costs: Get an estimated breakdown of expenses like flights, ground transportation, meals, groceries, entertainment, and your Exchange Fee.
- Learn more about the home: Ask about bedrooms, bathrooms, guest capacity, amenities, the nearest airport, Key cost, or even ask to see property photos.
And your ThirdHome team is still here
The Travel Concierge is designed specifically for trip planning. For questions about your membership, billing, reservations, or other account-related needs, it will direct you to Member Services rather than trying to answer something it shouldn’t.
It can even display your Member Experience Associate’s contact information right in the conversation, making it easy to connect with a real person when you need one.
Start planning your next stay with ThirdHome Travel Concierge
ThirdHome is built on more than exceptional homes and memorable travel. At the heart of The Club is a global community of Members who share their homes, experiences, and appreciation for seeing the world in a more personal way.
Now, a new profile feature makes it easier to get to know the people behind that community.
ThirdHome Members can now personalize their profiles by adding a profile photo and short bio. With just a few details, fellow Members can put a face to a name and learn a little more about the person on the other side of a booking.
Put a little more you in your profile
Your ThirdHome profile is an opportunity to introduce yourself to fellow Members. Whether you share a favorite travel photo or a few words about the places and experiences you enjoy most, these new profile options add a more personal element to The Club.
Add a Profile Photo
Choose a photo that feels like you. It might be a headshot, a favorite selfie, or a photo from a memorable trip.
If you don’t have a photo ready to upload, you can choose one from our collection instead.
Adding a photo does more than personalize your profile. Members with profile photos also receive more booking requests, giving fellow Members another way to feel familiar with the person behind a property.
Write a Short Bio
Your bio gives fellow Members a quick introduction to who you are, with up to 500 characters to make it your own.
Not sure what to write? Consider sharing:
• Where you love to travel
• A favorite destination or memorable trip
• What you enjoy about The Club
• A hobby or interest
• A little about your family or lifestyle
• Something fellow Members might enjoy knowing about you
There is no need to overthink it. A few thoughtful details are enough to help other Members get to know you.
How to update your ThirdHome Profile
There are four easy ways to add or update your profile photo and bio. Pick the one that’s most convenient for you.
Note: You must be logged in to your ThirdHome account.
1. Account Dropdown
Select your profile avatar on the homepage, then click the pencil icon.
From there, upload your own photo or choose one from our collection, then add your short bio, and select “Update Profile.”
2. Dashboard
Navigate to your account Dashboard and locate your profile avatar. Then, click the pencil icon on your avatar to add your profile photo and bio.
3. Edit Profile
In your account Dashboard, select “Manage Account,” then “Edit Profile.”
Scroll to the “Update Photo and Bio” section to make your changes.
4. Your Property Page
Visit your property page and scroll until you reach your profile card.
Click the pencil icon on your profile avatar to update your information. You can also access this option while editing your property page.
A more personal way to connect across the club
Every ThirdHome stay begins with a shared sense of trust. A completed profile offers another simple way to strengthen that connection by helping Members learn a little more about one another before a stay.
A photo puts a face to a name. A short bio adds a little context. Together, they help make a global community feel more personal.
It only takes a few minutes to update your profile and introduce yourself to fellow Members around the world.
Your property photos are one of the first ways fellow Members experience your home. Clear, thoughtfully composed images help showcase the spaces, details, and setting that make a property distinctive while giving Members a more complete sense of what to expect from their stay.
And great property photos do not require professional equipment. A few simple steps before and during the shoot can make a meaningful difference in how your home is presented.
Before You Take Your Photos
A little preparation can go a long way. Before photographing your home, take a few moments to prepare both your camera and the space.
Start by wiping your camera lens to make sure photos are crisp and clear. Whenever possible, shoot during the day, when natural light can help rooms feel bright and welcoming. You can also tap the screen on your phone to adjust the brightness before taking a photo.
For smaller rooms, using the 0.5x wide-angle setting can help capture more of the space in a single image.
Finally, prepare the room itself. Make the beds, clear away clutter, and check the space for anything that may distract from the home.
Keep the Focus on the Space
The strongest property photos allow the home itself to take center stage.
Avoid dark or blurry photos, tilted images, and close-up shots that do not show the full room. Horizontal, level images that capture the complete space generally give Members a clearer understanding of the property.
People and unnecessary clutter should also be kept out of the frame.
Pets, however, are welcome to make the occasional charming cameo.
Capture the Complete Property
A strong photo gallery should help Members understand the entire home, not just a few standout spaces.
Before finishing your photo set, make sure you have included:
• All bedrooms
• All bathrooms
• Living spaces
• Exterior areas
• Views
• Amenities
Aim for bright, high-quality images that are horizontal, level, and show full-room views whenever possible.
Including the full range of spaces and amenities helps create a more complete and useful representation of your home.
How to Update Your Property Photos on ThirdHome
Already have photos on your property page that you would like to add to, reorder, or remove? You can manage your property gallery directly from your account.
Follow this path:
My Properties > Property Owner Edit Page > Photos
Once you are in the Photos tab, you can make several updates to your gallery.
Add New Photos
Use the Photos tab to add new images to your property gallery.
This is helpful when you have taken updated photos, added new amenities, refreshed a space, or simply have stronger images that better represent your home.
Reorder Your Photos
You can move photos around within the Photos tab to change the order in which they appear on your property page.
Consider leading with images that give Members a strong sense of the home and its setting, then use the rest of the gallery to provide a complete look at bedrooms, bathrooms, living spaces, outdoor areas, views, and amenities.
Delete Photos
You can also remove images you no longer want displayed.
If a photo is outdated, blurry, dark, repetitive, or no longer accurately represents the property, deleting it can help keep your gallery current and focused.
A Clearer Look at Your Home
Thoughtful property photography is ultimately about helping fellow Members understand the experience your home offers.
Bright, clear images, complete room views, and a well-organized gallery make it easier to explore the property before a stay. With a few simple adjustments and an occasional gallery refresh, you can help your home put its best foot forward while keeping its presentation accurate and true to the space.
From vibrant cities to serene coastlines, Southeast Asia is now part of the ThirdHome luxury home exchange experience. Our newest venture helps to highlight the region’s breathtaking beauty and the spirit of adventure and sophistication our members seek. This expansion marks an exciting chapter in our global growth, and the buzz is building. See how the media is covering our arrival in Singapore below.
ThirdHome targets branded residences for growth in Thailand
“Nearly 50 properties in Thailand have joined our network organically. However, demand from our members for this country and the region far exceeds the available supply…We had a number of developers who had built beautiful resorts but were unable to sell them due to the economic environment…By partnering with us, developers can tap into this customer segment by making their branded residences available for stays by our members.“
– ThirdHome Director of Operations and Strategy, Giles Adams
ThirdHome, the Luxury Travel Club, Sets Its Sights on Southeast Asia
“We’re seeing a huge rise in luxury second-home ownership in Southeast Asia, not only among international and expat buyers but also among the rising number of highly affluent local residents…For people who love to travel, our exclusive club just makes so much sense…We’re actively looking to partner with developers and real estate professionals who want to differentiate their offerings and deliver long-term lifestyle value to their clients.”
– ThirdHome CEO & Founder, Wade Shealy
ThirdHome brings home-swapping model to affluent Singaporeans
“Generation Z is looking more about the here and now. The affluent ones have the ability and have the time and the flexibility to work across jurisdictions, across countries, across continents, which means that that has driven second home growth.”
– ThirdHome Director of Operations and Strategy, Giles Adams
ThirdHome, the Luxury Travel Club, Sets Its Sights on Southeast Asia
“It’s a great arrangement…Developers can use their unsold properties to generate travel credits, and ThirdHome sends the company qualified prospects who may eventually buy. They’ll say: Here’s your off-plan purchase, but while it’s under construction, you can travel to amazing homes worldwide…It’s a win for everyone.”
– ThirdHome Director of Operations and Strategy, Giles Adams
Interested in becoming a partner with ThirdHome?
Interested in becoming a ThirdHome Member?
A Legacy Investment. A Lifestyle You’ll Love.
ThirdHome is proud to introduce our newest partner, The Canyon Club. Nestled along one of the last privately owned stretches of Lake Travis, this intimate residential resort offers only 25 homes across 60 stunning acres, complete with 2,000 feet of private waterfront.
Blending heritage with next-generation innovation, The Canyon Club offers two paths to ownership: expansive 5- and 6-bedroom traditional homes, available for whole ownership from $2.8M, or the nation’s first luxury 4-bedroom 3D-printed residences by ICON, available through fractional ownership starting in the low $400Ks.
Whichever path you choose, life here is complemented by a suite of remarkable amenities: the first 3D-printed spa in the U.S., multiple pools, sauna, tennis and pickleball courts, fitness center, golf, boating, water sports, clubhouse, and curated dining experiences, all just 45 minutes from downtown Austin.
With an expertly managed short-term rental program and complimentary membership to Third Home’s global home exchange networks, homes at The Canyon Club offer the flexibility to use it, rent it, or trade it — delivering a luxury lifestyle offering with built-in investment returns.
Special Perks for ThirdHome Members
As a ThirdHome member, purchasing a home at The Canyon Club comes with exclusive benefits, including 20 Keys to enhance your travel opportunities within our network.
Exclusive Buyer Events
You’re also invited to attend exclusive buyer events in Houston on October 1st and Dallas on October 2nd. To secure an exclusive invitation, email janine.harker@thirdhome.com to join the guest list.
The Canyon Club isn’t just a place to live; it’s a place to gather, create memories, and secure your legacy for generations to come.
We’re excited to announce the launch of ThirdHome luxury home exchange in New Zealand, expanding our global network into one of the world’s most breathtaking destinations with exceptional homes that reflect the spirit of adventure and sophistication our members value. As we grow our presence across New Zealand, the media is taking notice—explore the latest coverage below.
Luxury home exchange club launches in NZ
“There’s a sense of security with bookings: the visitors are respectful, and you know your property is in safe hands. That’s not necessarily the case with Airbnb. And within the club it’s a real community, and you can interact on a personal level with the owners of places you stay in.”
– ThirdHome Member Josephine E.
Luxury home-swap platform to expand in New Zealand
“In the two years of her membership, Bianchi calculates she will soon have had $120,000 worth of accommodation, spread over four one-week-long trips. That includes the one to Mexico, where the home came with a cleaner, chef and driver; one in a “beautiful luxury resort” in Byron Bay, Australia; and one closer to home in Arrowtown’s Millbrook resort when she had an overflow of family members coming for Christmas.”
– ThirdHome Member Pauline B.
Selling the dream: How travel perks are helping close prestige deals
“We’re not trying to disrupt real estate,” Wade said. “We’re enhancing it, offering homeowners and agents a way to extend the value of a second home well beyond the walls. When agents say, ‘Buy this beachfront property in Byron and you can stay in a Paris penthouse or a Swiss chalet for $900 a week,’ it changes the conversation.”
– ThirdHome CEO & Founder, Wade Shealy
Luxury house swaps coming to NZ
“Rather than just swapping in the traditional sense, you can swap your homes over a certain value but you can actually choose from over 18,000 properties right around the world in more than 100 countries, and not just your average homes: we’ve got castles, ranches, yachts, safaris.”– Coast FM Host, Lorna Riley
Luxury travel club ThirdHome launches in New
Zealand
“To rent a place, like a 3-bedroom Ritz Carlton, you’re going to pay U.S. dollars, anywhere from $30,000 to $40,000 for the week. If you have a luxury second home that you offer up a week in ThirdHome for another number of years, you pay about $900 to stay in a Ritz Carlton 3-bedroom. I tell people, there’s no better deal, if you want a luxury second home, there’s no better deal in the world than ThirdHome.”
– ThirdHome CEO & Founder, Wade Shealy
Karl Lagerfeld’s former residence in France is available to book – but only if you know where to look
“Château d’Isle-sur-Marne, a meticulously restored castle dating back to 1732, is available to book exclusively through ThirdHome, a members-only luxury travel club. Formerly home to the late fashion icon and featured in both the 2023 Met Gala tribute Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty and Millionaire Holiday Home Swap, the château offers guests an experience that is as culturally significant as it is aesthetically breathtaking.”
– Sophie Howe, Author at Harper’s Bazaar Australia
ThirdHome New Zealand: What it’s like using the luxury home exchange
However, we’re here because of novelty and familiarity and excitement, and how they alchemise. Because even the most breathtaking places can lose a little shine over time, and we start to hunger for something different. This is one of travel’s greatest appeals: the chance to substitute the familiar delights for, not something necessarily better, but novel and thus delightful in a unique way. It’s also, in my eyes, one of the greatest appeals of a company like ThirdHome.
– Multimedia journalist, NZ Herald, Sarah Pollok
Interested in becoming a partner with ThirdHome?
Interested in becoming a ThirdHome Member?
Thousand Greens is a global community of passionate private club golfers who love to share the game with others.
Thousand Greens extends a special invitation to ThirdHome Members who are part of a private club, inviting them to join its vast network of private club golfers across thousands of top-rated clubs worldwide. This presents members with a chance to connect and relish the experience of playing at each other’s clubs as accompanied guests. Importantly, it provides access to esteemed private clubs that might otherwise be inaccessible.
Upon registering, members are categorized into one of four tiers based on their club’s ranking: best in world, best in country, best in state/province, and other private clubs. Members can request invitations to courses at their own level or lower.
Exclusive Offer for ThirdHome Members
Enjoy a one-year complimentary Thousand Greens membership, which includes:
- Special Access to Top-Tier Courses: Experience firsthand thousands of the finest private golfing locales in 40 countries.
- Explore Endless Benefits: Enjoy exclusive offers from top industry brands, track your progress on various golf “top” lists, effortlessly manage your golf contacts visually in one place, and share experiences across social media.
- Build Connections: Become part of a dynamic community comprising over 11,000 passionate golf enthusiasts eager to share club experiences, their love for the game, and a willingness to travel and play alongside fellow enthusiasts.
To activate your complimentary year, please enter the code THIRDHOME24D on the payment screen.
Our latest collaboration with Epic Golf Club, a premier platform that delivers exceptional golf experiences worldwide.
ThirdHome members are invited to play the world’s premier private golf courses through our new partner, Epic Golf Club. This exclusive golf society provides a platform for avid golf enthusiasts to play at some of the world’s best private golf courses together.
Special Opportunity for Members
Enjoy 6-months free of dues with an approved Epic Golf Club Membership, which includes:
- Exclusive Access to Elite Courses: Explore some of the world’s most prestigious golf courses, from lush greens nestled in scenic landscapes to iconic championship venues.
- VIP Events and Tournaments: Enjoy VIP access to exclusive golf events, tournaments, and networking opportunities with fellow enthusiasts. Epic Golf Club sponsors around thirty golf events per year, typically at top–100 golf clubs. Each event currently attracts around 80-100 Epic members.
- Powerful Networking Opportunities: Be part of an exclusive group of some of the most successful CEO’s, business owners, and professionals who all share a love for the game of golf. Powerful networking and connections can be formed.
Click here to learn more or apply for membership.
Your journey as a member, simply put, is the most luxurious and exclusive golf society experience in the world. With Epic Golf Club, the entire golf world has been unlocked. So, no more asking for favors to get on clubs or being stuck playing 5+ hour rounds on resort courses. And you’ll also receive dozens of invites to incredible events at top clubs year-round.
What do you do if you get bored of forever having to return to your second home? Join a club of like-minded and similarly property-endowed people and go and stay in theirs!
Welcome to Millionaire Holiday Home Swap—a 6-part series that explores the homes and lifestyles of some of ThirdHome’s Exchange members. In this awe-inspiring show, viewers get to know the Club’s founder and CEO, Wade Shealy, and Director of Strategy, Giles Adams. Wade explains how the Club began—a simple swap pool between him and his friends who own second homes. Now, 15 years later, the Club features over 30,000 properties across 100 countries. Millionaire Holiday Home Swap takes us inside these extravagant homes, including ThirdHome’s Reserve properties, an exclusive program for even higher-worth properties.
If you haven’t seen the show yet, what are you waiting for? In the meantime, let’s uncover the details behind the fantastic properties in Episode 1.
Cottar’s Mara Bush Villa in Masai Mara, Kenya
Overview
Cottar’s Mara Bush Villa is located on the award-winning Cottar’s Safari Camp in Kenya, bordering the world-famous Maasai Mara National Reserve. Cottar’s Bush Villa won the World Travel Award for Africa’s Leading Luxury Private Villa in 2016 and is Global Eco-Sphere Retreat accredited. Located next to the Savannah Plains, the luxury villa sleeps up to 12, and guests can enjoy privately guided game drives, night game drives, bush walks, swimming, and fishing and can even witness the Great Wildebeest Migration known over the world.
Cottars History
Cottar’s Safaris Services was established in 1919 and was one of the first registered safari companies offering superior game hunting and film safaris throughout Africa, India, and Indochina. Among the Cottar’s long list of achievements, many were firsts. They were the first to import American safari vehicles, the first to reach new areas like Lake Paradise, and the first service to obtain rare safari footage. The Cottars were even the first safari company to establish a tented photography camp in the 60s.
Property Look
The Bush Villa has five bedrooms and six bathrooms and offers complete privacy, with a secure and secluded road leading to the house, which makes it a perfect immersion into nature.
The villa comes with a dedicated staff of eight (one waiter, one housekeeper, two security guards, a guide, and a wildlife spotter). And if you were worried you wouldn’t have access to modern amenities, you can rest assured that the villa has internet access throughout, satellite TV and DVD, and is powered with electric and solar energy.
Trail’s End in Whistler, Canada
Overview
This six-bedroom, eight-bathroom chalet is known around Whistler as the most luxurious getaway in the entire community. Located in the in-demand Kadenwood neighborhood, this ski-in/ski-out retreat sits on 7,500 square feet on a private slope. Trail’s End bursts with luxuries, such as heated floors throughout the home, an espresso bar, a sparkling water dispenser, and a covered, heated entertainment deck.
About Whistler
Whistler Blackcomb is one of the best and most well-known ski resort areas in all of North America. Ranked by USA Today as one of the top 11 resorts this side of the Atlantic. Not only does it offer some of the best skiing for all levels, but it’s also got one of the top villages for après-ski activities, rivaling those famous Austrian ski villages you always hear about.
Seascape Escape in Koh Samui, Thailand
Overview
This four-bedroom, four-bathroom villa is nestled within the grounds of the W Koh Samui Luxury Resort, located on the popular Koh Samui Island—the second-largest island in Thailand. Seascape Escape overlooks the Gulf of Thailand, which is world-famous for its scuba diving and deep-sea fishing.
Accessible via the Koh Samui airport, which is only 15 minutes by car, this tropical getaway boasts ocean views, an infinity pool, loungers, and a sun bed to enjoy. Visitors can enjoy maid service and all of the benefits that the W Hotel has to offer. If you are interested in airport transfers, private chefs, or other services, those can be provided for extra fees.
We sit down with Giles Adams, Director of Strategy and Operations with ThirdHome, and learn how Millionaire Holiday Home Swap came to light.
How did ThirdHome become the star of Millionaire Holiday Home Swap?
In March 2019, we met Plum Pictures, who have been producing innovative programming for major networks in the UK and US since 2007. After a few meetings, they asked if we would be open to them creating a show they would pitch to UK TV channels, streaming services, and content creators.
How did you decide on the format of Millionaire Holiday Home Swap?
Initially, we were thinking of taking our successful Best Job on the Planet contest and creating a TV series from it (think Amazing Race meets The Apprentice). At the same time, we were exploring a behind-the-scenes docuseries that gave viewers a peek behind the curtain to see some of the incredible homes we have in the Club and to meet the members simultaneously. This format felt more authentic and a truer reflection of who we are as a Club. In late 2019, Plum Pictures created a taster video that they would use to pitch to content creators.
How would you describe the show?
Millionaire Holiday Home Swap is a 6-part series where the viewer goes inside the homes and holidays of ThirdHome members, including behind-the-scenes shots as hosts prepare for guest arrivals, backstories of the homes themselves, and some of the distinguished homeowners. You’ll also get to meet ThirdHome’s Founder and CEO, Wade Shealy, and hear how ThirdHome started and has evolved over the years. In conjunction with showcasing some of the members’ incredible stays, you will also get a peek into the daily workings of ThirdHome, especially the European team in Spain. The series is beautifully shot and produced. It’s a great representation of the Club, the homes, and the experiences that members offer each other.
How did you decide which homes and members to feature in Millionaire Holiday Home Swap?
We wanted to showcase a mix of properties that reflected the diverse range of homes in the Club. Not only did we want to highlight the international flavour of ThirdHome by featuring far-flung locations, but also show the different types of experiences that we offer, such as skiing, safari, beach holidays, and cultural stays.
We were also looking to balance a blend of property showcases, member trips, and behind-the-scenes goings-on with our team that put all these stays together. Within the trips, we also wanted to show how members use the Club, from a couple traveling together to large multi-generational family reunions.
We know we have some great and varied members in the Club, and as such, we wanted to try and include as many of them as possible if they wanted to participate.
How did the pandemic affect the show?
The world shut down just as Plum Pictures was beginning to pitch the concept. Therefore, as most productions were put on hold in 2020, the conversations about putting the show together started back up again in 2021.
Ready to swap your holiday home? Click here to learn more.
ThirdHome makes the cut in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2023 Readers’ Choice Awards survey!
Keep reading to learn how to vote for ThirdHome and enter the sweepstakes to win a dream getaway with Viking Cruises!
Condé Nast Traveler asked readers to participate in the first Readers’ Choice Awards survey over three decades ago. It was created so they could learn more about where their readers had recently vacationed, which destinations were next on their bucket lists, and all their favorite travel necessities. Your favorite destinations and travel stables need your love more than ever this year! ThirdHome is thrilled to be a part of it in the Homestays & Villa Rentals category once again and would love for members to consider voting for ThirdHome!
If ThirdHome is one of your favorite ways to travel, and we sure hope it is, keep reading to find out how to vote in the 2023 Readers’ Choice Awards Survey. By taking the survey, you enter Condé Nast Traveler‘s sweepstakes to win a dream getaway for two with Viking Cruises!
Step 1: Click here to visit the Condé Nast Traveler‘s 2023 Readers’ Choice Awards website
Step 2: Create an account or “Sign In”.
Step 3: Click on our category, “Homestays & Villa Rentals”!
Step 4: Type “ThirdHome ” in the search bar.
Step 5: You will be prompted to answer a few questions…
Step 6: Last but not least, write a few sentences about your best ThirdHome experience and why you’re voting!
Click “Submit” to cast your vote!
After taking these steps and completing the survey, you’re all finished! ThirdHome is thrilled to be included in Condé Nast Traveler‘s 2023 Readers’ Choice Awards. Voting closes June 30th, 2023. Thank you for reading and voting!
Want more information about our Exchange Club? Click here to learn more about ThirdHome.
Interested in doing a home exchange? Many people find that home exchanges are the perfect way to explore the world safely and inexpensively. You get the same comforts of home for much less than you would pay for other accommodations like hotels. Swapping homes is relatively simple and quite exciting, but for first-timers, it may be overwhelming wondering where to begin. Luckily, this guide will explain the basics of each type of home exchange, such as direct and indirect, and how to choose the best option for you. Let’s get started!
What Does It Mean to Exchange Homes?
The name says it all. A home exchange or house swap is when two people temporarily exchange homes for a set period of time. Generally, both homes are located in different areas, be it different cities, states, or even countries. What’s more, is that the properties often vary in style. You might own a high-rise apartment in New York City or Chicago, whereas your exchange partner might have a beach house in Jamaica or a ski chalet in the mountains. The beauty of trading homes is that you never have to visit the same place twice.
What Types of Homes Are Eligible for Exchange?
If you were to search for a home exchange website, you’d find several different options. However, not all home exchange sites are created equal because there is more than one way to do a house swap. For starters, a house exchange can occur between homeowners’ primary residences or their second residences, such as vacation homes, investment properties, or fractional resort properties.
ThirdHome’s exchange club, for example, is exclusive to luxury second homes rather than primary residences to ensure the best experience possible. Staying in someone’s primary home often feels intrusive and uncomfortable because they contain the owner’s personal belongings. What’s more, is that exchanging primary residences limits when and where you can travel. When you swap primary residences, both parties are bound to that property’s specific location.
A vacation home exchange, on the other hand, enables members to travel to more destinations and in more unique accommodations, such as yachts and five-star resorts. Not only can you swap your home for a stay in any destination of your choosing, but you’re also using your investment to your advantage. Rather than feeling guilty about your second property sitting empty, you can leverage it for additional and unique travel opportunities. It’s a win-win.
Understanding the Different Types of Home Swap Models
Direct Exchanges
Swapping primary residences translates to a direct exchange, which is where you simultaneously stay in somebody else’s home while they stay in yours. However, direct exchanges require you to find not only someone who wants to stay in your home but whose calendar and schedule also align with yours, which is especially challenging if you’re interested in a long-term swap. The direct exchange model doesn’t allow for flexibility of location or time frame and demands more advanced and extensive planning.
If you were to search for the perfect home swap match, it would take a lot of time and effort, including frequent correspondence. In fact, on average, 40 emails are exchanged between the guest and host members, which can be cumbersome.
Additionally, a direct home exchange may be difficult to arrange, depending on the location of your home. For example, someone with a penthouse in New York City might not be particularly interested in trading houses with someone in Oklahoma or Kansas. Consequently, direct exchanges tend to have a low rate of success.
Indirect Exchanges
An indirect exchange allows you to stay at another member’s home, even if they don’t stay in yours. The accommodating member receives an exchange credit to use as payment for their next exchange. This eliminates the need to coordinate schedules and allows maximum flexibility.
ThirdHome, for example, uses the indirect exchange model by giving Keys (credits) to members in exchange for weeks at their home. This, in turn, allows the member to use their Keys where and when they want without having to find another member who wants to use their home. As a result, members are able to make real-time bookings and plans without having to send speculative requests and wait for responses.
Best of all, ThirdHome’s indirect exchange model is designed to work in tandem with conventional renting. Because our members choose which weeks they make available to other members of the Club, they are able to list any additional weeks on rental platforms, so they never need to worry about losing rental income.
Now that you’re familiar with the different types of home exchanges getting started is easy. To join ThirdHome’s exchange club, simply qualify your home, browse our wide array of inventory, and begin traveling.
If you would like to learn more about our luxury home exchange opportunities, click here to browse our properties or visit our FAQ page.