Just because you pay a hefty weekly mortgage doesn't mean you can't take a luxury holiday. Home swapping now offers a low budget alternative for luxury travel for Australians bitten by the 38.5 percent mortgage repayment rise from 2006 to 2011, revealed this week by The Australian Bureau of Statistics. Mortgage costs have increased during this period to a rate that is almost double the average income. 

But why let mortgage costs and cost of living prevent you from living the holiday high life? Love Home Swap allows home mortgage owners to swap the apartment or house they call home with a luxury destination of their choice around the globe for a true local insider holiday that costs nothing except a small membership fee. No hefty five star hotel bills with hidden extra costs. Simply register your home and choose from over 48,000 inspiring properties in over 150 countries with ski chalets in the USA, chateaux in France and castles in the UK all on offer. 

According to Love Home Swap founder, Debbie Wosskow, Love Home Swap members also love that their precious properties are not left unattended while they travel.  "Home swapping is very personal - you are going to someone’s home and they are going to yours, so there is a sense of reciprocity or ‘do as you would be done by’ that keeps people honest and on their best behavior.” 

“Swappers may also agree to include cars, bikes, surfboards or even pet-sitting in their swap arrangement,” says Debbie, meaning that the $3,813 in average cost savings experienced by the site’s members is often much higher.

Love Home Swap also offers a unique Swap Points system which means you no longer have to match exact dates and destinations with the home owner you wish to swap with. You simply pledge the time your property will be vacant to Love Home Swap in exchange for points and then use those points to stay in your stylish home of choice for free anywhere on the globe.

“Many home owners will also leave their own tips on the best local places for coffee, cake, art, dining and more - so you get a real local experience,” adds Debbie.

A free 14 day trial is available on Love Home Swap, after which, membership starts at just $18 per month, including unlimited home swaps. 

For more information visit www.lovehomeswap.com

For further information, interviews with Debbie Wosskow and images of properties on Love Home Swap, contact:

Jess Keogh or Zoe Watson at Dani Lombard Public Relations

Ph: (02) 8094 9722 or jess@danilombard.com.au / zoe@danilombard.com.au