Travel without paying for accommodation, discover new destinations, and let others enjoy your home in return.
That’s the essence of home exchange — a travel trend that’s gaining popularity across Spain, especially among families, retirees, and second-home owners.

What makes it unique is that it works without money, outside of the traditional holiday rental market, and without a clear tax framework.

What exactly is home exchange?

A home exchange means letting someone stay in your house for a set period while you stay in theirs.
It can be simultaneous (both parties travel at the same time) or non-simultaneous, depending on the agreement.

For example, a couple from Alicante might spend a week in a mountain home in Asturias while the owners from the north enjoy the Mediterranean coast — no rent, no commercial lease.

Platforms like HomeExchange, Love Home Swap or GuesttoGuest make the process easy, handling communication, reviews, and point systems for added trust and safety.

A “grey area” in the law

Even though it’s based on mutual exchange, Spain has no specific tax or tourism regulation for home swapping.
It’s not considered a tourist rental since there’s no direct payment involved, but some legal experts argue that the mutual use of homes could represent an “exchange of value,” potentially taxable in the future.

Currently, the Spanish Tax Agency hasn’t issued any clear guidance, and regional governments haven’t included it in their tourism rules either — leaving home swapping in a legal limbo.

In countries like France, the UK, and Germany, it’s treated as a private, non-profit activity unless extra payments or commercial benefits are involved.
In the U.S., some platforms suggest declaring the estimated value of the accommodation received, though most users don’t.

Do you have to pay taxes on home exchanges?

For now, there are no specific taxes in Spain because there’s no monetary income.
However, some experts note that, technically, it could be seen as a “benefit in kind,” similar to when a company provides housing or a car to an employee.

That said, due to its limited scope and lack of regulation, Spain’s tax authorities are not enforcing or monitoring it at this time.

If, however, the exchange becomes frequent or profit-oriented, it could be treated as an economic activity or rental — and then it would be taxable.

Why people love home swapping

Beyond legal questions, home exchange is booming because it offers a more sustainable, affordable, and human way to travel.

Main advantages:

• Significant savings — no accommodation costs.
• Comfort — stay in a real home with kitchen and space, ideal for families.
• Sustainable tourism — less hotel crowding, more local connection.
• Cultural experience — live like a local and meet new people.
• Flexibility — you can swap anytime, even multiple times a year.

Safety and useful tips

Modern home exchange platforms include identity checks, insurance, and customer support to minimize risks.

Tips before you try it:

• Use trusted platforms with verification systems.
• Put everything in writing: dates, rules, cleaning, appliance use, etc.
• Secure valuables or store them separately.
• Take photos for inventory purposes.
• Be open and transparent with your exchange partner.

The rise of home swap on the Costa Blanca

In southern Costa Blanca — towns like Torrevieja, Orihuela Costa, Pilar de la Horadada, and Guardamar del Segura — this trend is growing fast among European residents and second-home owners who want to enjoy the Mediterranean without high rental costs.

Many homeowners also use this system to keep their properties occupied and cared for during the off-season.

A collaborative model with a future

Home exchange represents a new travel mindset — more sustainable, personal, and built on trust.
While traditional rentals face stricter rules, home swapping continues to expand as a smart, human-centered alternative.

It may still be in a legal grey zone, but one thing is clear: home exchange is becoming one of the strongest trends in residential tourism.