We saved £6,000 on holidays by swapping homes with strangers

The main home-swap listings platforms vet their members and invite them to review one another.

But the Association of British Insurers advises hosts to check that their home and contents insurance provides the cover they need before hosting guests.

It also says it is worth checking your travel insurance before staying in someone else’s home to check it covers accidental damage.

Petra Novak, who uses the home swap site Kindred, says the platform’s own damage protection policy has covered her on the few occasions something was damaged in her London flat.

The 34-year-old, who uses the platform as she works remotely around Europe, says she has saved some £18,000-£20,000 through home exchanges.

She says she was nervous about swapping homes with strangers at first but has never had a bad experience.

However, for added peace of mind, she likes to check out the social media profiles of prospective guests, adding that a personal touch can help build trust before an exchange.

“I personally like when someone submits their booking request along with a nice introduction letter, telling me about themselves and the reason why they would be visiting London.”