HomeExchange has launched a new website and platform following an integration with GuestToGuest’s technology over the past year.
GuestToGuest acquired HomeExchange, as well as a number of smaller companies, in early 2017 after a capital raise of $35 million.
GuestToGuest’s founders decided to use HomeExchange, which has been operating for much longer, as the brand going forward.
The platform enables home owners to pay a $150 annual membership fee and then swap homes with no further financial transaction taking place. The company also offers a per-night fee for anyone wanting to try the concept.
HomeExchange has also widened its offerings to allow for the GuestToGuest model whereby owners can do reciprocal exchanges or stay in a home using GuestPoints where homes are awarded a value based on various factors such as location.
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According to HomeExchange, the business model can challenge traditional holiday rentals and is a more personal experience because homes are being swapped and owners communicate with each other more closely.
HomeExchange CEO Emmanuel Arnaud says: ”Staying in paid accommodation is increasingly perceived as cold and impersonal. Because it is based on free hospitality, home exchange offers a whole new experience: to stay in real, authentic homes, and to feel welcomed as guests.”
The company says it now has a growing community of 400,000 homes.