What Should You Include in Your Listing?
Write a Listing Description That Attracts the Right Swap Partners
Your listing description is your chance to make a great and lasting first impression on potential swap partners. While photos capture attention, it is the text that convinces people to get in touch. A well-written listing attracts serious and relevant prospects - and saves you time by filtering out those who would not be the right match anyway.
Start with the Essential Information
The first lines of your listing should contain the most important facts - the ones all potential partners scan for first:
Basic data that should always be included:
- Size: State exactly in square metres (e.g. "85 m²") - do not round up
- Rooms: Number of rooms including living room (e.g. "3 rooms" or "2 rooms + kitchen")
- Rent: Monthly rent and specify what is included (e.g. "8,500 DKK/month incl. water and heating")
- Location: Area, district, or street - be as specific as you are comfortable with
- Floor: Important for many (e.g. "3rd floor with lift" or "ground floor with garden view")
- Move-in: When can/should the earliest/latest move-in take place
Example of a good, informative opening:
"Bright and well-maintained 3-bedroom apartment of 85 m² located in the heart of Valby. Rent is 8,500 DKK/month including water and heating. The apartment is on the 3rd floor with lift in a quiet, green courtyard. Available from 1 August."
This opening provides all key information in under 50 words - efficient and respectful of the reader's time.
Highlight What Makes Your Home Unique
After the basics, it is time to tell people what makes your home special and worth their interest:
Positive features that stand out:
- South-facing balcony with morning sun and rooftop views
- Newly renovated kitchen with dishwasher and induction hob
- Original wooden floors, stucco ceilings, and classic details
- Large walk-in closet or extra storage space
- Views of park, water, forest, or cityscape
- Quiet courtyard with outdoor seating and bike storage
- High ceilings and large windows
- Recently renovated bathroom with underfloor heating
- In-unit washing machine and tumble dryer
Practical benefits that make daily life easier:
- Close to public transport (metro, bus, S-tog - specify stations and walking distance)
- Only a 5-minute walk to supermarkets and daily essentials
- Child-friendly area with playground and good nurseries nearby
- Free resident parking or space in a parking garage
- Access to a shared courtyard with tables, benches, and a barbecue
- Bike storage with charging stations for e-bikes
- Laundry room in the basement with newer machines
- Gym or other shared facilities in the building
Be Honest About Limitations - It Saves Everyone Time
Honesty is not just a virtue; it is smart strategy. Mentioning limitations upfront saves you wasted viewings and disappointed prospects:
Things you should definitely mention straight away:
- No balcony or outdoor space
- Bathroom without a window or with only minimal ventilation
- Traffic noise from a major road (especially relevant for bedrooms facing the street)
- Shower only, no bathtub
- Electric heating (may mean higher heating costs)
- Shared laundry room in the basement (no in-unit machine)
- No lift (relevant if there are many floors)
- Limited storage or no basement
- Pets not allowed per house rules
How to frame limitations positively and constructively:
Instead of the negative: "No balcony" Write the positive: "Ground floor with its own door and direct access to the shared courtyard"
Instead of: "Small kitchen" Write: "Cosy and functional kitchen with room for a small dining table"
Instead of: "No lift" Write: "2nd floor in a charming older building - a great daily workout!"
Describe the Neighbourhood and Surroundings
Your home is far more than four walls and a roof - the surrounding area matters enormously to most people:
Transport and commuting:
- Distance to the nearest public transport (state in minutes on foot)
- Which lines, stations, or bus numbers are relevant
- Approximate travel time to the centre or other key destinations
- Parking options for cars and bikes
Everyday amenities:
- Supermarkets and other shopping options (name the nearest ones)
- Schools, nurseries, and kindergartens in the area
- Doctors, dentists, pharmacies, and other essential services
- Banks, post offices, or parcel shops
Leisure and quality of life:
- Parks, green spaces, and nature areas
- Cafes, restaurants, and cultural offerings
- Gym, swimming pool, or other sports facilities
- Library, cinema, or other cultural venues
Example of a good area description:
"The neighbourhood offers everything you need within a short walk: Netto and Fakta are in the next building, the popular Café Dyrehaven on the corner serves fantastic brunch, and Enghaveparken with its playground and sports pitches is just around the corner. Metro Enghave Plads is a 3-minute walk away, and from there it is only 8 minutes to Rådhuspladsen."
What NOT to Write in Your Listing
Avoid these classic pitfalls that make your listing look unprofessional or off-putting:
Exaggerations that undermine your credibility:
- "The best apartment in the world" - sounds naive and unserious
- "Perfect condition" or "absolutely perfect" - nothing is perfect, everyone knows that
- "Huge balcony" - if it is 3 m², people will feel deceived
- "Dream home" - let people judge that for themselves
Negative and defensive wording:
- "Not for party animals" - sounds defensive and suspicious
- "Serious enquiries only" - everyone thinks they are serious
- "No time-wasters" - unfriendly and dismissive
- "MUST be swapped quickly!" - comes across as desperate
Irrelevant information that confuses:
- Long personal stories about why you are moving
- Detailed descriptions of furniture you are taking with you
- Political, religious, or other personal opinions
- Unnecessary details about previous residents
Discriminatory or unlawful requirements:
- Requirements regarding applicants' nationality, ethnicity, or religion
- Unreasonable age requirements ("only for people under 30")
- Requirements about specific family situations
- Anything that could be perceived as discrimination
Examples of Good vs. Bad Descriptions
Bad description - says nothing:
"Nice apartment in a good area. Great location close to everything. Must be seen!!!"
This description provides no concrete information and appears unengaged.
Good description - specific and inviting:
"Well-maintained 2-bedroom apartment of 65 m² in a quiet neighbourhood in outer Østerbro. The apartment is on the 2nd floor in a peaceful courtyard with plenty of natural light from large south-facing windows. Newer kitchen with dishwasher, induction hob, and ample cupboard space. Bright bathroom with shower and room for a washing machine. Rent 7,200 DKK/month incl. water. Fælledparken is just a 5-minute walk away, and metro Trianglen is reached in 4 minutes. Perfect for a single person or a couple without a car."
Structure Your Listing for Easy Reading
A good listing is easy to skim and read quickly. Structure it like this:
- Headline: Short and precise with the most important facts (size, type, area)
- Introduction: 2-3 sentences summarising the home's key qualities
- Details: Bullet list of amenities, equipment, and features
- Area: Short description of the neighbourhood and its qualities
- Practical info: Move-in date, rent, contact preferences
Next Steps in Your Listing Process
With a well-crafted listing description and great photos, you are ready to activate your listing and find a swap partner.
Read the complete guide to the entire process: How to swap apartments in Denmark.
Still need good photos? See our photo tips: How to take great photos of your apartment.