7 mistakes to avoid when swapping homes
Avoid the classic pitfalls of home swapping
Home swapping can be a fantastic way to get a new home - but there are also traps to watch out for. After helping hundreds of Danes swap homes, we have gathered the seven most common mistakes that can delay or completely ruin an otherwise promising swap.
Read on and avoid making the same mistakes that many others have made before you.
1. Not checking the landlord's approval requirements
The mistake: Many people start searching for swap partners without first checking whether their landlord will even approve a swap.
The consequence: You find the perfect swap partner, invest time in viewings and planning - only to discover that your landlord says no. Months of work wasted.
How to avoid it: Contact your landlord before you start searching. Ask specifically about their policy on home swapping. Most public housing associations and larger private landlords accept swaps when the 3-year rule is met, but it's always best to get written confirmation.
See our guide to landlord approval for more information.
2. Poor photo quality in the listing
The mistake: Uploading dark, blurry or messy photos - or not uploading enough photos at all.
The consequence: Your listing gets overlooked. Potential swap partners scroll past because they can't see what they're getting. You miss matches with people who would actually have been interested.
How to avoid it:
- Take photos in daylight
- Tidy up before photographing
- Show all rooms from good angles
- Upload at least 5–8 photos
- Include details such as views, storage and communal areas
Our photo guide helps you take professional photos with your smartphone.
3. Incomplete or vague description
The mistake: Writing a minimal description like "Lovely 2-room apartment in Valby" with no further details.
The consequence: People don't know what makes your home special. They can't assess whether it fits their needs. The result is fewer enquiries and matches with people who don't actually fit.
How to avoid it: Write a thorough description that covers:
- The apartment's condition and any recent renovations
- The neighbourhood and nearest amenities
- Transport options (metro, bus, cycle paths)
- What you personally appreciate about living there
- Any special circumstances (street noise, stairs to the door, etc.)
Honesty pays off - it filters out people who wouldn't have been satisfied anyway, and attracts those who truly appreciate what your home has to offer.
4. Not verifying the other party's situation
The mistake: Assuming everything is in order with the swap partner without asking the important questions.
The consequence: You discover too late that the other party hasn't lived in their apartment long enough, hasn't spoken to their landlord, or that there are other problems preventing the swap.
How to avoid it: Ask these questions early in the process:
- How long have you lived in the apartment? (the 3-year rule)
- Have you spoken with your landlord about swapping?
- When can you realistically move?
- Are there other residents or tenants involved?
- Is there anything about the apartment I should know?
It may feel awkward to ask such direct questions, but it saves both of you time and disappointment.
5. Rushing the decision
The mistake: Saying yes to the first match because you're impatient and just want to move on.
The consequence: You end up in an apartment that doesn't really suit your needs. Maybe the commute is too long, the rent higher than expected, or the area not as nice as you thought.
How to avoid it:
- Visit the apartment at least twice - preferably at different times
- Take a walk around the neighbourhood
- Talk to neighbours if possible
- Research transport, shopping and other practical matters
- Sleep on it before saying yes
A home swap is a big decision. Take the time to make sure it's the right one.
6. Forgetting to document the apartment's condition
The mistake: Moving out without documenting what your apartment looked like, and moving in without documenting the condition of the new one.
The consequence: Disputes about who is responsible for damage. Potential conflicts with your new landlord or with the previous occupant.
How to avoid it:
- Take dated photos of all rooms before you move
- Document any existing damage in the new apartment
- Create a written condition report together with your swap partner
- Keep all documentation for at least two years
Our post-swap checklist has a complete list of what you should remember to document.
7. Poor communication with the swap partner
The mistake: Being slow to reply, unclear in communication, or failing to follow up on agreements.
The consequence: Your swap partner loses trust and may find someone else. Or you end up with misunderstandings that create problems during the actual swap.
How to avoid it:
- Reply to messages within 24 hours
- Be specific when arranging meetings (date, time, address)
- Confirm agreements in writing via HomeSwap's messaging system
- Communicate openly about any delays or changes
- Keep your swap partner updated throughout the process
Good communication is the key to a successful swap. It builds trust and makes the whole process easier for both parties.