In 2025, Spain found itself at the center of a tourism revolution: over two million travelers opted out of traditional hotels and apartments, choosing instead to swap homes with other private individuals. This format, known as home swap, is gaining popularity at a rapid pace despite the complete lack of clear regulations or tax guidelines. As travel costs continue to climb and mass tourism draws increasing criticism, both Spaniards and visitors are seeking alternatives that not only save money but also offer a completely new experience.
The concept is simple: two families or groups agree to use each other’s homes during their vacations, with no money changing hands. This approach eliminates rental expenses while opening doors to authentic local life. In recent years, this trend in Spain has seen especially strong growth—not just in major cities, but also in small towns, along the coast, and even in rural areas.
No rules, no taxes
Unlike rental arrangements, which are strictly regulated, home swapping remains a grey area. Neither tourism authorities nor tax agencies have yet developed a unified stance on this phenomenon. Legal experts admit that even though no direct income is generated, participants receive what’s called a ‘benefit in kind,’ which is difficult to classify under current legislation. As a result, the state faces a legal vacuum, and homeowners are left in a state of uncertainty.
Nevertheless, the lack of oversight doesn’t deter enthusiasts. On the contrary, many see it as an opportunity to travel without unnecessary formalities and bureaucracy. Moreover, home exchange supports the growth of more sustainable and conscious tourism: guests aren’t just renting a room, they become part of the local community, which eases the strain on infrastructure and helps avoid the typical problems of overcrowded resorts.
Platform boom and new habits
The main driver of growth has been the international platform HomeExchange, which reported a record 43% user increase in 2025. Over the past four years, the number of exchanges has tripled, and by 2026 the company expects to reach 15 million overnight stays worldwide. In Spain, more than 40,000 active users have joined the service and the number is steadily rising.
Interest in home exchange is particularly strong in the Comunidad Valenciana, Castilla-La Mancha, and Extremadura. However, regions such as Madrid, Andalucía, the Canary Islands, and Galicia are also showing impressive momentum. Exchanges occur not only among residents of large cities, but also between villagers and people living in coastal towns. This helps redistribute tourist flows, reduces pressure on popular destinations, and supports the development of lesser-known areas.
Advantages and challenges
Home swapping not only saves money, but also transforms the very philosophy of travel. Instead of standard routes and impersonal hotels, it offers immersion in local life, new connections, and the chance to feel like a local. This approach is especially valued by families with children and those tired of the monotony of mass tourism.
However, this model also has its pitfalls. The lack of clear rules leads to disputes and misunderstandings among participants, while the government has yet to offer solutions. Experts warn that if growth continues at this pace, authorities will be forced to step in and develop new regulations to protect everyone’s interests and prevent abuse.
The Spanish experience
In Spain, home swapping has already become an integral part of the tourism market. It helps ease the burden on overcrowded resorts, lowers vacation costs, and spurs the development of local communities. Yet despite the clear advantages, the absence of regulation can lead to unexpected consequences—from tax claims to conflicts between neighbors.
For now, Spaniards continue to experiment, discovering new horizons and shaping their own rules of the game. The only question is how long the government will continue to watch from the sidelines before it decides to step in.
For reference, HomeExchange is the largest home exchange platform in the world, connecting more than 270,000 users from 155 countries. The service enables members to find suitable vacation options, negotiate directly, and build trust-based relationships. The company actively promotes responsible tourism and promises to further expand travel opportunities worldwide.
