• Once you have found a definite holiday home swap partner, exchange any additional information (and perhaps photos) that has been requested by either of you to help you with your plans.

• Don't be embarrassed to ask for references and if you have exchanged before, your previous holiday home swap partners would be ideal referees.

• Agree how household bills will be paid. Most holiday home owners continue to pay their own holiday home bills during the swap. One exception might be a telephone bill which could be billed separately.

• Discuss and agree how any repairs to household goods will be completed - for example, you may agree to simply reimburse your partners for any small, emergency repairs but ask them to consult you before arranging larger repair work.