House-swapping rising in popularity in Spain

Government spending cuts and austerity measures are causing holidaymakers to rethink their travel plans, a new survey has found.

Lloyds TSB Insurance has claimed that house-swapping for holidays is making a comeback as a result of the tough times.

Research has shown 3.4 per cent of adults - twice the number of a year ago - have already arranged a house swap in 2011. The online study of 2,000 UK adults also showed that 15 per cent of house-swappers were heading for Spain, 15 per cent to Italy, 12 per cent to France and ten per cent to the US.

It may encourage a number of people to buy property in Spain to take advantage of the growing trend.

Paul Spillane, head of home claims at Lloyds TSB Insurance, said: "House-swapping looks set to be the trend of the year - it's easy to see why, as this type of holiday caters for so many different tastes.

"To ensure people make the most of their house-swap holidays, we're urging them to alert their insurers before taking part in an exchange so they don't jeopardise their cover."

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