The major home exchange advertising platforms screen their members and invite them to rate each other.

But the Association of British Insurers advises hosts to check that their home and contents insurance provides the cover they need before hosting guests.

He also says it’s worth checking your travel insurance before staying at someone else’s home to check it covers accidental damage.

Petra Novak, who uses home-sharing site Kindred, says the platform’s own damage protection policy has covered her on the few occasions when something has been damaged in her London flat.

The 34-year-old, who uses the platform while working remotely in Europe, says she has saved between £18,000 and £20,000 through house swapping.

She says she was nervous about moving houses with strangers at first, but has never had a bad experience.

For added peace of mind, however, she likes to check potential guests’ social media profiles, adding that a personal touch can help build trust before an exchange.

“Personally, I like it when someone sends their booking request along with a nice cover letter, telling me about themselves and why they would visit London.”