Kindred Is Airbnb’s Cooler, Hotter, Way-Less-Capitalist Home Swapping Cousin
By Chloe Gray
A new home swap platform has launched to help you live your The Holiday dream
The Holiday has become our favourite film to re-watch not because of the happy-ever-after romance, but because we all fell head over heels for the idea of escaping your life for someone else’s. Since watching Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet organise a home swap over their chunky noughties computers, then move to bustling LA and remote Surrey, we’ve all fantasised about finding our own perfect home-away-from-home.
While the film made it look simple, real-life home swapping has never quite caught on in the same way. But attempting to do just that is Kindred, a members-only home exchange network that offers the lifestyle overhauls we’ve all been chasing from our holidays.
With over 100,000 homes across over 150 cities (think Paris, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Miami, New York and beyond), you can stay in skyscrapers, remote cottages, beach houses and lofts to create unique holiday experiences of your dreams. By offering your home as a holiday spot, you earn credits to spend on other houses and, as you also only pay for cleaning and service fees for your stay, it costs one-tenth of a comparable hotel or apartment. With the cost of vacations up by 19% since pre-Covid, according to Nerdwallet’s travel price tracker, a platform for affordable holidays stands out.
And, according to EasyJet’s Great Holiday Audit for 2025, ‘low-cost luxe’ was the trend of the year – a holiday style involving exploring less touristy destinations that are, in turn, more affordable and beautiful. Kindred makes that easier. Living like a local is the point of the site, prioritising residential, local neighbourhoods instead of soulless hotels. You’ll be swapping into an apartment in Lisbon’s old town or a chic townhouse in Notting Hill. The site has also been intentionally designed in recognition of the growing pushback against traditional short-term rentals, especially in Europe (Parisians are limited to renting their primary residence for a maximum of 120 days a year, while it’s just 31 days in Barcelona) to stop investors from buying up homes purely to rent – in turn pricing out locals and hollowing out communities.
There’s something inherently more mindful about letting your home to other sharers who understand how to respect your space while you look after theirs. And you can tailor your trip to find your perfect match. Whether you prefer staying near green space to walk your dog or near the best restaurants in town, the platform’s AI matchmaker pairs you with like-minded members.
And good news for the renters: you don’t need to own your home to join Kindred. Because no money changes hands, it doesn’t count as subletting – which landlords tend to hate. Wherever you’re planning your next escape from real life, Kindred might have another world you can slip into.
Our Shortlisted Kindred homes:
London
This converted pub in edgy East London is a brilliant way to explore the many surrounding green parks while getting a feel for old-school London https://livekindred.com/home/cm8464oxm1aj0bzm661f7eta1
A luxurious home in the heart of South London for those who want to live like they’re on Made in Chelsea
Paris
This bright and light home can help you live the chic Parisian lifestyle of your dreams
A minimalist loft that would make for the perfect working-from-Paris escape
Barcelona
With huge windows, bright artwork and three beds, this would make for a perfect Catalonian trip with your friends
Calling all water babies: this seaside home is giving off the perfect vibes for a calming and restorative trip
Amsterdam
For those who want to embed themselves in the city, where better than a historic 18th century home with high ceilings, exposed beams and canal views?
On the flipside, this modern and airy home is great for those who prefer to keep things simple.
