House-swapping for holidays is making a comeback in the face of spending cuts, a survey has found.

Research has shown 3.4 per cent of adults – twice the number a year ago – have already arranged a house swap in 2011, with Cornwall, the Lake District, Devon and Scotland among the most popular exchange destinations.

The online study of 2,000 UK adults for Lloyds TSB Insurance conducted last month also showed 15 per cent of house-swappers were heading for Spain, 15 per cent to Italy, 12 per cent to France and 10 per cent to the United States.

More than half, or 51 per cent, opted for a home exchange as a cost-effective way of spending their holidays.

But nearly a quarter, or 24 per cent, reported returning home to a damaged property.

Lloyds TSB Insurance urged home-owners to notify their insurer before embarking on a house swap.

It also said house-swappers should register with a reputable house-swap website.

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

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