All the options for housing during a relocation, with their costs and limits.
A job relocation to another city immediately raises the housing question, often on tight deadlines. Between renting, dual residence and exchange, here are the available solutions and how to compare them based on your assignment length and whether you own or rent.
Furnished rental and the mobility lease
Medium-term furnished rental, often via a mobility lease (1–10 months, non-renewable), is the most common solution. It offers flexibility but stays expensive, and suitable properties are scarce in tight markets.
Above all, if you are an owner, renting in your destination city while your original home sits empty means paying twice.
Dual residence
Keeping your home and paying for a second one in the destination city is the simplest solution… and the costliest. It mainly makes sense for short assignments, or when the family stays in the home city.
Some mobility allowances may ease the bill, but the double cost remains structural.
Long-term home exchange
For a relocated owner, an exchange removes the double cost: you occupy another owner's home in your destination city, while they occupy yours. No rent, and your property stays occupied and watched over.
It is the most economical solution for a multi-month assignment, provided you find an exchange matching your city and dates — which a platform dedicated to long-term exchange makes possible.
Frequently asked questions
Which solution for a 6-month to 2-year relocation?
Over that span, an exchange is often best for an owner: it avoids both the rent in the destination city and the empty home back home. Furnished rental remains the fallback if no exchange matches.
Does my employer contribute to costs?
Depending on your status and agreement, mobility allowances may exist. They mainly apply to renting; check with your HR department.
I am a tenant: can I exchange?
An exchange assumes you have a home to offer. As a tenant, it is only possible if your lease allows subletting or exchange.
Relocating? Compare the exchange option
List your home and see whether an exchange matches your relocation.
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