Almost 20 years after the release of the festive favourite film, The Holiday, global home swapping platform Kindred has uncovered a surge in Londoners who are looking to make the romantic notion of swapping lives and homes – as featured in the film – a reality.

42% of Londoners say they love the film The Holiday and would be open to trying a home swap in the future, while 21% say it has already inspired them to do a home swap like the characters in the film.

The research also revealed the homes featured in The Holiday top the list of film or TV homes Londoners most want to stay in if they had the chance, followed by:
The luxury estate and/or private Greek island in previous Knives Out films
Emily’s apartment from Emily in Paris
The Home Alone house
The apartment from Friends
The Cousins beach house from The Summer I Turned Pretty
The vampire’s glass house in the woods from Twilight
The Cohen’s house from The O.C.
Keira Knightley’s apartment from Love Actually
Gavin or Stacey’s family homes from Gavin & Stacey

A quarter (24%) of Londoners also say they would most like to do a home swap in LA in 2026, while internal data from Kindred has experienced a 145% year-on-year surge in UK members planning home swapping trips to LA this December (one of the destinations famously featured in film) – providing further evidence of The Holiday effect.
Justine Palefsky, CEO of Kindred, commented: “The magic of The Holiday isn’t just the escape — it’s the feeling of belonging. When you swap homes, you step into someone else’s everyday world — their neighbourhood cafés, their favourite walks – and suddenly, travel becomes richer and more human. It’s not about ticking off landmarks; it’s about discovering new versions of yourself in new places.
“At Kindred, we believe travel should feel like a connection, not a transaction. Home swapping is built on mutual trust and a shared desire to belong – even just for a weekend. We take care of the practical bits, so the biggest decision you’re left with is whether to cosy up with a mince pie… or embrace a full Californian breakfast.”
Despite the romantic appeal of home swapping as seen in the film The Holiday, many Londoners admit they are put off by the logistics of home swapping. The top three barriers that prevent Londoners from home swapping are: worries about a stranger staying in their home, concerns about property damage, and the time/effort needed to clean it before guests arrive – all barriers that Kindred addresses through its verified, trust-based reciprocal model, while offering professional cleaning as part of its concierge service.
As additional reassurance, members have the option to connect with their guest via video chat before a trip, while each home is verified to ensure it meets standards for safety and comfort – meaning members are swapping within a like-minded community, not with random strangers.
Kindred has designed a process that is stress-free – coordinating professional cleaning before and after trips, sending a lockbox, 24/7 in-app concierge support, a $100,000 host protection guarantee, and supplemental liability insurance at no extra cost.
For those who want to live out their own LA festive fantasies this December, Kindred has highlighted some of the top picks of homes available on the platform:
Sunny modern Echo Park Loft – Hollywood Sign View
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Open concept loft with contemporary finishes and a private balcony overlooking the iconic Hollywood Hills, located on Sunset Boulevard, with views of the Hollywood Sign and Griffith Observatory.
7 nights: 7 credits + £369 (£53 per night), saving approximately £737 (based on the average cost of 7 nights accommodation in Los Angeles)*
Inviting, textured home with vintage charm
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2 bedroom, 2 bathroom home within walking distance from the iconic Walk of Fame. Modern home with luxury touches including a balcony, furnished roofdeck with TV and fireplaces, and a gym.
7 nights: 7 credits + £432 (£62 per night), saving approximately £864 (based on the average cost of 7 nights accommodation in Los Angeles)*
Plush, mid century modern spot 15 minutes from the beach
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1 bedroom apartment located in the westside of LA, on the border of Palms and Mar Vista.
7 nights: 7 credits + £369 (£53 per night), saving approximately £737 (based on the average cost of 7 nights accommodation in Los Angeles)*
Sunny and cozy Sawtelle home
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Modern one bedroom apartment located off Santa Monica Boulevard.
7 nights: 7 credits + £432 (£62 per night), saving approximately £864 (based on the average cost of 7 nights accommodation in Los Angeles)*