What if your second home in Wanaka could unlock a private villa in Mykonos, a château in Bordeaux, a Tuscan estate, or a safari lodge in Botswana — without paying rent? That's the promise of ThirdHome, the invite-only travel club for second-home owners, launching in New Zealand in June and is offering Kiwis access to an exclusive global network of over 19,000 properties in 100+ countries.

US-based real estate trailblazer Wade Shealy, founder and CEO of ThirdHome will be in New Zealand from 20-23 May to officially launch the Club, hosting memberships events, new member engagement sessions and searching for more New Zealand homes in sought-after regions like Queenstown, Wanaka, the Bay of Islands, Waiheke Island and Hawke's Bay to name a few.

The company was founded in 2010 by in response to a reoccurring problem Wade saw in the industry when it came to buying, using  and selling holiday homes.  

ThirdHome members get to travel the world, enjoying unique, luxury properties without paying rental rates and by simply using time in their own second homes to do so. Members have access to over 19,000 homes across 100+ countries, with an average value of NZD$4 Million. The club's offering spans from castles, ranches, stunning residences, chalets, mansions, and private islands, to pieds-à-terres, yachts, safari camps, wineries, estates, boutique hotels and over-the-top villas valued at more than NZD$50+ Million.

"New Zealand is home to some of the world's most spectacular luxury properties, and we're thrilled to introduce ThirdHome to this market. As more homeowners look for smarter ways to maximise their second homes, our exclusive home exchange model provides a unique opportunity to unlock incredible global travel experiences without the complexities of traditional renting. Following our success in Australia, we're excited to welcome New Zealand homeowners into our network and offer them access to extraordinary properties worldwide." Said Wade Shealy, Founder and CEO of ThirdHome.

'We're super excited for our New Zealand journey. We know there is an extremely healthy appetite for New Zealanders with second homes wanting to become members, who love to travel, and want to enjoy exclusive access to the world's more exceptional stays for a fraction of the price.' Shealy continued.

Another key component of ThirdHome expansion has seen the Club push even further into the realm of luxury home exchange with their top-end Reserve tier.  Run out of the UK by Giles Adams, ThirdHome Reserve is the pinnacle of the home exchange space.  With 220+ homes and yachts worth an average of NZD $15 Million. 

Adams explains “With ThirdHome we were already pitched at the top end of the market, but we have always had interest from those who had bought into the idea and ethos of the club, but their homes were at a different level.  By creating Reserve, we now have an offering that satisfies this demand and provides an even more tailored and exclusive experience to the most affluent and discerning homeowners and travellers.”

However, it is not only gorgeous stand-alone homes that make up the Club.  ThirdHome has a variety of partnerships and hotel affiliates such as the Ritz Carlton, Rosewood and Viceroy to name a few.  These relationships provide a wealth of serviced residences that are very popular with their members. The Club's offering rounds out with ThirdHome Adventures, which curate intimate luxury tours for small groups of members.

'ThirdHome's dedication to delivering flawless travel experiences has been the driving force behind our success and what sets us apart from other home-sharing platforms. No other second home exchange platform has a portfolio of homes with an average value as high as ThirdHome', Adams continued.                                       

So how does the home-sharing platform work?

By leveraging unused time in their second home or investment properties, members accumulate travel credits or “keys”, which can then be used to unlock access to private destinations, saving up to 90% when compared to traditional holiday rentals. The more you open your own doors, the more opportunities become available to you. Through a personal online account, members have access to immediately reserve stays around the world for a fraction of what it would cost elsewhere.

What Sets ThirdHome Apart From Other Exchange Sites?

While there are other home exchange platforms and sites out there, what sets ThirdHome apart is that they are a club, first and foremost.  Their indirect exchange model that allows members to stay anywhere without having to swap their own home with a particular member. Additionally, the Club is unique for its vetting process ensuring a property is in a desirable location, has trustworthy homeowners, and is valued at over NZD$1Million. With trust being the main ethos of the Club, it is highly imperative that members in the community care for each other's home with the same respect they want their own property cared for.

Fee Structure

There are two types of fees involved for members. Firstly, the annual membership, which is waived in your first year. Secondly, the set exchange fees for each stay, which are based on a property's availability, location, size and amenities, and are just a sliver of what you'd expect to pay.

Exchange fees range between US$495 and US$1395 per week, based on a property's availability, location, size and amenities. Annual membership costs US$295 and only charged later if a member books a stay. These costs can be up to 90% less than the actual rental costs for these types of properties.

Travel like never before while staying in luxury residences in over 100 countries.

ENDS 

Wade is available for interviews from 20-23 May.

ThirdHome Sizzle Reel: https://youtu.be/RYvY7tVuLWs?si=tsZyQDyW6S9gFNlb

Millionaire Holiday Home Swap Official Trailer: https://vimeo.com/752996934/4cf50c851d