Hi we live in New Zealand and are thinking about spending a year in Austria or Germany. House swap would probably be our best option. Does anyone new a website that can help with that?
You have solved this issue?---
A non-EU national who stays in the Schengen area beyond 90 days (without a residence permit or long-stay visa) is illegally present, which can result in a re-entry ban to the Schengen area. Working in the Schengen area without a work permit is also illegal (even if less than 90 days) and can likewise result in a re-entry ban to the Schengen area. Depending on the Member State administrative penalties may also apply.
I am German and my kids have german passports. I really just wanted some advice on a good website or agency.
Good places to start are HomeExchange, HomeLink, and Intervac Home Exchange. These suggestions are from Rick Steves' website.
I've not used any of them personally but I do think there are some contributors here that have used HomeExchange.
We have used homelink.org for years with a lot of success for 3-5 week long exchanges and back to back exchanges—more complicated to arrange sometimes. They also have a filter for long term exchanges. As you can imagine there has been next to none activity on the exchange front for months now but we hope that will change in the coming months.
Another recommendation for long term exchanges is sabbaticalhomes.com or contacting your nearest university housing office if you live near a university.