Jaz and husband Dougal use their Auckland home to finance their freedom.
They compete in regular sailing races around the world, and Houst look after the property whilst they’re gone. Phone or internet signal can be patchy at best on the wide open ocean, but they’re more than happy to leave the family home in the capable hands of their support team.
It’s been a wonderful experience with the money coming in. Letting a house that would normally be empty has given us an enormous source of income.
“The time and freedom we’ve gained. We wouldn’t be able to sail as much as we do without Houst because hosting simply wouldn’t be possible. The money we’ve made has been a significant source of income, and it pays off the frankly enormous insurance bill for each sailing trip!”
“No, it just wouldn’t work. The gift of Houst is they’re 24/7. Guests book from different time zones so I would have to be awake at 2 or 3 am in the morning. I don’t want to spend half an hour answering their questions either, and if you don’t reply quickly you often lose them.”
“It's very clearly a partnership. I feel I back them up, and they back me up. It doesn’t matter who answers - they’ll have a lovely relaxed Kiwi humour and they can always help. Everyone at Houst, including the cleaners, have the same care.”
“I have more freedom. I don't have to worry about the bills or the mortgage now.”
Read more“The dashboard is very convenient - it’s a one-stop shop for all your important information regarding your property.”
Read more“I’m retired, so the additional income is really useful. I can afford to travel and see my two granddaughters a bit more regularly too!”
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