Whether it is for extra income or long-term capital growth, buying a property for holiday rentals can be a financially rewarding business, as well as a personally enjoyable experience. Providing you have a clear idea of both essential and popular features needed at the property, a great marketing and management strategy, and a guest-first mindset, you can create a beautiful, popular holiday home that people love to stay in, recommend to friends, and return to time and time again.
Keen to find out more? Below, our experienced team has put together a short guide featuring some of the most useful things to bear in mind when selecting a property and transforming it for holiday rentals. After all, we hear from our guests all the time, so we really know what they are looking for first hand!
Location, location, location
Location is by far one of the most important considerations for guests choosing a property to rent for their holiday. So, even though you might have found a house that is big enough and within your budget, it is going to be hard to market if it is in an area that is hard to travel to, or with very little to do in the neighbourhood once they arrive.
Research is key to finding out if the location you are considering has strong tourist demand all year round, and also if it has good transport links – if you can, try to aim to find somewhere fairly close to a train station for guests who do not want to travel by car.
Amenities within walking distance are always preferable – even if it’s simply a local pub serving great food, and a grocery store serving local produce and household essentials. Having hiking trails, cycle routes and dog walks on your doorstep will also be a massive draw to your holiday home when compared to other venues.
Finally, proximity to popular attractions such as beaches, national parks, historic buildings and sporting venues will also be key in getting constant high demand in your listing. So, whether you’re a short train ride from historic York or a 5-minute drive from a beautiful, secluded bay on the coast, this will help to attract guests to choose your property as their staycation choice.
Rules and regulations
Short‑term rentals are often regulated slightly differently to long-term lets – and sometimes this can depend on the area in which you are buying your property. Before you commit, check whether holiday rentals are allowed in the area, and if you need a licence or registration to operate. There may also be certain restrictions when it comes to apartment buildings or homeowners’ associations too, so good quality research and advice is essential.
In many parts of the UK, using a property as a holiday rental can be considered a “change of use” especially if it’s not your main home, or if you rent it out frequently, so you may need special planning permission from your local council before you start letting if this is the case. Your tax situation could also be affected, so be sure to check with an accountant or tax specialist to assess the business classification and implications to your finances.
There are also safety & compliance requirements to meet to demonstrate your property is safe and legal for guests to stay in – this often includes fire risk assessments, smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detectors, electrical and gas certificates and special insurance that covers holiday lets. Knowing these rules early and making yourself a checklist to tick off can save you time, money, and issues later down the line.
Find your holiday home’s USPs
Having some strong USPs (unique selling points) to your property will ensure it is shortlisted time and time again by prospective guests looking for a holiday home that ticks all the right boxes for them and their family.
Modern essentials include strong Wi-Fi connection, Smart TVs, USP plug points, car parking spaces and EV charging points – these should all be considered as necessities when making your new property ready for guests.
And, if you really want your holiday home to stand out, additional features will make all the difference – after all, guests love to visit somewhere that goes beyond just the basics. Luxury features that our guests love include hot tubs, private gardens, dog-friendly features, log burners, saunas, games rooms, home cinemas, and swimming pools – so if you are looking to go the extra mile, then these should be your priorities. Although these extra features require an initial investment from the outset, they are sure to significantly increase the appeal of your holiday home, meaning you can charge a higher nightly rate, and are almost guaranteed better occupancy and repeat custom as a result.
It starts in the kitchen
A great holiday rental should feel welcoming, special, and practical all at the same time. Your guests want to arrive at their home-away-from-home feeling instantly relaxed, and without the need to navigate a complex check-in process or hunt endlessly for essentials.
Focussing on a well-equipped kitchen is a good place to start, as many self-catering guests will be looking to prepare their own meals during their stay. This means enough plates, glasses, mugs, and cutlery for the maximum number of guests available to stay within the property, as well as pots, pans, baking trays, and cooking utensils to prepare home-cooked recipes. A modern oven, kettle, toaster, and microwave are all essentials, as is a fridge, freezer, washing-up supplies and tea towels. Washing machines and tumble dryers aren’t necessarily essential, however, they are useful for longer stays, and also for those who might be returning home with dirty clothes after a day of hiking, cycling or outdoor activities.
As well as all the key essentials, luxury upgrades that could make someone’s stay even more lovely could include coffee machines, dishwashers, water filters, wine coolers, champagne flutes, ice trays, kitchen gadgets, and basic panty items like salt, pepper, oil, and spices. Some of our most popular homes also offer a small welcome basket for guests on arrival day featuring a few local treats such as teas, coffees, beers and biscuits. These small extras might seem insignificant, but could really make all the difference between an average guest review and a five star rating!
Beautiful bedrooms
Your bedroom decor, furniture and features can also have a huge impact on guest experience too. A comfortable bed with a high-quality mattress is really non-negotiable, and as it’s likely that you will keep the same beds for a good few years, investing here is key to guest comfort. Comfy/uncomfy beds are one of the most talked about features that guests comment on when writing a review. After all, everyone remembers a wonderful night’s sleep!
High-thread-count sheets, soft duvets, and extra pillows will elevate the bedroom experience. And, you could also consider offering a mix of pillow types (soft, firm, hypoallergenic) so guests can select their favourites. Bedside tables, storage chests, luggage racks, night lamps and full-length mirrors are all other things that guests favour in their bedroom. And don’t forget to consider thick or blackout blinds to ensure a good night’s sleep is had, especially for those families visiting with children.
Instagram-ready interiors
Whether you are a fan of social media, or not, it is impossible to ignore its impact. We have to accept the fact that it is now one of the most popular routes for guests finding a holiday home they love, and want to book, and act accordingly. Therefore, a strong visual representation of your property is going to be key in getting all of those likes, interactions and enquiries flowing.
We love beautiful interiors, and can’t recommend enough just how much more interest a warm, well-thought out, interior designed home will have compared to a property that appears bland, neutral and cold. Think tranquil bedrooms with crisp bed linen, cosy blankets and rolltop baths, quirky loft spaces with wooden beams and skylights, roaring fires beside plush sofas, and beautifully laid dining tables that your guests can picture themselves socialising at with all their friends and family.
Striking, well-composed photography is also just as important as the interior itself, so everything looks professional and luxurious within your online listing. Aim for consistent lighting, angles that show off key features, and shots that make each room feel spacious and welcoming. Also small styling touches like a neatly folded throw, a vase of fresh flowers, or a freshly baked cake straight out of the Aga will dramatically improve photos and make your property feel like a real cosy staycation destination. We always recommend hiring a professional photographer/videographer to capture the best parts of your property, and can also help in putting you in touch with all the right people if you need us to.
Here to help
Here at Yorkshire Escapes, we are specialists in luxury holiday home marketing and management. Our bespoke, personal service is tailored around the individual needs of holiday homeowners – whether you own a cosy, picturesque cottage by the coast or a large luxury home in the countryside. Our tailored approach ensures your property is cared for and showcased at its very best. This dedication is why we’re trusted with some of the most beautiful holiday homes in Yorkshire.
If you would like to get in touch with us to discuss your holiday home – new or existing – we’d absolutely love to hear from you.
Get in touch with Tom or Victoria today so make a start.
