Top tips for renting out your holiday home
2022 may be an interesting year when it comes to holidays. Rather than going for the package deal in a big hotel, some travellers may be looking for more intimate, self-catering options. With so much competition out there, how do you market your holiday home successfully for maximum occupancy and returns? We’ve put together a list of top tips that could help you to stay one step ahead of the competition.
1. Make a marketing plan
Now is the perfect time to sit down and create a marketing plan for renting your holiday home. Top of the list has to be your pricing strategy. This is a fine balancing act between charging your guests a price that will deliver a significant return and avoiding pricing yourself out of the market.
Your prices may also vary throughout the year, reflecting the level of demand during peak season, for example. However, travellers are wise to ‘price gouging’ during the summer holidays in particular, so don’t be greedy. Keep your prices high enough to cover essential running costs and to give you a reasonable return, but low enough to encourage guests to book your holiday home for their break away.
2. Location, location, location
It’s all about the location when it comes to holiday homes. Guests may want those absolute essentials such as proximity to the beach, nearby entertainment (especially if they have children), facilities and transport links, but some may want that ‘get away from it all’ experience too. If you’re planning on buying a home to let then make sure you pick the right location. Then make the most of its plus points in your marketing strategy.
3. Special features
Does your holiday home have a swimming pool? An annexe? How about a spectacular view from the bedroom balcony? Spacious parking? Make the most of your property’s assets and upsell them in your marketing. Put these features and benefits on the property website and literature, and promote them when talking to your potential guests.
4. What else can you do?
Prioritise pictures and videos
While the written description you create is important, the old saying that ‘a picture speaks a thousand words’ is even more relevant in today’s digital world. Try using software that gives your pictures a 3D effect, or create a digital ‘walkthrough’ of the property using video rather than just still pictures. Pick a day when your property is looking its best to do that all-important photoshoot, and make sure you’ve tidied up and that the décor is fresh before you break out the camera.
Use social media
Once you’ve got your pictures, videos, and perfectly worded descriptions, it’s time to get your holiday home out there. Utilise social media platforms and links, advertise on websites, and get your friends and family to help drum up interest in your property.
Reviews
People put a lot of trust in reviews, so ask past guests to write a few words to help you promote the property. A great review can make a huge difference by boosting visibility and increasing the chance of more people booking your property for their holidays.
5. Holiday home insurance
Finally, you may want to consider holiday home insurance for your buy to let investment. This cover can include your buildings, contents, and accidental damage through to public liability cover. The type of insurance you have will depend on several points including your property’s location, how much cover you want to take out, and whether the property is being let for short or long periods.
This is where Intasure can help. We specialise in holiday property insurance that includes villas, apartments and even static caravans and lodges. Our years of experience and the fact that we also work with local agents all around the world gives us a unique perspective on the challenges faced by holiday home property owners.
If you’re interested in finding out more about our holiday home insurance or to get a quote, then please call Intasure on 0345 111 0680 and we’ll be happy to help.
*The opinions and views expressed in the above articles are those of the author only and are for guidance purposes only. The authors disclaim any liability for reliance upon those opinions and would encourage readers to rely upon more than one source before making a decision based on the information.
