Bought a property to turn into an inviting holiday rental? Try these budget, renovating and decorating tips.
STAND OUT FROM THE CROWD
There are hundreds of holiday rental listing platforms similar to Search and Stay, however they generally have a cost to the owner. There are also literally millions of holiday homes available internationally. The key to having success enticing guests to choose your holiday rental property over another in the same or a different location is having and showing in your listing on Search and Stay, a point of difference. Maybe it’s a beautiful place for guests to read, sketch or paint and enjoy, an outdoor family dining area, a huge garden backing onto the national park or simply, a deck and a chair over with an ocean view. Some of these appealing features maybe a part of the property such as water views and some can be created.
USE LOCAL TRADIES
When renovating or upgrading your holiday property to list on Search and Stay use local trades people to paint, seal the deck, landscape the garden or build a balcony. It will help get to know the locals and give you a list of people you or your guests could call on should you need a repair job for your holiday rental property.
REDUCE ONGOING COSTS
Look at reducing electricity costs by changing to energy-efficient light bulbs and maybe installing solar panels on the roof of your holiday home. You can buy some staples in bulk, such as toilet paper and bathroom amenities, to save money. And include an automated system that allows you to access lights and heating remotely from your phones, to turn lights and heating on just before guests arrive and we don't waste money in the long run.
CHOOSE THE RIGHT PLANTS
Plants make any house feel like a home, especially a holiday rental. If you're not able to water them often choose plants that need minimal maintenance. And instead of buying fresh flowers to decorate in preparation for your holiday rental guests' arrival, use what you have from the garden for example sprigs of herbs smell homely and delicious.
KNOW WHEN TO SPEND MONEY
Certain household items should be quality buys if your holiday rental property is going to be appealing to guests and keep the holiday rental experience. These are generally beds, bedding, linen and a comfy sofa, as these are the things that holiday rental guests will expect and will also improve the holiday rental experience.
COVER ALL BASES
Equip your kitchen with enough matching crockery and utensils for preparing meals, but don't fill every cupboard. Cater for all ages too, with board games, books and a few toys.
THE BIG PICTURE
Consider the overall feel of your holiday rental and think of it as a "curated" space. You might not love every item, but they work together as a whole.
PUT SAFETY FIRST
A fire extinguisher might not look stylish but safety is so important in a holiday rental property. Include a first-aid kit in full view, a fire blanket on the wall and a fire extinguisher. Also, don't forget a fire or flood evacuation plan and emergency numbers on the fridge, if you are in an area prone to these natural events. For the kids you need safe stairs, decks and balconies and for the benefit of older guests, you might like to add a handrail and footstool to the bathroom.
REFER YOUR MATES
The best form of marketing is word of mouth, so spread the news of your holiday house by inviting friends and family and asking them to refer your place to their friends and family. There is no cost to you if they book through Search and Stay, so it's the same as you taking a direct booking or negotiating it yourself, you can also adjust the rates for special family members. There is a negligible fee for the guests when booking through Search and Stay, and it's easier for you to manage the calendars and availability if it's all in the one place, your Search and Stay dashboard. Friends and family are more likely to recommend your holiday rental if they have stayed there and they can easily go on Search and Stay and search your property, plus they can write reviews for you and add to your visitors' book so it's not blank!
AND DON’T FORGET THE ESSENTIALS!
· Good quality linen and towels
· Glassware (a matching set is best)
· Cutlery
· Dinnerware
· Alarm clock
· Toilet paper
· Hand soap and dishwashing liquid
· Fresh flowers are a nice touch