How to maximise your holiday home income

The UK holiday lettings market is thriving as more and more people look to go on holiday closer to home. While this is good news, it does mean you could be facing a high level of competition from other investors.

If you’re hoping to boost your rental income, there are a number of extra steps you could take to help you stand out from the crowd. The following hints and tips will ensure that you’ll be doing your best to increase your holiday home income to the max:

1. Make the most of your outside space

Transform your garden from a wasted space into a real asset. No matter how big or small, outside space can act as an extra room if it’s furnished with the same care and attention as the rest of your property. Ensuring it is well maintained is the first step, but going the extra mile could mean your garden becomes a real feature.

As with your interior, it’s important to appeal to your target market. If you’re looking to deliver a luxury experience, you may want to consider adding a hot tub or sauna to your property. However, family-focused holiday properties are more likely to appeal to potential guests if they offer a barbecue or outside play equipment.

2. Help your guests stay connected

While some of your guests will use their holiday to switch off, many will want to stay connected with friends, family or work. This is even more important as an increasing number of professionals choose to work from home, meaning that work can take place anywhere with an internet connection.

Thankfully, broadband connections are readily available across the country, so you shouldn’t struggle to provide your guests with Wi-Fi during their stay no matter how remote you are. If you let a number of holiday homes on a single site, consider using multiple Wi-Fi points to ensure a  strong signal for all lets.

3. Carefully manage money

Careful money management will help you boost your profits. From choosing the price of your property to choosing the right insurance and mortgage for your let, you will boost your success if you are mindful of your finances.

It can be helpful in the long run to get in touch with professionals to help you manage money. A holiday let mortgage broker could be particularly beneficial if you’re looking to reduce your monthly expenditure and increase profits. In addition, you could consider approaching an accountant to help you stay in control of your expenses and taxes.

4. Invite the whole family

An easy way to boost your letting income is to open up your bookings to a wider market. Families choosing to holiday in the UK may be travelling with children or dogs, so by welcoming every member of the family you could significantly boost your revenue.

Start by changing your listing to ensure you’re included in all the relevant searches. In addition, you could include extra furniture or welcome gifts to appeal to smaller family members. These could include a cot or high chair for young children or a selection of dog bowls and treats for your guests’ four-legged friends.

5. Keep up to date

You may be creating a home away from home, but that doesn’t mean your guests should be presented with tired furniture or leaky taps. By investing in up-to-date decor and smart furniture, you can command a higher price and ensure your guests feel comfortable throughout their stay.

Don’t forget to keep your electricals up to date to really help your guests settle in. The latest television and streaming services will ensure your visitors relish every moment of their break.

6. Take comments on board

Hopefully your guests will thoroughly enjoy their stay, but if they offer any thoughts it’s important to take them on board. While everyone has their own idea of the perfect holiday let, some ideas will likely reflect the feelings of other guests and could be the difference between a one-off visit and a repeat booking.

It’s particularly crucial to pay attention to comments regarding the maintenance of the property as such issues could affect all future guests if not tackled rapidly.

7. Consider first impressions

Your guests won’t see inside your property until the day they arrive, so make sure your photographs are high quality. They should give potential holidaymakers the chance to explore your holiday let, from bedrooms and sitting room to kitchen and bathroom.

Boost your chances of enticing guests by updating your photos regularly, shooting in good light and offering photos of nearby attractions to highlight the benefits of your location.

We’re sure you’re already providing your guests with a well-presented property, but by following our magnificent seven tips, this will help you take advantage of a buoyant market and maximise your holiday home income.