Useful tips on letting your holiday home...

Checking Tax and Legal Requirements

It is essential that you get some sound professional advice when letting your holiday home. Owners are required to pay tax and there are often local legal requirements to take into account. The UK, for example, as reciprocal tax agreements with most countries and many regions require special licences before owners can let their properties. To stop red tape spoiling your plans – contact a good solicitor or contact your tax body for assistance before letting.

How to Price your property

Pricing your holiday home doesn’t need to be a headache but it is a balancing act that needs to be revisited from time to time. It is important that you do your research and avoid pricing your property in a way that will put off potential customers. Consider checking out a local estate agent or letting website to see what your competition in the area are charging. Also, remember to take into account seasonal changes, peak periods and holidays when pricing to maximise your rental income and make it appeal to holidaymakers. Our experience has taught us that promoting special offers during lean months is a great way to attract visitors out of season and encourage repeat business!

How to take Payments

There are numerous ways you can choose to take payments from customers but the easiest is by debit or credit card over the telephone or by secure email. For guidance or help in making a payment to us get in touch with our Sales Team.

Protecting against Payment Fraud

Fraud is major business. It is important that you are vigilant and take steps to avoid being caught out when taking payments - particularly when accepting cards and cheques. Following receipt of payment ensure that you check your bank for cleared funds before sending booking confirmations and handing over property keys - whether it is a deposit or full payment. You should also be particularly careful when accepting card payments over the phone, by post or email… card-not-present payments are used increasingly by fraudsters! When noting card details ensure to take the customer’s full name, name as it is on the card, billing address and the CSC security code on the back of the card. For guidance consult your bank for payment options or check out www.cardwatch.org.uk.

Arranging Booking Contracts and Damage Deposits

After receipt of a booking payment it is a essential that you email or post a booking contract and confirmation. This is a consumer right and outlines the conditions of service for both parties. Consider also requesting an optional damage deposit when confirming booking to protect your property or any furniture or appliances within it. For assistance in designing a contract or damage deposit document contact a local solicitor or get in touch now.

Supplying Essential Items for your property

It is important that you kit your holiday home with all the essential items you would want to see if you were staying somewhere. Not only does this highlight your professionalism to your customers but it is often a legal requirement and stipulated in your insurance policy. Some of the items to consider include smoke detectors, emergency contact numbers, alarms, lockable cupboards, first aid box and fire extinguisher. For help with these consult a local solicitor or estate agent and check your policy carefully.

Arranging Cleaning and Maintenance work

Ensuring that your property is secure and well-maintained is crucial to protecting your investment. If you visit your property infrequently then consider employing a local cleaner or managing agent to keep on top of cleaning and security. This will give you piece of mind and ensures when people stay that your holiday home is a rewarding experience they will want to tell their friends about and want them to return again.

Considering Extra Features

Small thoughtful gestures can make a huge difference and encourage repeat business. Leaving a welcome bottle of wine or guide to good local restaurants or attractions are simple acts, but ones which are always welcomed. These little extra touches help lift your holiday home above your competition and generate great feedback. If you don’t visit your holiday home often, consider using a local cleaner or neighbour to help with these simple arrangements.



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