With the rising costs of both housing and travel, it’s not hard to see why more people are choosing to rent out their homes during peak travel periods in order to make some extra money. If you’re interested in doing the same, here are some tips to get you started.
1) Start by doing your research
Not all areas are well-suited for holiday rentals, so it’s important to choose a location that will be in high demand. Consider things like the weather, local attractions, and whether or not there are already a lot of other holiday rental properties available.
For example, coastal areas tend to be popular in the summer, while ski resorts are more in demand during winter.
If you have a summer home that you only use a few times a year, renting it out during peak travel periods could be a great way to make some extra money. In addition, if you live in an area with a lot of tourist attractions, your property is likely to be in high demand.
Just like with any other rental property, it’s important to do your research and make sure you are aware of the local laws and regulations surrounding holiday rentals. For example, in some areas, there may be restrictions on how many people can stay in a rental property, or what type of property can be rented out (e.g., apartments vs. houses).
2) Get the necessary permits and licenses
Before you can start renting out your property, you’ll need to make sure you have all the necessary permits and licenses in place. These requirements vary from country to country, so it’s important to check with your local authorities to find out what you need.
For example, in the United States, you’ll need to obtain a business license and a rental permit from your local city or county government. In addition, if you plan on renting out your property for more than 30 days per year, you’ll also need to obtain a special vacation rental license.
3) Upgrade your property
If you want to charge top dollar for your holiday rental, it’s important to make sure your property is up to par. This means making sure the property is clean and well-maintained, and that there are no major repairs needed.
In addition, consider adding some special touches that will make your rental stand out. You could look for different maintenance services, this site can take you to a pool maintenance service, or you could even add some luxury amenities, such as a hot tub or home cinema. In addition, make sure to list these amenities in your rental listing so that potential guests are aware of them.
4) Furnish and decorate your rental
One of the biggest advantages of holiday rentals over traditional hotels is that they often offer more space and come with all the necessary amenities. This means that you’ll need to furnish and decorate your rental in a way that will make it comfortable for guests.
This includes things like adding furniture, towels, and bedding, as well as stocking the kitchen with basic items like pots, pans, and dishes. In addition, you should also provide a welcome guide with information on things like local attractions and restaurants.
It’s a good idea to decorate your rental in a way that reflects the local area. For example, if you’re renting out a property in a beach town, you could decorate it with seashells and sea-themed art, and if you’re renting out a property in the mountains, you could decorate it with mountain-themed art and furniture.
5) Promote your rental
Once your rental is ready to go, it’s time to start promoting it. The best way to do this is to list your property on vacation rental websites, such as Airbnb or HomeAway.
In addition to listing your rental on these websites, you can also promote it through social media, word of mouth, and by placing ads in local publications.
For example, if you live in an area with a lot of tourists, you could place flyers in local hotels and attractions. Or, if you have a social media following, you could promote your rental through your personal channels.
By following these tips, you can convert your second home into a successful holiday rental. Just remember to do your research, get the necessary permits and licenses, upgrade your property, furnish and decorate it, and promote it effectively. With a little bit of effort, you can make your rental property stand out from the rest. The bottom line is that if you provide a quality rental experience, you’ll be sure to find guests who are willing to pay top dollar for your property.
