Turning your property into a holiday home

As we hit the festive season tons of holiday makers are scouting for the best holiday homes in their destination of choice. Many savvy property owners consider the holiday letting sector to be one of the most attractive avenues for generating an extra income - what better way to start than with your own property. Not only is it lucrative but having a holiday property in an ideal tourist location means that with minimal advertising spend you can attract customers.

These are the things to consider when turning your property into a holiday home:

If you plan on turning the property that you use into a holiday home for others, then you already have an advantage - you know the area. Let's take Langebaan for instance, the town boasts upmarket accommodation, a fine choice of restaurants, two caravan parks, golf courses, tennis courts, a bowling green, a yacht club and the standard retail outlets. This knowledge on the location allows you to leave tips for holidaymakers based on your own experiences and you can store useful things such as beach equipment in the property. If your holiday-tenants feel like they are at home, it increases the chance of re-bookings and great recommendations.

While some holiday makers want a technology free zone when soaking up the South African sun, the reality is that most need internet access to keep in touch with family, check social media, and even use Google to plan daytrips in and around the area. For this reason, holiday properties with WiFi access has become increasingly popular. Remember, international tenants will definitely appreciate this service. Check with your service provider for the best suitable deals.

A stylish property is sure to attract guests. The trick is to match the style of the property to its location. If you have a seaside property try to implement a beach theme in your décor. If your property is in the city then vibrant and chic décor pieces are a winner. Remember to be subtle and neutral with your colour options and not too loud. For instance, you may think that a bright orange wall with pink stripes looks amazing, but chances are that your guests may find it tacky. Adding a splash of colour through accessories such as rugs, vases, cushions and curtains will give the home a great feel. To add to this, if you wish to create a luxury getaway for your guests, extra features such as a hot tub, smart TV, and high-end appliances could spark more bookings from tenants who are looking for high-class living.

Most tenants enjoy staying at self-catering homes during the holidays. You can add to this experience by providing lovely treats for them. For example, a complimentary bottle of wine, a box of chocolates, or just some milk and bread will be a great gesture.

If your holiday home is a distance away it would be beneficial to hire a professional property management company. They can look after the property and conduct regular inspections to ensure that the business side of your investment is running smoothly. Management companies can also assist in the allocating of keys as well as the collections when the property has a booking. Furthermore, if tenants have any issues that need a quick fix, your property management agent is just a short drive away.

Turning your property into a holiday home can be fun and rewarding as it can really boost your income. Langebaan is a lovely town for a holiday home which is never short of holiday-makers. Contact one of our friendly agents at RealNet West Coast today to secure your next investment in this vibrant area.