Fixtures and Fittings for Short-Term Lets
In most instances a Short Term or Holiday let won’t be your home, so be careful not to personalise it too much. By all means have a “theme”, such as seaside shabby chic, but steer clear of anything that might be too niche or you will reduce your potential pool of visitors looking for a holiday let. Very busy decoration, ‘loud’ colours and unpopular décor are all examples of this.
Your best bet is to go for neutral colours and simple but comfortable furniture. Since sofas and beds may suffer more wear and tear than a longer term let, be prepared to replace every 3-5 years. Avoid light coloured sofas and furniture as they are more likely to need regular cleaning to stay looking good.
Furniture should always be fire-rated, sturdy, and in keeping with the style of the décor. The overall décor should provoke a positive response and look great in photo listings. Dress the property with some tasteful paintings and ornaments. Invest in a few cheap paperbacks, local guidebooks, board games, jigsaws, etc.
Guests will expect all mod-cons when they go on holiday. The kitchen should be well fitted with a good selection of dinnerware, cookware, pots, pans, cutlery, glasses, etc. Dishwashers and other white goods are essential. Invest in an appliance repair policy, so if anything breaks down, you can have it fixed fast.
Broadband is a must-have these days. Many people won’t even look at a holiday let without internet access.
Guests will also expect a working TV. Ditch the old TV and buy a decent flat screen model. Consider adding SKY or Cable if you want to attract families to your holiday home let. The more entertainment options your property has, the more people it will appeal to.
Extras such as a wood burning stove and a high-end coffee machine can work wonders if you want to go the extra mile. We all appreciate the little extras when we go on holiday, and in the colder months, a toasty log burner is a definite plus.
Don’t neglect outdoor space either. People on holiday want a nice garden where they can relax and unwind on a warm summer’s evening. Add a garden table and chairs and make sure the area is nicely landscaped and well-maintained. A gas or charcoal BBQ is a useful additional extra but remember to keep it clean.
For seaside properties, consider providing beach toys, such as buckets and spades, sunbeds, beach umbrellas, etc. Optional extras include kayaks, dinghies, bodyboards, and snorkelling gear. In short, anything that might attract guests and set your property apart from others is a worthy investment when setting up a holiday let.
If this was or still is your home, lock away any valuables and personal items. Either store them in a secure area, such as a locked room/cupboard or put them into storage.