It’s no secret that the pandemic has made staycations more popular than ever before. Over the past couple of years, we as a nation have rediscovered the joy of a good old fashioned Great British holiday. The appeal of which, hasn’t dampened, despite the rise in international travel. As a result, the demand for UK-based holiday cottages has boomed.
Of course, we may be biased, but we don’t think there’s anywhere better to buy a holiday cottage than in the Scottish Borders, the Lothians and Northumberland. Rugged, wild and enchantingly beautiful they’re a captivating place to staycation. So, in case you were thinking about dipping your toe in the holiday letting market, we’ve asked our friends at Crabtree & Crabtree – the undisputed leader in exclusive holiday home rentals in northern England and southern Scotland – to share their top five tips on what to look for when buying a holiday cottage.
Crabtree & Crabtree’s Top Tips for a Successful Holiday Let
- A brilliant location
A cliché for a reason, location really is everything. Whether you dream of owning a coastal pad or a cosy countryside cottage, an exclusive location is the key to a successful holiday let. Before you purchase a property, you’ll need to consider every aspect of its setting – is it idyllic and rural, by the coast, in a pretty village, near a good pub or in the centre of an attractive town? To perform well, it must also be away from noisy roads and have unspoilt views.
- Gorgeous interiors
No matter how charming your holiday home is, you’ll need to equip it well. Sumptuous furnishings, pretty paint colours and quality fixtures all come into play here and can transform a dull and drab property into something special. Take design cues from the location and character of your home and make sure that it’s decorated accordingly.
- Wow-factor features
Whether your property has breath-taking coastal and country view, a pretty garden, private access to the beach, a cocktail bar, a dedicated games room or a hot tub, an unusual or extra special feature will make it stand out from the crowd and perform better.
- Cover the basics
Don’t underestimate the importance of the small things when it comes to your holiday home. Basic ingredients such as good heating, lashings of hot water, fast internet, a well-equipped kitchen and good parking are all important to a successful holiday let. If you’re rural making your property dog friendly and ensuring the garden is enclosed will also make a vast difference.
- Tidy your finances
Before taking the plunge and putting in an offer on your dream holiday home it’s worth sorting out your finances and researching mortgages. You’ll also need to do your sums and work out your possible return on investment. If you need help, at Crabtree & Crabtree, we offer expert advice on potential holiday properties, calculating revenue projections and outlining all aspects of holiday letting, from compliance to tax treatment. Do get in touch to see how we can help you.
www.crabtreeandcrabtree.com / @crabtreeholiday