What to look for in a holiday home investment

The factors we take into account when deciding whether to take on a holiday home

Operations Manager, Mary Harlow, gives a few clues on what we generally look for when hand-picking properties for our portfolio.

The key factors are always location, size, and the facilities provided, with location being the prime factor. When looking at the location we use our long experience and take into consideration the demand for holiday homes of a particular size in that region. This varies from one area to another and from one season to another; for example, large properties near the coast will suit two families holidaying together in the summer, whilst small romantic retreats on the moors will suit couples taking short breaks in the winter. When looking at new holiday homes to take on, sea, river or countryside views would be our main consideration, followed by the property’s proximity to neighbours (for many guests, privacy is a key element of their holiday). Factors such as the size of the garden, and whether it is enclosed for dogs or children, also come into play. Comfort, interior design and the facilities provided are very important, and we will help with advice on layout, design and furnishings, to maximise the letting potential of the holiday home. Other important factors that we take into consideration are parking, and the type of heating provided (which can affect the length of the letting season), accessibility and whether the property concerned would photograph well for promotional purposes. For inland holiday homes the additional facilities of a pool, games-room or hot tub can make a difference to bookings. These days, as the market place becomes more and more competitive, the criteria we use to assess holiday homes have become ever more stringent.