Property preparations

The holiday rentals market is competitive, so to give your property the edge over other properties in the area, it is important to prepare your property to a high standard before you begin letting.

The standards demanded by holiday makers are high, so an additional budget for preparing the property must be available. You should allow sufficient funds to decorate and furnish the property to a good standard:

• The property must be clean, newly decorated, light, bright and fresh.
• Redecorate in neutral shades with good quality carpets and curtains in co-ordinating colours. All carpets and curtains should be new, or if not, professionally cleaned.
• Try to imagine the kind of holiday makers who will be staying in the property, the requirements of elderly or retired guests will differ from those of families.
• Don't get too adventurous with your choice of decor - most people feel comfortable in neutral decor and furnishings, but give the property a homely feel with accessories such as cushions, plants and pictures.
• Use the services of an interior designer if necessary, but avoid 'over-designing', keep as many original features in older properties, and decorate with regional colours and finishes.
• In country properties wooden floors are very popular and practical, and tiled floors are the best in Mediterranean properties.
• Provide a television, video or DVD player (its good if you can leave a few films or documentary recordings). Leave instructions on using any electrical appliances.
•  Equip the kitchen well, with the necessary appliances - washing machine, separate dryer (important for larger properties), oven and hob, fridge/freezer, dishwasher, microwave, and if they are not new, make sure they are spotlessly clean and in perfect working order.
• Bathrooms must be modern, keep the suite to white, and if space allows, install a proper 'power shower'. Ensure you have at least 3 towels per person. At busy times you will have to replace towels at each changeover.
• Avoid carpet in bathrooms; these can look dirty very quickly, so tile the floors and walls to keep cleaning simple.
• Keep bedding and linen plain, and try to match throughout with curtains and towels. This will simplify cleaning and change-over days. Leave spare linen for guests to change if required.
• The property should have central heating (important for off-season letting), and in warmer areas, air-conditioning should also be fitted.
• Furniture should be new, or if not, should be of good quality and condition. Upholstered furniture should be professionally cleaned and must comply with the fire and furniture regulations applicable to the country.
• All gas appliances must be checked by a registered plumber or gas fitter, and a Landlords Gas Safety Certificate must be obtained.
• In one-bedroom properties or small apartments, provide a sofa-bed in the living room to increase the rental marketable value.
• Provide good quality crockery, cutlery, a selection of saucepans, a large frying pan, casserole dishes and one or two serving bowls or large dishes. For the average one or two bedroom apartment, six place settings should be provided, plus a selection of wine glasses and tumblers. Provide eight place settings for a three bedroom property.
• The crockery should be easily replaceable but in keeping with the local regional style.
• Provide an ironing board, iron, toaster, kettle, brooms, and if carpeted, a vacuum cleaner.