Knowing your location

Many people who decide to venture into the holiday rental market convert outbuildings into a property, which is usually in the grounds of their own residence. Some people decide to make money from an existing holiday home, which was used as a family getaway, but now the family have grown up its hardly ever used. In both cases the prospective holiday rental owner knows the location and locals well and over the years has acquired the all important list of backup services.

The challenge facing new holiday property owners

However, there is a growing number of people now looking to buy a second home in a new location and usually with the prospect of spending time there themselves, as well as renting it out as a holiday let. These new breed of holiday property owners face a difficult challenge as they enter an area they know very little about and they struggle to understand whats on offer in the area.

I bought four holiday properties over 12 years, in three different locations but each time the enjoyment was getting to know the local area and the people who now help me to operate a successful holiday let.

Getting to know the area

If a location is new to you, make sure you spend plenty of time there before you even start looking for a property and take the time getting to know the area and its facilities such as pubs and shops. Be a tourist and visit all the local attractions, find out where the best shops are and try the local restaurants and pubs. When you start to get paying guests you will be able to recommend from your own experience, the best places to visit.

How to find local workers and tradesman

What about the all important list of local support. First port of call is usually the estate agents, so don’t be frightened to ask for advice on local tradesman. The best place to find local resource is the local pub. I have been given some of the most useful information while having a drink at the nearby pub and chatting to locals. If you are looking for local housekeepers or cleaners then the village post office is your best place to put up a postcard job advert. It can be daunting interviewing, but as long you ask for references you stand a good chance of finding a reliable worker. I would also recommend that once you have found your perfect holiday home, you start talking to neighbours as you will need a local key holder and also someone who is happy to do a meet and greets.

By the time your ready to complete, you will hopefully have a good idea of whats on offer locally and will have built up a useful contact list of tradesmen and workers, because when you’re paying guests start arriving, I can guarantee you will need plenty of local support.

Anna Fern, Blue Lagoon Holiday Cottage - Bespoke holiday letting agency with a hands on experience to guide you through the process.

Tel. 07714 230117
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Web. www.bluelagoon.co.uk