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First Impressions Matter for Holiday Lets

from "UK Landlord" magazine, September 2007

A well-presented interior, with good décor and immaculate presentation is what people look for most in a holiday rental property in the UK, according to a survey carried out by self-catering holiday specialist Hoseasons.

People looking for holiday cottages told the agency that the most desirable features are, in order of importance: an attractive interior, a clean and well-equipped kitchen (with washing machine, dryer, dishwasher, freezer and microwave), high-standard entertainment systems (including a large TV, a DVD player and a good-quality music system), a well-maintained exterior, a garden, comfortable beds, good-quality bed linen, a power shower in the bathroom, good local amenities and on-demand central heating.

Other features identified by the study included allowing pets, a Jacuzzi bath, en-suite bathroom facilities, and 'extra' facilities such as a barbecue, games room, fishing gear, or bicycles.

Hoseasons Cottages is advising landlords of holiday cottages to make sure that their marketing material such as a brochure or website shows a well-decorated, thoroughly cleaned cottage. "This will immediately be attractive, and that extra effort will be rewarded with more bookings and repeat custom," says Tina Smith, Head of Hoseasons Cottages

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