Lay My Hat

I am about to complete on my second holiday let.

Although in the same village it will have a very different market, so my current agent doesn't think it will sell and I agree.

I was planning on using Classic Cottages. However, next year it will only be available for 10 weeks, so I am thinking this won't work for them.

So I am considering air b and b. I only really need to get 12 weeks- I want to cover my costs in the first year. So how realistic am I being? Can I hope to get school holidays,Christmas and New Year?

It is in a very popular village. No sea view, but surrounded by countryside with half an acre garden. 5 minutes walk to beach, pubs, shops. 3 /4 bedrooms sleeps 6 plus a child in a room adjoining master bedroom. 2 bathrooms.

The kitchen is not attractive. The rest of the house has masses of character and original features, but I think the kitchen picture will let it down despite being 'dressed' by us.

What do you think?

Thanks.

Hi Loveka

Why does your agent think it won’t sell? Because of the kitchen?

My experience of Airbnb has been that people are looking for a very well priced property (for them, not the owner) and often want short breaks rather than full weeks. However, your property sounds ideal for family groups and I’m sure at least the peak weeks will sell in the right market. Do you take dogs? That will also increase your market.

Why not try all the ‘big players’ - ie Airbnb, HomeAway commission based (so no big subscription outlay if they don’t work) and tripadvisor, so see which works for you. Much as many owners hate them they do serve a purpose sometimes, esp if you only have a few weeks to sell.

Good luck!

The agent thinks it won't sell because it doesn't fit the profile of cottage they specialise in. He said they would get a few weeks. So I think we might do better on Air B and B.

Ah so the agent doesn't think HE can sell it! That is a little different.

How bad is the kitchen? Do you have any pictures?

loveka wrote: However, next year it will only be available for 10 weeks, so I am thinking this won't work for them.

I only really need to get 12 weeks

I think most responsible agents and Airbnb won't allow the double booking necessary to achieve this...

I need 12 weeks this year, newtimber. It is next year it will only be available 10 weeks, as I said.

Anyway.

The kitchen units are OK, fairly new, but the room is a very odd shape as it has a column about a third of the way in. A lot of it is a conservatory with white plastic cladding on the walls. There is a kitchen island with plastic cladding too!

I can't afford to redo the kitchen this year but will do as much as I can to make it look decent! I will post a photo when we actually complete!

loveka wrote:I need 12 weeks this year, newtimber. It is next year it will only be available 10 weeks, as I said.

Sorry my confusion.

If you price it right - then yes. I only get a few bookings through Airbnb but then I keep my prices fairly high. When I’ve accidentally let a low price slip though (eg New Year) it was snapped up in a matter of days.