Some key things to look for when you’re choosing a holiday home to buy…

Over the decade we've been watching the way holidaymakers choose their self-catering properties very closely.  Our experts have spotted changing patterns and emerging trends, but there are still plenty of key factors that we think property buyers should always bear in mind.  Whether or not you decide to register your property with us, the following tips and pointers should help you choose a property with broad and lasting appeal for the biggest potential return on your investment.

Properties that make the best investment

1.    Detached cottage or house
2.    Semi-detached cottage
3.    Terraced cottage
4.    Bungalow
5.    Apartments (usually achieve the lowest occupancy, unless they are situated in a heritage city centre such as York, Edinburgh or Rome, or on the Cote d'Azur).
6.    Holiday complexes and courtyard developments (require the specialist advice of our team of locally based Regional Managers).
7.    Interesting, unusual or quirky properties. (E.g. Thatched cottage, windmills, oast houses, castles, etc.)

The features that customers look for when they book UK and Irish properties

1.    Pets welcome
2.    Short breaks available
3.    Fuel and power included
4.    Linen and towels included
5.    Open fire
6.    Walking distance from a pub
7.    Close to sea and rivers (especially for Ireland)
8.    Dishwasher
9.    Washing machine/ tumble dryer
10.    Four poster bed.


Features that customers look for when they book overseas properties

1.    Pool
2.    Linen and power included
3.    Fuel and power included
4.    Near the sea (if buying in a coastal region)
5.    Walking distance of restaurant
6.    Great views
7.    Short breaks available
8.    Garden
9.    Dishwasher
10.    Washing machine

Where should you begin your search?

If you're looking to buy a holiday property in a particular region and you'd like to know about the popularity of different parts of the country, we'll be happy to give you advice.  We can also give you up-to-date details of the number and type of property we're looking for in a specific area at any given time.

What happens when you find a property?

Once you've bought your holiday home, we'll arrange for the Regional Manager in that area to visit and you'll have the opportunity to discuss letting in more detail and cover factors like how to present the property and appropriate pricing.