Due to recent events, more and more Brits are looking to holiday in the UK rather than escaping abroad. In fact, 73% of Brits surveyed said they'll choose to holiday in the UK, even after travel restrictions have eased.

This means there's never been a better time to maximise returns on a short let property in the UK. But letting out a holiday home involves a lot of work to keep guests coming year after year. That's why it's crucial to hire the best holiday home agency you can.

Read on for our ultimate guide to hiring a holiday home agency.

Consider Their Experience

There are two main types of holiday home agencies in the UK. Those who specialise in one local area, and those who cover the whole country.

There are pros and cons to both, but choosing a national company does not mean a less knowledgeable service. National companies have local teams and managers working on the ground in each area. Whichever part of the country you choose, you don't have to worry that they'll be far away.

How Will They Market Your Property?

Check out their current listings and ask yourself, 'Would I want to book one of these properties?'

Professional photos and listings are everything. Make sure the holiday home agency know how to maximise the value of your property by listing it in a way that shows off its best features. 

Their own website should be clear and easy to use. It should be easy to book online and look great on a mobile as well as a computer screen. 

Which Platforms Do They Use?

Also, consider whether the agency has kept up with current trends in holiday letting. Millions now turn to Airbnb hosting for their short let property, and it's a site you simply can't afford to ignore.

Look for a holiday home agency that is a certified Airbnb Professional Co-Host. They are able to market and manage your property using Airbnb with an edge, ensuring you maximise on this valuable source of bookings.

To ensure maximum occupancy, look for an agency that lists across multiple platforms, including Airbnb. These would include Booking.com, Expedia and VRBO.

Similar to Airbnb, VRBO specialises in short let properties. Listing on multiple platforms maximises your property's exposure and keeps your booking calendar busy.

Think About Social Media

Check out the holiday let agency's use of social media. Most people don't book through social media, but it plays a big role in their decision making. Are they harnessing the power of social media with a strong presence across all major platforms?

Dynamic Pricing Strategies

One of the benefits of using a holiday home agency is that they use various tools to maximise occupancy. One of these is using dynamic pricing strategies. This gives them some flexibility to move prices up and down depending on demand.

Consider using an agency that actively employs dynamic pricing strategies. It's likely to lead to higher occupancy rates which in turn will lead to better returns on your investment.

What Services Do They Provide?

Holiday let management is about more than just getting the basics right. It's about those little touches that make the holiday memorable for guests.

There are certain services that are fundamental to a successful booking. These include:

• Property listing
• Guest communication prior to arrival
• 24/7 guest check-in (key safes) for complete flexibility
• 24/7 guest telephone support
• Professional cleaning and laundry services

You may see 'All-Inclusive Management Service' advertised. With the best agencies, this gives you complete peace of mind that the holiday let agency will handle everything. Carefully review what's included to make sure that it does.

Extra Services That Make the Difference

Some agencies go beyond the basics of holiday let management. They include additional features and touches that hosts and guests appreciate.

It's reassuring to know that your property is being professionally cleaned between each booking. It's even more reassuring to see photos. Look out for this additional unique selling point that gives you greater control over standards. 

These may include:

• Luxury hotel standard toiletries
• Hotel-grade linen
• Welcome guide and information about local attractions

A small, additional cost may be involved, but they make all the difference. The guests feel they are getting a 5-star hotel experience in the comfort and privacy of a private home.

Some agencies also offer a guest vetting service. This is important to ensure the safety and security of your short let property, protecting your investment.

Communication With Owners

A holiday let agency can take the strain out of managing a short let property. However, that doesn't mean that the owners don't want to know what's happening with their property at all times.

The holiday let company should be clear about how they communicate with owners. Key information includes occupancy rates, standards of cleanliness and income generated.

The best agencies collect all this information together and provide it to clients in a user-friendly format. They update it in real-time so you know exactly what's happening all the time. This also allows you to plan when you would like to use the property yourself.

Find out the Costs

Costs can vary a great deal from one holiday let company to another. Some may charge up to 50% for all-inclusive management services whilst others will charge the same percentage for simply listing your property online!

A more reasonable rate would be 18-24% + VAT. This will vary depending on factors such as the geographical location of the property. Ensure that all charges are included in the contract and there aren't any 'hidden extras' that will catch you out later.

Cross the i's and Dot the t's

Before signing a contract with a holiday let company, make sure that you read the contract carefully. 

The best agencies will not tie you into long, complicated contracts that are difficult to get out of. If you feel that an agency is not being completely transparent, be very wary. 

How to Choose the Best Holiday Home Agency for Your Property

Choosing the right holiday home agency for your property comes down to trust and confidence. You need to be sure that they'll deliver the high level of service they promise. And feel confident that they'll actively work to get you the best possible return on your investment.

You're in safe hands with Pass the Keys. We provide outstanding, hassle-free Airbnb management. Our focus is maximising returns on your holiday let while keeping it in the best possible condition.

Click here today to find out how much your property could earn!