If one of your New Year pledges was to explore the possibility of short-letting your home this year or to adopt a new approach to your current letting proposition, then now is a really good time to get going - and it really doesn’t need to be the painful process associated with most New Year resolutions!

Here are some pointers to help you build a winning formula:

A key to successful short-letting is understanding that you are doing more than simply renting out your bricks and mortar. In today’s marketplace, you are providing a home away from home, something more personalised and unique. Essentially you are creating an experience for your guests, from the very first moment they view your listing to the moment they leave after their stay.

The philosophy behind this is obviously driven by the financials: the better the guest experience, the more and better your recommendations and reviews, which generates more bookings from new and repeat guests and so greater revenue for you. But it’s so much more than that; it’s also about appreciating and repaying the investment your guests have made in choosing to stay at your property and providing the best service and hospitality possible in return.

Think about your main target market and prepare your property accordingly. Is it family-friendly? Suitable for babies and toddlers? Perhaps both? Will it appeal to a younger working demographic looking for weekend breaks or older, retired couples with few or no time commitments? What about commercial contractors and businessmen? Make sure your property meets the needs of whatever demographic you are trying to serve. For example, you don’t need to provide highchairs and cots if you’re not catering for babes and toddlers, but you do if you are!

Whatever the size, type, configuration, or location of your property, you should aim to create a space in which guests will be happy to spend time, relax and enjoy. A nicely decorated space can also help your listing stand out from the crowd in a packed market and give you a competitive edge.

It’s always a good idea to invest time and money into making your property as lovely as it can be. Play to its strengths and keep everything looking fresh and immaculate. As a rule, you should try to keep the decor as neutral as possible, but don’t be afraid to let your personality and design sense shine through. Tasteful personal touches will set your property apart for guests who are trying to get away from the carbon-copy hotel blueprint.

Another great tip is to keep clutter to the absolute minimum. Your guests may only be staying a short while, but you still want to ensure they’re as comfortable as possible for the time they are there. This means providing ample space to unpack their clothes and store their belongings.  

There's a practical benefit here too, especially during the peak booking season: less clutter means easier cleaning between bookings, and so a quicker turnaround.  

Clean. Clean. And clean again. If needs be, hire a reliable, professional cleaner and laundry service to deliver the hotel-standard service that guests now expect of short-let properties. A speck of dirt, a cobweb or a hint of the last guest’s debris can undo a fantastic review score in an instant.

Hairdryers, TVs and WiFi have become standard amenities for short-let accommodation, so it’s important to invest in these at the outset, together with specific items associated with your target audience. Make sure that whatever facilities you do provide are all in good working order.

Guests value ‘insider’ information because it means they don’t have to waste time trying to suss it all out for themselves – they can simply get on with the business of going places and doing things. So, try to provide as much detailed, up-to-date information as possible about your area, with personal recommendations on where to go, what to see, things to do and places to eat and drink in your region.

And if your area is renowned for a particular activity, think about putting together a dedicated pack of information and basic kit to help guests get out there and make the most of the opportunity. Walkers, for instance, will welcome a collection of local maps and walking guides, a lunchbox, and a flask or two…it’s all part of the experience!

Items such as fresh sheets, toiletries, towels, and cooking utensils all come as the norm. We’re talking about all those little added extras that guests don’t expect but will make their stay extra special. You could consider a bespoke welcome guide containing all your local recommendations (see above), a goodie-bag of local produce or swish soaps and shampoos. Whatever you settle on is bound to be appreciated and reflected in guest reviews.

We’ve only covered the tip of the iceberg when it comes to getting your property ready for short-letting success. Other factors to consider include pricing strategies, platform listings, bookings, guest screenings and 24/7 customer service and support, not to mention insurance, health and safety, costs and income, health and safety standards, utilities, and insurance.

Thankfully, you don't have to do it all alone! You can talk to a company like Pass the Keys, one of the UK’s leading short-let property management companies, who can guide you through the process and get your business off to a flying start.

If you have a property in Richmondshire, Darlington or the Durham Dales and would like to start your short-let journey now, get in touch with the local team on (01748) 902909, email bev.stainthorp@passthekeys.co.uk or visit https://www.passthekeys.co.uk/yorkshire-and-the-humber/richmondshire/  

• Image Credit - Sofa by Kari Shea
• Image Credit - Cleaning by Everdrop GmbH