What successful homeowners do during the low season

How to take advantage of the low season and make your holiday rental property stand out in the Costa del Sols competitive market.

With the busy summer season over, it is very tempting for homeowners to slow down and relax during the calm winter period.  However this is an ideal time to evaluate the past season and upgrade your property. Marbella Unique Properties are happy to share recommendations that can help make your property special and ready to provide the experience that will make your guests to want come back time and time again.

Book a couple of days off season for yourself to spend in your home. There is no better way to get a detailed overview of the current status of your property, to spot even the smallest of issues that need attention, and experience your guest’s stay in your property.  Browse through the local holiday rental listings to analyze the prices and amenities your competitors provide, to see where you stand in the market – what your strong points are and what you can improve on. It will help you to take effective decisions with regard to cleaning, maintenance, decoration and property feature improvements, marketing and the rental process itself.

CLEANING & MAINTENANCE

Spotless cleanliness is one of the key factors to help your clients feel instantly comfortable in your home. Homeowners usually do one deep cleaning before the start of the season, but if you want to keep your holiday home in excellent condition at all times we recommend to deep clean twice a year (during the off season as well) and to use a cleaning checklist to make sure everything gets done either during the first or second deep clean.  It should include cleaning inside the oven and fridge, professional cleaning of the carpets and sofas, specialized cleaning of appliances etc…

Maintenance of your holiday home is crucial. If you want your guests to have a positive experience, everything in the property must work to high standards. Usually guests can make do without some property features (that were already excluded on the listing), but they are not happy if they find something that does not work. Most likely they will ask for it to be repaired, even if they apparently do not need it. For example you might be asked to repair the ceiling fan, even if there is additional air conditioning. Use low season periods to do the detailed maintenance works and avoid repairs during your guests stay as much as possible. Check all the appliances function as well as water and electricity. Make sure you have a reliable and fast repair team on hand that know your property and are ready to help in case of any emergency during the high season. Marbella Unique Properties is happy to assist you with finding the appropriate cleaning and maintenance services.

FURNISHINGS & INTERIOR DESIGN

The guests are looking for the extraordinary; they want to stay in a place that is more beautiful than their home. Do you know what is unique about your holiday rental? If you know the answer that will differentiate your rental from hundreds of your competitors. It can be an outdoor space with a private swimming pool, a terrace with a sea view or just a cozy breakfast area full of natural light, a fireplace or extra-large dining table. Use the off season to work on the strong point of your property and make it breathtaking. Choose a place or a room in your home and turn it into something special: make your living room a chill-out zone with a big sofa, turn your bathroom into a spa sanctuary and equip your kitchen with the trendiest of appliances… Create a unique corner where your guests will feel good and will want take photos. Go for a positive emotional reaction, a WOW moment so your guests will want to share information and recommend your property to others.

The winning formula is functionality, comfort and neutral esthetics to your furnishings, design and décor. You might consider a complete refurbishment and change style during the off season, or just modernize the kitchen or bathroom. A fresh coat of paint, changing the distribution of the furniture, refreshing soft furnishings.  You should replace any items with significant “wear and tear” and choose durable materials.  Eliminate all the clutter and personal items, giving your guest a sense of their space. Give your holiday rental personality: invest into original prints or arts from local artists, buy quality linens, cushions, revive the space with plants and add to the atmosphere with original lighting. First impressions are everything. Make sure your home looks as good as on the pictures or even better. If you wish, Marbella Unique Properties can give you an advice about the design and décor of your property based on many years of experience and market knowledge of the Marbella areas and can suggest an interior expert for you if needed.