So, you’ve got the keys to your second home, congratulations! Whether it’s a cosy cottage in the Brecon Beacons or a seaside retreat in Pembrokeshire, you’re about to step into the exciting world of holiday letting.
With staycations more popular than ever, South Wales is a prime location for short-term rentals. But turning your property into a thriving holiday let takes more than just a great location. You need a smart strategy, creativity, and a top-notch guest experience.
This guide covers everything you need to know, from legal must-dos and pricing strategies, to marketing tips and thoughtful extras that will keep your calendar full all year round. Assuming you’ve sorted your insurance, mortgage, and other key logistics, let’s get started with the fun parts of running a holiday let!
Keep reading as we dive into how to run a successful holiday let business in South Wales…
1. Understand the Legal Requirements
Before we get into the more exciting bits of this guide, there are still a few not-so-fun bits to stay on top of while running your holiday let. Understanding local regulations is vital, especially as rules in Wales continue to evolve. Here are a few legal considerations that you must be aware of to avoid nasty fines or surprises:
- Planning Permission and Change of Use – Some areas in Wales require permission to operate a short-term rental, so check with your local authority.
- Health and Safety Standards – Fire safety, gas safety, and electrical checks are mandatory. Make sure you have smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and a fire risk assessment in place.
- Council Tax vs Business Rates – If your property is available to let for 252 nights and is let for at least 182, you may qualify for business rates instead of council tax.
- New Welsh Government Regulations – The Welsh Government is introducing new rules, including licensing requirements and minimum occupancy thresholds. Stay informed to ensure compliance.
Top Tip: Join a local holiday let owners’ group to keep up with regulation changes and industry best practices.
For more information on holiday let regulations and legal requirements, head to our blog A Comprehensive Guide to Holiday Let Regulations in Wales.
2. First Impressions Count! Furnish and Decorate
Your guests aren’t just looking for a place to sleep, they want a memorable experience. The right furnishings and décor can make your property stand out and boost bookings, especially if you’re new to holiday letting. Your guests may have had a long drive to get to your property, you want them to feel at home and excited about their holiday the moment they open the door.
Essential Features Guests Expect
- Comfortable, high-quality furniture – Think plush sofas, luxurious bedding, and sturdy dining tables.
- A well-equipped kitchen – Provide essentials like sharp knives, a coffee machine, and plenty of pots and pans. Make sure there are enough glasses, plates, and cutlery for everyone.
- Modern tech and entertainment – Fast Wi-Fi, a Smart TV with streaming services, and USB charging points are highly valued.
- A touch of local charm – Welsh décor, artwork, or books about the area add a unique and personal feel.
Top Tip: Choose a cohesive design theme that reflects your location, such as coastal chic, rustic countryside, or modern city style. Avoid mismatched furniture- your property should feel stylish and well-curated, not like a random collection of Facebook Marketplace furniture thrown together.
3. Add Thoughtful Extras to Wow Your Guests
In a competitive market, the difference between a successful holiday let and a less successful one often comes down to the small details. Thoughtful touches can have a big impact, leading to glowing reviews and repeat bookings.
Ideas for Welcome Packs
- A personalised note welcoming guests.
- Local treats like Welsh cakes, a bottle of cider, or locally roasted coffee.
- Fresh bread, butter, and jam for a simple breakfast.
- A small bottle of milk and tea bags for that all-important first cuppa.
Tailor Extras to Your Location
- Coastal properties: Beach towels, a bucket and spade, and a tide timetable.
- Mountain retreats: A walking map, a thermos flask, and hot chocolate
- City apartments: A guide to local cafes, taxi numbers, and an umbrella for unpredictable Welsh weather.
Top Tip: Thoughtful extras create Instagram-worthy moments, leading to free social media exposure when guests share their experiences.
Want to learn more about wow-ing your guests? Our guide on making your holiday cottage stand out from the crowd will help!
4. Top Tips for Maximising Your Holiday Let Income
Understanding what guests prioritise when booking a holiday is essential for running a successful holiday let business. Our recent South Wales Market Insight Report has revealed the most in-demand features for 2024, giving you a clear idea of what attracts bookings.
Top 3 Most Searched-For Property Features
- Hot Tubs – A highly desirable luxury that significantly increases booking potential.
- Garden & Outdoor Space – Guests love having a private space to relax, especially in scenic locations.
- WiFi & Smart Technology – Fast, reliable internet and modern tech (e.g., smart TVs) are now expected as standard.
Other Popular Features Guests Look For
- Log Burners/Open Fires – Create a cosy, inviting atmosphere, especially for autumn and winter stays.
- Off-Road Parking – A major convenience, particularly for rural or city-centre properties.
- Cots & Family-Friendly Amenities – Attracts families travelling with young children.
- Dishwashers – Small details like this can make a stay feel more effortless for guests.
Ways to Increase Your Holiday Let Bookings in South Wales
- Accept Pets – Searches for pet-friendly holidays have increased by 60% since 2019. Welcoming dogs can open up a huge market of travellers.
- Offer Short Breaks – 48% of bookings in Mid, West, and South Wales are for three, four, or five-night stays. Being flexible with shorter stays can increase occupancy.
- Allow Last-Minute Stays – 33% of bookings in Mid, West, and South Wales were made within four weeks of the stay. Enabling last-minute availability can capture spontaneous travellers.
By incorporating these features and being adaptable with bookings, you can attract more guests, increase occupancy rates, and justify higher pricing, ultimately maximising your holiday let’s income.
Top Tip: To run a successful holiday let, stay flexible and adapt to changing trends. The more popular features you offer, the better you’ll stand out from the competition.
4. Marketing Your Holiday Let
A great listing and strong marketing strategy are key to maximising bookings.
Create an Irresistible Listing
- High-quality photos – Invest in professional photography to showcase your property at its best. Guests are more likely to book properties with professional photos rather than amateur ones.
- Compelling descriptions – Use engaging, descriptive language to highlight your property’s unique features.
Where to Advertise
- Booking platforms like Airbnb, Booking.com and Coast and Country Holidays.
- Your own website.
- Social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook.
Top Tip: Always encourage guest reviews- positive feedback builds trust and helps your listing stand out.
If all of this sounds overwhelming, Coast & Country, backed by Sykes Cottages, can handle all the marketing for you. Our multi-million-pound marketing budget ensures you get bookings without all the behind the scenes hard work. Contact us today to see how we can help boost your bookings!
5. Get Smart Pricing to Maximise Profits
Pricing can make or break your success. Set rates too high, and you’ll deter guests. Too low, and you’ll lose out on potential earnings.
Pricing Strategies to Consider
- Dynamic pricing – Adjust rates based on demand, charging more during peak seasons and offering discounts during quieter times.
- Compare with competitors – Research similar properties in your area to ensure competitive pricing.
- Charge for extras – Pet-friendly properties can charge a small fee for furry guests.
- Good Housekeeping Bond – Coast and Country Holidays guests can pay a deposit in case of damage, giving owners peace of mind.
Top Tip: Letting agencies like Coast & Country Holidays use dynamic pricing models that automatically adjust rates in line with demand by analysing searches, booking trends and individual property performance. This ensures maximum occupancy and revenue, so you don’t need to worry about constantly adjusting prices.
6. Create a Seamless Guest Experience
A smooth guest experience leads to repeat bookings and glowing reviews.
Make Check-in and Check-out Effortless
- Use a key safe or smart lock for hassle-free access.
- Provide a clear guest guide with Wi-Fi info, appliance instructions, and local recommendations.
- Offer flexible check-in/out options where possible.
- Be on hand to help in case anything goes wrong/ the guests get lost or can’t check in.
Top Tip: Guests love local recommendations, so share your favourite hidden beaches, best coffee spots, and scenic walks.
7. Keep Your Property in Top Condition
A well-maintained property attracts repeat guests and can achieve higher ratings and higher prices.
Cleaning and Maintenance Essentials
- Hire a professional cleaning team to maintain high standards.
- Regularly inspect for wear and tear—fix broken blinds or leaky taps promptly.
- Refresh interiors periodically with new bedding, fresh paint, and updated décor.
Top Tip: Make sure you’re listening to reviews, if someone’s mentioned that something needs attention, make sure it’s fixed before the next guests arrive.
8. Consider a Property Management Service
If handling everything yourself feels overwhelming, a property management company can take care of the following and more:
- Bookings and guest management.
- Marketing.
- Owner support.
- Cleaning and maintenance.
- Regular property checks.
Coast & Country Holidays offers expert marketing, guest management, and property maintenance services, helping you maximise your bookings and revenue without the hassle. Our guide to holiday let management in South Wales goes through everything we can help you with in more detail.
Running a holiday let in South Wales can be incredibly rewarding and profitable—but success comes down to careful planning, savvy marketing, and delivering an outstanding guest experience. There’s more to holiday letting than meets the eye, but those willing to put in the effort will see the rewards.
By following these tips, you can transform your property into a five-star holiday home that guests love and return to year after year.
If you’re new to holiday letting or finding it overwhelming to manage everything yourself, why not let an expert take the stress off your hands? Coast & Country Holidays can handle everything from marketing to guest management, making the process effortless for you.
Get in touch today to see how we can help!
