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Short-term lets and holiday homes surpass buy-to-let income

Short-term lets – and specifically furnished holiday lets – are now generating greater profits for owners than the traditional long-term buy-to-let model, but there are downsides.

In the aftermath of the pandemic, short-term lets surged in popularity, when staycations became the only way – or the preferred way – to take a holiday compared with overseas travel. Even after Covid restrictions were largely lifted, more people still opted to holiday in the UK than pre-pandemic.

But the property type had already been rising through the ranks as a property investment option for a number of reasons, including recent buy-to-let tax changes that meant some landlords paid lower levels of tax on holiday lets than buy-to-lets.

Some recent research conducted by Hamptons, using official data from HM Revenue and Customs, has revealed that in the 2020-21 tax year, income for short-term lets in the UK hit £15,600, while traditional buy-to-let income generated £13,400. This is the first time income has been higher for holiday lets.

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Long-term landlords moving to short-term lets?

However, while there have been many reports over the past three years indicating that some landlords have ditched the long-term for the short-term rental option, the data reveals that in fact only 1.5% of all landlords are holiday let owners.

Therefore, the vast majority of landlords still see the highest value from their long-term rentals, putting paid to rumours of large numbers of landlords ditching the traditional buy-to-let model.

When looking at how the furnished holiday let industry has grown over the years, the study showed that 63,000 people made an income from 65,000 lets in 2020/21, up from 46,000 individuals who owned 50,000 holiday lets in 2011/12.

The report notes that there are two main reasons that the short-term lets sector has grown so much, the first being that the majority of such properties are used for both personal and commercial purposes. The commercial side in particular has grown in recent years, adding to the figures.

The other reason, as touched upon earlier, is the ‘staycation boom’ that boosted demand in the sector to a significant level, leading to more landlords and homeowners taking the opportunity to let out suitable properties to fill the need.

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More income, same profit

Interestingly, while the report demonstrates the overall increase in income generated from short-term holiday lets, it also notes that due to rising running costs, owners of both property types end up with “a similar amount of cash in their pocket”.

According to Hamptons, running costs for a holiday let consume around 43% of the total income, while costs for a buy-to-let are around 31% of the total rental income, not taking financing costs into account. Furthermore, incomes are also currently forecast to fall back to pre-pandemic levels.

The maintenance costs that come with a furnished holiday let can include regular cleaning services, more frequent replacement of equipment and appliances due to the higher number of different guests, and more general wear and tear to carpets, fixtures and fittings.

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Often, landlords with holiday lets will employ an agency to deal with the general management of the property, including listings and comings and goings, which further adds to the costs of short-term lets.

On the plus side, aside from the higher income you could receive – particularly for a well-located, well-turned out property – you could also benefit from its use as a holiday home. The property must be furnished and available for at least 210 days per year to legally count as a holiday let, but the rest of the time you could you it yourself.

From a tax perspective, there can also be certain benefits to short-term lets, which you can read more about here. This article will also tell you more about the rules and regulations that apply to running a short-term let.

By Eleanor Harvey

Source: Buy Association

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Number of people staying in holiday homes jumps in decade, census data shows

There was a 4.7% increase between 2011 and 2021 in the number of people staying in a holiday home for more than 30 days per year.

Thousands more people were staying in holiday homes for more than 30 days per year in 2021 than a decade earlier, according to Census data.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) released figures showing the characteristics of people in England and Wales with a second address.

It said there was a 4.7% increase between 2011 and 2021 in the number of people staying in a holiday home for more than 30 days per year, rising from 426,000 to 447,000.

The ONS said the peak age of people staying in holiday homes has increased, from 64 years old in 2011 to 73 years old in 2021, which it said likely reflects the size of this generation and their holiday home ownership ageing over the decade.

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In 2021, more than three-quarters (77.0%) of people who stayed at a holiday home were aged 50 and over.

Among people with a holiday home outside the UK, Spain, followed by France, were found to be the most popular locations.

Most people who stayed at a holiday home in the UK in 2021 were between 31 miles (50 kilometres) and 124 miles (200 kilometres) from their usual address, the ONS said.

More than 6,000 people in 2021 had a holiday home that was less than six miles (10 kilometres) from where they usually live.

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The average distance between a usual address and holiday home in the UK was 90 miles (145.7 kilometres).

Kensington and Chelsea in London had the highest proportion of usual residents (5.7%) who spent 30 days or more at a holiday home.

The Vale of Glamorgan (0.8%) and Monmouthshire (0.8%) were among the local authority areas with the highest proportions of people usually resident in Wales who stayed at a holiday home.

Overall in 2021, 3.2 million (5.3%) usual residents in England and Wales reported that they had a second address where they spend 30 days or more a year. This number increased from 2.9 million (5.2%) in 2011.

The largest second address type was another parent or guardian’s address, and the second largest address type was a student’s home address.

The number of usual residents who stayed at a second address while working away from home fell by 25.5% between 2011 and 2021.

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The ONS said it is important to consider the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic on the figures.

Students may have been more likely to be living with their parents for the whole year rather than using a different term-time address, for example.

The pandemic also prompted a “race for space” in the housing market, with rural and coastal locations being particularly popular.

Proposals were announced on Monday as part of a Scottish Government and Cosla consultation, that could mean councils could charge more than double the full rate of council tax on second homes.

The proposed changes would enable councils to charge up to double the full rate of council tax on second homes from April 2024, bringing them in line with long-term empty homes.

Figures show that in January 2023 there were 42,865 long-term empty homes in Scotland.

By Vicky Shaw

Source: Standard

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Airbnb properties are increasing in holiday hotspots

A new map reveals how a staycation boom since the pandemic has seen the number of short-term holiday lets swell in some of England’s most popular tourist hotspots.

Coronavirus and subsequent travel restrictions for foreign trips led to a spike in demand for breaks closer to home – with new data now confirming the enormous growth the UK holiday rental market has endured in just three years.

Kent is among the places to have witnessed a surge in the number of rented holiday lets available in the county – with a leap of 22% between 2019 and 2022.

According to the data, which has been compiled by the short-term rental analysis firm AirDNA, Blackpool, Lincoln, the Peak District and Dorset are also among the areas to have experienced some of the biggest percentage growths that put them close to the top of the chart.

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Dorset’s increase has sent the number of available holiday homes it is registering into double figures for 2022 with 10,782 short-term lets.

Other popular locations also experiencing an increase in listings through companies including AirBnB are Norfolk, Shropshire, Gloucester and the Lake District. AirDNA says it is also noticing ‘an extension of seasonality’ meaning that there is also an increase in supply and demand in the low season as well as at peak times.

Far fewer places are witnessing a decline in property numbers with London, Cambridge and Windsor among a small handful, says AirDNA to have recorded a drop in the number of holiday homes available.

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In Kent, Whitstable is among the county’s most popular tourist destinations – having previously been ranked the eighth most popular town in the UK for second homes.

But down on the coast residents have long-raised concerns about the town being packed with rentals and people’s second homes.

A survey carried out by the Canterbury Green Party in September last year, which collected close to 170 responses, revealed that 87.6% of residents had concerns about the impact short-term holiday lets were having.

At the time, Airbnb owners defended their properties describing them as ‘vital’ to the local economy – among them Labour councillor and Airbnb owner Chris Cornell who, while in favour of more regulation, said the homes have an ‘important role in Whitstable’s economy’ as they are usually cleaned and serviced by local people.

Speaking at the time, he explained: “Like most Airbnb owners, it’s not big business and we don’t own thousands of them or taking billions of pounds in.

“Most of us are people trying to share the town we love and support local business.”

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Concerns over the potential for rowdy guests could prompt a government crackdown on short term lets, according to new anti social behaviour plans.

An action plan published by the Government on Monday aims to stop holiday properties ‘importing anti-social behaviour into communities’.

Referencing noise problems, drunken behaviour and disorderly conduct, the plan promises the creation of a new registration scheme that would provide councils with the data to identify short-term lets in the local area.

If any short-term rental property proved ‘problematic’, local officials could then take action against its guests and owners.

Communities Secretary Michael Gove earlier this month expressed concerns about the impact of short-term letting on local areas, promising to make changes aimed at restricting “the way that homes can be turned into Airbnbs”, amid concerns about problems with holiday lets preventing younger workers from living and finding a job near to home.

By Lauren Abbott

Source: Kent Online

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Holiday let plans for farmland near Burton-in-Lonsdale

PLANS to develop working farmland at Burton-in-Lonsdale to create holiday accommodation have been submitted to Craven District Council.

Proposed by John Carr for land to the south west of Burton is eight new holiday units, a site entrance, service area, access roads, parking and landscaping.

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Other applications submitted to the council include: The part demolition and conversion of existing store/garage and piggery at Lower Windhill Farm, Cowling Hill Lane, Cowling to home office and sauna, and a single storey rear orangery with glass connection at 4 Nookdale Cottages, Dumb Toms Lane, Ingleton. Also proposed is installation of an electric vehicle charging point, and a new porous cobbled driveway at 8 New Hall Farm, Colne Road, Cowling; External modification including resurfacing the existing parking area at Greenfield House, Low Lane, Embsay, raising the retaining wall and making alterations to the patio.

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Planned for Procter House, Kirkgate, Settle, is the change of use of ground floor office and first floor residential accommodation to create two dwellings, and associated alterations.

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Craven District Council has applied for permission to erect a new metal sign over Victoria Street, Skipton at a height of around six metres (19 feet). The sign will say ‘canal quarter’, will resemble traditional narrow boat signage and is aimed at improving the visitor experience.

By Lesley Tate

Source: Craven Herald

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Burton Pidsea: Grade II-listed Georgian windmill in Yorkshire village to be converted into holiday let

The conversion of a former windmill into a holiday let and proposals to turn a community hall into an art studio are among the latest East Riding planning applications.

The conversion of the Burton Pidsea windmill and Middleton on the Wolds community hall come as plans were also lodged to demolish a disused nursing home for homes in Driffield.

A former Shiptonthorpe bed and breakfast could also become a house of multiple occupancy under plans lodged with East Riding Council in recent weeks.

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The applications will all have to file the necessary paperwork to get them approved by East Riding planning officers.

But if any of them prove controversial they could wind up before one of the council’s three planning committees where they would be voted on.

Former windmill to holiday let conversion

The Mill House, on Greens Lane, Burton Pidsea, could be converted from a home into a two-bedroom holiday home under new plans.

The windows of the Grade II-listed four storey building would be replaced would be replaced like-for-like while a ladder connecting the top three floors would make way for a staircase.

The mill building was constructed in 1834 to replace older ones which had existed in the village since the 1260s.

The steam power-assisted mill ceased to grind in 1901.

It lay disused for decades though it was used first as a play ‘den’ for its owners’ daughter in the 1960s and then became a barn.

That was until an application was lodged to convert it into a home in the late 1980s.

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Art studio plan for community hall

Russell Studios have applied to turn the Reading Room of Middleton on the Wolds’ community hall into an arts space.

Plans were first lodged at the start of the year but since then details including the proposed layout and a proposal to install a kiln in the property.

The layout of all rooms inside the building would not change, except for its main hall.

The hall would be used as the studio while an existing office would be turned over to serve the new occupants.

The plans stated none of the changes would be visible from outside of the building.

They added it was possible the studio may only last into next year.

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Nursing home demolition for homes

Nine new homes could be coming to Driffield’s Long Lane if plans to tear down a former nursing home get the go ahead.

Applicants Essential Estates are seeking to demolish the former Northfield Manor home which closed around three years ago.

The two and a half storey building would be replaced by four three bedroom and five four bedroom homes.

A total of 23 parking spaces would serve the new homes if they get the go ahead.

The nursing home was initially converted from a hospital in 1987.

It underwent extensions up until 2005.

Bed and breakfast multiple occupancy home transformation

Retrospective plans have been lodged to give approval to the renting of rooms in the Shiptonthorpe Arms out.

A House of Multiple Occupancy has already been issued by the council for the former Shiptonthorpe bed and breakfast since the renting of rooms began in 2020.

The occupants living in York Road are all workers at the Hughes Mushrooms food factory, located in nearby Holme-on-Spalding-Moor.

The company rents the building from its owners because of a lack of suitable accommodation near their plant.

By Joe Gerrard

Source: Yorkshire Post

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Surge in holiday let deals as lenders return

Buy-to-let landlords will find holiday let deals have bounced back from a substantial drop towards the end of 2022, with fresh analysis by Moneyfacts.co.uk revealing that there are now more than 400 deals available to holiday let.

Mortgage options for borrowers looking at holiday lets have increased to 411 options, up from 173 seen in October 2022, thanks to the rise in lenders active in this area of the market.

Lenders have returned to the holiday let market, with 34 different brands now operating, eight more than in October 2022 – the majority of which are currently building societies.

Government rules to be introduced in 2023 impact the demand for holiday let properties, but the cost of living crisis may encourage demand for UK holidays over a trip abroad.

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Rachel Springall, finance expert at Moneyfacts.co.uk, commented: “The outlook for buy-to-let product choice in the holiday let market took a nosedive in the aftermath of the fiscal announcement, so it’s positive to see product availability bounce back. Lenders have returned to the market and average rates have come down since October 2022, but as seen in the wider buy-to-let market, it may take time for more improvements to surface. Building societies continue to dominate this space and overall, there are more than 400 deals to choose from, covering both fixed and variable rate options.

“Due to the pandemic, there was a huge demand for UK-based holidays, so buy-to-let investors could have seen the potential to dip into holiday lets. As the holiday aspirations of consumers change, demand for UK holidays could fall, but at the same time, the country is facing a cost of living crisis which may keep them interested in a more cost-effective UK break. However, rising interest rates may well dent the profit margins of investors during 2023 and, on top of this, the Government is due to make reforms which will impact holiday let investors. Holiday lets will need to be rented for a minimum of 70 days a year and available to be rented out for 140 days a year, and homeowners will need to show evidence of their lettings and meet certain criteria to qualify for business rates relief. These new rules are due to come into force this April and are designed to protect legitimate investors.

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“Landlords may be dipping into their savings due to the cost of living crisis, and the expense to redevelop a property to a high standard may be more now than in previous years. Mortgage interest rates have risen over the past year, so it is imperative prospective landlords seek advice to compare their options and consider a fixed rate deal for peace of mind. Investors picking a property with their head over the heart is extremely wise, and in-depth research must be done on locations and listing services to ease any concerns over letting exposure and seasonal dips.”

By Marc Da Silva

Source: Property Industry Eye

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Will cost of living crisis renew holiday let demand?

Landlords diversifying into holiday lets could see renewed demand, as the cost of living crisis limits some people’s ability to holiday abroad.

When mortgage interest tax relief began to be withdrawn back in April 2017, landlords wanting to make smart decisions to maintain profits started to look around for solutions. For some, investing in limited company buy to lets presented a more tax efficient solution.

Holiday lets too offer tax benefits, as they are automatically classified as a business. As such, this niche within the buy to let sector has seen significant growth. Not least as a result of soaring demand, when the Covid-19 pandemic fueled huge interest in holidaying at home.

Reports in the media since suggest that the demand for holidaying in the UK has not dwindled. Whilst UK weather is not what you would call reliable, there is great appeal in avoiding the slog of an aeroplane journey at either end of your getaway.

What’s more, holidays in the UK are very flexible, and so the cost can be more easily controlled. So for those wanting a holiday but are strapped for cash, there is no need to finance a full 7 or 14 days more typically associated with going abroad. Holiday lets in the UK can easily be booked for 5, 10 or however many days make it affordable.

Not only this, but with no need to fly, the travel time cuts into your holiday far less, meaning a holiday at home for the same number of days can feel longer to one abroad, as you don’t necessarily lose the best part of two days getting to and from your house.

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Holiday let mortgage availability
When the Liz Truss and Kwasi Kwarteng mini-Budget became public, holiday let lenders – amongst many others – retreated into their beach huts, taking many of their products with them.

However, the good news is that with the economy settling, holiday let lenders are back, back, back.

Latest data from financial data analysts Moneyfacts shows that there are 411 holiday let mortgage products available to landlords in the UK, across 34 different brands. This is an increase of 233 holiday let products since October 2022 and an additional 8 lenders coming into the marketplace to offer lending solutions.

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New legislation from April 2023
On 14th January 2022, Michael Gove announced new legislation that cracked down on second home owners purporting to be offering property as a holiday let, but actually leaving them vacant.

The new rules come in on 1st April this year, and require holiday let properties to have been rented out for 70 days of the year in order to qualify for business rates and to avoid paying council tax. Evidence will be required in the form of website or brochure information for the premises along with letting details and receipts.

Not only will holiday let property have to be physically rented out for 70 days, but it must also be available to rent for a minimum of 140 days to qualify for the tax reliefs this sector benefits from.

The greater impact of this new legislation will be on those people with second homes who were not actually renting out their property to holidaymakers.

For most landlords looking to diversify their portfolio, these new requirements should not have significant effect, as renting out your property for as long as possible is the business objective.

Source: Commercial Trust

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Return of the ‘holiday home mortgage’ as families favour British breaks over Europe

Mortgage lenders and property investors are backing a staycation boom this year as families favour UK holidays over expensive trips abroad.

The number of mortgages available for holiday let owners has more than doubled since October amid renewed confidence amongst banks and building societies.

Investors can now choose from 411 deals, up from 173 three months ago, according to analyst Moneyfacts, and the number of lenders in the sector has jumped from 26 to 34.

Increased competition has also driven down borrowing costs for investors – the average fixed interest rate on a holiday let mortgage has fallen from 7.47pc to 6.17pc in the same period. Although costs remain inflated in comparison to the beginning of last year, when the average fixed rate was 3.92pc.

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Joe Stallard of House and Holiday Home Mortgages, a broker, said the price war between lenders came as investors who would have traditionally chosen to purchase a buy-to-let property instead turned to the holiday let market.

Mr Stallard said: “We’re definitely seeing more serious investors right now. There is increased demand for city-based properties, such as in Cardiff, York and Liverpool, and clients are keen to invest in properties that can be let all year round.

“Interest in the traditional areas like Cornwall, Devon and the Lake District remains strong, but investors are looking for more opportunities nationwide.”

The number of available holiday lets in the UK jumped by 14pc year-on-year to almost 340,000 in December, up from just under 297,000 in the same month in 2021, according to analysis by data firm AirDNA.

A surge in demand for staycations during the pandemic inflated accommodation prices and nightly rates have continued to rise despite a resurgence in foreign travel. The average daily rate for a holiday let in the UK was £167 last year, almost a third higher than in 2019 and a 14pc rise since 2021, according to AirDNA.

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More British households are expected to holiday in the UK this year rather than pay for flights as the cost of living crisis shows no sign of abating. The share of households planning to take long-haul flights has dropped from almost a fifth last year to 14pc in 2023, according to a survey of 2,000 people by lender Paragon Bank.

Meanwhile, the proportion of people intending to holiday in the UK has jumped from almost a quarter in 2022 to 28pc in 2023.

But holiday let investors will need to contend with stricter rules around tax and occupation this year.

Property owners in England who make their rentals available as short-term lets for 140 days a year can currently claim they are a small business, and therefore pay preferential business rates instead of council tax.

But the loophole will be tightened in April, when a property will only qualify for business rates if available for 140 days a year, and was actually let out for short periods totalling at least 70 days in the previous 12 months. New holiday lets will be liable for council tax until the property meets the new eligibility rules.

By Rachel Mortimer

Source: Telegraph

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Is Investing in a Holiday Home Worth It?

The idea of owning a property used as a place to escape to is certainly a luxurious one. Not everyone is lucky enough to be in a position to afford one property, let alone two! However, if you are fortunate enough to find yourself in this position, you might have already considered buying a second house or property to increase your assets. Property ownership can be costly, though, as well as a big responsibility to keep the place in good condition. This is why it is important to carefully consider whether purchasing a second house for a holiday home is worthwhile. Below are some of the key things you need to think about.

It Can be a Source of Income

As mentioned above, purchasing a second home and keeping up with the general expenses of looking after a house can put pressure on you financially. Even if you are doing well with money at this time in your life, that doesn’t guarantee that you will always be in this position. However, owning a second property can also be a great source of income if you are willing to lease this space to other holiday goers when you’re not using it. Many people choose to let their homes on sites like Airbnb or other letting agencies as this can help them pay off mortgages attached to that property and the maintenance costs. Leasing your home in this way will require some management to keep your guests happy and coming back, but if you are happy to do this, it could be a great way to make some money.

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A Variety of Options

It’s also important to remember that there are a variety of options available when it comes to choosing holiday accommodation to purchase. A lot of people might choose a pretty cottage in the countryside or a stunning beach house. Others might prefer a chic apartment in a vibrant city somewhere or a chalet in a ski resort. Of course, these are all excellent choices, but if you are looking for something a little more affordable but still comfortable, you can consider static caravans. There are many parks, like this one for caravan ownership in the Lake District, that can offer beautiful options for a holiday escape, and they won’t cost you as much as a property would.

Useful in Emergencies

Another good reason to invest in a holiday home is that it can be useful in emergencies. If your main home becomes compromised for some reason, you will always have somewhere else you can stay. It might not be in the ideal location, but for those who can work remotely or need somewhere suitable for their family to stay, this can be beneficial. Even if you choose to renovate your main house to create a better living environment, your holiday home could be used temporarily until this project is completed. You might also be able to help friends or other relatives who are in a difficult situation and need somewhere to stay.

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You Could Make a Profit

Leasing your holiday home will be a great way to pay off the mortgage and boost your income, but you might also be able to make a profit if you did choose to sell this property later on. Property prices have risen in recent years, and although this market can fluctuate, if you do sell at the right time, you might be surprised at just how much of a profit you could make. This is even better if you have been using rent to pay off the mortgage and might be left richer than before.

A Place to Make Wonderful Memories

Finally, owning a holiday home can be a benefit as it provides a special place for you and your loved ones to make cherished memories together. Many people look back on a place they visited for holidays in their youth with fondness, and your family could have this opportunity with your home. If the property doesn’t get sold during your lifetime, it could also be passed down through generations for them to enjoy. Whether you choose to spend your summers in this house or get the family gathered there for special occasions throughout the year, it will certainly become a happy place for you and your loved ones.

If you are thinking about purchasing a holiday home but are unsure if this is the right move, it’s smart to take some time to consider this carefully. These are all great reasons to move ahead with your plans, but you need to be sure that you are in the right financial position to make this investment.

By Max Livesley

Source: Silver Surfer Today

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The weak pound is set to drive demand for UK staycations

As the cost-of-living crisis continues apace, and the value of pound remains low, affordable staycations are back on the agenda with people choosing to holiday near UK tourist hotspots, instead of taking trips abroad. With this in mind, AGO Hotels is looking at what this means for its own business and the wider UK hospitality market.

The latest increase in interest rates is the highest single jump in 33 years. With this at the forefront of minds for the majority of the UK population, affordability has become the focus. Travel, much like most other commodities has substantially risen in price. As a result of the cost-of-living crisis, which is severely impacting household budgets, it is very likely the UK economy / budget hotel sector will see an upsurge in staycation demand. For those opting for a staycation they will be looking for value, balanced with quality and location. Location plays an integral part of the decision-making process and knowing there will be suitable activities and attractions available so the guests can make the most of their holiday.

Hoteliers must now more than ever try to capitalise on any and every opportunity, endeavouring to demonstrate the benefits of their location from the very first time the guest views the hotel online to when they work through the door. This could, arguably should include offers and packages for guests at the local attractions, “stay in our hotel and receive a discount or complimentary entry to local attractions”. Pre-arrival communication with the guests, and again on arrival, if it is relevant, provide guests with information on how they can make the most of their stay. As far as is relevant to the style of hotel, guests will expect the very best stay and in times of economic uncertainty, hoteliers must not lose track of how important a straightforward, positive experience is for guests, achieved through ease of booking, seamless check-in and a top sleep experience.

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As well as the weak pound having an impact on the movements of UK residents, we are seeing how it is driving change from overseas. There has been a recent increase in tourism as overseas opportunistic travellers are looking to capitalise and take full advantage of the weak pound, which is providing a welcome boost for many hoteliers. Some hotels in key locations are reporting significant increases to their occupancy level and tour operators have been calling Quarter 3 2022, their best trading period for bookings since October 2019. This is particularly true in the case of tourism from the US. The US has always been one of the strongest feeder markets of tourism into the UK and there is every sign this will continue if the costs of flights remain manageable and there is no further disruption at airports as we saw in the early part of summer.

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At AGO, we expect to see the benefits of staycations across our entire portfolio. Those hotels closer to attractions and visitor experiences, and in more leisure destinations will clearly have a greater demand, though with the weak pound attracting the foreign guests there will likely be demand from a broader pool of guests. With very competitive room rates we remain committed to providing those wanting a trip away this winter, a cost-effective comfortable option.

While we do try to create growth in occupancy, we must not lose sight of the significant impact caused through the economic crisis the UK is experiencing. This is impacting room rates, and with ever increasing inflation, costs of running the business are higher than ever. The impact of paying higher wages, higher supplier costs and a raft of other increases in costs means the conversion to the bottom line is under significant stress. Remaining profitable and staying open to welcome guests is ever more uncertain. As we move into winter, and the quieter season for the UK hotel market, the coming months will be very telling.

By Lionel Benjamin

Source: Hospitality Net