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Lancashire is holiday cottage investment hotspot in staycation boom

Lancashire is one of the top areas in England to invest in a holiday home for staycations, particularly Lytham, Morecambe and Clitheroe.

With house price growth currently at 7% year on year, and an average annual rental income of nearly £23,000, the county offers excellent long-term potential for anyone looking to invest – particularly in popular tourist spots such as Lytham, Morecambe and Clitheroe.

Lancashire ranks second on Sykes Holiday Cottages’ list of top investment hotspots in England, behind only Tyne & Wear, with Shropshire rounding out the top three.

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Looking at the UK overall, Lancashire ranks in ninth behind destinations throughout North and South Wales. Blaenau Gwent in South East Wales topped the list, followed by Denbighshire and Rhondda Cynon Taf.

The Holiday Let Outlook Report 2022 analyses Sykes’ revenue data, alongside current house prices and house price growth, to drill into the long-term investment opportunities within holiday letting across the UK.

Location and amenities are two of the most important factors in a holiday home’s success, so within the regions listed, any property must also be in a good location and offer desirable facilities to strengthen the investment potential.

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The report also contains consumer research, Sykes’ booking figures and insights from rental data and analytics company AirDNA, to paint a clear picture of the UK’s holiday let market.

According to the poll of UK holiday home owners commissioned for the report, a quarter (25%) only started letting during the pandemic, with the staycation boom fuelling a rise in people entering the market – including investors, as well as those renting a second home already owned, setting up glamping accommodation or transforming part of their home.

In fact, bookings for Sykes’ holiday lets in 2022 are up 35% compared to pre-pandemic levels – with bookings to Lancashire 76% higher this year than in 2019.

Graham Donoghue, CEO, Sykes Holiday Cottages, said, “The shift towards staycations had already begun pre-pandemic, Covid has just accelerated this trend. And although international travel is becoming easier, we now have new types of staycationers that are here to stay.

“Because of growing demand for breaks to Lancashire and rising house prices, there has perhaps never been a better time to invest. There are monetary benefits to entering the market, but by holiday letting you’re also helping others experience and enjoy your own part of the world while supporting the local tourism economy.”

For those looking to maximise the revenue potential of their holiday lets, Sykes’ analysis found that a hot tub is the leading money-boosting feature to install – adding an estimated 49% to annual revenue.

Income figures also suggest luxury amenities such as open fires could boost earnings by 19%, on average, while a rise in pet ownership fuelled by the pandemic has seen pet-friendly properties earn 9% more.

By Nicola Adam

Source: Lancashire Post

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Holiday home owners raking in cash as staycation demand shows no sign of easing

A staycation boom is expected for the Easter weekend, underlining the investment opportunities from holiday home ownership. Lettings operator Sykes Holiday Cottages has analysed revenue data, alongside house prices, to explore the long-term potential of holiday letting across the UK.

The Holiday Let Outlook Report 2022 also contains consumer research, Sykes’ booking figures and insights from rental data and analytics company AirDNA, to paint a clear picture of the UK’s holiday let market. Blaenau Gwent in South East Wales tops the rankings of the best places in the UK to invest in a holiday let, according to the report.

With house price growth currently at 12 per cent year-on-year, and an average revenue potential of almost £20,000 per year, the area offers excellent long-term potential for anyone looking to invest. Denbighshire and Rhondda Cynon Taf follow closely behind in the new ranking, while the leading areas in England which feature on the list include Tyne & Wear and Lancashire.

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Meanwhile, the Isle of Bute in Scotland came in fourth. The easily accessible island was the only area in Scotland to make it into the top 10, but both Fife and Dumfriesshire weren’t far behind. Location and amenities are two of the most important factors in a holiday home’s success, so within the regions listed, any property must also be in a good location and offer desirable facilities to strengthen the investment potential.

According to the poll of holiday home owners, a quarter only started letting during the pandemic, with the staycation boom fuelling a rise in second home owners and investors entering the market. In fact, the sector continues to go from strength to strength, with bookings for Sykes’ holiday lets in 2022 up 35 per cent compared to pre-pandemic levels – a number that is expected to jump even further as we approach the summer months.

The consumer research found that 84 per cent of holiday let owners say bookings for 2022 are stronger than ever, with the same number confident the trend will continue to grow over the next five years. With a rise in holidaying at home, Sykes’ report reveals the average holiday let owner earned £28,000 in revenue from their holiday let last year, up from £21,000 in 2019.

For those weighing up where to invest in the short-term, Cumbria and the Lake District topped the highest-earning holiday hotspots list according to Sykes’ revenue figures, with holiday lets earning an average revenue of £44,000. Devon and Dorset follow closely behind as top-earning regions, with an average annual income of £35,000 and £32,000 respectively, while the Peak District lost its top spot, falling down to fourth place overall.

For those looking to maximise the revenue potential of their holiday lets, Sykes’ analysis found that a hot tub is the leading money-boosting feature they could have – adding an estimated 49 per cent to annual revenue. Income figures also suggest luxury amenities such as open fires could boost earnings by 19 per cent on average, while a rise in pet ownership fuelled by the pandemic has seen pet-friendly properties now earn nine per cent more, on average.

Graham Donoghue, chief executive of Sykes Holiday Cottages, said: “The shift towards staycations had already begun pre-pandemic, Covid has just accelerated this trend. And although international travel is becoming easier, we now have new types of staycationers that are here to stay.

“The figures speak for themselves – bookings so far this year are up 35 per cent compared with 2019 and the average income of a holiday let owner grew by almost the same amount last year versus 2019 – demonstrating the incredible investment potential that holiday letting can bring.

“With the UK travel sector flourishing, this will continue to have a positive impact on the economies throughout the country that rely on tourism, particularly in coastal and countryside regions. In fact, nine in 10 holiday let owners we surveyed think that tourism strongly benefits the local areas around their holiday homes.”

By Brett Gibbons

Source: Wales Online

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Easter bookings boom at budget UK holiday parks as airport chaos continues

Families have turned to Easter staycations amid chaotic scenes of cancelled flights and long queues at major airports, travel experts have said.

Budget holiday operators said they are seeing strong demand as families decide to stay at home rather than brave disruption to journey plans abroad.

Haven, which has 41 holiday parks in the UK, is already more than 90 per cent booked for Easter, with nearly half of its 2.5million visitors booking for the first time this year.

Meanwhile Parkdean Resorts, which has 66 parks, has needed to hire 7,000 seasonal workers to keep up with high levels of demand.

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The managing director of Haven Simon Palenthorpe told BBC Radio 4 on Monday: “I think it has made people think a bit more about holidaying at home. More generally things are looking pretty positive for our industry at the moment.

“This Easter for example, Haven – which is actually the UK’s largest domestic holiday business – is over 90 per cent booked, and more generally this year we’re going to be welcoming 2.5million holidaymakers to our 41 parks.

“And we’re seeing more newcomers to Haven, which is I think pretty interesting, more newcomers than ever.”

Parkdean chief executive Steve Richards said his company planned on investing £140m in its accommodation and facilities in the wake of the boom.

“This investment is great news for our customers, staff and the local economies in which we operate,” he told The Daily Mail.

“2021 was a huge year for staycations, and our teams will continue to go above and beyond to deliver phenomenal service for our guests, making sure that 2022 is even better.”

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It comes as tourists faced a ‘manic Monday’ of flight cancellations, scuppering Easter plans for many ahead of the bank holiday weekend.

British Airways axed at least 64 European and domestic flights from Heathrow on Monday to destinations such as Berlin, Dublin, Geneva, Paris, and Stockholm. Domestic flights were also affected.

The airline has been forced to trim its schedules until the end of May while it is hiring extra staff to cope with the surge in demand from passengers.

Meanwhile, budget carrier EasyJet cancelled at least 25 flights to or from Gatwick.

It affected routes to Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Glasgow and Milan.

By Josh Salisbury

Source: Evening Standard

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The top 10 UK staycation destinations for an Easter break

THOUSANDS of Brits are heading off on a staycation over Easter, as UK holidays remain a popular option for families.

Airbnb has revealed the top destinations that people are booking up over the Easter hols, to give you some inspiration on where you might like to go.

And it might come as a surprise to hear that neither Cornwall or Devon made the list.

We’ve got the top 10 destinations Brits are visiting during the holidays.

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Prestatyn, Denbighshire, Wales

Taking the top spot was Prestatyn in Wales – a seaside town in the north of the country.

Right on the coast, Prestatyn is a perfect spot for taking long walks on the beach, grabbing some fish and chips and sunbathing.

The Welsh hotspot has seen the biggest rise in Brits searching for UK staycations on Airbnb.

Carmarthen, Carmarthenshire, Wales

A Welsh destination also came in second place – Carmarthen in Camarthenshire.

Carmarthen has been a market town since Roman time and its modern indoor market runs six days a week and draws huge crowds.

Beyond the market, the town is full of independent shops, art galleries and vintage shops.

Aintree, Merseyside, England

Taking bronze was Aintree in Merseyside, coming in top for English destinations.

Aintree is known for its race course, but there’s a lot more to do than just watch the horses.

The town has shopping, pubs and walks along the Leeds-Liverpool Canal, making for a very peaceful staycation.

It’s also just five miles from Liverpool so it’s easy to take a day trip into the city.

Sheffield City Centre, South Yorkshire, England

Sheffield has a huge amount to offer Brits who want to take a UK holiday.

The city has gone from being an industrial powerhouse to a rising star on the UK’s arts and culture scene, with a host of galleries, theatres and museums.

Sheffield also has countless restaurants, pubs and shops to keep you entertained.

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Balloch, West Dunbartonshire, Scotland

Balloch is the first Scottish destination to make it onto the list.

The village is sat on the south west shores of Loch Lomond so there are plenty of beautiful walks along the lake.

It’s just an hour from Glasgow and has excellent transport links so it’s easy to pop to the nearby city if you fancy a day trip.

Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, England

Chipping Norton is the highest town in Oxfordshire with stunning countryside views.

The town is known for its antique shops and regular market, and has lots of choice of restaurants and bars.

Chipping Norton is a great base for exploring further afield as it’s right on the edge of the Cotswolds, lying between Oxford and Stratford upon Avon.

Dunbar, East Lothian, Scotland

Dunbar is the second and final Scottish destination to make the top 10 list.

The town is on the North Sea coast and is around 30 miles east of Edinburgh.

Dunbar is famous for its art and has a free interactive art trail which is a perfect way of seeing the town.

As well as art, Dunbar is packed full of independent shops and historic buildings.

Merthyr Tydfil, Glamorgan, Wales

Merthyr Tydfil is the third and final Welsh destination on Airbnb’s list.

The town is about 23 miles north of Cardiff so it’s a great spot to have some peace and quiet while still being fairly near to a city.

If you like walking then this is a perfect choice as the town has a host of valleys and hills with beautiful views.

And once you’ve finished, there’s loads of restaurants, pubs and cafes to grab a drink and a meal.

Lowestoft, Suffolk, England

Lowestoft in Suffolk came in at number nine on the list and is the northernmost part of The Suffolk Coast.

It is also famously the most easterly town in the UK and is the first place to see the sunrise.

The town is a popular choice for families as there is plenty to do, with two piers, a wildlife park, museums and a theatre.

It’s even home to the Pleasurewood Hills theme park – perfect for thrill seekers.

Thirsk, North Yorkshire, England

Rounding out the top 10 list was Thirsk in North Yorkshire.

The town is sat midway between the North York Moors and the Yorkshire Dales so it’s a great choice if you want to strap your walking boots on and set off on foot.

The historic town has a cobbled market square full of independent shops, restaurants and pubs.

Amanda Cupples, general manager for northern Europe at Airbnb, said: “The nation is set to enjoy the first Easter weekend without Covid restrictions in two years, and it’s great to see Brits are exploring up-and-coming areas of the UK to make the most of it.

“The top trending destination list provides ample inspiration for those looking to get away and explore a new place over the long weekend.

“By visiting these local destinations, Brits are supporting local economies and communities, and for those based in these destinations who are considering letting their home on Airbnb, now is a great time to sign up.”

By Josie Klein

Source: The Sun

Mixed Use & Multi-Unit Holiday Lets staycation boom holiday let is
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How to become a holiday let landlord in the UK

The holiday let sector is big business as the UK’s tourism industry opens up, and it can offer a high-yielding alternative to traditional buy-to-let.

Recent research has found that as many as 10 million UK adults are considering becoming holiday let landlords, or toyed with the idea during the pandemic. Holidays are just one of the lifestyle changes brought about by lockdowns and travel restrictions, but they could be a permanent shift for some.

The survey by Suffolk Building Society found that, of the one in five adults (17%) who thought owning a short-term let or holiday rental was a good idea, younger people aged 18-34 were leading the trend.

According to the building society’s records, the volume and total value of completions for new holiday let sales doubled between 2020 and 2021, as both existing and new landlords entered the fold to offer thousands of staycationers more choice of accommodation.

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Is a holiday let a long-term option?

People’s behaviours and preferences have changed, sometimes drastically, over the course of the pandemic. Where holidays are concerned, international travel hasn’t been possible, and it’s opened up the idea of ‘staycations‘ to more people than ever.

As travel overseas becomes easier, some expect the number of people taking holidays in the UK to fall. However, like the working from home trend, the change was already taking place pre-pandemic, with many opting to stay local for cost or environmental reasons, for example.

Matt Kelly points out that the holiday let option was steadily increasing in appeal for landlords even before Covid hit. For some, they were becoming the preferred option over long-term rental homes.

“This is a trend we expect to continue, and we expect the holiday let market to remain stable in the years to come. However, there will discounts out there which may be worth considering, particularly if investors are looking to purchase out of season.

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“Buyers may be able to get an even better deal by finding a property which is in a poorer condition and needs restorative or structural work. Holiday lets located in seaside towns, for example, tend to be more susceptible to damage caused by floods, salt air corrosion, storms and rotting wood.

“That means they often come with higher maintenance and repair costs, so anyone hoping to scoop a post-pandemic bargain by investing in a doer-upper would be wise to measure the upfront cost against the yearly upkeep.”

However, he points out that for those looking to make the most of the upcoming high season, a ready-made property would provide returns much more quickly.

How to get a mortgage

Due to the growth in the sector, rising numbers of lenders have entered the field, and the number of products available has increased. The heightened competition has held down mortgage rates, which is good news for those looking to borrow to invest.

Matt Kelly adds: “However, for more unusual properties such as a fisherman’s cottage, getting a traditional loan may be a bit trickier.

“Unlike many mainstream mortgage providers, specialist lenders have flexible criteria and can look into a customer’s background, their chosen property, financial position and other factors, to fully assess their position before making a lending decision.”

Charlotte Grimshaw comments: “It’s easy to understand why the idea of owning a holiday let home is so attractive. As people were limited to holidaying in the UK, often within an area they know and love, their eyes were opened to the opportunity of increasing their income, as well as enjoying a property for personal use too.

“Our advice to anyone considering this route, would be to ensure you understand the criteria that mortgage lenders will be looking for as it can be quite different to a standard residential mortgage application, or even a standard buy to let mortgage too.”

Benefits of holiday lets

Many people are attracted to short-term lets due to the higher rental yields they can offer compared to a traditional buy-to-let. This has been heightened for some by things like landlord licensing costs and the reduction in mortgage interest tax relief.

There are certain tax advantages to owning a holiday let, too. They are classed by HMRC as a business rather than an investment, so owning a furnished holiday cottage can be extremely lucrative.

By Eleanor Harvey

Source: Buy Association

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A holiday let is for life not just for the pandemic, warns lender

Research by Suffolk Building Society has revealed nearly one in five UK adults contemplated buying a holiday let property during the pandemic, when overseas travel become restricted.

The mortgage lender said it had seen the number of completions on holiday-let purchase double between 2020 and 2021.

It appears to be the younger generations driving this trend, with those aged 18 to 34 being the most likely to have considered a holiday let property in the last 24 months.

But whilst it may seem a tempting market to enter, the building society is concerned many budding investors are jumping in without any previous experience or knowledge and this could pose a risk.

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Charlotte Grimshaw of Suffolk Building Society said new investors to this market should be aware of certain rules lender put in place on holiday lets which may restrict their ability to take out a mortgage.

She said: “It will be important to check they have realistic expectations, with many lenders’ criteria including minimum ages and a requirement to already be a homeowner. Brokers can play an important role here in helping prospective short-term landlords assess their options.”

She said those interested in holiday lets should first try their hand at buy-to-let as a way of gaining additional income and experience with longer-term tenants before branching out into the holiday market.

Restrictions

Charlotte also warned not all lenders would allow the buyer to market their property on short-term lettings sites such as Airbnb and Vrbo. And she said properties in holiday parks, caravans or lodges, and those of unusual construction method may not always be accepted by lenders.

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“It’s easy to understand why the idea of owning a holiday let home is so attractive,” she added. “As people were limited to holidaying in the UK, often within an area they know and love, their eyes were opened to the opportunity of increasing their income, as well as enjoying a property for personal use too.

“However, intermediaries should also advise their clients to take the time to understand the market and check out the competition before falling in love with a property that isn’t viable in terms of lettings.”

The survey revealed, of those who expressed their interest in becoming a holiday let landlord, almost a third, (32%) said Covid-related restrictions inspired them to look into holiday lets, however, half (50%) claimed it was always part of their plan.

Devon and Cornwall were the locations that most wannabee holiday let landlords were considering, followed by the Lake District, Peak District and Yorkshire Dales.

By Kate Saines

Source: What Mortgage

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Staycation: UK’s best stately homes named – including gorgeous royal favourite

The UK has many incredible stately homes. With gorgeous grounds to explore and a glimpse of luxury, they’re the perfect attraction for a day trip on a UK staycation.

New research from holidaycottages.co.uk has named British people’s favourite stately homes.

The holiday company surveyed British people across the nation to find the most popular stately home.

The winning stately home was the incredible Chatsworth House in Derbyshire, chosen by 23 percent of those surveyed.

Chatsworth House is a highlight of any trip to the Peak District and offers a wide range of activities.

The gorgeous house and grounds have featured in Pride and Prejudice, Peaky Blinders and The Duchess.

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Currently closed, Chatsworth House will reopen for visitors on March 26 although shops are still open.

In April, the stately home will host 12 incredible sculptures as part of an interesting collaboration with Burning Man.

The UK’s second favourite stately home was Windsor Castle, which was chosen by 22 percent of Britons.

A royal sanctuary, Queen Elizabeth has reportedly decided to make the castle her permanent home.

The monarch used to travel to the beautiful 11th century castle on weekends. It is the world’s oldest and largest inhabited castle.

British tourists who want to visit Windsor Castle this year could travel to see a special Coronation exhibition.

The exhibition will run from July 7 to September 26 as part of celebrations for The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

In third place was Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire which was voted for by 19 percent of those surveyed.

The Oxfordshire estate was the birthplace of Winston Churchill and has 12,000 acres of land.

A family favourite, visitors can enjoy the two mile Marlborough Maze or the Palace’s miniature train.

Kensington Palace in London took fourth place and was 17 percent of Britons’ favourite stately home.

The Palace is home to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and has glorious gardens and elaborate decor.

Longleat House in Wiltshire was the fifth favourite stately home and was voted for by 16 percent of Britons.

Renowned for its incredible drive through safari, Longleat has been occupied by 15 generations of the same family.

Alnwick Castle in Northumberland was chosen by 15 percent of those surveyed and is famous as the filming location of Harry Potter.

Some of the UK’s best stately homes have incredible grounds, perfect for a summer day out. 

UK’s favourite stately homes (holidaycottages.co.uk)

  1. Chatsworth House
  2. Windsor Castle
  3. Blenheim Palace
  4. Kensington Palace
  5. Longleat House
  6. Alnwick Castle

By ESTHER MARSHALL

Source: Express

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Dorset is top-earning county for holiday homes

DORSET was the top-earning region for holiday homes in 2021, a holiday lets company has said.

Based on the average income figures for a four-bedroom holiday let, holiday home owners in Dorset earned £36,000 last year – up 50 per cent from 2019, according to new figures published by Sykes Holiday Cottages.

It follows an uplift in demand for UK holiday ‘staycation’ accommodation throughout the pandemic.

Meanwhile the nationwide average income for holiday let owners in 2021 was £28,000 – up 33 per cent from 2019.

Last year, bookings to Sykes’ holiday accommodation throughout Dorset increased, with many Brits shunning foreign holidays due to travel restrictions and ongoing uncertainty.

The Cotswolds and Peak District took second and third place, with holiday home owners earning on average £35,000 and £34,000 in 2021, respectively. Devon and Somerset rounded out the top five.

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Bev Dumbleton, chief operating officer at Sykes Holiday Cottages, said: “2021 was certainly the year of the staycation and we saw the strong demand for accommodation across Dorset culminate in record bookings and a significant boost in average yearly income for our owners.

“With the interest in holidays closer to home likely to remain a fixture for years to come, those considering investing in a holiday home in 2022 could see great success – particularly if they choose a location like Dorset which has proven fruitful for those already in the market.

Top-earning regions for holiday homes in 2021 – based on the average annual income of a four-bedroom property, as the median property size.

  1. Dorset – £35,864
  2. The Cotswolds – £35,027
  3. Peak District – £33,833
  4. Devon – £33,071
  5. Somerset – £32,708

Regions with the highest occupancy rates in 2021:

  1. Cumbria & the Lake District – 80.2%
  2. Northumberland – 80.1%
  3. Peak District – 78.6%
  4. Southern Scotland – 78.6%
  5. North York Moors – 78.4%

BY ELLIE MASLIN

Source: Dorset Echo

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Shropshire is a staycation surprise with lovely walks, great cafes and character pubs

Shropshire is a bit off the radar but it’s every bit as impressive as the more famous Lake District or Yorkshire Dales and far less crowded for an enjoyable break.

“Where exactly is Shropshire?” was the blanket response I got when telling people about my staycation. Their reactions surprised me, although I have to admit I knew little about the county other than its vague geography.

With Wales to the west and Birmingham about an hour’s drive east, it’s not like Shropshire is in the middle of nowhere.

It hasn’t got its name in lights like the Lake District or the Yorkshire Dales but, as I found, it doesn’t mean it’s any less impressive.

Driving through the undulating hills of the Shropshire countryside, I was taken aback at how stunning the landscape is. Why don’t more people talk about this place, I wondered.

But secretly I was glad it’s a bit off the radar. It meant we weren’t fighting through crowds like in some of the better known tourist areas.

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On one walk – a 6.8-mile trek to Linley Beeches – we didn’t see a single person. Just a few cows and sheep for company. That ramble took us to a mile-long double row of ancient beech trees at Linley Hill, standing to attention like a line of soldiers. These are some of the county’s most iconic treescapes.

Shropshire is a walker’s paradise so off we went – me, my husband Ben and our six-month-old Asa strapped to him.

Next we tackled Caer Caradoc hill. A word of advice – don’t let the word “hill” fool you. It felt like a mountain in places for us novice ramblers.

Caer Caradoc overlooks the market town of Church Stretton which has an abundance of cafes, antique shops and independent traders. If walking up hills isn’t your thing you can enjoy pounding the pavements here instead.

As soon as you enter Berry’s – an award-winning coffee house set within the ground floor of a Queen Anne townhouse – you’re met by a counter of delicious looking cakes. But I ordered scrambled eggs and smoked salmon to power me up those hills.

This area is an excellent base for holidaymakers, especially hikers, horse riders, mountain bikers and nature-lovers.

Our home-from-home for the week was The Dovecote, built over an 18th century coach house, and booked through Sykes Cottages, just down the road in the village of Wistanstow.

Surrounded by the fields of the Shropshire Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it offers the ultimate setting for a romantic retreat for two (plus baby).

After upping our step count, the welcoming cottage also provided the perfect antidote – a hot tub.

Inside is an open-plan living space. With high ceilings and a magnificent inglenook fireplace with woodburning stove, it’s the ideal space to relax.

Contemporary furnishings perfectly complement the character and charm of the property’s exposed brickwork and original beams. Sympathetically restored, all of the ironwork in the cottage is either original or handmade by the local blacksmith.

On the first floor is a chic master bedroom with king-size bed and roll-top bath with handheld shower, as well as an en-suite shower room.

Outside, a pretty garden surrounds the hot tub, which is where we spent every night with a glass of wine after putting the baby to bed.

Owners Julie and Wayne go the extra mile with thoughtful touches for their guests. We arrived to find a box of indulgent doughnuts waiting for us – just what we needed after a long drive – as well as a pint of milk.

They’d also set up a travel cot at the end of the bed for our little one.

When we prised ourselves out of the hot tub we explored more of the surrounding countryside, including the National Trust’s Long Mynd, with its stunning heather-clad plateau.

We also visited nearby Ludlow for the day. Only a 15-minute train ride or drive south, this thriving medieval market town has gorgeous architecture as well as Michelin star restaurants and its very own castle.

We enjoyed Sunday lunch at Ye Olde Bull Ring Tavern, a characterful pub dating back to the 14th century.

The town of Craven Arms was a two-mile walk away from our cottage and has a well-stocked country supermarket.

And within stumbling distance of our holiday home was the Plough Inn, just a five-minute stroll down the road.

But there was plenty to keep us occupied at The Dovecote, with a Smart TV with Freeview and access to Amazon and Netflix, as well as wi-fi and a Sonos music system.

A starter pack for the woodburning stove was provided and a pizza oven is available on request.

So now I’ve told you all about the delights of secret Shropshire, do pass it on. But maybe not to too many people…

By Janine Yaqoob

Source: Mirror

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Short-term lets could see another boom as more opt for staycations

Holiday accommodation in the UK is set for another popular summer, and those considering investing in the short-term lets sector could reap rewards.

A new report has revealed that there could be another rise in the number of holidaymakers opting for short-term lets – generally self-contained, self-catering accommodation – in the UK.

The research, by Mintel, showed that almost half (47%) of families looking at holidays were interested in a cottage or villa for future trips, rather than a hotel.

This compares with just 25% who have experienced this type of holiday in the past three years. It indicates a potential future rise in ‘staycationers’ looking for holiday homes.

It seems discovering a new place was a key driver for many choosing to stay local in their holiday options. Around 89% of people said this was what appealed to them.

Covid, of course, sparked a major increase in the number of people staying on UK turf for their holidays. More than a fifth (22%) of respondents said the pandemic had led them to discover a new part of the country.

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Short-term lets sales surge

A separate study, by Euromonitor, revealed that the sector has played a major role in the UK’s housing market recovery. It found that self-contained accommodation – including short-term rentals – was ahead of other sectors in the value of sales recovery last year.

Predictions for the year ahead are also hugely positive. The sector is forecast to hit 2019 levels in its sales values, reaching around £2.1bn in 2022.

Graham Donoghue, CEO of Sykes Holiday Cottages, commented: “A holiday doesn’t have to mean flying abroad or driving hundreds of miles. Our research shows that Brits are now much more open to exploring what lies closer to home.

“With beautiful countryside and award-winning beaches, the UK is a wonderful location for a staycation and it’s great to see that lots of people are planning to make the most of what the country has to offer.”

Why do people choose a staycation?

For anyone considering investing in short-term lets and holiday homes, knowing what drives demand could be key to success. Just as successful buy-to-let landlords often have a target tenant type in mind, and ensure their property caters to the tenant’s needs, the same is true for this sector.

In a survey by Sykes Holiday Cottages at the end of last year, more than half of respondents said “visiting lesser-known places makes them feel like they are getting the most out of the UK”. A similar figure (52%) cited exploring the local area as another reason to stay close to home.

A further 47% of people said local holidays enabled them to spend time with family and friends. A high number (40%) also said they would “go out of their way” to visit less popular areas.

Keeping your options open

Merilee Karr, chair of the STAA and CEO of UnderTheDoormat, points out that UK holidaymakers have a great sense of adventure, as they are happy to visit new areas as well as the tried and tested tourist hotspots like London and Bath. Some of these areas, she says, might have been undiscovered pre-Covid.

She adds: “More property owners are recognising the demand for places to stay that are in many cases off the conventional tourist routes. By making their properties or rooms in their homes available for short term rental whilst they are away, it is now possible for visitors to stay in those locations.

“Short-term rentals offer flexible types of accommodation from apartments and houses of all shapes and sizes in cities to cottages and large farmhouses to cope with larger groups of families or friends for a ‘home-from-home’ experience in rural areas.”

By Eleanor Harvey

Source: Buy Association

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