4 Things to Consider when Buying a Holiday Cottage
Considering these factors from the outset will help when it comes to marketing your property
Whether you’re venturing into the world of holiday letting for the first time, or you are looking to add to your growing collection of properties to let, here are four important things to think about when buying a holiday cottage.
It’s a question we’re often asked by those who have seen a property they are thinking of investing in, “What do I need to look for when I buy?”
With nearly 40 years of experience in holiday letting, we’ve compiled this handy shortlist of the key things you need to think about before buying to hopefully put you in the best position when you start to let.
Location
There’s a reason the phrase “location, location, location” is so well known, and that’s because it is arguably the most important thing to consider when you buy a holiday let, particularly if you’re going to be using it as an investment property.
Of course, there is no “ideal” location. Different locations work for different holiday experiences after all, but there are a few things to bear in mind when you’re looking around.
Pembrokeshire is a popular destination for summer holidays, beach breaks and family trips so if your property is set in a bustling seaside town such as Tenby or Saundersfoot, you’re already in good stead. But if your property is in a showstopping position right on the sand somewhere else, that’s a great choice too. Beachside destinations are always sought after as they eliminate a necessity for daily travel to the shoreline, guests crave that easy step out onto the beach access. Plus, it reinforces that “on holiday” attitude as they are surrounded by a fresh seaside environment.
Destinations like St Davids and Newport are also favourites amongst visitors. Both offer great bases for exploring the wider coastline whilst remaining great spots you needn’t leave if don’t wish to as they each have something to suit all guests. Culture hunters can pay visits to the numerous art galleries, history buffs can take photos at Pentre Ifan Burial Chamber or St Davids Cathedral whilst wildlife watchers need only venture to the nearby coastlines for views of porpoise, dolphins and grey seals. Independent shops, fantastic restaurants and cosy Welsh pubs are all within a short walk too.
Holiday cottages set on or with nearby access to the Pembrokeshire Coast Path are obvious choices for walking holidays. If you choose a cottage located in one of the old fishing villages on the coast like Porthgain or Abercastle, guests can easily jump aboard the coastal shuttle buses and extend their walk if they wish to do so.
Many guests like to have amenities nearby – is there a pub or shop within walking distance where they can pick up fresh milk or a daily newspaper? Are there public transport links nearby? More and more travellers are considering their environmental impact nowadays and looking for alternative ways to explore plus having a bus stop nearby allows more flexibility and convenience for visitors as they needn’t worry about mapping routes.
Remote and secluded cottages are also popular. These are often hidden away in the countryside in Pembrokeshire but are ideal for holidaymakers who simply want an escape from their day-to-day lives. Isolated properties can often boast levels of privacy unavailable to those situated on the beachside making them perfect for a reclusive week relaxing.
Views
People love a good view, they love a spectacular one even more. Sea views in Pembrokeshire are understandably a favourite as our beaches are truly magnificent, but that’s not to say they are the be-all and end-all of views. You can also benefit from countryside vistas over the Preseli Hills, rural panoramas with only green fields in sight or even incredible castle views for instance.
What’s important to remember is that if the views are going to be your unique selling point, the very thing which sets your property apart from others in the area, you need to maximise these views. Make sure you are highlighting them to their full potential.
Large picture windows and/or French doors can be perfect ways to do this as well as having the added bonus of welcoming in plenty of natural light. Perhaps you could add in skylights to the upstairs bedrooms too if the rural location awards fantastic starry skies?
If your garden offers wonderful views, make sure that guests can make the most of them by providing comfortable garden furniture so they can sit and soak up the scene all day long. If the best views are from the front of the property, consider adding in a paved patio or decked terrace where guests can sit.
The Garden
Speaking of the garden, this space can be just as important as the interior so make sure to pay attention to it. Large lawned gardens are a huge plus for some guests, particularly those travelling with children and dogs. If this is who you’re catering to, make sure then to enclose the gardens too for added safety.
Ideally, this outdoors space needs to be a place where guests could potentially spend most of their time. Remember, summer guests will want to take full advantage of the garden during the sunny weather and some guests may be coming from homes without gardens, so make yours a real treat. In that case, think about investing in quality garden furniture as mentioned above. You can even go the extra mile with added features like a hot tub or fire pit – guests love an extra bit of pampering.
Parking
Don’t forget to think about the parking situation when buying a property as this is an important factor for many holidaymakers. Is there a private drive, a shared driveway or only roadside parking? Can guests park right outside the property or would they have to use a public car park nearby?
Bear in mind that if you’re looking at properties in Tenby, certain parts of the town require the use of parking permits and guests will need to be made aware of the annual summer pedestrianisation scheme in the centre of the town.
A private driveway where you can park right outside the cottage is the best-case scenario. This allows for easy unloading of luggage and is most suitable for those with mobility difficulties and children.
Looking for a holiday property letting agency in Pembrokeshire?
If you would like to discuss letting your holiday Cottage with Coastal Cottages of Pembrokeshire, please feel free to call us on 01437 765765. Remember we all live and work in the heart of Pembrokeshire. If you are passing, feel free to drop in for a coffee.
