The Mornington Peninsula is home to some of Victoria’s most popular beach holiday locations. But it is not just spectacular during summer – it offers year-round appeal, with quality restaurants, quaint boutiques, close proximity to Peninsula Hot Springs and some of the finest vineyards and golf courses Victoria has to offer.
Provided your property is properly presented and marketed, securing bookings during peak times shouldn’t be difficult, particularly when vacancy rates from mid-December to the end of January are close to zero. However, if you nail the formula, your property could become a year-round business. After over 6 years in the local property market, here bookabreak.com.au’s Guest Services & Portfolio Manager, Lyn Reid, shares some exclusive insights around her experience as to what makes a successful holiday rental.
When travellers are booking a short-term rental, they’re looking for properties where they can gather comfortably, often in large numbers. Lyn’s first tip is to get the bedding right. “Invest in quality bedding and linen. Make sure there is a king size bed in the master, and then maximise every opportunity in the remaining bedrooms to accommodate as many people as possible. Use bunks and even a fold out sofa in the living room, and as an optional extra, provide a cot. A house which can sleep larger groups means they can share the cost of renting a more luxurious home and in turn, this significantly broadens your market throughout the year”. 
Secondly, functionality is important. “Consider the layout and living spaces. An open plan interior of kitchen, dining and living which extends to outdoor living space accommodates group gatherings and easy entertaining. Also, a property with a pool or spa will almost always be booked before properties without”.
Thirdly, consider interior styling. “Believe it or not, city dwellers don’t come to the coast wanting to stay in a replicate of an uber modern inner-city pad. They’re more likely looking for an authentic coastal experience, regardless of how modern the home is. Obviously decor which looks and feels fresh is going to attract the most appeal, but importantly, it should be styled consistent with the property’s coastal surroundings”.
Next, comfort is a major attraction. “Spaces which promise rest and relaxation such as large comfortable couches in the living area and outdoor sunbeds are always winners. So too are plush comforts such as soft furnishings, blankets and throws. Airconditioning and a fireplace promote year-round appeal, and extra amenities such as wifi and smart tv’s are important as the region can experience sluggish reception during peak times. Make sure the kitchen is fully stocked with all the tools required for entertaining, and consider the added extras such as an instruction booklet for the home’s amenities, complimentary tea/coffee, and a starter kit of dishwashing, laundry detergent and toiletries. These small items can be that added touch which sets your property out from the rest”.
Finally, consider professional management. “No matter how great your property, if it’s poorly marketed and managed you won’t achieve the rate you’re after. Don’t skimp on professional photography and make sure it is current – guests will notice if a major furniture item is different from the photos and may complain the property wasn’t as advertised. There is a common misconception that property managers are expensive and with the Airbnb juggernaut many have opted to manage themselves without fully understanding how much work is involved. But the fact is, repeat bookings come from positive reviews and customer experiences, and a professional manager is better equipped to ensure that on your behalf”.
Written by nab79 • May 27, 2019
Share Article: twitter Facebook
One thing this year’s COVID-19 lockdowns have allowed us to do is spend more time during our allocated exercise breaks exploring some of the incredible local scenic walks. The Mornington Peninsula has over 100 great walking trails across beaches, piers, coastal trails, historic sites and villages. Ranging from an easy stroll for coffee, to a […]
With local travel restrictions lifted but interstate travel still off the agenda, the appetite for pet-friendly accommodation on the Mornington Peninsula has grown exponentially. This is no surprise considering the post-lockdown pent-up travel demand, and the fact that over 65% of Victorians are pet owners. At Bookabreak.com.au, we were quick to adapt to a flooded […]
Victorians will be allowed to have up to 20 people in their homes and stay overnight at private residences and tourist accommodation from June 1, following an announcement by State Premier Daniel Andrews today, 24th May 2020. This means that effective 1 June, Victorians can finally enjoy that much needed getaway!! With much rejoice, at […]
In a world where time has become a rare commodity, many people and businesses alike have started outsourcing tasks in order to free up personal time and ensure the best possible outcomes. In both Australia and abroad, hiring a property management company and or independent property manager has become increasingly popular. Regardless of whether you […]
The Mornington Peninsula is the perfect place to visit when looking to escape the hustle bustle of the city for a while. At just a 90-minute drive from Melbourne, the idyllic holiday spot offers a variety of both relaxing and exciting things to do when looking to unwind from the chaos of daily life in […]
The Mornington Peninsula is beautiful all year round, and practically offers something for all its visitors, depending on the season of course. A short 90-minute drive from Melbourne’s city centre, the idyllic holiday sport, allows city dwellers the perfect opportunity to escape to a peaceful rural retreat all year round. Defining ‘peak season’ on the […]
So, you’re thinking about engaging a management company for your holiday rental. Maybe you just purchased an investment property, or you’re exploring ways to make some extra income from your holiday home. It could be your first time dealing with holiday rentals, or perhaps you haven’t had success with a property management company before. A […]
Property Management
In the business of holiday rentals, the number one cause of guest complaints is around cleanliness. When guests pay hundreds or thousands of dollars to stay in your home, they expect it to be immaculate. If it hasn’t been properly cleaned before their arrival, understandably they’re going to be upset, which can quickly turn into […]
Laws / swimming pool
The Victorian Government is in the final stages of its preparations to introduce Swimming Pool and Spa regulations. The Government has drafted Regulations which propose to introduce mandatory registration requirements for private swimming pools and spas. Swimming pool and spa owners will be required to register their pool/spa with their local Council. The pool/spa will […]
Holidays
OK, so we are two thirds of the way through winter and everyone is no doubt feeling the temptation to stay at home out of the chilly weather. But whilst the Mornington Peninsula certainly does shine as a summer getaway, don’t think for a moment that winter is out to disappoint! An off-season break is […]
Property Management
“So how are you different to Airbnb or any other holiday rental company?” We get this question a lot from people who haven’t worked with us yet, and it is easy to see why. We’re all in the short-term property rental industry. You can find and book great properties on our website or on theirs. […]
Property Management
Continuing on from last week’s blog subject, we’d like to share the next three most common guest complaints we’ve seen after decades in the business, and some insights as to how to prevent and resolve them. “THE HOMEOWNER CANCELLED ON US LAST MINUTE” “The calendar wasn’t updated to reflect availability” “Someone else is staying in […]
Property Management
Consider this: it’s late on Christmas Eve and guests arrive at your holiday rental with tired kids and bags full of perishable groceries. They’re excited and ready to relax after a long day of early rising and driving, maybe airports too. They enter the code to access the key box, but nothing happens. They try […]
Property Management
The Mornington Peninsula is home to some of Victoria’s most popular beach holiday locations. But it is not just spectacular during summer – it offers year-round appeal, with quality restaurants, quaint boutiques, close proximity to Peninsula Hot Springs and some of the finest vineyards and golf courses Victoria has to offer. Provided your property is […]
Property Management
While the Airbnb juggernaut seems to show no signs of slowing, hosts are risking their finances by failing to ensure they have legal liability insurance. The tragic death of a 4-year-old boy and the injury of a 7-year-old girl, who were playing on a homemade swing when it toppled down a slope at a property […]
General / Holidays
With Summer well and truly in full swing, there are many activities for kids and families. Click here to see what’s on in the area.