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Your step-by-step guide to launching a successful short-term rental in 2025

 

Thinking about dipping your toes into the world of holiday letting?

Whether you already have a property or are considering buying one, becoming a holiday let owner can be a profitable and rewarding venture, if you do it right from the start.

 

At Heim Management, we’ve helped plenty of new owners set up and scale their short-term lets. This guide covers the essential first steps to help you launch with confidence.

 

 

Step 1: Do You Have a Property - or Are You Looking?

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If you already own a second home, you’re ahead of the game. But if you’re considering a buy-to-holiday-let investment, make sure the property you choose is:

 

* In a high-demand area

* Suitable for guests (layout, parking, access)

* Legally allowed to operate as a short-term rental

 

We’ll dive into those next.

 

Step 2: Choose the Right Location

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Not all locations are created equal when it comes to holiday lets.

 

When buying or assessing a potential property, ask:

 

• Is it near a beach, national park, or walking trail?

• Are there tourist attractions, theme parks, or family days out nearby?

• Does the area attract contractors, business travellers, or NHS staff?

• Is it close to airports, train stations, or hospitals?

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You want consistent demand — not just summer weekends.

 

Pro Tip: Locations near large employers, university campuses, and transport hubs can generate steady bookings all year round, even outside of traditional holiday seasons.

 

 

Step 3: Research the Local Market

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Before you invest time or money, do your homework:

 

• Browse listings on Airbnb, Booking.com, VRBO

• Search Google Maps and Facebook for competitors

• Visit local tourism websites and Visit England (or your country’s equivalent)

• Read reviews to understand what guests love or complain about

• Research occupancy rates and seasonal trends

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Also, look into:

 

• What do similar properties charge per night?

• How many guests do they cater for?

• What amenities do they offer?

• Are there clear USPs or are they all the same?

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This is the information that will shape your strategy.

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Step 4: Check the Legal Rules for Short-Term Lets

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This step is crucial and varies depending on your location.

 

Things to check:

 

• Planning permission for holiday lets

• Short-term let licensing schemes (e.g. Scotland has mandatory licensing)

• Council tax or business rates implications

• Local authority rules around noise, waste, or parking

• Leasehold restrictions (if you don’t own the freehold)

 

 

⚠️ Heads up: Some councils charge double council tax on second homes or restrict short-term lets altogether. Make sure you’re on the right side of the law before you commit.

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Step 5: Decide How You’ll Manage It

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Once your property is sorted and the local rules checked, it’s time to ask:

 

Will you manage the holiday let yourself or use a management company?

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Option 1: Use a Management Company

There are two main types:

 

• Large national agencies (e.g. Sykes, Cottages.com)

• Smaller local companies (like us at Heim Management)

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Consider:

 

• Who understands your goals?

• Who will care about your guests?

• What do their reviews say?

• What are the fees and services included?

 

 

A good management company will take care of:

 

• Marketing and listings

• Cleaning and linen

• Guest communication

• Maintenance

• Pricing optimisation

• The small details like putting your bins out, excess waste, welcome packs, guest experience and feedback. 

 

Option 2: Manage It Yourself

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Self-management gives you full control and platforms like Airbnb and VRBO make it easier than ever. You can also join online communities, attend webinars, or work with consultants to guide you.

 

Just be ready to:

 

• Respond quickly to guest messages

• Coordinate cleaners and maintenance

• Handle issues and emergencies

• Keep up with marketing and pricing

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Step 6: Set Up the Property for Guests

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You only get one chance to make a great first impression. Whether you’re starting from scratch or upgrading an existing space, make sure it’s:

  * Comfortable

  * Clean

  * Practical

  * Stylish (without being impractical!)

 

Start with the basics:

 

• Decide how many the property will sleep

• Ensure there’s enough seating, dining space, crockery, cutlery, pans, and bedding for that number

• Invest in good beds and quality bedding, nothing matters more than sleep

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📎 Tip: Want our full downloadable setup checklist? [Click here to get it]

 

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Step 7: List the Property Online

 

 

Once your property is ready, it’s time to go live!

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If you’re working with a management company:

They’ll usually handle listings, photography, and pricing for you.

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If you’re going it alone:

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• Hire a professional photographer

• Create listings on Airbnb, Booking.com, and other sites

• Set up Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok for social marketing

• Write a clear and honest description

• Use accurate photos (don’t oversell)

• Be realistic — “cosy” beats “luxury” if it’s not high-end

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Step 8: Price Fairly and Promote Smartly

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Don’t fall into the trap of overpricing — guests are quick to call it out in reviews.

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Your price should reflect:

 

• Your location

• Your size and amenities

• Time of year

• Demand and competition

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Also, sell the local area:

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• Mention nearby beaches, restaurants, activities, and walks

• Share how far it is to public transport, airports, or shops

• Let them imagine their perfect stay

 

 

Step 9: Highlight Your Unique Selling Points

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In a crowded market, make your holiday let stand out. Ask:

 

• Is it dog-friendly?

• Is it accessible?

• Do you have a pool or hot tub?

• Are you walking distance to anything special?

• Is it ideal for large groups or romantic breaks?

 

 

Make sure your USP is in your headline, description, and photos.

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Step 10: Get Accreditations & Local Listings

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To build credibility and trust:

 

• Apply for quality schemes like Visit England, AA-rated accommodation, or similar

• List on your local tourist board

• Encourage guest reviews

• Use Superhost or Premier Host programs to boost visibility

 

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Step 11: Go Live and Get Feedback

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Once you’re live:

 

• Offer your first guests a discount to encourage bookings

• Ask for honest feedback to improve

• Even better, stay there yourself and see what’s missing

• Be honest about your strengths and weaknesses

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Final Thoughts from Heim Management 

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Launching a holiday let is exciting — but it takes careful planning to turn it into a stress-free, money-making asset.

 

At Heim, we help owners every step of the way, from setup and styling to guest care and profit tracking. Whether you’re hands-on or hands-off, we’re here to make your holiday home a success.

 

Want help getting started?

Contact us today to chat about your goals.