How to Decorate your Property for Maximum Occupancy for Short Term Lets

Are you considering renting out your investment property as a short term let or serviced accommodation? If so, it's important to make sure your property is properly furnished and decorated to help you maximize occupancy. Decorating a property for short term lets can be daunting, but with the right tips and tricks, you can make sure your property is ready to rent out. In this blog post, we'll provide advice on how to furnish your property for maximum occupancy for short term lets and serviced accommodation.

Keep it Simple

When it comes to furnishing your property for a short term let, it's important to remember that less is often more. You don't want to overwhelm your tenants with cluttered and busy decor. Instead, aim for a simple and minimalist approach. This doesn't mean you have to sacrifice comfort or style, but rather focus on the essentials. Overall, keeping it simple will ensure that your property is appealing to a wide range of tenants, whether they are leisure or corporate tenants. It will also make cleaning and maintenance easier for you, which is always a bonus. So focus on the essentials that will make your property comfortable and welcoming.

Invest in Quality Furniture

One of the most important factors in furnishing your property for short term lets is investing in good quality furniture. You want your guests to feel comfortable and relaxed, so make sure your furniture is both stylish and functional. Good quality furniture will not only last longer but it will also be more comfortable for your guests, ensuring that they return time and time again, and more likely to leave a positive review.

When choosing furniture, think about the different types of guests that you may have. If your property is targeted at corporate clients, consider adding a desk and office space in the bedrooms or lounge. For leisure tenants, perhaps a hot tub or some comfortable outdoor seating will be more appropriate. We have a number of properties where hot tubs have proved popular and has increased monthly bookings considerably.

Zip-linked beds are also a great investment as they allow for flexibility in room configurations, allowing your property to appeal to more tenants, potentially meaning increased revnue.

Lastly, make sure to provide all the necessary kitchen utensils and essentials, such as extra bedding and towels, to ensure a comfortable stay for your guests.

By investing in good quality furniture and providing thoughtful touches, your property will quickly become a popular choice for short term lets guests and will stand out compared to the competition.

Use Neutral Colours

When it comes to decorating your property for short term lets one of the most important considerations is the colour scheme. While bold and bright colours might appeal to some, it's generally best to stick with neutral colours that will appeal to a wider range of tenants.

Neutral colours such as beige, gray, and white can create a calming and inviting atmosphere, which is exactly what you want to achieve. They can also make your property look more spacious and airy. You will find that the majority of developers are in touch with what works in todays design requirements, regularly speaking to our short term let team, and new build property nowadays will appeal to the mass market and ideal for renting as serviced accommodation, so no redecoration should be needed if buying off plan.

Of course, neutral doesn't have to mean boring. You can add a personal touch to your property by including accent colors in your soft furnishings, accessories, or pictures on the wall.

Add Plenty of Storage

One of the most important things to consider when decorating your property for serviced accommodation is storage space. Your guests will want to have enough room to store their belongings during their stay, so make sure you provide ample storage options.

Invest in good quality wardrobes, chests of drawers, and bedside tables that are both functional and stylish. Think about the type of guests you will be accommodating - if you expect families, make sure you have enough space to store children's toys and clothes. If your property is geared towards business travellers, provide plenty of hangers and space for suits and dresses.

Utilize space creatively, too - add shelving units, storage ottomans, and hooks to make the most of every corner of your property. Keep things neat and organized to avoid clutter and make the space feel more welcoming.

Providing plenty of storage will make your guests feel more at home, and it will also help you keep your property organized and tidy for future renters. It's a small investment that will pay off in terms of satisfied guests and repeat bookings.

Don't Forget the Essentials

When it comes to furnishing your property for short term lets, it's important not to overlook the essentials. Your guests will be looking for the comforts of home during their stay, and it's up to you to provide them. Here are a few things you shouldn't forget:

1. Bedding: This may seem obvious, but it's important to provide quality bedding for your guests. Make sure you have plenty of clean sheets, pillowcases, and blankets available. Invest in good quality pillows and duvets to ensure your guests get a good night's sleep.

2. Towels: Again, this may seem like a no-brainer, but it's important to have plenty of clean towels available for your guests. Make sure you provide both bath and hand towels, and consider providing extras such as beach towels for those staying longer-term.

3. Toiletries: It's always a nice touch to provide your guests with some basic toiletries, such as soap, shampoo, and conditioner. You don't have to break the bank, but it's worth investing in some quality products to make your guests feel pampered.

4. Cleaning Supplies: While you'll likely have a cleaning service come in between guests, it's still a good idea to provide some basic cleaning supplies for your guests to use during their stay. This could include things like dish soap, a sponge, and surface cleaner.

5. Kitchen Supplies: If your property has a kitchen, make sure you have all the basic supplies your guests will need to cook and eat. This could include things like pots and pans, dishes and cutlery, and basic cooking utensils.

By providing these essentials, you'll ensure that your guests have everything they need to feel comfortable during their stay. It may seem like small touches, but they can make a big difference in how your guests perceive their experience and can help encourage repeat business.

Personal & Unique Touches

Consider adding artwork or decorative pieces that reflect the local culture or the history of the area or building. This can be a great conversation starter and will help your guests feel more connected to their surroundings.

You can also add personal touches such as a welcome basket with local treats or a personalized note to greet your guests. This will show that you have gone the extra mile to make their stay special and will create a positive impression.

If you are renting to corporate clients, consider adding practical touches such as a desk or work area. You could also provide a list of recommended local restaurants or activities to help your guests make the most of their downtime.

Overall, personal and unique touches can make your property feel more like a home away from home for your guests. It will help to create a positive impression and encourage guests to leave positive reviews, leading to more bookings and greater occupancy rates.

Overview

The furnishings and decor of your short-term let is important and can be the difference between running at a low and high occupancy level. For tips and advice on how to furnish your investment to ensure it stands out from the competition, increases yields and grows reviews, contact our advisory team on 01244 343 355 or email sales@residential-estates.co.uk.