Buying a property for a holiday let investment is an exciting prospect. But with so many options, it can be hard to know where to begin.
Should you go for a flat or a house? New build or charming old cottage? Is it better to be near a beach, in the city, or out in the hills? And what will actually give you the best return?
The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Choosing the right property is about understanding what guests are looking for, spotting opportunities in the market, and investing in a space that can be set up and managed effectively.
Whether you’re casually browsing Rightmove or already deep into viewings, this guide will help you make a smarter investment decision – based on what really works in the short-term let world.
Start With the Right Property Type
Before you even start looking at areas or square footage, ask yourself what kind of property suits your goals – and your guests.
Flats vs. Houses
Flats can be a great option for first-time investors. They’re often cheaper to buy, easier to maintain, and tend to perform well in city centres or busy tourist hubs where space is at a premium.
That said, watch out for leasehold restrictions, shared entryways, and rules around short-term lets. Some blocks don’t allow them at all.
Houses usually offer more flexibility – especially if you’re thinking of letting to families or larger groups. A garden, extra bedrooms, and off-street parking can all increase your booking potential, particularly in coastal or countryside destinations. But with greater size comes greater responsibility – and potentially higher running costs.
New Builds vs. Period Properties
New builds are low maintenance and energy-efficient – which your guests will appreciate, especially in cooler months. They often come with modern kitchens, insulation, and all the mod cons, making them hassle-free to furnish and get listed.
Period properties, on the other hand, offer charm and character that many guests actively seek out. A quaint cottage or Victorian townhouse might attract more interest than a sterile studio – but only if it’s been thoughtfully refurbished. Older homes can come with hidden costs and quirks, so be prepared to invest in upgrades.
At mySTAYINN, we’ve helped hosts succeed with everything from sleek city flats to quirky stone cottages. The key is understanding how to position each property to the right kind of guest.
Choose a Location That Works Hard for You
We won’t try to tell you the “best” location – that completely depends on your goals and budget. But there are a few universal things to look for when scouting an area:
Strong Tourism Appeal
You want to invest somewhere people already want to visit. Think cities with year-round attractions, scenic coastal towns, cultural hubs, or gateway locations to national parks. Even lesser-known destinations can perform brilliantly if they offer a unique draw – a famous hike, an annual festival, or easy access to neighbouring hotspots.
Solid Transport Links
Even the prettiest property will struggle to bring in bookings if it’s hard to get to. Check how close your potential property is to major roads, train stations, airports, or ferry links. A good local transport network also adds value – especially for guests without a car.
Proximity to Amenities
Guests love convenience. Is there a local shop for basics? A few good restaurants? A pub they can walk to? A nice beach or park for morning walks? Think like a guest and ask yourself: “What would I need if I stayed here for a long weekend or a week with kids?”
Pro tip: Use guest reviews from other local holiday lets to see what people praise (or complain about). This can offer invaluable insights.
What Guests Really Want in 2025
Every year, guest expectations shift – and 2025 is no exception. Here’s what’s trending right now:
Fast, Reliable Wi-Fi
Whether it’s remote workers, digital nomads, or families wanting to stream Netflix after a long day out, decent Wi-Fi is non-negotiable. If your chosen property has poor broadband infrastructure, think twice.
Thoughtful Design and Furnishing
Guests are increasingly looking for a “home away from home” – and that means stylish, comfortable, and well-equipped interiors. Forget magnolia walls and bargain-bin sofas. Think quality mattresses, blackout curtains, strong showers, and Insta-worthy details.
Our mySTAYINN Setup Service helps hosts get this part exactly right – from styling and staging to professional photography that makes your listing shine.
Sustainability
More guests are actively choosing greener accommodation. If your property is well-insulated, uses energy-efficient appliances, or offers recycling and eco-friendly toiletries, make sure to shout about it. New builds often have the edge here, but period homes can catch up with the right upgrades.
Flexible Stays
More people are booking midweek breaks, working holidays, or longer stays. Make sure your pricing and availability settings reflect this. Our dynamic pricing tool automatically adapts to demand, helping you earn more with less effort.
What We Look for When Sourcing Properties
At mySTAYINN, we don’t just manage short-term lets – we help hosts find and set up the right properties too. Over the years, we’ve developed a strong sense of what works (and what doesn’t) in the world of holiday lets.
When helping our clients source a property, we look at:
- Local occupancy rates and seasonal demand
- Competition analysis – what’s already on the market, and where the gaps are
- Expected nightly rates vs. purchase price
- Licensing rules and council restrictions (especially relevant in Scottish cities)
- Guest appeal – design potential, layout, light, and liveability
We also factor in your goals. Are you looking for maximum return? Minimal hassle? A hybrid you can use part of the year? We’ll guide you to the right fit.
If you already own a property and want to convert it to a holiday let, we offer a setup and styling service to get you market-ready. That includes everything from interior design and furnishing to listing creation and automated guest messaging.
Our fully managed service also takes care of pricing, cleaning, laundry, and guest support.
Final Tips Before You Commit
Here are a few extra things to think about before you buy:
- Check planning and licensing laws in the local area – some regions now limit or regulate short-term lets.
- Do the maths – include mortgage costs, council tax, insurance, maintenance, and mySTAYINN’s fees (which you can find here).
- Think long-term – will this area still be popular in 3-5 years? Is there future development planned that could affect guest appeal (positively or negatively)?
- Get a second opinion – we’re always happy to advise, even before you’ve bought.
Ready to Invest Smarter?
Finding the right holiday let property isn’t about luck – it’s about knowing what to look for and having the right support from day one.
Whether you’re searching for your first short-term let or adding to an existing portfolio, mySTAYINN is here to help you make smarter, more profitable choices.
We offer tailored advice on property sourcing, setup, and management – so you’re never going it alone. From helping you shortlist areas to styling your interiors and managing your guests, we handle the details so you don’t have to. Start your mySTAYINN journey here, or get in touch for a free consultation.
