Turning your property into a money maker

The staycation craze:

why landlords are so keen

An increasing interest in staycations has brought about the rediscovery of Britain’s hidden gemstone locations with fresh, eager eyes. Here’s how property owners are making the most

of UK holiday-lets WORDS BY KERRY SMITH

Since the onset of coronavirus, landlords and tenants alike have been searching for new ways to escape, bearing in mind the restrictions to travelling abroad.

A staycation refers to a holiday in the UK – the perfect treat for those wanting to explore someplace new, whilst escaping the daily commotions of city life. Not only has this been extremely beneficial for the general health and wellbeing of individuals and families, but it’s proven to be particularly lucrative for landlords who have started letting their properties out through the increasingly popular short-term letting model.

Sophie Jones, managing director at We Stay, commented: “Property owners have begun to realise they can make up to 50% more revenue through short-term lets over long-lets.”

We Stay is a local company with national reach, providing tailored serviced accommodation packages and management services for landlords and staycation-seekers. The company was founded and co-founded by property specialist Ben Vale, who has over 20 years of experience working in the sector, along with Sophie and Roger Lanza.

Sophie added: “We Stay provides the ideal home away from home, accommodating both short-term and mid-term stays, inclusive of luxury amenities, ensuring guests are well looked after.

“The staycation boom we’re in right now is extraordinary. Attitudes have completely changed towards holidaying in the UK and I think that’s set to stay. We’ve got a beautiful country on our doorstep. Whether it’s the countryside, the coast, or a bustling city you’re after, we have it all in the UK.”

With headquarters in Rothley, We Stay has properties all over the UK and the team are keen on supporting all sorts of landlords, providing them with the tools to make the most out of their property. Here are some frequently asked questions:

Which properties create the best return on investments?

“Properties in charming villages, quirky city apartments, or homes by the coast attract so many people, but all properties can succeed with a personal touch.”

How can I ensure my property is looked after with short-lets?

perfect condition to attract guests, meaning any damages and cleaning will be taken care of regularly, keeping costs down in the long run. This type of five-star guest experience also allows us to build relationships with guests, resulting in more word-of-mouth recommendations.”

PROPERTY OWNERS HAVE BEGUN TO REALISE THEY CAN MAKE UP TO 50% MORE REVENUE THROUGH SHORT-TERM LETS OVER LONG-LETS How do you manage my property for holiday-lets?

While portals such as Airbnb are handy, managing it all is a full-time job. “We carry out full due diligence of the property, complete a market analysis to determine what the property can make per night and per annum, and we analyse the area and its attractions. We then get a photographer in, list it on all the portals, and take full ownership as if it were our own holiday-let – from cleaning to guest liaison to full marketing.

“We’re experts in this and know all the pitfalls and how to get a property making revenue. We do all of the hard work for hassle-free hosting for our landlords.”

Sophie’s last fabulous top tip for landlords: “If you want to make a return, think ‘Instagrammable equals instantly bookable.’”

For more lucrative tips on how to make the most out of your property, visit westaygroup.com.

When care was needed most

The health of our elderly has been a priority for the last 18 months due to the global pandemic. Here Bluebird Care Director Jay Ghaghda tells us how they have adapted to the

ever-changing needs of some of the most vulnerable in our communities WORDS BY EMILY MILLER

In a year where health and keeping vulnerable people safe has been absolute priority, much of our attention has been drawn to the care of older adults in our communities.

“It’s been an especially isolating time for the elderly, whether in care homes or in their own homes. Keeping them as safe as possible as one of the most vulnerable groups from Covid-19 has been priority and as a result many of our service users weren’t able to see friends and family for a very long time – our care workers were their only social interactions,” explains Jay Ghaghda, Director of Bluebird Care Leicester opens.

In response to the health crisis Jay and his team had to adapt quickly, putting in place a number of measures to ensure not only the safety of their users but also to keep users in touch with friends and family as much as possible through utilising technology.

“We, of course, followed all of the Covid safety measures, but in addition looked for ways to keep our users feeling social through assisting them with video and phone calls.

“We always really get to know an individual, to the point that we are then able to match them with a carer who we feel they will form rewarding relationships with. As a result they didn’t feel so alone and had companionship when the pandemic hit. “Jay continues.

From 30 minutes a day to the full time live-in option, Bluebird Care enables its customers to remain in their homes and live their lives as independently as possible. Regular assessments are made at the start in order for the team to really tailor their service to an individual.

Despite the year being tough, Bluebird Care Leicester have still celebrated their ten years since inception and their vital place in the community has been further extended with the addition of the areas of Hinckley and Bosworth as well as Leicester, Blaby and Oadby and Wigston.

“The needs of the elderly community have changed since the pandemic. They need to feel they can really trust and rely on a team of carers. At the same time, people want to stay at home rather than live in a care home more than ever. Our demand has grown, but we have more than met that demand.

“We have one service user who has been with us from the start,” Jay adds, in further testament to the quality of the care they provide. “It means a lot that our customers feel so cared for by us, it’s the whole point of what we do!” he enthuses.

The team, who also give specialist care alongside LOROS to those with MND (motor neurone disease) and MS (multiple sclerosis), see how their customers benefit from receiving care in their own homes as opposed to residential care.

With the effects of the pandemic bringing the focus on our elderly and vulnerable, finding the right kind of care that’s both safe and social is rightly changing our approach to care. Find FAQs on live-in and home care and how to find the right care for you or your relative at bluebirdcare.co.uk/Leicester.

THE NEEDS OF THE ELDERLY COMMUNITY HAVE CHANGED SINCE THE PANDEMIC. THEY NEED TO FEEL THEY CAN REALLY TRUST AND RELY ON A TEAM OF CARERS.