When it comes to your holiday let, first impressions are everything. In a world where the average attention span is just 8 seconds, your property has mere moments to capture the interest of potential guests. Stunning, high-quality photos are the key to making your listing stand out and enticing guests to click “book now.”
At Reliance Retreats, we know the power of a perfectly presented holiday home. That’s why we’ve compiled these expert tips to help you get your property photo shoot ready, ensuring it shines in every image.
General Preparation: Setting the Stage
Before the photographer arrives, it’s essential to create a space that’s clean, inviting, and visually appealing.
Top Tips:
- Declutter and Depersonalise: Remove family photos, personal items, and general clutter. Neutral, tidy spaces appeal to a wider audience.
- Maximise Natural Light: Open curtains and blinds to let in as much sunlight as possible. Bright rooms feel more welcoming.
- Replace Light Bulbs: Ensure all bulbs are working, including in lamps, for well-lit, inviting spaces.
- Add Greenery: Fresh flowers or houseplants can bring colour and life to your interiors.
- Hide Wires and Cables: Keep wires tucked away to avoid distractions in the photos.
Kitchen and Dining Areas: Clean and Welcoming
The kitchen and dining spaces often make a lasting impression, so it’s essential to keep them spotless and styled.
Top Tips:
- Hide the Extras: Remove bins, tea towels, drying dishes, and pet bowls from view.
- Polish Surfaces: Ensure countertops and appliances are gleaming.
- Set the Scene: Lay the dining table with stylish place settings and consider adding a fruit bowl, fresh bread, or a homemade cake for a homely touch.
- Close Cupboards: Open cupboard doors can make the space look untidy.
Living Spaces: Comfortable and Stylish
Living areas should feel cosy and uncluttered, giving guests a sense of relaxation.
Top Tips:
- Tidy Up: Fluff cushions, fold throws, and arrange furniture thoughtfully.
- Clear the Clutter: Remove toys, magazines, DVDs, and other unnecessary items.
- Turn Off Screens: Ensure televisions and other electronics are off to avoid glare or distractions.
Bedrooms: Inviting and Restful
Your bedrooms should exude comfort and luxury, helping guests imagine a good night’s sleep.
Top Tips:
- Perfect the Bed: Use freshly ironed linens that match the room’s decor and create a neatly made bed. White Linen and towels look better. Perfect the way the duvet hands off the end of the bed.
- Hide Under-Bed Storage: Keep storage boxes and bags out of sight.
- Close Doors: Make sure drawers and wardrobes are shut to keep the room looking tidy.
Bathrooms: Spotless and Spa-Like
Cleanliness is paramount in bathrooms, and small details can elevate the space.
Top Tips:
- Sparkle and Shine: Polish mirrors, taps, and shower doors to remove streaks.
- Remove Personal Items: Hide toiletries, except for neatly arranged, complimentary items like luxury soaps or shampoos.
- Coordinate Towels: Use fresh, folded towels that complement the bathroom’s colour scheme.
- Toilet Check: Always close the toilet lid.
Utility and Cloakrooms: Neat and Organised
These often-overlooked spaces can still add value when presented well.
Top Tips:
- Clear Personal Items: Remove clothing, shoes, and cleaning products.
- Close Appliances: Ensure washing machines and dryers are empty, with doors closed.
Exterior and Garden: Curb Appeal Counts
The outside of your property is the first thing potential guests will see, so make it picture-perfect.
Top Tips:
- Tidy the Front: Move vehicles out of sight and clear away any clutter, like hoses or bins.
- Manicure the Garden: Mow the lawn, tidy flowerbeds, and remove weeds for a polished look.
- Clean Windows: Sparkling windows enhance your property’s overall appearance.
The Final Touch: Sell the Dream
Your goal is to present a holiday let that looks welcoming, well-maintained, and ready for guests to enjoy. Thoughtfully prepared photos can transform your property’s appeal, attracting more bookings and boosting your income.
At Reliance Retreats, we go beyond property management. We handle every detail, from professional photography to strategic marketing, ensuring your holiday let reaches its full potential.
📧 Ready to maximise your holiday home’s appeal? Contact us today and let us help you turn your property into a guest magnet.