Staging and preparing a holiday rental property for professional photos can significantly impact its appeal and attract potential guests. If you’re considering letting your property as a holiday home, We Stay has produced a comprehensive guide to help holiday rental owners present their property in the best light possible.
1. Declutter and Clean
Before the photoshoot, declutter all spaces. Remove personal items and excessive decorations to create a clean, open, and inviting atmosphere. Ensure all surfaces, floors, and windows are sparkling clean.
2. Highlight Key Features
Identify the unique selling points of your rental property—scenic views, cosy nooks, or amenities like a fireplace or hot tub. Showcase these features prominently in the photos.
3. Consider Lighting
Natural light can make a space feel more welcoming. Open curtains or blinds to let in natural light, and ensure all lamps are turned on. For darker areas, strategically place additional lighting to brighten up the space.
4. Focus on the Exterior
First impressions matter. Ensure the exterior is well-maintained: tidy up the garden, clear pathways, and showcase any outdoor amenities like a patio, pool, or barbecue area.
5. Set Up Each Room
- Bedrooms: Make beds with fresh, high-quality linens. Fluff pillows and add tasteful throws or cushions for a cosy feel. If any beds are zip and links and can therefore be split into twin beds, it’s likely worth photographing them in this lay-out too, in order to demonstrate the flexible sleeping arrangement that is offered.
- Living Areas: Arrange furniture in an inviting manner. Add accent pillows or rugs to add warmth and colour. If you have a log fire, we recommend lighting it for photos in order to add that extra cosy feel.
- Kitchen: Clear countertops, display attractive cookware or utensils, and ensure everything is well-lit and sparkling clean.
- Bathrooms: Roll towels neatly, add a fresh hand soap, and consider placing decorative elements like candles or small plants.
6. Capture Multiple Angles
Take photos from different angles in order to showcase the entirety of each room. Wide-angle lenses can help capture more space, making rooms appear larger and more inviting.
7. Focus on Details
Highlight unique details or design elements that make your property stand out. It could be intricate tiling, architectural features, a hot tub, or some especially stylish furniture.
8. Seasonal Touches
For holiday rentals, consider seasonal decorations. A tasteful touch of seasonal decor — such as wreaths, cosy blankets, or themed pillows — can create a welcoming ambience and appeal to guests that are looking to book their stay for this particular time of year.
9. Professional Photography
We highly recommend using a professional photographer experienced in real estate or property photography. Their expertise in lighting, angles, and composition can significantly enhance the appeal of your property.
10. Experiment with Virtual Tours
Virtual tours or 360-degree photos offer potential guests an immersive experience. Consider investing in this technology to allow guests to virtually explore your property.
11. After the Photoshoot
Review the photos to ensure they accurately represent your property. Make any necessary adjustments before using them in your listing. Some darker photos may need brightening in post-production, and we often recommend using photoshop to remove anything you’re your photos that could be deemed unsightly, such as wires and cabling.
12. Update Your Listing
Once you have stunning photos, update your holiday rental listing. Highlight the best features of your property and use the new photos to attract potential guests.
To Conclude
Remember, the goal is to create an inviting and visually appealing representation of your property that resonates with potential guests. By following these steps and presenting your property in its best light, you can significantly enhance its attractiveness and increase booking potential.
Alternatively, if preparing and staging your property for professional photos is sounding a little too stressful, We Stay can handle this for you, with property staging and professional photography included in all of our property management packages.
So, if you’re a forward-thinking landlord looking to maximise returns on your property through the short-let and holiday rental industry, contact the serviced accommodation experts at We Stay Property Management today on 0116 2963186, or email info@westaygroup.com. You can also read more on our property management services here.
