A new year often brings fresh plans and for many Devon homeowners, 2026 could be the year you finally decide to unlock the potential of your property through holiday letting. Whether you own a coastal retreat, countryside cottage or second home, the right preparation and support can make all the difference when you start holiday letting.
At Your Devon Escape, we guide owners through every stage of the process, providing expert, hands-on holiday home management with the care and attention only a truly local and independent letting agent in Devon can offer.
Is Holiday Letting Right for Your Property?
Before you begin, it’s important to understand how your home fits into the local market. Location, layout, amenities and presentation all play a role in performance, but so does realistic expectation.
A good letting agent won’t simply promise high returns; they’ll offer honest guidance on:
- Seasonal demand and pricing potential
- Guest suitability (families, couples, dog-friendly stays, etc.)
- Required compliance and safety standards
- Ongoing maintenance and care
This early advice is crucial to starting strong and avoiding costly mistakes.
Preparing Your Home for Its First Guests
Successful holiday letting starts with thoughtful preparation. Guests expect more than just a place to stay, they want comfort, reliability and quality.
Key areas to consider include:
- Furnishings and layout that maximise space and comfort
- Kitchen equipment suitable for longer stays
- Reliable heating and hot water, especially outside peak season
- Professional cleaning and laundry arrangements
- Clear house information to set expectations and reduce issues
A professional holiday home management service will help you identify what’s essential and what truly adds value for guests.
Compliance, Safety & Peace of Mind
Starting holiday letting comes with responsibilities, and navigating regulations can feel daunting at first. From gas and electrical safety to fire regulations and insurance, compliance is non-negotiable.
Working with an experienced letting agent in Devon ensures:
- All legal requirements are met from day one
- Regular checks and updates are managed correctly
- You’re protected and so are your guests
This peace of mind is invaluable, particularly for owners who don’t live locally.
Why Choosing the Right Letting Agent Matters
Not all letting agents are the same. National agencies may offer scale, but local expertise often delivers better results.
A local letting agent in Devon brings:
- In-depth knowledge of local demand and pricing
- Faster response times for guests and maintenance issues
- A personal relationship with owners
- Greater care and accountability for your property
At Your Devon Escape, we treat every home as if it were our own because reputation, trust and long-term partnerships matter.
Marketing Your Property Effectively
Once your home is ready, how it’s presented and promoted is key to securing bookings.
Effective marketing includes:
- Professional photography and compelling descriptions
- Strategic pricing tailored to seasonality and demand
- Exposure across multiple booking platforms
- Targeted promotion to the right guest audience
This is where experienced holiday home management can significantly outperform a DIY approach.
Starting in 2026: Why Now Is the Time
Planning ahead gives you a valuable advantage. Owners who prepare early benefit from:
- Stronger visibility during peak booking windows
- Time to refine presentation and pricing
- A smoother, less rushed launch
- Early feedback to optimise performance
If 2026 is the year you want to start holiday letting, laying the groundwork now sets you up for long-term success.
Let’s Get Your Property Ready
Whether you’re just beginning to explore the idea or ready to take the next step, we’re here to help. Our friendly, professional team offers tailored advice and full holiday home management across South Devon.
Get in touch today to speak with a trusted letting agent in Devon and discover how Your Devon Escape can help you start your holiday letting journey with confidence in 2026.
