It’s one of the best decisions many owners ever make, but a little planning makes the difference between a stress-free income stream and a headache.
Here are the four essential things you must get right before you welcome your first guests.
1. Know Exactly Who Your Ideal Guest Is
Salcombe attracts a very specific crowd: young families with children and dogs, sailing couples, multi-generational groups, and retirees celebrating big birthdays. Decide early who you want to welcome, then tailor everything to them.
- Families? Add travel cots, highchairs, stair gates, plastic crockery, board games and a bucket-and-spade kit.
- Dog owners? Dog towels, bowls, treats and an outside tap or hose make you stand out.
- Water-sports fans? A secure paddleboard/kayak store and outside shower.
Guests who feel you’ve thought of them leave 5-star reviews and rebook year after year.
2. Understand the Latest Regulations
The rules around short-term lets are evolving, and compliance is non-negotiable:
- Short-term let registration — The government is introducing a mandatory national registration scheme for short-term lets in England, expected to come into force in 2026. Register as soon as the system is live via the government’s online database, it’s essential for legal advertising and compliance.
- Business rates — Many furnished self-catering properties in South Hams can qualify for business rates instead of council tax (often with 100% small business relief if the rateable value is under £12,000). To qualify, the property must generally be available to let for at least 140 days per year and actually let for at least 70 days per year.
- Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) — Required if your property is let for 4+ months in any 12-month period. While there is currently no strict minimum rating for most short-term holiday lets, many booking platforms filter out lower-rated properties. Aim for an E rating or better where possible.
- Safety and compliance — Annual gas safety certificate (if applicable), a 5-year electrical installation condition report (EICR), CO alarms in every room with a fuel-burning appliance, interlinked smoke alarms on every floor, and a fire blanket in the kitchen.
- Holiday let insurance — Standard home or landlord insurance won’t cover holiday lets. You need specialist holiday let insurance that includes public liability, accidental damage by guests, and loss of rental income. This is essential.
Do these once, do them properly, and you’re set for years.
3. Make Your Property Truly Guest-Ready (This Is What Drives Bookings)
- Professional photography is still the single biggest influence on bookings.
- Hotel-quality bed linen (minimum 300 thread count) and fluffy white towels.
- Lightning-fast Wi-Fi – Salcombe’s signal can be patchy, so consider upgrading to full-fibre or Starlink if needed.
- A beautifully presented welcome book with the Wi-Fi password, bin days, emergency numbers, local taxi firms, and your favourite walks and restaurants.
- Spotless cleaning between every stay guests will forgive almost anything except poor cleanliness.
4. Promote Your Property Like a Professional
Listing on Airbnb and Vrbo is just the start. The most successful owners:
- List on multiple platforms (Airbnb, Booking.com, and Vrbo)
- Build their own direct-booking website (saving 15+ percent in commission)
- Use 360° virtual tours and drone shots of the view
- Respond to enquiries quickly (response time directly affects search ranking)
- Collect reviews obsessively. Strong reviews push you higher in search results
Ready to earn more from your Salcombe home?
At Quay, we’re growing by helping owners like you switch to direct bookings and modern property management software. That means higher profits for you, lower platform commissions, and full control over your calendar and pricing.
Drop us a line today for a free, no-obligation chat about getting your property ready for the 2026 season and beyond.
Email: clare@quaylets.co.uk
Here’s to being fully-booked!