Posted on 10/02/10, filed under Latest News | 1 Comment
The Griswolds are back.
It seems that HomeAway (owners of holiday rental portals holiday-rentls.co.uk and ownersdirect.co.uk) are investing some of the $459 million dollars they raised, in marketing the HomeAway brand, rather than just acquisitions.
They aired a commercial during the Super Bowl on Sunday featuring Chevy Chase and Beverly D’Angelo in a return to their classic roles as the Griswolds from the National Lampoon comedies.
The message from the ads was to promote the value in renting a holiday rental over a hotel – “why settle for hotel room when you can rent a whole house for half the cost”
According to HomeAway, only 10% of people who go on holiday choose holiday rentals, so there is massive potential.
With prices for a… read the rest of “HomeAway Griswolds Super Bowl ad” >>
Posted on 05/02/10, filed under Holiday Insurance | 2 Comments
Do you mislead holidaymakers who rent your holiday home about the distance to the beach, the “views”, the building site next door, the incomplete swimming pool or broken air conditioning?
Then be warned, you could be sued. A new type of insurance has been launched by Insure and Go which covers “holiday disputes” and enables holidaymakers to pursue a breach of contract claim with property owners.
In past instances where holidaymakers have had disputes with holiday let owners and requested compensation, whether any refund is given has been up to the owner. Often, complaints have been unsuccessful, leaving holidaymakers with the option of expensive legal fees by pursuing the dispute in the small claims court.
Holidaymakers will… read the rest of “How to sue deceptive holiday rental owners” >>
Posted on 02/02/10, filed under Latest News | No Comments
It’s time once again for our holiday home news round up, here’s what’s been happening: Expats protest in Spain, the best countries to live in, council tax on second homes could double and the overseas property review of the decade.
The overseas property market in the noughties
What’s happened in the overseas property market in the last 10 years? which countries were the biggest winners and losers?
Ten years ago a Dubai sea view flat cost about £40,000, an apartment on Spain’s Costa del Sol was £75,000 making them attractive investments, especially with the low cost airlines making them easily accessible to… read the rest of “Recap of holiday home news: 2 February 2010” >>
Posted on 27/01/10, filed under Overseas | No Comments
Before you choose an insurance policy from a company in France, you should be aware that the practice of cancelling French insurance can be complex compared to the process we are used to in the UK. You can’t let it lapse or cancel at the last minute with a phone call.
Insurance in France automatically renews, so if you are thinking of changing to a UK insurer because of the premium, limitations in cover or simply because you want the policy in English – ensure you cancel your French policy first.
If you don’t follow the correct cancellation procedure you will be liable to pay the years premium, even if you have a new policy… read the rest of “How to cancel French home insurance ” >>
Posted on 22/01/10, filed under Maintenance Advice | No Comments
As temperatures drop, central heating systems are put under increased pressure and boilers often breakdown. We occasionally get calls from customers when this happens who have holidaymakers staying in their holiday let – “can we claim for the boiler repair and hotel expenses” they often ask.
Boiler breakdowns and heating failures are not covered under a holiday let insurance policy. It is the holiday home owners responsibility to maintain heating systems.
For peace of mind one solution is to take out separate ‘home emergency’ insurance policy, which covers boiler breakdowns. The type of policy that utility companies offer.
The other alternative is to have the boiler serviced annually and have someone on hand for emergency breakdowns… read the rest of “Dealing with boiler breakdowns at your cottage” >>
Posted on 19/01/10, filed under Maintenance Advice | No Comments
Finally, after weeks of freezing temperatures the mercury is beginning to rise, but be aware, as the thaw begins frozen pipes often burst.
Most insurers are experiencing large volumes of claims following the big freeze. In fact, whilst discussing a holiday home burst pipe claim, our loss adjusters commented that one insurer received 3,000 claims on Friday.
Have you checked your holiday home?
Due to second homes being left empty for long periods, the damage caused by burst pipes can go undiscovered for days, even weeks. During this time hundreds of gallons of water can cause widespread destruction, costing thousands.
As frozen water pipes begin to thaw they often burst, so it is… read the rest of “Burst pipes - 3000 claims in one day” >>
Posted on 14/01/10, filed under Holiday Letting | No Comments
Whether you already own holiday let or are thinking of investing a holiday home, most people have ongoing concerns about how to run a holiday let or what is the best way to get more bookings…
Thankfully, there are some excellent resources available that give advice on marketing, renting and maintaining a holiday let.
From downloadable rental agreements to inventory checklists and tips on taking photos – the advice is endless.
So get yourself a drink, a comfy chair and take a few hours to soak up all the advice from these resources.
Here are some of the best holiday letting advice sites:
