Hit the road this festive season and earn while you recharge for 2021

It was the year many will say never was, but all the same there is now great urgency to holiday away from home in an effort to unwind from the stresses of 2020.

But holidays away from home are expensive, so why not raise some cash by letting out your home over the peak festive season?

It is as simple as renting out your home through the likes of AirBnB, or a letting agent.

While a home-away-from-home is what many people still desire, it is important that you emphasise the positive features of your home to attract holiday rentals.

Ballito local and owner of Umhlanga-based interior design studio Adore Design, Jeanine Theron, says it’s all about that summer feeling.

“First off, homes with more natural light are what people will be looking for.”

Ensuring your home is as decluttered as possible will attract prospective renters. 

“Less is more. So go with simple furniture, accessories and features, and if possible try to keep living area walls the same colour, breaking that pattern on only one wall with a vibrant colour like yellow.”

Correctly selecting wall colours can greatly boost the effect of natural light.

Lastly, bring the outdoors in this year by adding some indoor-friendly plants to your home – another proven mood booster which has also been shown to help de-stress and promote sleep.

Seeff North Coast rentals division manager, Mark Johnson warned that people should take extra precautions before renting out their homes.

“This is a very critical issue as year after year we hear of the public being duped by con artists.”

Johnson advised only working with reputable letting agencies. In the past, he says, holidaymakers have seen their hard-earned cash stolen after paying security deposits to bogus agents and landlords.

The greatest threat remains poor vetting processes, he said.

“The risk for those letting out their homes is primarily damage to property.”

Using reputable agencies or online booking sites with a track record for short term letting could see this avoided.