Owner FAQ

Owners' Questions Answered

Letting a property can be daunting, but with the help and support of Sykes Cottages the experience can be a pleasant one. We hope the following will answer your questions. Please contact us with any further queries.

Why use an agency?
What Income can I expect?
When do I get paid?
Where will my Cottage be seen?
Can I take my own bookings?
Who are my customers?
How should my property be presented?
How will I look after my cottage?
What happens next?

Q. Why use an agency?

Many owners regard their holiday property as a business and, as for every business, customers are essential. Sykes Cottages allocates a significant sum to advertising and is able to market a property more effectively and to a wider audience than, under normal circumstances, can an individual owner. For those looking to maximise the investment return on their property, the benefits of using a well established and experienced agency include expert advice, security and support and knowing that your property is being represented by a friendly and professional agency. Top

Q. What Income can I expect?

Income will vary from property to property. The size, type, location and quality all influence the rental you can charge. And of one thing we are certain - pricing is an important factor in achieving success. Because of the many factors to consider we cannot give an income projection until we have visited the property. Top

Q. When do I get paid?

When they book the holiday, customers pay a deposit of 30% the rental. The balance is due six weeks before the holiday starts. We pay property owners at the end of every month and clear the account each time. In other words, if we receive say, five deposits and 2 balances in the course of a month, then all that money less our commission would be paid to you - we do not hold payments back. Top

Q. Where will my Cottage be seen?

Your property would feature in our popular main brochure and in mini brochures produced throughout the year and distributed widely among our substantial customer database. With regular, widespread advertising in newspapers, magazines and tourist board guides, we also reach a large number of potential new customers. Our award winning website, benefits from high rankings on top internet search engines, links with relevant organisations and entries on major Tourist Board web sites. The internet accounts for more and more of our business and our efficient guidelines ensure we reply to emails within the hour during normal office hours. Visitors to our easy-to-use website can study full property descriptions and both internal and external photos of all the properties. Top

Q. Can I take my own bookings?

Your cottage belongs to you not to us. For this reason, we will not restrict or prevent you from booking the property for yourself, your friends, or your OWN regular customers. All we ask is that you respect our right to retain our customers and that you let us know your bookings as soon as you take them. Only then can we keep our diary up-to-date. Top

Q. Who are my customers?

Your cottage could be visited by a variety of people, from young families to retired couples. They all however have one thing in common - the anticipation of a flawless holiday. What you and we must do, is to ensure they leave as satisfied and, hopefully, regular customers. Maintaining the highest standards and introducing your own 'little' touches make all the difference. Never underestimate the power of first impressions. Top

Q. How should my property be presented?

Though the standard and style of decoration is obviously at the owner's discretion, all the properties we market are presented to a high standard. Whether 5 Star or 2 Star, every property should be spotlessly clean and all furniture and appliances should be of good quality and in good working order. Furnishings should be fresh and well maintained, while outside areas should be tidy and well tended. Top

Q. How will I look after my cottage?

Many owners maintain their properties themselves. Others, however, have to appoint a caretaker. It is vital to keep the property in peak condition and if you do appoint a caretaker, it is important he or she aspires to the same high standards. Sykes Cottages can provide the customers, but the ultimate success of your property will depend on the care taken to maintain and present it at the start of each holiday. Changeover is usually on a Friday or Saturday. Departing guests leave before 10 am, incoming guests arrive after 3.00pm. In the intervening period, the property is cleaned, beds are made and everything provided for the new arrivals. The task is easier if the fabric of the house is in good condition Top

Q. What happens next?

If holiday letting still appeals, the next step is simple. Complete our online form, giving as much information as you can, and one of our representatives will get back to you to arrange a viewing of your property. If the property is suitable and on completion of the paperwork, it will feature almost immediately on our web site and be included in the next edition of our brochure. Top

We look forward to hearing from you!

01244 500501

Ferries and Flights