South Africa, the worlds best kept travel secret
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Due to the economic climate and rising costs, holiday homes in Soith Africa have in some cases become a burden to the owner, in turn, this has created a low cost holiday opportunity for families seeking good value with home comforts.
Owning a second home is expensive, all normal costs of ownership are effectively doubled, rates, garden services, maintenance, not to mention mortgage repayments, all this for those few weeks a year when one manages to escape the big city and head down to the coast. For the rest of the year, one just needs to drive around Port Alfred, Ballito or Plettenberg Bay and see all the wonderful homes standing empty and closed up in anticipation of those few weeks.
Short term holiday rental is a relatively new or untapped concept in South Africa, some owners are a little weary about strangers occupying their house and similarly, tenants a little wary about what theyll find on arrival, according to Alan Hawkins, CEO of staysa.co.za, provided the rental is managed by a professional letting agent who obtains contractual obligation from both parties and manages the process efficiently, the arrangement will be of mutual benefit whereby the owner enjoys an additional income stream and the tenant a holiday in the destination of his choice at a value determined only by the quality of home required. During the Christmas season, good quality homes can be rented fro R600 to R1500 per day depending on size, quality of fittings and location, with luxury homes between R1500 and R4000 per day, these rates are virtually halved during the other school holidays periods with many bargains available.
According to Hawkins, there are many low cost holiday opportunities where families are able to rent these homes at rates far lower than one would expect, as an example, a family is able to rent a four bedroom luxury home on the Port Alfred Marina which sleeps eight, or two medium families, at less than R150 per person, per day. Hawkins goes on to say that many excellent value accommodation options are available, particularly outside the Christmas season and that this is an opportunity that suits the owner and the tenant alike. The internet has made the rental process far more efficient, where a potential tenant is able to view full detail of the homes available and ensure their holiday needs are met.
Hawkins says that days rented during this past period dropped significantly when compared to the previous year, rentals were shorter in duration, this was attributed to the economic situation and also to the abnormal fuel prices applying during the last quarter of 2008, he is confident this next year will be an improvement, the market is young and well positioned to grow over the next few years .
The role of the agent is to ensure tenants are reference checked and the full process is managed efficiently from the collection of deposits, the completion of legally binding contracts right through to departure. This can be a completely hands-off process for the owner. The critical element is knowing that their home is being cared for by a hands-on professional, most owners live elsewhere and need to be able entrust their home to the local agent.
The growth in this market stands to benefit more people than just home owners and their tenants, Mr. Hawkins believes that by increasing the occupancy of the empty homes, the local service providers and tourism related activities will benefit from the natural spending power of the visitors. Growth in tourism, from a national and international viewpoint plays an increasingly important roll to the local economies of resort towns along the coast.
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About www.staysa.co.za
Products/Core business
1. The rental of privately owned Holiday Homes along the coastal areas of South Africa to short term tenants on behalf of absentee owners. The Company has its head office in East London with a staff of five agents and operates through a network of 30 locally appointed and professionally trained agents. Together offering a fully managed service to both owner and tenant, commencing with contractual obligation by both parties and includes pre- and post-occupation valet services; meet and greet and a host of services.
2. The hosting of commercial accommodation establishments such as B&Bs; Hotels; Guest Lodges and Game Reserves. Clients are able to surf the site, select a suitable establishment and deal directly.
3. A commission is charged by staysa to the owner but listing on the site is free, in the case of commercial establishments, they pay a listing fee and no further costs or commissions.
For the owner
Most owners are unable to utilize their second or holiday homes all the time and an opportunity exists to earn an income whilst these homes are not in use, this income is usually sufficient to cover the annual costs of ownership and can often be a very lucrative opportunity
About the Author
Alan H is the CEO of www.staysa.co.za an accommodation portal, one of the boggest in South Africa, if you would like to receive a newsletter, go to the www.staysa.co fron page and submit your detail.
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