Well, 6 years ago I had never considered converting my home into a holiday rental. In fact my lovely home was so big, I just thought about retiring and spending my days looking after the garden, and perhaps sub-let a portion of it to a permanent tenant.

I am not sure how and the exact moment I decided I was going to rent out my property to a group of strangers. It unfolded and sort of just happened.

Today it is one of the the most successful holiday rentals in the Blue Mountains of New South Wales. In fact I am enjoying the process so much that in the last 2 years I have helped set up a number of holiday houses in the area.

So what are the essential requirements for a successful holiday let? First of all the area must be considered carefully. For instance a home in the tropics or a beach house will obviously appeal to a very different market to a home in the Blue Mountains in the winter months.

In the tropics, comfort, such as fly screens that act as a mosquito deterrent, fans or air-conditioning are imperatives.

Whereas in the freezing conditions during the winter months in the Blue Mountains warmth is an essential requirement. Adequate heating, whether central heating, log fires or just plain gas heaters will do the job.

Apart from optimising your home so that it looks its very best, it is just a matter of having set up as you would want your home to be.

A self-contained home will, in most cases, offer linen, all cutlery and kitchen utensils. It is important to leave only the essentials and to pay attention to de-cluttering, especially removing all personal items. However, a few of my clients have left family photos on the walls. It makes sense as they and their families use the homes sometimes.

Depending where the home is located, an application for permission to use as a holiday let may be required by council. Every council operates differently and it is important to check with local authorities rules governing the operation of private homes as holiday rentals.

Apart from ensuring the home presents well and is safe, an insurance policy must be in place to cover use as a holiday rental. Depending where you are located, many insurance companies will cover use for holiday let as being part of your own household contents with no extra charge involved.