How to set up a rural house for vacation rental

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Spain is a country with great tourist potential. Although the main attraction has always been the sun and beach and large cities offer a wide variety of tourist options, rural tourism is the one that has grown the most in recent years, and even more so after the pandemic. In relation to this, many people wonder how to set up a rural house for vacation rental, as it is a very attractive business opportunity.

What requirements must a rural house have for vacation rental

When considering how to set up a rural house, the first thing to decide will be the location we want for our vacation rental business. The requirements to be met when setting up the vacation rental company will largely depend on this.

However, although the technical and aesthetic characteristics are regulated by each autonomous community, the generic requirements are broadly:

1. Request and have approved the different permits and licenses required.
2. The dwelling must be able to accommodate a minimum of four people.
3. It must have light and water
4. The rooms must have a minimum surface area of 6 m2 in the case of single rooms and 12 m2 in double rooms
5. Have a first aid kit and fire extinguisher available to tenants.

How you can set up a rural house

Before embarking on this project, it's crucial to research and plan properly. Research the vacation rental market in the area where you plan to establish your rural home. Analyze the demand, rental prices, high and low seasons, and existing competition. In addition, determine the size and characteristics of your rural home. Decide how many rooms, bathrooms and common areas you will need to accommodate guests comfortably. Also consider the additional facilities you could offer, such as swimming pool, garden, barbecue, parking and internet access. If you are wondering how to set up a rural hotel and want to dedicate your business to the management of tourist accommodation, it is best to follow the steps we cite below:

Choose location

The location is fundamental to the success of your rural home. Look for an attractive area, with natural landscapes or nearby places of interest. It is important that the location provides peace and offers activities for guests, such as hiking, cycling or visits to places of cultural interest. Make sure there is a good infrastructure of services, such as shops, restaurants and public transport. You may want to have the rural house in your grandparents' village or in that place you visited years ago, but it is important to analyze the exact situation well.

Viability plan

It is essential for the good outcome of a business. You will need to analyze the expenses you will have and the necessary income, as well as conduct a market analysis of the area where the rural house is located.

To do this, you can follow a business plan model for tourist apartments.

Requirements

Before opening the rural house, you will need to check the requirements demanded by the autonomous community in which it is located.

Licenses

The regulations also establish the necessary licenses and permits for vacation rentals. Find out about local laws and regulations related to vacation rentals and rural houses. Find out if you need to obtain specific licenses or permits to operate your business. Complying with all regulations is essential to avoid legal problems in the future.

Facilities

Offering quality services and amenities is essential to stand out in the vacation rental market. Make sure your rural house has basic services such as hot water, heating, and reliable electricity. Also consider providing bedding, towels, kitchen utensils, and other necessary elements for a comfortable stay. In addition, offer additional services such as regular cleaning, laundry service, and assistance during the stay of your guests. Among them, we can find the pool or the gym. But also other necessary ones for the well-being of the guests, such as air conditioning, or security, such as locks smart locks.

Decoration

Once you have acquired or selected the appropriate property, you will likely need to make some renovations and adaptations. Make sure the house meets the necessary safety and comfort standards. The decoration should be in line with the rural environment, creating a welcoming and authentic atmosphere. Use natural materials and traditional elements to enhance the experience of your guests.Increase the attractiveness of the house and, with it, the chances of having more guests staying in it.

Promotion

Once your rural house is ready to receive guests, it's time to promote it. Create an attractive and easy-to-use website where you can showcase high-quality photos of your property and describe its features and services. Use social media and vacation rental platforms to promote your rural house and reach a wider audience. You can also consider collaborations with local travel agencies or travel blogs to increase your visibility.

Customer service

Providing excellent customer service is essential to succeed in the vacation rental business. Respond quickly to queries and requests for information from potential guests. During their stay, make sure your guests feel comfortable and cared for, providing them with information on local activities, restaurant recommendations, and any other help they may need.

If you're thinking about how to set up a rural house, the solution lies in the regulations of the autonomous community that will regulate the requirements. In addition, you must carry out a viability plan and comply with the obligatory requirements and procedures, as well as advertise and promote the accommodation.

Setting up a rural house for vacation rental can be an exciting and profitable experience. By following the appropriate steps, from initial research to promotion and customer service, you can turn your rural house into a successful vacation rental business. Remember to maintain high quality standards, offer exceptional services, and adapt to the needs of your guests to ensure long-term success. Good luck on your rural tourism adventure!

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