Latest figures released by the holiday rental company Holiday Lettings show a 20% increase in demand for villas and cottages when compared to March last year. There was a 54% increase for holidays booked in February, and a 55% increase in demand for the Easter bank holiday in April.
The Balearics is proving to be particularly popular, and all this is great news for those who already own holiday homes or for those who were thinking of buying a holiday home to rent out.
Spokesperson for Holiday Lettings Kate Stinchcombe-Gillies said the islands represented a reliable, value-for-money holiday option for cash-strapped Brits, particularly given the savings they could achieve on holiday rentals versus hotel stays. “The recognised saving when renting a cottage is hitting home with consumers in tough economic times”, she said. “Spain’s reputation for offering value for money and its longstanding place in the hearts of British holidaymakers are likely to be contributing to its popularity so far this year.”
This demand is likely to continue to be high, as increasing numbers of families will be reluctant to sacrifice their family holiday but will be looking for more economical solutions than staying in a hotel.
The cost per person for a family renting a holiday home is significantly less than staying in a hotel, and does not incur any VAT. Holiday rentals have the added advantage of offering more privacy and space, and a more personal experience. Family homes are especially popular during the summer months with interest, not surprisingly, peaking during school holidays. Some 71% of those choosing to rent holiday homes have young children.
A lot more people are choosing to book last minute which may be due to economic uncertainty, and this is especially true for weekend breaks and city breaks. The close proximity of Spain combined with the fact that so many Britons have very fond memories of holidays taken there in the past will always ensure that it remains a popular holiday destination.
