Owning a vacation rental is a great investment decision. However, like other big decisions, there will be downsides, especially if you don’t plan well. You just have to be more discriminating with the help you render toward other people. Making up a list of pros and cons helps you make a good decision. Investments should not be driven by peer pressure but rather by facts. You need to be sure that there is a higher chance of winning than losing when you put your money into something.
Here are some advantages and disadvantages of owning a vacation rental that you should be aware of:
Benefits of owning a vacation rental property
It earns you an extra income
One of the significant benefits of owning a vacation rental is additional income. Extra income is a big plus, especially if you want to achieve financial success. Also, you will have something to fall for if you lose your main job. On the same note, if you want a break from daily work, owning a vacation rental property could be your first step towards achieving this long-term goal. However, be careful when setting your nightly rates, do not overload or underload. Look at the popular rental listings for an idea of prices in your area.
Increase in property value
When you buy a property, the hope is that the value will increase and you will appreciate it, which will help you a lot when it comes time to sell. Every year the value should increase, especially if you are buying in a high demand area. Before deciding on the best vacation rental to buy, check out the past and current market trends to understand what the future holds in terms of property value.
Tax deductions
Holiday rental property is a business just like any other. If you pay taxes based on the income you make from the property, then you can also deduct all business expenses you incurred. Deductions can be payments made to property management companies, repossession, or even management. However, don’t forget to keep the receipts, or you could get into hot water if ever revised.
Applying for a business credit card to pay for business expenses makes it easier for you to provide records when you file your taxes. You can also deduct your insurance, property taxes and mortgage interest. A tax professional can do a better job of helping you advance this. Use an auditor if you are unsure how to proceed because tax fraud is a serious matter, even if it was done incorrectly.
You never have to pay for accommodation during a holiday
Getting away from your daily life is sometimes a great thing. It allows you to disconnect and restore so that when you return you can be more productive. However, one of the reasons why most people do not vacation is the high housing costs. With your vacation rental, you never have to worry about that. Go during the off-season so you don’t miss out on rental income during the peak season.
You can also let your friends and family stay there for a holiday for free, half price or full price. It’s all up to you.
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Various management options
Managing holiday rental property is not easy, especially for first-timers. However, there are management services available that you can take advantage of to make your job easier. You can focus on more important things like marketing the property or even scouting for the next investment property allowing a property management company to do all the time-consuming duties.
In addition, it removes the pressure from the equation, especially for first-time vacation rental owners. You can even buy property overseas and make sure the administration is safe because local professionals will take care of your property. You will not have to travel back and forth all the time to check the rental property.
Easy to find guests
There are several websites where you can list vacation rentals to find guests easily. You don’t even have to market it. After the first guest leaves a positive review, you’ll see people piling up the property, and your job will be easier. You have to work hard to get that first review, and the rest is easy. You can also select the dates you want to rent the property and block dates for you, family or friends to visit the home. If you’re worried about not finding guests, it’s time you dumped that thought. While the property is up to standard and in a popular place, you can be sure that they will come.
You learn about real estate investing
There’s so much you can do in real estate besides buying a holiday rental property. However, you will learn to practice faster than read about other people’s experiences. The best part is that you learn by enjoying the benefits of being a vacation rental owner. You can then expand your business and earn more when you have learned the ropes.
Disadvantages of owning holiday rentals
Unexpected expenses
Unexpected expenses are not a surprise in a holiday rental, as well as at the main residence. Whatever doesn’t work or needs a replacement is your responsibility. Expenses such as utilities, regular maintenance taxes and resupply can be expected. However, huge expenses like burst pipes or a broken air conditioner have considerable costs to replace or repair, and they may catch you off guard. You need to set aside a certain amount each year to provide unexpected maintenance and repairs. You can rate it at 1% of the total purchase price of the property.
High down payment
Primary housing may require only a 3-5% down payment. However, this will not be the case when you are buying a holiday rental property. While you may not plan to live there, lenders will charge a 20-30% down payment, which can be difficult to cough up. On the same note, the requirements for your credit score will be much higher as you take on more debt.
More fees and taxes
Some taxes you may have to pay include property taxes, local and state taxes. Depending on the tax laws in your area, you may require a business license as well as a hotel and sales tax.
In terms of fees, you’ll need to pay a backup fee for the websites you use to market your home. Looking back at what you spent on taxes and fees for the holiday rental, you may be shocked at how high the figure is. Most likely, the biggest fee you pay is property management. For short term rentals, this can be anywhere between 15% and 30% of the gross rent. So, you have to control these expenses and ask yourself if you are making losses or gaining anything by renting the property. If you do not control your expenses, you may notice that you are taking care of the property at a loss.
Maintenance is time consuming
Owning a vacation rental property is not as easy as posting it online and cashing the checks. You need to perform regular care and repairs and respond to the needs of the guests.
When the vacation rental property is not in the same area as your main residence, it will be a great hassle to manage it if you are not hiring property management services. It takes a lot of time and money to travel back and forth to run a business. On the same note, you’ll have to deal with marketing if you don’t have someone to help you. Responding to reviews and questions in a timely manner is essential to staying relevant, not forgetting to update the availability calendar and nightly rate.
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It is made easier with reliable property management services. However, after you get several vacation rental properties, it is highly recommended that you get property management services for a better result unless this becomes your main job.
Meanwhile, if you want to read more such exciting lifestyle guides and informative property updates, stay tuned to Feeta Blog — Pakistan’s best real estate blog.
