Bicester Rental Success Story: From 20% to 90% Occupancy
Shan is the owner of three, large four and five bedroom homes in Bicester which were purchased with the intention of running as Short Term Rentals. Shan engaged an interior designer on purchase of the properties and invested in well planned and good quality FF&E (Furnishings, Fixtures and Equipment). Shan then proceeded to self manage the homes using a channel partner for bookings through Airbnb and Booking.com (online travel agents). With some success, but low length of stays were a recurring trend, usually centred around guests shopping at Bicester Village.
Short Let Space To The Rescue
Shan contacted Short Let Space in 2024 to explore whether as a business with a strong regional presence, we could increase booking volumes. On viewing the homes we understood that they had been stylishly furnished and equipped to create very comfortable living spaces. However, the online travel agents were delivering only weekend bookings typically of 1-3 nights in duration, Short Let Space recognised the opportunity to market the homes to our large national relocation agents and our extensive business travel contacts.
Success After Only Three Months
Three months into the project we were delighted to win a large accommodation contract through a large UK relocation agent for a large group of Trainee Pilots. Altogether the booking comprised 71 weeks of bookings across 3 properties with an approximate value of £232,000. The owner’s occupancy was subsequently boosted from occasional weekend bookings, to full occupancy for nearly 12 months.
Whilst there was an element of serendipity in the right home at the right time, the success of this case study highlights the broad marketing reach that Short Let Space can bring, and our skills in price negotiation.
