Before you buy: will this home work for guests?

Some homes fill every weekend; others stay empty a few streets away. The difference is usually visible before you buy, if you look at the property the way a guest does.

Buying to let short-term is a bet on demand. You are not buying four walls; you are buying a place guests already want to stay, at prices that cover the running costs with room to spare.

Location first

• Beach and leisure: North and South Goa, Kerala's Varkala and Kovalam — strong winter season, quiet monsoon.
• Hills: Himachal and Uttarakhand — summer and Christmas peaks, families and couples.
• Business cities: Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Gurugram — weekday travellers, longer corporate stays.

Look for a location guests already search for, within reach of an airport or station, with food and transport nearby.

Size and layout

One- and two-bedroom flats rent most often in cities. In leisure areas, a three-bedroom villa with outdoor space earns more per night but needs more cleaning and upkeep. Every bedroom should have its own bathroom if possible: guests notice.

Features that pay back

• Reliable power backup and good Wi-Fi — essential for remote workers.
• Air conditioning in every bedroom in warm regions.
• A working kitchen, a washing machine, outdoor space.
• Easy access for late arrivals and a building that welcomes guests.

Test it before you sign

Look at similar listings nearby: their prices across the year, how full their calendars are, what reviews praise and criticise. Ask us for an estimate on the address before you commit; we will tell you frankly if the numbers do not work.

After the purchase

Furnish for guests rather than for yourself: durable, easy to clean, well lit for photos. Our setup guide lists what a home needs before the first booking.