NEWS

February is Book Direct Month for Australian Luxury Stays, a yearly celebration of the power of booking directly with a vacation rental property. The purpose of this is to encourage travellers to book either through a "No Booking Fee" website or just directly through the property owner or management company instead of relying on third-party booking sites such as Airbnb, VRBO, Expedia, and Booking.com. This year’s #BookDirectDay is being celebrated on the first Wednesday of February, but we are ready to celebrate the whole month with news and tips. We are focusing on educating guests on how they can save money and get a tailored vacation experience by booking your monthly vacation rental directly. Discover the top seven reasons to book your holiday rental directly with us: 1. Unlock the Best Deals: Book Directly with Us at Australian Luxury Stays Did you know that major travel sites like Airbnb, HomeAway, VRBO, and TripAdvisor often add significant fees to your booking total? Avoid these extra costs by booking directly with the property owner or manager. 2. Why Direct Contact Makes Your Stay Better When booking a holiday rental, peace of mind is paramount. Have questions about the property or need more information before booking? By communicating directly with the person in charge, you can get the answers you need to make an informed decision. 3. The Best Prices Are Found Directly, Not on OTA's Contrary to hotels, online travel agencies (OTA's) like Airbnb, Booking, and Expedia don't always offer the best prices. You can save hundreds by booking directly or locally. If you prefer using OTA's, look out for business names or phone numbers, as booking through their website or calling directly can result in savings. 4. Discover Hidden Gems Off the Beaten Path Many of the finest vacation rentals aren't listed on major sites. Due to the high costs associated with these platforms, some exceptional homes need additional help to be discovered. By expanding your search beyond online travel agencies, you can find unique properties that may not be easily found otherwise. 5. Tap into Local Expertise Property managers and owners have intimate knowledge of both the destination and the home itself. They can recommend the best rental for your needs and provide insights into the top activities, restaurants, and local service providers. 6. Catering to Your Special Requirements Whether you have special needs like no stairs or want to bring your pets along, a manager or owner can assist you in finding a suitable accommodation that meets your specific requirements. 7. Exclusive Offers and Deals By booking directly with the owner or manager, you can access special offers and discounts that are often available during non-peak travel times. Be the first to know about these exclusive deals by communicating directly with us. Ready to experience luxury without the hidden fees? Visit Australian Luxury Stays on our website www.australianluxurystays.com.au and #BookDirect. We're excited to host your stay!

Welcome to the NEW edition of 'Be our Guest' , Newsletter is back, and better than ever! Sit back, relax, and absorb all the interesting articles, new properties, and new experiences that may inspire you to book another holiday break or business trip with us.

It is advisable to be aware of the Pros and Cons to choose the option that best suits you. THE PROS There is superior rental return for the right property in the right location with a property management company specialising in accommodation There are tax advantages associated with depreciation on furniture packages Furnished properties provide flexible options for short, medium or long term stays Refurbishment of your property can also mean that the presentation is contemporary and inviting, with the additional bonus of increasing the property’s capital value You and your family and friends can use the property on an intermittent basis. This option works if you own a holiday home and is also great for investors who live interstate or overseas and use their property for recreation or for business If moving overseas or have excess furniture, renting your property furnished will save on storage If you are away for a length of time or on an overseas trip, you will receive an income and having your property managed and maintained will provide peace of mind You can attract different clientele by aiming at the executive relocation market and overseas visitors Seaside holiday homes can be subsidised with holiday rental income if the investor is seeking both a lifestyle and investment When there is a glut of rental properties, having a furnished property for shorter stays can be a point of difference in an overcrowded market This style of accommodation is becoming increasingly popular as it offers an alternative to a hotel or serviced apartments and it can be cost saving, accommodating more than one group of people If you have purchased a new home and are unable to sell your current home, the option of receiving income from a short term lease can be appealing while you wait for the property to be sold Your property is always maintained and in pristine condition. With regular housekeeping service, your property is monitored frequently and any maintenance issues can be attended to immediately THE CONS This option may not suit you if you need a consistent rental income. The financial outlay to fully furnish the property. More furniture and appliances mean more money for maintenance and general wear and tear. There is a higher risk of theft of appliances. However, this is covered with written terms and conditions and accommodation bonds or refundable deposits and landlord insurance. You need to be prepared to outlay money on a reasonably frequent basis to replace furniture and smaller items such as cutlery or bed linen which can become damaged, worn or simply go missing due to high turnover of guests. Management fees will be higher to account for additional hours required with more frequent bookings to; scheduling housekeeping services; servicing and maintenance of equipment; management of supplies etc. There will be establishment costs depending on the owners’ requirements, including a full inventory, professional photography, refurbishing and redecorating advice and assistance. You may need to refurbish every five years or so as the guests who seek this type of accommodation from the higher socio-economic bracket expect the highest quality fit-outs and all mod cons. They are also prepared to pay at the higher end For a further discussion please contact the Australian Luxury Stays please phone us on MB: 0499 946 468

Home owners, property investors and developers are now attracted to the short-term rental market, as they see this as an opportunity to maximise their financial returns. With the increase in the demand for short-term accommodation, we are also seeing an increase in guest expectations. A property owner who is considering joining this booming segment of the sharing economy, needs to consider market trends and guest desires, in order to achieve strong returns and create a successful business. The medium-long term leasing options for furnished properties is also a growing trend with an increase in tenant expectations as well. 1. THE HOME IS NOW A PLACE OF BUSINESS so the owner cannot be too emotionally attached to the property 2. DECOR REIGNS SUPREME - KEEP FURNISHINGS & STYLING MODERN • Good quality furniture is essential • Avoid using cheap furniture or furniture that has passed its 'use-by date' • Beds need to be comfortable, with good quality mattresses for a good night's sleep • Avoid bunk beds for occupational, health and safety reasons • Linen needs to be quality, hotel standard • Use colourful decorative cushions, lamps & artwork • For a luxurious elegant look, add couch throws & bed runners • Plants are an essential element in the decorating mix, so choose in-door plants which require minimal care. Good quality imitations of natural plants is the best option. 3. INVEST IN PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY • First impressions count, so use good photos to enhance the best features of the property • Include cameo-shots, as guests want to see where they will sleep, dine or relax • High-quality photography can increase the enquiry rate & conversion to a booking, by up to 40% 4. UNLIMITED WI-FI IS MANDATORY NON-NEGOTIABLE 5. A GOOD QUALITY COFFEE MACHINE • Nespresso brand coffee machines are most popular • A quality coffee machine has the same priority as Wi-Fi - it is non-negotiable 6. STATE OF THE ART TECHNOLOGY • Smart TV's are the expected standard & should be located in each living area, with the very minimum being one in the master-bedroom 7. OUTDOOR ENTERTAINING is an integral part of the Australian lifestyle The property must include: • A quality, easy clean BBQ • An out-door setting • 8. EXPECT WEAR & TEAR • It is a normal part of renting, with guests coming and going with luggage, children and possibly, pets. • There may be a scuff mark left on a wall, or furniture may have been moved from one place to another however in the big scheme of things, these are issue which can be easily addressed. 9. REGULAR MAINTENANCE will ensure the property is guest-ready • Guests can be unforgiving with problems like unstable Wi-Fi, limited downloads, faulty, or ineffective, cooling and heating systems 10. PET-FRIENDLY vs OWNER PETS • Pet-friendly accommodation is highly sought-after and these are the first properties to be booked or rented long term • Owners who holiday in their own property with their pets, yet stipulate no pets for quests need to carefully consider this policy • A guest who has an allergy to pets will book a non-pet-friendly property on the assumption that pets have not been allowed in the property. Consider the possibility of health issues & serious complication if the prescribed pet-policy is not adhered to. 11. IF AN OWNER WISHES TO SELL • Forward bookings must be honoured in writing • Relocation of the bookings must be negotiated with the guests in a timely manner 12. OWNER BOOKINGS FOR SHORT TERM STAYS • The usual check-in and check-out procedures must be followed, to avoid delays in arrivals & departures • Consider the impact and resultant stress on house-keeping staff 13. COMMUNICATION PROTOCOL • Office hours are 9-5pm. Phone or call into the office are anytime during these hours • Non-urgent business, after-hours, needs to be addressed via a phone or text message • In an emergency after-hours, phone, leave a voice or text message. • Email any time 14. INSURANCE • Purchase a policy which is specifically tailored for the short-term rental market 15. WE ARE THE PROFESSIONALS SO LET US MANAGE YOUR PROPERTY • Owners can be assured that we are specialists in our field, and that we will set appropriate rates, with the flexibility to adjust with dynamic pricing • Allow us to apply our expertise and present you with our very best service - this is what you pay us to do. Enjoy Your Journey With Allrealty & Australia Luxury Stays