Get your holiday rental ready for the December season

Open your calendar far enough ahead

Many guests plan their summer holiday months in advance. Check that every listing site allows bookings at least into late January, and that no old blocks are hiding available nights.

• Review each site’s booking window setting.
• Remove blocks you no longer need.
• Confirm your calendars are still syncing after any listing changes.

Set seasonal rates and minimum stays

Peak-season nights are worth more, and short stays in the middle of a busy week can leave awkward gaps. Update your rates on each site and consider a longer minimum stay over Christmas and New Year.

Rates are still set on each listing site, so make the change everywhere you list and double-check the dates line up.

Plan for last-minute bookings

Busy periods bring more same-day and next-day bookings, which is when double bookings are most likely because listing sites refresh calendars on their own timetable.

• Use a minimum notice period of one day where you can.
• Press “Sync now” after taking any last-minute booking.
• Add phone and WhatsApp bookings to your calendar straight away.

Get cleaning and changeovers booked

Back-to-back check-outs and check-ins leave little room for error. Confirm your cleaners’ availability for the whole season now, and agree a changeover time that works for every property.

Keep owners in the loop

If you manage properties for owners, tell them your plans for peak-season rates and any dates they want to keep for themselves. Blocking owner stays early avoids disappointment later, and clear monthly statements after the season help keep the relationship strong.