Serviced accommodation refers to fully furnished properties that are rented out on a short-term let basis, typically for a few nights to several weeks. These properties are designed to provide a “home away from home” experience, often including amenities such as Wi-Fi, kitchen facilities, weekly cleaning, and fresh linen.
Unlike traditional holiday lets, serviced accommodation is more suited to business travelers, relocating professionals, or short-stay guests who want more flexibility than a hotel can offer. Platforms like Airbnb, Booking.com, and VRBO are commonly used to advertise these properties, especially in high-demand areas like Bournemouth.
Almost any property can be used for short-term lets if it's safe, clean, and appropriately equipped. We’ve seen everything from garden tents to ten-bedroom luxury homes listed as serviced accommodation — but at Stewarts Estates, we typically manage self-contained units such as studio flats, apartments, and family homes ranging from one to five bedrooms.
Some landlords choose to let out properties on a room-by-room basis, similar to a guest house setup. This can work well in busy tourist areas like Bournemouth or Christchurch, but it’s important to ensure you have the proper permissions and meet all legal and safety requirements before operating your property in this way.
Whether you’re looking to market a modest flat or a premium holiday home, our team can support you with full holiday let management in Bournemouth, Poole, and surrounding areas.
For a property to be considered an FHL, the government requires the accommodation to meet the following criteria for any given tax year:
- The property must be available to let as an FHL for a minimum of 210 days a year (you cannot count any days you use the accommodation yourself).
- The property MUST be let commercially as an FHL to the public for a minimum of 105 days in a year (do not count any days you let the property to friends or family at zero or discounted rates or any lets that are longer than 31 days excluding unforeseen circumstances).
- Should you own more than one property that you intended to rent as an FHL, and one or more of those properties were not able to meet the minimum 105 days, you are allowed to apply an occupancy average for all your properties. This is known as ‘Averaging election’.
You can find more information on the government website here – HS253 Furnished holiday lettings (2018) link - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/furnished-holiday-lettings-hs253-self-assessment-helpsheet/hs253-furnished-holiday-lettings-2018
More and more landlords across Dorset are choosing serviced accommodation as a smart alternative to traditional long-term rentals. With holiday let management in Poole and beyond, this approach offers greater flexibility, allowing owners to use their property personally during off-peak periods or maximise income during the busiest seasons.
Thanks to platforms such as Airbnb, our management services in Bournemouth help landlords attract a broad range of short-stay guests — including holidaymakers, corporate travellers, NHS staff, and contractors. These guests typically book for short periods, enabling higher turnover and the potential for significantly better seasonal returns compared to standard lets.
Serviced accommodation appeals to a wide range of short-term guests — and understanding this audience helps landlords tailor their property and maximise bookings.
Holidaymakers & families – drawn to the coast, countryside, and local events
Business travellers – attending conferences or meetings, often midweek stays
NHS workers & contractors – especially around Bournemouth Hospital and Royal Bournemouth NHS Trust
University visitors – including visiting lecturers and students’ families
Couples and short-break guests – booking weekends away or anniversary trips
These guests value flexibility, comfort, and convenience — all of which serviced accommodation offers more readily than traditional hotels.
While the tax landscape has recently changed, serviced accommodation in Bournemouth, Poole, and Christchurch still offers a number of compelling advantages for landlords seeking flexible, income-generating property strategies.
Short-term lets often command significantly higher nightly rates compared to traditional rentals. With expert holiday let management in Poole and Bournemouth, you can maximise occupancy during peak periods, leading to greater overall returns throughout the year.
Although capital allowances have been phased out, landlords can still deduct a wide range of operating expenses from rental income, including:
Cleaning and laundry services
Utilities and broadband
Property management fees
Insurance and maintenance
These allowable costs help reduce taxable profits and support cash flow.
You can still claim tax relief on the replacement of furniture, white goods, and household items like mattresses or curtains — provided they are like-for-like and not improvements.
If your property qualifies for business rates instead of council tax, you may still be eligible for Small Business Rates Relief, which can significantly reduce overheads, especially if the property is available to let for 140 days or more per year.
One of the key lifestyle advantages of serviced accommodation is flexibility. As the owner, you can reserve dates for personal use or friends and family, making it ideal for second homes or holiday properties.
Short stays mean you maintain more control over your asset. There’s no need to deal with long-term tenant issues or eviction delays — and with our Airbnb management in Bournemouth, guest turnover is smooth, efficient, and professionally handled.
Operating a serviced accommodation or short-term holiday let in Bournemouth, Poole, or Christchurch comes with legal responsibilities. Here’s a basic overview of what landlords need to consider:
While most short lets don’t require planning permission, some local authorities may challenge change of use for full-time holiday lets in residential zones — especially if neighbouring complaints arise.
You must hold appropriate short-term landlord insurance, covering public liability, accidental damage, and loss of income. Standard home insurance policies are usually invalid for holiday lets.
Annual Gas Safety Certificate required for properties with gas appliances
EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) every 5 years
PAT testing for portable appliances is strongly advised
Working smoke alarms on each floor
Carbon monoxide alarms where applicable
Fire blanket in the kitchen
Fire risk assessment is a legal requirement for all short-term lets
Consider signage and escape routes for multi-unit or HMO-style setups
To be considered an FHL for business rates (if still applicable), properties must be:
Available for let at least 210 days per year
Let commercially for at least 105 days
📌 For the most up-to-date guidance, consult your local council website or contact our team — we’re happy to advise based on your property type and location.
At Stewarts Estates, we offer hands-on, full-service holiday let management in Christchurch, Bournemouth, and Poole, designed to make short-term letting simple, compliant, and profitable for landlords.
As a trusted local property management company, we understand the demands of serviced accommodation and tailor our services to suit your individual goals — whether you’re letting a second home, an investment flat, or a luxury coastal retreat.
Our comprehensive management includes:
📸 Listing creation and optimisation on platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com, with professional photography and SEO-friendly descriptions
💰 Dynamic pricing strategies to maximise income throughout the year
📞 Full guest communication and support, including check-in, queries, and reviews
🧽 Professional cleaning and linen services between bookings, with regular inspections
🧯 Licensing guidance and safety compliance, including fire safety, insurance, and council regulations
From marketing to maintenance, we handle it all — giving you complete peace of mind while your property earns.
Choosing the right partner to manage your serviced accommodation in Bournemouth, Poole, or Christchurch can make all the difference — not just in earnings, but in peace of mind. At Stewarts Estates, we combine deep local knowledge with hands-on expertise to deliver a service that landlords genuinely trust.
Here’s why landlords across Dorset choose us:
🏘️ Over 40 years of combined local experience in lettings, property management, and investment
💼 We’re landlords too, so we understand what matters most — income, condition, and control
📍 Locally based, with a responsive team who know the market, the area, and your property
🤝 Transparent and proactive, with no hidden fees and clear communication at every step
🧠 Tailored guidance, whether you're managing one property or scaling a portfolio
As a dedicated local property management company, we go beyond the basics — offering expert advice, smart marketing, and a genuine commitment to your success.
