016 We're Now Managing Your Short Lets – Lessons from 3,000 Stays
EPISODE 16 – We're Now Managing Your Short Lets
Mac and Maggie give a property update and officially launch Zen Stays Management for other owners.
IN THIS EPISODE
Why we stopped turning down management enquiries and opened up to clients
Mawsley: the leasehold split that's now cost £28K in legals, and a valuation of £140K per flat
Cotswolds: 5 bed, 4.5 bath, 7 months of construction, filmed for Homes Under the Hammer, valued at £1.35M
Contingency reality check: we budgeted 20% and ended up closer to 50%
Swadlincote development update
The debt lesson: bridging fees, exit fees, and why our risk tolerance has changed
Reaching "critical mass": when the business finally covers our lifestyle
THE PAIN POINTS OF SELF-MANAGING SHORT LETS
Guest communication at 11pm on a Sunday
How late responses turn into refunds, bad reviews and a lost Superhost badge
Maintenance and the cost of emergency call-outs
Parties: our noise sensor, CCTV and security escalation process
Keeping the neighbours on side
Cleaning and staging: why it's the hardest part (and our Anglesey struggles)
HOW ZEN STAYS MANAGEMENT WORKS
Nearly 3,000 stays hosted, rated 4.9/5 across Airbnb and Booking.com
In-house maintenance team, experienced VAs, and a dedicated property manager
AI-driven dynamic pricing, reviewed monthly
Orphan night upsells to fill calendar gaps
Design, refurbishment and full development support for properties with potential
17.5% + VAT of payout, with a simple agreement and automated monthly reports
No ransom when you leave: your listing and photos stay yours
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SPONSORHIP
This episode is brought to you by ZEN Properties.
We develop and convert property across the UK.
Investors earn 11-15% annual, asset-backed.
Find out more: zenproperties.uk
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