Ken (yes, as in the doll) is renting out Barbie’s Malibu Dreamhouse on Airbnb. We take a look at the some of the most attention-grabbing short-term rentals in the USA. And offer tips on renting your own home there.
Curious about renting out a holiday home?
Whacky and wonderful USA holiday lets
Barbie’s Malibu Dreamhouse – Ken’s Way, as advertised on Airbnb.
In anticipation of the soon-to-be released Greta Gerwig Barbie film, Ken has popped Barbie’s Malibu Dreamhouse on Airbnb for short term stays. It describes itself as a “life size toy pink mansion” that is a “dream come true”. Sadly, for the likes of my inner six-year-old, people were all too keen to experience life the Barbie way, and this one-off stay is now sold out. But there are some other tremendous and weird places for short-term stays in the USA. If you’ve ever fancied immersing yourself in the world of hobbits, you can stay in this one-of-a-kind underground hygge in Orondo, Washington. It has an iconic round door, perfect for a hobbit.
The Hobbit experience! As seen as on Airbnb.
Alternatively, if you’d like to feel a shiver down your spine, you can stay in this manor master chamber in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Built in 1883, the manor has maintained its façade and feel from then.
For a bit of historical novelty, you can rest your head where George Washington once rested his in a farm in St. Stephens, Virginia. Then, for a dose of modernity, you can stay in a “glamping dome”, which sleeps up to sixteen people located in Woodridge, New York.
Find homes in the USA via our property portal.
Renting out a holiday home in the USA
Are you envisioning creating your own toy or film inspired Airbnb in the USA? Or perhaps a home a little more ordinary – though, of course, no less exciting. Renting out a holiday home in the USA can be a great investment. Plus, if you are buying a home that you do not intend to spend the year-round in, it can be preferable to make a profit while you are not there. Here are our tips for renting out a holiday home in the USA. A short-term rental generally means a stay of 30 days or less.
Be wary of the rules
It goes without saying the USA is vast and that rules differ from state to state, even within the state itself, so you’ll have to investigate the specific area that you are looking at. For example, major cities such as New York and Seattle, require that you have a business licence before you rent out your home on a short-term basis. Orlando has residential zones where short-term rentals are permitted, and ones in which it is not. Sacramento City requires that you have a short-term rental permit. In addition, you will likely be taxed on any rental income that you receive from your property.
It is a good idea to speak to a solicitor early on so that you can be clear on the rules and regulations before you get your heart set on renting out the picture-perfect holiday home. Our property consultants can connect you to reliable solicitors, call 020 7898 0549.
Picking a desirable property
Think about what will make your home stand out compared to other holiday homes.
Even if you do not have plans to restore an old mansion to the year it was completed and have “haunted vibes” be your USP, it’s still important to think about how much rental appeal your property will have to holidaymakers. Holidaymakers will pay a premium to be next to near any local tourist attractions, as few want to spend their trip in a car getting to where they need to. If your home is somewhere sunny like Florida, then a pool is going to be hugely appealing.
Property management
Having a company to look after the property is super important, especially if you do not intend to live in the USA. If you do have a pool and a garden, then you’ll need someone to maintain it. Plus, you will need someone to clean the property in between stays. And someone to manage bookings and look after the keys. Finding a reliable property manager can take a lot of the stress out of finding several individuals to do all those jobs.
Managing ongoing costs
If you intend to rent out a USA property from the UK or elsewhere, then it is likely that you are going to be dealing with the exchange market. As well as this rental income itself, you will have lots of costs to consider, including: local taxes, property management, cleaning, and pool upkeep fees. Since the exchange market fluctuates every day, it can be hard to predict just how much you will have to budget for. Therefore, it is important to reach out to a currency specialist, such as Smart Currency Exchange. They can organise a Forward Contract for you, this will enable you to lock in an exchange rate for up to twelve months. In addition, you can organise for Regular and Automated payments, which will make the process smoother.
Source: Holiday Homes & Apartment Rentals – Airbnb – Airbnb, Smart Currency Exchange.
