Episode #16
016 We're Now Managing Your Short Lets – Lessons from 3,000 Stays
After a two-month break, Mac and Maggie are back with a big announcement: ZEN Stays is now managing short-let and serviced accommodation properties for other owners. First, a full property update. The Mawsley lease split has now cost £28K in legals. The Cotswolds project, filmed for Homes Under the Hammer, came in at a £1.35M valuation against the £1.2M we'd budgeted for, and Swadlincote is finally getting started. We're also honest about debt: why bridging finance nearly broke us, what it really costs in fees, and why we're shifting towards a service-based business. Then we get into the real pain points of running short lets yourself: guest messages that never stop, weekend breakdowns, refunds that wipe out your margin, parties, neighbours, and the hardest part of all, finding reliable cleaners. We explain how we handle each one after nearly 3,000 stays with a 4.9 rating. If you own a quality property and want someone to take the hassle off your hands, this one's for you.
