Information on opening your holiday home: What to do

If you own a property on Lake Como and are considering turning it into a holiday home, there are some fundamental steps to follow to start the business correctly and profitably. The goal is to offer an unforgettable experience to your guests while ensuring compliance with local regulations and maximizing your earnings.

An example of how you could present your property on Lake Como.

1. Legal and Bureaucratic Aspects

The first step is to understand the relevant regulations for short-term rentals in your region (Lombardy, in this case) and your municipality. It is essential to be compliant to avoid penalties and ensure peace of mind for both you and your guests.

• Identification Code (CIR): In Lombardy, every accommodation facility, including holiday homes, must have a CIR. This code must be visibly displayed in the property and in all promotional communications, both online and offline. It is mandatory for publishing listings on major portals (Booking.com, Airbnb, etc.). You can request it through the dedicated regional portal.
• Communication to the Municipality: You will need to communicate the start of your activity to the Municipality using the certified electronic notification of commencement of activity (SCIA).
• Guest Registration: It is mandatory to register all guests through the Alloggiati Web portal of the State Police within 24 hours of arrival. To do this, you will need to request credentials from the competent Police Headquarters.
• Tourist Tax: Most municipalities apply a tourist tax. You will need to inquire about the current rates in your municipality, collect it from guests, and pay it periodically to the municipal administration, also submitting an annual declaration.
• Tax Compliance: You must choose the most suitable tax regime for you (flat-rate tax for individuals or ordinary regime for businesses). We recommend consulting an accountant for optimal management of tax aspects.
• Insurance: It is highly advisable to take out civil liability insurance to cover any damage to people or property during guests' stay.

2. Property Preparation

The appeal of your holiday home largely depends on its presentation. A clean, functional, and welcoming environment is essential for obtaining positive reviews and ensuring a constant flow of bookings.

• Maintenance and Furnishing: Ensure that the property is in perfect condition, well-furnished, and with all necessary amenities (Wi-Fi, air conditioning/heating, equipped kitchen, clean linen). Consider a style that aligns with the Lake Como context.
• Essential Services: Provide a complete set of bed linen and towels, personal hygiene products, and a welcome kit with essentials for the first day (water, coffee, tea, snacks).
• Professional Cleaning: Cleaning is a crucial aspect. Rely on professional cleaning services between stays to ensure high standards and an immaculate environment.
• Useful Information: Prepare a welcome booklet with useful information about the house (rules, appliance usage), local services (supermarkets, pharmacies, restaurants), and tourist attractions in the area.

3. Promotion and Booking Management

Once your home is ready, it's time to make it known to the world. Using major online portals is essential to reach a vast audience, but also consider the advantages of a specialized platform like ComolakeHolidays.com.

• Professional Photographs: Images are your business card. Invest in high-quality professional photographs that best showcase your home's spaces and atmosphere.
• Choosing Portals and Targeted Visibility: Major portals like Airbnb, Booking.com, Vrbo (Expedia Group) are essential. Alongside these, publishing on ComolakeHolidays.com offers you targeted visibility to an audience already specifically interested in holidays on Lake Como, ensuring your property is seen by those looking for your exact destination.
• Captivating Description: Write a detailed and engaging description of your property, highlighting its strengths (proximity to the lake, panoramic view, specific comforts). On ComolakeHolidays.com, our intuitive platform will facilitate the management of your listings.
• Pricing and Availability: Carefully manage prices based on seasonality, local events, and demand. Use an updated calendar for availability.
• Direct Communication and Authentic Experiences: Always be available and responsive to guest requests, both before and during their stay. With ComolakeHolidays.com, you will receive interested contacts directly, allowing you to manage bookings without intermediaries. Furthermore, your home can be associated with numerous authentic experiences offered by local providers, proposed at the best market price, enriching your guests' stay and offering a high-quality service.
• Reviews: Encourage guests to leave reviews. Positive reviews are the best marketing tool for your property.

4. Autonomous Management or with Professional Support

You can choose to manage your holiday home independently or rely on industry professionals. Regardless of your choice, the local support from ComolakeHolidays.com can make a difference. We know the territory and are here to support you in the best possible way, from advice on professional photographers to promotion strategies, passing through guidance on regulations, offering a dedicated suite of services.

• Autonomous Management: Requires time and dedication for guest communication, cleaning, maintenance, and bureaucratic compliance. It offers maximum control and profit but can be demanding.
• Entrusting a Property Manager: If you want to put your home under management, by collaborating with the main Managers of Lake Como, we will be able to advise you on the best choice. We will guide you according to the area and your needs, to optimize the income of your property as much as possible.

Opening a holiday home on Lake Como can be a very profitable opportunity. By following these steps and paying attention to details, you can offer an excellent experience to your guests and maximize the success of your business.