Owner Report: November / December

The Holiday Rental Market:

There is a huge volume of enquiry and as in previous years responding to enquiries in a timely, efficient manner is top priority for our reservation team. As the season is now upon us we have now begun to drop our nightly minimum stay period and reduce rates to secure last minute bookings. Any owners who wish to make use of their property if it is not fully booked then now would be an opportune time to call reservation staff and block out dates: 4385 9564. November was a solid month with an average occupancy of 55%. 

Thinking Ahead - Blocking out Owner Dates for 2014

Although we are approaching the end of 2013 now is a good time to consider specific dates you may wish to block out for owner stays / property upgrades in 2014. If you are planning on doing any work to the property next winter, the earlier quotes are obtained, the better. This will help you to pre-determine dates to block out and will also ensure tradesmen do not perform work in busier times when your property can be booked.

High Demand for Wi-Fi Internet
Thank you very much to owners who acted upon our last email. We are receiving high demand for Wi-Fi internet all properties which we manage, with many guests expecting Wi-Fi to be installed, almost as they would expect air conditioning at a property. We understand this is late notice as we approach Christmas and NY but if you have been considering adding Wi-Fi to your property for guest’s convenience then now is the time and we would highly encourage implementing just after the New Year.
The demand is so high that a Wi-Fi checkbox has been added to our features list on the website’s quick search and all owners who do offer the service will now see their property under this search category. Unfortunately Accom Holidays cannot secure a group deal of any sort and Wi-Fi will need to be added at the owner’s discretion (just as many of you have done with FOXTEL).  If you are interested or wish to discuss the benefits please let Tammerly (tammerly.r@accomholidays.com) or Bridget (bridgetsheary@accomholidays.com) know. 

Marketing News:
HOT OFF THE PRESS: Fairfax Sells STAYZ.com.au to HomeAway.com.au for $220M

Fairfax are celebrating after purchasing STAYZ only seven years ago for $6 million, although it is most likely not a good sign for those advertising on the site as this will reduces competition in the market and could lead to subscription increases. Other players like AirBnb and Wotif have outlined plans to move more aggressively into this part of the market and we will be sure to keep you fully up to date as changes progress.

Updating STAYZ & HomeAway Calendars 

We aim to update STAYZ and HomeAway calendars on a fortnightly basis, however with over 85 calendars to check and update one-by-one, these calendars are only a guide for enquirers. Last minute bookings and cancellations cannot be amended on the calendars instantly.

For owners who wish to track upcoming bookings, we encourage to you call or email us anytime for an update. Your monthly statements also display a list of upcoming bookings.

REMINDER: Guarantee more enquiry and bookings with STAYZ.com.au Priority Listing:

We cannot stress enough the importance and value-for-money that a STAYZ priority listing bares. Valid for one month, a STAYZ Priority Listing runs from the first day of the month through to the end of the month and guarantees your property in the top 6 properties advertised on page one of your suburb search on stayz.com.au. Because Accom Holidays strongly believes in the importance and value of STAYZ Priority Listing, we are happy to subsidise 50% of the cost of a Priority Listing for every single property, every single time you choose to run it. 

Interested?? Please contact Tammerly ASAP: tammerly.r@accomholidays.com / 4385 9564.

The Sales Market: 

With Sydney recording capital growth of 11.4% over the last 12 months and auction clearance rates in excess of 80%, the wave is still to come. We are seeing increasing volumes of enquiries from investors looking for other options as Sydney continues to surge forward. The price gap between Sydney and the Central Coast has accelerated over the last few years and investors are beginning to see real value in the Central Coast again.

Merry Christmas! 

The team at Accom Holidays would like to wish you a very merry Christmas and a happy new year.

See you next year!

- The team at Accom Holidays

Owner Report: October / November

The Holiday Rental Market:

Great weather has helped facilitate some good results for October. With an average occupancy of 55% across all categories. Surprisingly two bedroom properties recorded the highest occupancy rate at an average of 72%.

How Lowering Your Rates Can Help Your Returns! 

This concept may seem a little odd but we have had two properties lower their rates in the past six months and this resulted in improved financial returns and bookings. Your financial return is the result of two factors: average nightly room rate and occupancy rate. Finding the correct balance will yield the best return. Where occupancy rates are low, a property may consider a price adjustment. Where an increase in occupancy surpasses the offset of the reduction in rate, a property may experience an increase in overall financial return. If you would like to discuss your options, please chat to Brent.

Brent: 0410 872 541 | brentpilkington@accomholidays.com 

Reminder: Pool Registrations

The pool register deadline was this week - have you forwarded through your certificate? Bridget and Tammerly will be in touch with owners of properties who have not yet provided a compliance certificate. All properties with pools, must not only register their swimming pools with the Swimming Pool Register, they must also have them certified by Gosford City Council as per the website below:

http://www.swimmingpoolregister.nsw.gov.au/

Once you have received a Certification, then please send it ASAP to Tammerly for our own compliance records: tammerly.r@accomholidays.com

Marketing News:

Accom Holidays Magazine: The second edition is now available! We have posted a copy out to all owners who have paid advertising in the magazine. If you have not received a copy please let Tammerly know. The Second Edition will roll out shortly in at our stockists - you can see our stockist list here: http://www.accomholidays.com/the-accom-holidays-magazine-first-edition/

STAYZ, the Australian leaders in generating holiday bookings and enquiry...

1) Guarantee more enquiry and bookings with STAYZ.com.au Priority Listing:

We cannot stress enough the importance and value-for-money that a STAYZ priority listing bares. Valid for one month, a STAYZ Priority Listing runs from the first day of the month through to the end of the month and guarantees your property in the top 6 properties advertised on page one of your suburb search on stayz.com.au.

If you are concerned about where you are ranked on STAYZ then we also recommend taking up a Priority Listing because it not only guarantees you the front page for a month, it will also slowly help increase your ranking on the search pages when used regularly. A Priority Listing is distinguished by appearing in a blue box at the top of Page 1 search.

Because Accom Holidays strongly believes in the importance and value of STAYZ Priority Listing, we are happy to subsidise 50% of the cost of a Priority Listing for every single property, every single time you choose to run it. Please contact Tammerly ASAP to secure your property in upcoming months.

Tammerly: tammerly.r@accomholidays.com / 4385 9564.

2) Discounts and Offers on STAYZ:

We have noticed that properties that run a special offer on STAYZ for short or extended periods of time receive more enquiry and booking conversions. These offers can also assist in raising your property in STAYZ suburb rankings. Offers can vary and include 'stay 2 nights, receive 3rd night free' or '10% off last-minute bookings' or '20% off during off-peak seasons'.

Please note it does not cost anything to add a special offer on your STAYZ listing, so consider it a free tool to generate more enquiry.

If you would like to discuss the potential to add a special offer on your listing, please contact Tammerly who will find out what offer Bridget best recommends for your property.

The Sales Market: 

With the sales market strong and as we edge closer to the peak holiday season, we are experiencing strong demand from investors looking for holiday / lifestyle properties. Demand for premium properties in the higher price categories has definitely increased in the last couple of months. The Central Coast market is following the Sydney market as indicated in the graph below which was provided by Domain. At present the premium property market has a direct correlation with the stock market.

Thinking of Selling?? 

Please contact Brent to discuss: brentpilkington@mcgrath.com.au / 0410 872 541 / 4384 0239.

See you next month!

- The team at Accom Holidays

Owner Report: September / October

The Holiday Rental Market:

Despite some solid bookings in the school holiday period, a quieter first half of September has resulted in similar average occupancies and performance across property categories as the same period last year with an average occupancy of 53%. Forward bookings for the summer period continue to be strong with most properties full for the first few weeks. Reservation staff are busy trying to fill the gaps.

As we head into this busy period we will endeavour to respond to all owner's requests but ask that owners be mindful over the next couple of months that our focus will be on responding to the huge volume of enquiries and proactively working hard to achieve as many bookings as possible. We thank you for your understanding.

HLO Central Coast: After much work by HLO Central Coast, I am pleased to announce that the provision put forward regarding holiday rental and its legitimacy which were included in the Gosford planning proposal were passed unanimously at the council meeting last Tuesday evening. Holiday rental is now permissable in Gosford LGA in any zoning, provided the property has no more than 4 bedrooms and has a maximum occupancy of 2 adults per bedroom with no specifications made regarding the number of children permissable. 

POOL REGISTRATIONS: Have you certified your pool as well? 

All properties with pools, must not only register their swimming pools with the Swimming Pool Register, they must also have them certified by Gosford City Council as per the website below:

http://www.swimmingpoolregister.nsw.gov.au/

Once you have received a Certification, then please send it ASAP to Tammerly for our own compliance records: tammerly.r@accomholidays.com

Highly Sought Niche Market: Pet Friendly
If you are looking to increase the returns for your property consider pet friendly there is a shortage of pet friendly accommodation on the Central Coast and we receive a number of enquiries for pet-friendly properties - especially in peak season and school holiday dates. Please see the link: http://www.reinsw.com.au/Pet-s-paradise/default.aspx

Marketing News:
Are you listed on Home Away? If your property is not already listed on HomeAway then you could be missing booking and enquiry opportunities for your property. Please speak to Tammerly to discuss affordable advertising options: tammerly.r@accomholidays.com / 4385 9564.

New Office Coming Soon! Accom Holidays Ettalong Beach will soon have a standalone office further strengthening brand exposure on the Central Coast. Since joining the company in 2011, Steve Brooks and his fantastic reservation team have grown the business from strength to strength. Currently based in McGrath's Ettalong Beach office, the Accom Holidays Ettalong Beach office is due to open in November.

e-newsletter Special Offer:
Our October e-newsletter showcased a Hot Offer for Cumbernauld #3 which you can see here: http://accomholidays.com/october-hot-offers/

We limit this special offer to the first 5 bookings taken - this one was so successful that we filled this quota in less than a week! Needless to say, the owner is thrilled that we were able to secure a few extra last minute bookings. If you would like to discuss the opportunity to feature your property here please contact Tammerly: tammerly.r@accomholidays.com / 4385 9564.

The Sales Market: 

Th sales market continues to be strong, partly assisted by increased buyer activity, however increased values are mainly resulting from a distinct lack of properties on the market. Although many are of the opinion that this is the beginning of an upward cycle, there is an equally valid theory that this is just a bubble rather than a trend and as a result the opportunity to sell now while things are good is an appealing one, especially given the uncertainty regarding the strength of the global economy.

Thinking of Selling?? For the next 4 weeks, Accom Holidays and McGrath are so confident in the current market that we will subsidise $500 towards the marketing for the property's sale. Offer expires on 19th November 2013. Please contact Brent to discuss: brentpilkington@mcgrath.com.au / 0410 872 541 / 4384 0239.

See you next month!

- The team at Accom Holidays

Owner Report: August / September

The Holiday Rental Market:

August 2013 was consistent with the same period last year, with an average occupancy of 43%. Great weather and growing consumer confidence are contributing factors in strong forward bookings, almost up 20% on the same time last year.

HLO Central Coast / Wyong Shire Council Submission:
Thank you to EVERYONE who took the time to complete an approval submission to the Gosford City Council to regulate holiday rentals and approve their continued use. The Wyong Shire Council now needs your help to do the same - please complete this 30 second form here: https://hlocentralcoast.wufoo.com/forms/q7x3a1/

Stand Out From The Crowd: 
Themed holiday properties are a growing area in the holiday rental market (and a very unique, niche market too). It provides owners with the the ability to stand out from the crowd and have their own 'point of difference'. So be creative, be daring and reap the rewards! Here are a few of our favourite theme ideas...

Another Niche Market: Pet Friendly
If you are looking to increase the returns for your property consider pet friendly there is a shortage of pet friendly accommodation on the Central Coast and we receive a number of enquiries for pet-friendly properties. Please see the link: http://www.reinsw.com.au/Pet-s-paradise/default.aspx

Marketing News:
STAYZ & Home Away: If your property is not already listed on STAYZ and/or HomeAway then you are missing out on the benefits. Please speak to Tammerly to discuss affordable advertising options.

Accom Holidays Magazine: Has just been sent to the printer and should be back in the next fortnight. In the meantime, we still have a good supply of 1st Edition magazines to distribute to stockists locally and in Sydney. We are always in search of new distributors so please be in touch if you have any recommendations.

Pools Reminder:

We can't stress this enough - all properties with pools must register them with the Gosford City Council.  Once this has been done, we need a copy of your pool certificate for our records because all properties must be ready by April 2013. If unsure please see the link below and follow the checklist: http://www.swimmingpoolregister.nsw.gov.au/

We need ONE SPECIAL OFFER for our October & November E-Newsletter:
Our guest e-newsletter has been a successful addition to our business as it reaches all subscribers on a monthly basis. Properties which advertise reduced rates and special offers are the most popular. We currently require special offers for our October, November & December editions so please contact Tammerly ASAP if interested (tammerly.r@accomholidays.com) / 4385 9564) and she will be in touch with suggestions.

Competition:
Our current e-newsletter giveaway is a facial from Five Star Day Spa in Erina. Please LIKE our Facebook page and share the image with friends for your chance to win. Ends 30th September 2013.

Green Gecko Project:
Founded and operated by an Australian named Tania Palmer the Green Gecko Project was set up in August 2007 to provide support and education for homeless children and their families in the small town of Siem Reap, Cambodia.

Accom Holidays Director Brent Pilkington met Tania through a friend of a friend. In 2009 Brent travelled to Cambodia to meet with Tanya and see exactly how the Green Gecko Project operates. He says, “My relationship with Tania is one that gives me absolute confidence that every single cent raised is going directly to those in desperate need.”

Brent could see the poverty and despair of the many people he met when in Cambodia and wanted to do something to assist. Accom Holidays now proudly supports this charity. For owners who would like to assist Accom Holidays will match every dollar that you donate to the cause.

In summary if you wish to donate 1% of your monthly revenue to the Green Gecko Project then Accom Holidays will match this donation and also give 1% to the cause. This provides an ongoing support of 2% of monthly revenue, which will be transferred directly to the Green Gecko Project. Should you choose to support the cause, a Green Gecko Project logo will be placed on your property page to show your assistance to the charity.  For more information on the charity visit: www.greengeckoproject.org/

The Sales Market: 
The sales market shows no sign of slowing down with analysts describing the "perfect storm" as the reason for the huge surge in buyer activity.
*Interest rates at a low.
*Steady growth in the NSW economy.
*Global economy improved since the GFC.
*Relatively flat growth in property for the last 10 years.
*Housing construction subdued for the last 10 years, despite steady growth in the population resulting in tight supply of housing and rising rents.
*Investor confidence at a 10 year high.

If you are considering selling then let us know and take advantage of the buoyant sales market. Now is the perfect storm of vital economic indicators. Brent is on annual leave, returning Monday 7th October. Please contact Tammerly if you would like an appraisal/more information on Brent's return. 

See you next month!

- The team at Accom Holidays

Owner Report: June / July

The Holiday Rental Market:

The performance of properties in June was fairly in line with previous years, with an average of 41% helped by some extended bookings. Some properties have recorded lower than average rental yields over the last 12 months, particularly in the high-end properties. This can be attributed to a number of factors including strength of the Australian dollar, cheap airfares and a cautious economy.

Another major factor which is playing a large part is increased competition. In recent years due to financial reasons many exclusive properties on the Central Coast have been made available for holiday rental. This increase in supply has lead to lower occupancies and greater pressure on pricing. We are starting to see some properties converting to permanent or executive rentals which will help adjust this demand/supply equation and increase occupancies and yields overtime. If you wish to discuss your rental options, please call myself (02 4384 0239) or Bridget (02 4385 9564) a call.

Target A Niche Market & Increase Your Returns:

If you are looking to increase the returns for your property consider pet friendly there is a shortage of pet friendly accommodation on the Central Coast and we receive a number of enquiries for pet-friendly properties. Please see the link: http://www.reinsw.com.au/Pet-s-paradise/default.aspx

Holiday Rentals - Show Your Support:

Yesterday Tammerly sent you an email asking for your approval to support the DLEP2009 which will approve properties for holiday rental use in the Gosford Shire Council. We ask that all owners please complete the form and send it off. Alternatively you can complete this electronically - simply click on this link - it takes 30 seconds: http://hlocentralcoast.wufoo.com/forms/m7x3r3/

Testimonials:

Each year we touch base to request testimonials from owners who are happy with our services. Our current testimonials have not been updated for a while and we would love you input and feedback so if you could spare 5 minutes to write a paragraph and send it to Tammerly (tammerly.r@accomholidays.com) it would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

We need ONE SPECIAL OFFER for our August E-Newsletter:
Our guest e-newsletter has been a successful addition to our business as it reaches all subscribers on a monthly basis. Properties which advertise reduced rates and special offers are the most popular. We currently require special offers for our August, September and October editions so please contact Tammerly ASAP if interested (tammerly.r@accomholidays.com) / 4385 9564) and she will be in touch with suggestions.

Competitions:
Our current e-newsletter giveaway is dinner for two at the Letterbox Restaurant in Terrigal. Please LIKE our Facebook page and share the image with friends for your chance to win. Ends 31st July 2013.

Green Gecko Project:
Founded and operated by an Australian named Tania Palmer the Green Gecko Project was set up in August 2007 to provide support and education for homeless children and their families in the small town of Siem Reap, Cambodia.

Accom Holidays Director Brent Pilkington met Tania through a friend of a friend. In 2009 Brent travelled to Cambodia to meet with Tanya and see exactly how the Green Gecko Project operates. He says, “My relationship with Tania is one that gives me absolute confidence that every single cent raised is going directly to those in desperate need.”

Brent could see the poverty and despair of the many people he met when in Cambodia and wanted to do something to assist. Accom Holidays now proudly supports this charity. For owners who would like to assist Accom Holidays will match every dollar that you donate to the cause.

In summary if you wish to donate 1% of your monthly revenue to the Green Gecko Project then Accom Holidays will match this donation and also give 1% to the cause. This provides an ongoing support of 2% of monthly revenue, which will be transferred directly to the Green Gecko Project. Should you choose to support the cause, a Green Gecko Project logo will be placed on your property page to show your assistance to the charity.  For more information on the charity visit: www.greengeckoproject.org/

REMINDER - Swimming Pool Legislation:
Last month we discussed the new legislation for swimming pools. Tammerly has also sent an email to all owners who have a swimming pool with the information. If you could please forward a copy of your certificate of compliance to Tammerly (tammerly.r@accomholidays.com) that would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

The Sales Market: 
The cooler months have not put a dampener on the sales market with the Sydney housing market recording the strongest winter auction results in years. Sydney recorded an auction clearance rate of 76.3%. John McGrath stated he believes the selling climate was "as good now as it was in Autumn or will be in Spring". See the article here.

You may well be pleasantly surprised by the value of your property.
Please contact Brent for a market appraisal:
(e) brentpilkington@mcgrath.com.au 
(m) 0410 872 541
(w) 02 4384 0239.

Brent Pilkington
Accom Holidays Director / McGrath Lifestyle & Investment Property Sales Expert..

See you next month!

- The team at Accom Holidays

Owner Report: May / June

The Holiday Rental Market:

As the temperature drops, so too does the level of enquiry. May was slightly stronger than last year with an average occupancy of 35%, attracting some good corporate enquiry for the quieter winter period. We are starting to see some enquiry come in for the December/January school holidays, with clear blue skies and no crowds to contend with, now is a great time to make use of your investment. Please call the office anytime on 02 4385 9564 and book some time out for yourself.

Holiday Rentals - Show Your Support:

HLOCC (Holiday Rental Organisation Central Coast) have successfully lobbied Gosford City Council and the Minister's office to ensure the Draft Local Environmental Plan 2009 (DLEP) section related to short term holiday rentals is released ASAP.

Gosford City Council has advised that the planning policy has been approved through the gateway process with no amendments. The policy will be on public display very shortly and once alerted, we will forward a standard submission letter to provide everyone with the opportunity to show their support. Keep your eye on your inbox as we really need to voice our support.

Exciting Features on Our Website www.accomholidays.com:
We are thrilled to announce that Accom Holidays is now ranking higher in searches, ensuring that we introduce as many new clients to Accom Holidays properties as possible.

Accom Holidays now features a News blog which features the following monthly articles 'Blink & You'll Miss It' featuring the best events on the Coast for the month, 'Spotlight On' interviews with local businesses and personalities and 'Three to See', showcasing three interesting must-visit places whilst on the Coast. We are always looking to interview people who love the Central Coast - if you are interested please let Tammerly know (tammerly.r@accomholidays.com) / 4385 9564).

Guests can now purchase gift vouchers online, view a digital copy of the Accom Holidays magazine, and even browse through suburb profiles which provide in-depth information on each area.  

E-Newsletter:
Our guest e-newsletter has been a successful addition to our business as it reaches all subscribers on a monthly basis. While we choose properties to feature each month, the properties which advertise reduced rates and special offers are the most popular. We currently require special offers for our August, September and October editions so please contact Tammerly (tammerly.r@accomholidays.com) / 4385 9564) and she will get back to you with suggestions.

Competitions:
Our Mother's Day Competition was a big success, with over 400 new Likes on Facebook. In July we will be running another e-newsletter competition (Xmas in July Dinner for  2 at the Letterbox Restaurant), so please keep an eye out and share it with friends.

Accom Holidays Magazine (2nd Edition): 
Tammerly is in the final stages of completing the owner property proofs so if you have not proofed yours, please do so ASAP.

Increase Your Property Enquiry and Booking Rate:
Although this is the quietest time of year in the holiday market, there are still ways to improve your enquiry and booking rates. Please contact Tammerly to discuss anything outlined below...

Stayz.com.au Most owners are signed up to Stayz which is fantastic, but did you know that you can Priority Place your listing in your suburb? Prices vary per suburb but Priority Placement guarantees that your property sits at the very top of your suburb search for a full month.

HomeAway.com.au Again, many owners are now signed up to HomeAway and are starting to see its benefits as HomeAway is now an industry leader in over 20 countries. We have secured a priority feature suburb listing with HomeAway which guarantees priority placement for one whole year for just $110+GST. This is a really cost effective method to guarantee the property is at the top of the search.

Owners who have been with Accom Holidays for 2.5+ years... you may not be signed up to an advertising package and therefore may not be featured on Stayz and HomeAway. Please chat to Tammerly to find out your options.

Swimming Pool Legislation:
From 29th April, all owners of backyard pools in NSW must register their swimming pool with the NSW Government in order to comply with recent amendments to the Swimming Pools Act 1992.

Following extensive consultation with councils, water safety advocates, pool owners, state agencies, and industry organisations, the NSW Government passed the Swimming Pools Amendment Act 2012 late last year. The Act is aimed at improving compliance with pool barrier requirements, and by so doing increasing the safety of backyard pools and reducing the number of child drownings.

The NSW Government has set up an online swimming pool register, and all pool owners must enter their swimming pool on this register. When registering, pool owners are required to indicate that to the best of their knowledge their swimming pool complies with the applicable safety standards.

Swimming pool owners must register their pool by 29 October 2013. If they don’t register by this date, they risk being fined up to $2200. The amendments also set out new requirements in relation to the sale and lease of properties with a swimming pool.

From 29 April 2014, where a property with a swimming pool is being sold, a valid certificate of compliance (or an occupation certificate issued within the last three years) must be annexed to the Contract for Sale. Failure to annex the certificate means that the purchaser may rescind the Contract at any time within 14 days of exchange.

In the case of a property for lease with a swimming pool, from 29 April 2014 there must be a valid certificate of compliance in place (or an occupation certificate issued within the last three years) at the time the Residential Tenancy Agreement is entered into and a copy of that certificate must be given to the tenant.

Swimming pools can be registered at the NSW Government’s Swimming Pool Register website. 

The Sales Market: The sales market on the Central Coast continues to show real strength fueled by Sydney's insurgence and strong market activity. Strong interest from Chinese investors is helping keep the heat in Sydney's property market. According to government figures, Chinese buyers poured 4 billion dollars in to the sector last year and with more than a million millionaires, a new generation of Chinese investors are making their presence felt in the Australian property market.

With very few properties now available, you might be interested to know what your property is worth in the current market. Brent is currently taking annual leave, returning Monday 15th July. 

To discuss your options, please contact Brent on his return:
brentpilkington@mcgrath.com.au | 0410 872 541 or leave a message with Tammerly 4385 9564.

Brent Pilkington
Accom Holidays Director / McGrath Lifestyle & Investment Property Sales Expert..

See you next month!

- The team at Accom Holidays

Owner Report: April / May

The Holiday Rental Market:

As expected April was not a great month with occupancy rates down on last year. Poor performance resulted from a school holiday period with no Easter long weekend or ANZAC Day long weekend. We were thankful for some great weather which lead to some good last minute bookings.

Marketing / Promotional News:

As we constantly strive to gain brand exposure, we are running a Mother's Day giveaway for the month of May via Facebook - to date, the giveaway alone has increased our following to an additional 310 followers in just 3 weeks - that's 310 new eyeballs we are now reaching out to. On top of this we are involved in paid Facebook advertising in an attempt to reach out to even more people.

Accom Holidays Magazine (2nd Edition): More than half of the pages have been filled for our second edition. For those who have said yes already and those signed to a Silver or Gold package will receive a proof this week. Please contact Tammerly immediately to reserve your page. Full Page Spread: $275 / Double Page Spread: $420

***Update on Recent Court Case & Implications for the Industry:***
As you would now know, a recent Land & Environment court ruling has placed doubt on the future of the short term holiday rental sector by questioning its legality and ability to self-manage behavioural challenges.

Accom Holidays as a member of HLO Central Coast (HLOCC) has successfully lobbied for holiday rental recognition in the Gosford City DLEP2009; one of the only areas in NSW to achieve this. We have been working hard to ensure this section of the DLEP will be approved by the NSW State Government; enabling the industry to continue to operate legally.

At this stage it would appear Council are looking to gazette already approved provisions within the new LEPS that specifically address holiday rentals and what is permissible.  If this is done, holiday rentals will be permissible in any zoning but restricted to a maximum of 4 bedrooms and a maximum of 2 adults per bedroom (but there will be no restrictions on the number of children). 5 and 6 bedroom houses will require a DA approval and will still be restricted to a maximum of 10 adults. The simple solution for some property owners may be to lock off 1 or more bedrooms. The goal of these restrictions is to eliminate those properties being used as party dwellings and reduce their negative impact on the community.

We are now in a transition phase.

Once Government policies are implemented, there will be close scrutiny of all property owners and managers. Property owners are responsible for ensuring compliance. HLOCC has worked in consultation with company Holiday Rental Solutions (HRS) to develop a sustainable and effective self regulation system. The self regulatory approach involves the:

• HLOCC Code of Conduct which outlines required behavioural management standards.
• HRS Quality Assurance System; which provides members with educational assistance, enables compliance verification and aids promotion of quality assurance.

HRS developed the quality assurance system with two main objectives. These were to ensure the system: 

• Supports quality managed property owners and effectively addresses community challenges.
• Remains as cost effective and efficient as possible for everyone involved.

By keeping the regulatory process industry-based, we aim to keep costs to an absolute minimum. HRS provides this membership service for only $100 annually per property to enable a sustainable solution and prevent the need for Government regulation which will be much more expensive.

Accom Holidays has taken an industry leading position by becoming the only Central Coast holiday rental management organisation to qualify for HRS accreditation. The accreditation process involves education and a comprehensive systems check. 

New processes that Accom Holidays have implemented include:

• Commitment to uphold the HLOCC Code of Conduct.
• Strengthening of guest terms & conditions, to further ensure your property is looked after and community challenges are addressed. These terms & conditions legally support eviction and withholding of a bond.
• An enhanced complaints management procedure. This procedure will further protect property owners in the event that guests do not comply with the agreed terms and conditions or if complaints are received.

These enhanced management procedures are in line with the highest standards of management in Australia and will stand your property in the best possible position for the next phase of industry scrutiny. Accom Holidays' accredited status will support your investment and provide many valuable promotional opportunities moving forward.

Now that the Accom Holidays team have successfully completed the accreditation process it is important for owners to become HRS members. Each HRS member will receive:

• An annual certificate of compliance verification. This will be displayed in your home to signify your property's adherence with the highest quality standards.
• Signs to place around your property to educate guests and ensure your property is well looked after.
• Access to your compliance verification and complaints management records.
• Exclusive use of the HRS Quality Assurance Symbol in your property's advertising to promote your Code and regulatory compliance; ensuring potential guests are aware that your property maintains the highest standards of management and employs appropriate and effective grievance management procedures.
• Marketing and promotional opportunities on the HRS website, newsletters, advertising campaigns and affiliate programs.

We would like to sincerely thank those owners who have already made positive steps to protect their investment by becoming HRS members and would like to encourage all others to do so. Please contact Tammerly to make appropriate arrangements.

The Sales Market: Rarely a week goes by now that we don't see an article in the Sydney papers about the property market bouncing back. With Sydney's auction clearance rate averaging 75% since Easter, the housing market in Sydney shows no signs of slowing down. Last weekend clearance rate of 78.7% is 20% higher than the clearance rate for the same weekend last year. 

With very few properties now available, you might be interested to know what your property is worth in the current market. To discuss your options, please contact Brent today:
brentpilkington@mcgrath.com.au | 0410 872 541.

Brent Pilkington
Accom Holidays Director / McGrath Lifestyle & Investment Property Sales Expert..

See you next month!

- The team at Accom Holidays