- One in four people judge a holiday rental in under 10 seconds, with 19% rejecting listings faster than dating profiles
- Living rooms drive first impressions, with clutter, wall décor, and patterned carpets proving major turn-offs
- Nearly two thirds of homeowners have never listed their property, often due to fears around clutter and lack of appeal
- Booking.com’s interior design partner shares practical advice to help homes become rental-ready
UK travellers make fast decisions when choosing holiday accommodation. New research from Booking.com shows that 25% of people decide whether a holiday rental is right for them in less than 10 seconds.
The research highlights how critical first impressions have become. Almost one in five people, or 19%, admit they dismiss holiday homes faster than they swipe through dating apps, showing that listings face instant judgement.
While travellers are quick to assess rental properties, many homeowners judge their own spaces even more harshly. More than one in five feel embarrassed by their home décor, and 28% believe their interiors look outdated. As a result, 63% say they have never considered listing their home because they do not feel it is ready for guests, leaving potential income untapped.
Concerns often centre on presentation. Around 41% worry their home feels too cluttered or personal, while 38% think it lacks the ‘wow factor’ needed to attract bookings. In contrast, travellers favour comfort and function. Nearly half say they are more likely to book properties with heated towel rails and high-quality bedding, while uncluttered rooms, charging points, blackout blinds, and coffee machines also rank highly.
The living room plays a key role in booking decisions. More than a quarter of travellers say it is the most important space. Common turn-offs include excessive knick-knacks, cluttered walls, and busy floral carpets, all of which reduce a property’s appeal.
Outdoor areas also influence choices. Guests respond positively to alfresco features such as greenery, comfortable seating, and hot tubs, which help create a sense of escape during a stay.
To support homeowners, Booking.com has partnered with holiday rental interior designer Amy Durn to share guidance on preparing homes for guests in the new year.
Amy Durn, Booking.com’s Interior Design Partner, says, “You don’t need a full renovation to turn a home into a desirable holiday rental. A few intentional design choices, the right colour palette, layered textures and thoughtful lighting can completely change how a space feels and photographs.
“Guests form an opinion within seconds, and small styling upgrades often have a bigger impact than big, expensive changes. It’s about presenting a home that feels easy to imagine staying in.”
Guidance for preparing a home for holiday rentals
- Amy recommends upgrading bedding to create a strong first impression. Fresh white bedding, matching pillows, and layered textures signal comfort and quality. Simple updates such as mattress toppers and breathable sheets improve perceived value at a lower cost than replacing furniture.
- She also advises homeowners to edit their space. Removing visual clutter and focusing on fewer, larger items helps rooms feel calmer and clearer, both in person and in listing photos.
- Adding one standout feature can make a property more memorable. A single bold design element can help a listing stand out without overwhelming the space.
- Reworking furniture layouts can improve flow and make rooms feel larger. Clear walkways and purposeful seating arrangements help guests feel comfortable and settled.
- Amy stresses the importance of meeting practical needs. Guests value good sleep, storage, accessible sockets, hooks, lighting, and places to unpack. Homes that feel prepared encourage stronger reviews and repeat bookings.
Top 10 living room features that put off guests
- Taxidermy or animal heads
- Excessive knick-knacks and ornaments
- Cluttered walls with signs or mixed frames
- Busy 80s or 90s geometric or floral carpets
- Glittery or diamante cushions and décor
- Fake plants
- Heavy, dark curtains
- Lace curtains
- Sticker wall art with quotes or symbols
- ‘Live, laugh, love’ artwork