Serviced accommodation or SA is an apartment that comes with a variety of amenities as standard features. Those amenities typically include things like furniture, appliances, high-speed internet, housekeeping, satellite TV or streaming service and concierge services. The cost of all of these services, and often more, are included in the rent and in that sense, a serviced accommodation is very much like a hotel.
Sometimes an apartment block purpose-built for SA will include an in-house health club, on-site restaurants and shops as well as a hair salon and more. But while apartment blocks are the most common type of serviced accommodation, they’re not the only kind. Essentially any short-term rental property that is provided with additional amenities such as those listed above is considered a serviced accommodation, which would include virtually every Airbnb.
Why Landlords Offer Serviced Accommodation
Industry studies indicate the luxury accommodations market is growing at approximately 12% per year. As a result more and more landlords are doing what they can to take advantage of that trend and to optimise the yield on their rental properties.
While the initial investment connected with transforming a standard rental into a serviced accommodation can be substantial for landlords the potential return is even more so which makes it a smart business decision, especially if the property is in a desirable location.
Say a landlord had a block of flats they were renting for £1,000 each per month. If they invested in furniture and some of the other amenities we mentioned they might be able to rent those same units out at £150 per night, or £1,050 per week. That’s a substantial difference and one a landlord would be remiss to simply ignore.
What is Typically Included in a Serviced Apartment?
In most cases, landlords will strive to make their SA a step above a standard hotel room. What they’re trying to create is a kind of home-away-from-home feel and so they will include just about anything they can think of that you would find in a well-appointed flat such as:
- Large screen TV with streaming service
- A full kitchen with a generous complement of appliances to facilitate cooking
- Fully furnished rooms
- High-speed wireless internet
- In-flat washer and dryer
- A daily or weekly house cleaning service and more…
You may also find things like 24-hour security, a concierge, restaurants and a slew of health and wellness amenities.
The Benefits of Serviced Accommodation
If you know you will be moving in 6 months or a year moving furniture, appliances and other items into and out of a rental flat can be a lot of work. As soon as you get everything arranged the way you like it it’s time to start planning your exit and determining which items you’ll need to sell because they’re not right for your next apartment.
With a serviced accommodation there is none of that hassle. Everything is there for you the minute you walk in and drop your bag. There are no moving costs, no aching backs, no awkward misfitting furniture and no lamps that got broken during the move.
Here are some other benefits of opting for a serviced accommodation:
- No need to spend your weekends housecleaning. In most SAs housekeeping is included. Whether it’s daily or weekly will depend on the details of your agreement.
- Professional security services are part of the deal. The landlord certainly doesn’t want anyone walking out with the big screen TV or expensive appliances and so they’ll invest in 24-hour security.
- Convenience is a large part of the appeal of the serviced accommodation. Everything from the proximity of the gym and hair salon to the laundry service and the concierge who makes dinner reservations for you all add to the convenience.
- An all-inclusive payment really simplifies your life. No need to make separate payments every month to the streaming service, the laundry service, the health club, the landlord and the credit card (for the appliances and furniture you had to buy).
Summary
A serviced accommodation is any residential rental that includes non-standard amenities such as furniture, high-speed internet and more all for a single price. If you’re in the market for the ideal serviced accommodation contact the team at Luxury Serviced Apartments today.
