Safely Book a Holiday Home: Check Before Paying

Record the provider's name, address, contact details and contractual role. Confirm the exact property address, dates, occupancy and equipment. Compare the location with a map and ask which facilities are private or shared. A genuine offer should allow clear questions about access, rules and availability.

Check whether the photographs show the same property as the description and whether important rooms or outdoor areas are missing. Reused images, copied wording, inconsistent details or a sudden change in the contact person are warning signs. An image search can identify duplicates, but it does not replace checking the provider and agreement.

Ask for the total for the exact dates and number of guests. Include rent, cleaning, linen, utilities, tourist tax, parking, pet charges, service fees and the deposit. Confirm payment deadlines and when the deposit is returned. Compare like with like instead of relying on an unusually low nightly price.

The booking documents should state the property, dates, guests, price, included services, cancellation, changes, damage, house rules and key handover. Identify the contractual partner and keep the listing, agreement, messages and payment record together. For an unusual contract or a significant dispute, obtain appropriate local advice.

Check that the payment recipient matches the provider or contractual partner. Be cautious with requests for cash, gift cards, cryptocurrency or transfers to an unrelated account. Do not transfer money simply because the sender says that another person is waiting or that the offer will disappear immediately.

Confirm the arrival time, key collection, late-arrival process, address, parking and emergency contact. Save a telephone number that works during the journey. On arrival, compare the property with the agreement and report important differences promptly in writing.

Continue with the pre-payment booking checklist, the guide to secure payment methods and the page on stolen images and misleading offers. For private rentals, also read the guidance on renting from a private owner.