Your Spanish holiday home is probably one of the best investments you could make. If you do not intend to stay there long term, an excellent way to cover the cost of the property is to consider letting for either long term, or shorter holiday periods. You can make a substantial income on your investment or just cover the annual costs associated with the ownership of a property. You should, however, be aware that there is also an amount of hard work involved!

On first entering into the property rental business, you are obviously going to worry about getting a good return on your investment, and a bit anxious at the prospect of having strangers in your home and making use of your possessions. It can therefore be tempting to furnish and equip your property 'on the cheap' in the hopes of avoiding costly repairs and replacements.

However, based on experience, this is not a good idea. People generally expect their holiday home to be comfortable and well equipped, a 'home from home', and are more likely to look after your property if they feel you have gone out of your way to make them feel welcome. It is often the simple things, like flowers on a table, that can achieve this.

Good quality furniture that can be easily cleaned, or washable covers will help protect your suite from suntan oil, or food and drink stains. 'Personal touch' items such as vases, pictures, books, and ornaments, should be on shelving set high enough to avoid accidents and small children. Some items, such as videos, microwaves, and satellite TV are regarded as essential, so you need to bear this in mind when furnishing the property. The rates you charge for your property should be relevant to the standard of your furnishings and equipment.

Kitchens should always be fully equipped, with ample cutlery, glass, china and cooking utensils. Coffee pots, teapots, juicer, microwave, iron & board.

A poor quality mattress is enough to ruin anyone's holiday! It is essential that both beds and sofabeds be of good quality and comfortable. Bedrooms should have sufficient storage space, both drawers and wardrobes, with hangers provided.

There should be no shortage of bed linen and towels - preferably 3 sets - so there is always a set for emergencies and changeovers. Spare tea towels and tablecloths should also be provided.

A complete inventory should be made of everything in the property. This inventory should be checked at the end of each rental and if necessary any deductions for items missing or broken can be made from the damage deposit. You can even take photographs so in the event of a problem you have an unquestionable record of how your property looked beforehand.

Local information, maps, places of interest, restaurants and a local contact information should either be sent to the guest beforehand, or left in the property as well as emergency contact numbers for doctors, dentists, hospitals and police. Practical information on how everything works in the property, rubbish disposal, gas bottles etc. should also be provided for your visitors.

Providing a "welcome pack" of groceries can be much appreciated by visitors, particularly those arriving late at night.