Host & Stay Partnership FAQs
Starting your own business is an exciting venture, however, it can also be daunting. There can be many obstacles to factor into your decision to joining the Host & Stay network. We get asked many questions by potential franchisees or licensees. We have listed our most frequently asked questions below.
This list is not exhaustive, so if you have any more queries please do not hesitate to call and speak to a member of the team who will be happy to talk you through anything further.
This does vary on the size of your area, but typically, for a ‘cold start’ franchise, you should budget £15,000 to £20,000 for the Initial franchise fee plus ongoing investment for the first 12-18 months. A licensee is only available to existing businesses with the infrastructure in place, the monthly licensee’s fee is £500.00 however factors such as variations in the size of the territory may mean a multi licence fee.
Partnership offerings
The Host & Stay franchise fee is £15,000 to £20,000 for a five-year term. (renewable)
The Host & Stay license is £500.00 per month on a five-year term. (renewable)
Host & Stay Franchise structure allows novice entrepreneurs, and ambitious individuals to follow the success of a business blueprint from scratch, Host & Stay licence is only available to existing businesses with the infrastructure in place under their own established identity, yet at the same time being a licence partner.
From the initial phone call, you will meet with one of our team to discuss possibilities in more detail. From there, and if both parties deem a partnership to be of satisfaction, due diligence will be started on the individual. This process usually takes 6-8 weeks. The big variation in timelines comes from the ability to find and secure suitable premises.
For Independent property agents looking to convert to the Host & Stay network, the process can take approximately 2 months. For individuals looking to launch a Host & Stay office as a ‘Cold Start franchise ‘; the process takes slightly longer. This can be dependent on a number of factors including hiring staff and finding the right premises – usually 3 months.
Each Host & Stay Partnership office has individual territories to work within, based on research and typical market trends. We will work with you to agree on a suitable territory that will enable you to run an attractive short-stay property management business, covering sufficient chimney pots.
Territories will reflect the natural reach of areas – Variations in territory size do exist- for example; in large cities where you’re more likely to have a large concentration of apartments, and with some building’s having multiple apartments which you will manage, in the likes of London, the territories may be less than a mile across, whereas market and sea-side beach towns, the territory may reach for miles across. Operating and managing a short-term holiday management company generally the territory is within a 30 to 45-minute drive from your base, due to the logistics of managing the properties and the turnaround on housekeeping.
We have several areas that are available for Partnership opportunities.
We would happily consider most areas and would welcome a private and confidential chat to discuss further.
We will not open two offices in the same area as the territories are exclusive to each franchise or licensee agreement. We do allow Joint Ventures, but that is a decision to be made with your neighbouring office and not to do with Host & Stay Ltd.
The Host & Stay local offices are the tip of the iceberg when it comes to a short stay property management company. Behind the scenes, we have a centralised office dedicated to supporting every office regardless of location.
The departments comprise of Marketing, PR, Business Affairs, Training Academy, IT, Accounts, 24/7 Client support, Guest Services, Compliance and Financial client accounting.
Of course! A few of our franchisees own more than one office. We will support you in opening another office when the time and position is right.
Yes. This is where an independent holiday cottage or lettings business converts its existing brand to Host & Stay, as a Franchise or under our Partner Licence structure. This is one of the easiest routes to go down when joining Host & Stay, as many of the key features, such as staff, local experience and that all-important shop site is in place. After completion of satisfactory due diligence and subject to contract offer, our Marketing team work very closely with yourselves and the interiors team to bring the look of the office into the Host & Stay style – this design schedule can take a minimum of 6 weeks.
“Go with what you know” is a phrase that rings true with Host & Stay. Part of Host & Stay’s USP is the local knowledge and expertise our Partners have; it is important that you have this in the area that you are opening in. You will find it much easier to succeed if you have an in-depth knowledge of your area – not only the tourist and sightseeing points with the best places to eat, grab a coffee in the area, but knowing the best places guests would like to stay when growing your property portfolio.
Yes, Franchisees will need some office/storage space as you grow, Housekeeping is key to the success of your business, storage will be needed to service your short stay company. The premise size can grow with you.
We do prefer some experience in Property, Tourism, Hospitality or Sales, but like us, if you’re passionate about property, have great local knowledge, and are an ambitious like-minded individual entrepreneur, or experienced property professional – then we’d love to hear from you!
Our partnership models are a unique relationship between our team and you. Our solution gives you access to the knowledge, support, and infrastructure needed to build a multiple income stream portfolio without having to do all the work yourself.
Yes. Well run offices can be a very rewarding and attractive proposition, not only during the operation but can also be a very attractive and saleable asset when the time comes to retire or move on to the next chapter. When the time comes to sell your franchise, Host & Stay will work with you to secure a suitable purchaser who can take your office to the next chapter.