Found the perfect place? Learn how to book a property you're interested in.
Before you book
Checklist:
✔ View all photos and listing details to make sure the property is suitable.
✔ If you're not sure about anything, or have any questions, message the owner.
Depending on the listing, you can either book and pay online, or send an enquiry to the owner.
Online bookings
- Select a property from your search or browse results, or from your Shortlist.
- Enter your dates and number of guests, then select Book.
- Enter your details, then select Continue.
- Check over your booking details, the owner's cancellation policy, and payment schedule.
- If you're happy with the details, continue to payment, enter your card details, and submit your booking.
What's next?
Your booking will be confirmed instantly.
- Your card will be charged either a deposit, or the full booking amount. This is set by the owner.
- You'll receive a booking confirmation email.
The owner must accept or decline your request.
If they accept:
- You'll receive an email with a secure payment link.
- You'll need to pay either a deposit, or the full booking amount. This is set by the owner.
- Once your payment is confirmed, you'll receive a booking confirmation email.
Note: if payment isn't made within 48 hours of the booking being accepted, the request will be cancelled (2 hours for same-day and next-day check-in).
If they decline:
- You'll receive an email with their reason.
- If you'd like to discuss things further (e.g. propose alternative dates), you can email or message them, or make another booking request.
If they don't respond:
- Property owners have 48 hours to accept or decline booking requests.
- If they don't respond to a booking request within 48 hours, it'll decline automatically.
Enquiry bookings
To book a property that doesn't accept online payment:
- Select a property from your search or browse results, or from your Shortlist.
- Enter your dates and number of guests, then select Enquire.
- Enter your details, then select Send an enquiry or Message the owner.
What's next?
- The property owner will receive your enquiry via email, which they can reply to.
- If you've sent an enquiry (rather than messaging), you'll receive their contact details via email.
- If they can accommodate you, they'll contact you using the details you've provided.
- Arrange things like payment, check-in, and cancellation policies directly with the owner.
We recommend having a contract for your stay. Most owners will have one ready to go. If they don't, you can suggest using our template.
Trouble booking or sending an enquiry
You won't be able to request a booking if:
- Your stay is shorter than the owner's minimum stay.
- Your stay is longer than the owner's maximum stay.
- Your dates are blocked out in the booking calendar.
Some owners are happy to accommodate longer or shorter stays:
- Adjust your dates so you can send them a message.
- If they're unable to accommodate your request, you don't need to book.