france_letitbay_jpeg_200_x_200.jpegVisitors to www.letitbay.com will (once some more landlords have come forward) select and view holiday homes by location, type and size before bidding in an online auction. Just like ebay in fact! And, also like the great auction site, successful bidders can pay via Paypal.

Prior to the August 1 launch date, property owners can upload their property details free of charge. Commission on booking will be ten per cent of payments of up to £1,000, and nine per cent of higher sums, plus VAT.

It seems a sensible way of overcoming rental voids and even boosting rental income at peak times. Would-be bidders who search the website but cannot find a place which suits them will be able to place a ‘Wanted' advertisement on it free of charge.

"With 600,000 Britons now owning second homes at home and abroad, and many of them being rented out to holidaymakers, I expect the choice of accommodation on our website to become worldwide quite quickly," explains Ian Walker, the Somerset businessman behind the website.

The website will also link to flights, car hire, airport parking, foreign currency and travel insurance, as well as international tourist information offices. OK, it's all a bit new at the moment, but here at Sq Ft we can see the potential for snaffling a bargain!!

For more details visit the website at www.letitbay.com