The planned launch of Heliodoor in 2019 didn’t quite go according to plan.
We had our first two properties onboarded, a team and strategy in place and then before we knew it, Covid-19 struck and our lives and travel as we knew it changed overnight.
Yes, Heliodoor Apartments was a Covid baby; but whilst many hospitality businesses wouldn’t survive, Heliodoor’s CEO, Leah Musana, adapted her strategy and pushed on.
Today, we are proud to be celebrating our third anniversary with a small (but powerful!) team, 14 properties and expansion on the horizon for 2023!
From the outset, Heliodoor Apartments has focused on short to mid-term stay serviced accommodation for corporate travellers, contractors, insurance and relocation clients.
In 2021, as we came out of Covid restrictions and travel opened up again, serviced accommodation was increasingly in demand from those clients who were looking for space, flexibility and a place to stay that felt like home, over a more confined hotel stay.
We spent much of 2021 onboarding new homes in St Albans and Watford, and as our property portfolio grew and bookings increased, we launched a branded property management system, which would streamline bookings and the guest experience.
During 2022, bookings went through the roof and it felt the right time to expand the business to meet this high demand. As a result, we signed off on a new block of apartments in Milton Keynes earlier this year.
Our presence in Milton Keynes has attracted attention from both clients and investors alike, which has led to the recent launch of two further properties bringing our total to seven properties in the area.
We are currently finalising negotiations on another property in St. Albans and have no intention of slowing down in 2023 and beyond!
This year we have consistently been operating at above 80% occupancy and have watched as market rental prices for short and mid-term rentals increased across our three locations of Milton Keynes, St Albans and Watford. This is largely due to the demand from corporate guests and contractors.
Conversely, good deals are becoming harder to find as the rental market sees a surge in demand; this factor coupled with the increased cost of living which is squeezing profits, means we are proceeding cautiously into the future and adjusting the business model accordingly.
We are thrilled that Heliodoor Apartments is fast becoming an established serviced accommodation provider in Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire. Our aim is to consistently provide high quality accommodation and to exceed the expectations of our guests and investors, particularly during such tough economic times when everyone is watching their budget.
Over the coming year, we want to focus further on delivering a first-class service to all clients and enhancing our management practices and technology to meet demand.
We’ll also continue to establish our presence and reputation and grow our portfolio in our core locations, whilst analysing our portfolio distribution as we look to venture into new locations.
“What’s important is that my team and I are never more than an hour away from our properties and guests. We are always on standby to meet the needs of our customers.” Leah Musana
As we celebrate our third anniversary, with so much to look forward to in 2023, we wanted to thank our guests, clients and investors for their commitment and trust in Heliodoor Apartments.
We are excited for 2023 and beyond; and for the future growth of the business!
If you want to find out more about our serviced accommodation or are interested in our property management service, please get in touch. We would be delighted to schedule a call or appointment.
Here’s to the future of the short term rental business!
We accept all Major Credit cards
