With the rise of staycations, remote work, and flexible travel trends, turning your home—or a second property—into a holiday let is more popular than ever. Whether you’re dreaming of earning passive income, investing in real estate, or sharing a charming cottage with curious travellers, the idea of running a holiday let is both exciting and rewarding.
But where do you start? And how do you ensure it’s a success?
This step-by-step guide walks you through how to transform your house into a thriving holiday let, and how partnering with a holiday let management agency can take the stress out of the process while maximising your return.
Step 1: Assess Your Property’s Potential
Before you rush to list your property on booking platforms, take a step back and ask the essentials:
- Is the location desirable to tourists? (Coastal, countryside, or city-centre properties tend to perform best)
- Does your home have unique features? (Think: a garden, hot tub, period charm, or proximity to attractions)
- Is the property in good condition? (Or will it need renovation or compliance upgrades?)
If your property ticks several of these boxes, it’s already on its way to becoming a successful holiday let.
Tip: Even if your home isn’t in a classic tourist hotspot, quirky features and great styling can make it stand out. Boutique, off-grid, or themed stays are increasingly popular.
Step 2: Understand Legal Requirements
Turning a house into a holiday let isn’t as simple as listing it online—you’ll need to meet several legal and regulatory standards.
Here’s what to consider:
- Planning permission: In some areas, especially in cities or protected regions, change of use permissions may be required.
- Mortgage terms: Check if your mortgage allows for short-term lettings or if you’ll need to switch to a holiday let mortgage.
- Insurance: Standard home insurance won’t cut it. You’ll need specialist holiday let insurance covering guests, public liability, and contents.
- Fire and safety compliance: Install smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, a carbon monoxide detector, and provide safety information.
- Gas and electrical certificates: Annual gas safety checks and an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) every five years are usually mandatory.
Not sure where to start? A professional holiday let management agency can guide you through compliance and ensure your property is guest-ready and legally sound.
Step 3: Furnish for Comfort and Style
Holidaymakers are increasingly looking for homes that offer more than just a bed—they want experience, style, and comfort. That means furnishing your holiday let thoughtfully.
What to include:
- Comfortable beds and high-quality linens
- A fully equipped kitchen with modern appliances
- Fast Wi-Fi and Smart TVs
- Outdoor seating and possibly a BBQ or firepit
- Local touches like guidebooks, maps, and welcome hampers
Keep the design clean, uncluttered, and in keeping with the property’s location. Coastal properties may benefit from light, airy interiors, while countryside cottages can embrace rustic charm.
Tip: Browse popular listings in your area to see what guests expect—and where you can outshine the competition.
Step 4: Set the Right Pricing Strategy
Pricing is a crucial part of your success as a holiday let owner. Set your rates too low, and you leave money on the table. Too high, and you risk long gaps between bookings.
Use dynamic pricing tools, research competitor rates, and consider seasonality, local events, and weekends vs. weekdays. Many holiday let management agencies offer revenue management services that adjust prices in real-time based on demand—maximising occupancy and income.
Step 5: Market Your Property Like a Pro
Now it’s time to get bookings! Your listing needs to stand out in a sea of options, and that means compelling photography, engaging copy, and being available on the right platforms.
- Photography: Invest in professional photos—these are your first impression.
- Listing description: Highlight the features that set your home apart, using language that paints a picture for the guest.
- Distribution: List your property on major platforms like Airbnb, Booking.com, and Vrbo. Also consider niche sites depending on your target audience.
If this sounds like a lot to manage, a holiday let management agency can take care of it all—from listings and bookings to guest communication and calendar management.
Step 6: Decide on Self-Management or Use a Holiday Let Management Agency
This is where many would-be hosts hit a fork in the road: do you run the property yourself, or bring in the experts?
Self-Managing
Pros:
- Full control over every aspect
- Potentially lower costs (no agency fee)
Cons:
- Time-consuming: cleaning, guest messages, maintenance, pricing, and availability
- Requires 24/7 responsiveness
- Mistakes can affect reviews—and revenue
Using a Holiday Let Management Agency
Pros:
- Professional marketing, photography, and dynamic pricing
- Housekeeping and maintenance handled for you
- Guest support, communication, and reviews all taken care of
- Local teams to respond quickly to any issues
Cons:
- Typically charge a percentage of booking revenue (10–25%)
Many homeowners find that partnering with a holiday let management agency results in higher occupancy, fewer headaches, and more profitability overall—especially if you’re not living nearby or don’t want to be on call every weekend.
Step 7: Think About Guest Experience and Reviews
Your guests are your best marketers—so delight them.
Provide thoughtful touches like:
- Welcome baskets with local treats
- Clear, friendly guest guides
- Recommendations for restaurants, walks, and activities
- Quick responses to messages or queries
Positive reviews don’t just improve your online ranking—they build trust and encourage future bookings. A good holiday let management agency will have systems in place to automatically gather guest feedback and respond to concerns before they become problems.
Step 8: Stay on Top of Maintenance and Updates
Running a successful holiday let isn’t a one-time project—it’s an ongoing commitment. Keep the property clean, well-stocked, and up to date with repairs and seasonal upgrades.
Regular tasks include:
- Deep cleaning between guests
- Lawn and garden care
- Inventory checks (linens, kitchenware, etc.)
- Annual inspections and appliance servicing
This is another area where a holiday let management agency can be invaluable. Most provide routine checks, professional cleaning services, and access to reliable tradespeople who can fix issues promptly and efficiently.
A Smart Investment, Done Right
Turning your house into a holiday let can be an incredibly rewarding journey—both financially and personally. From creating a welcoming space to watching glowing reviews roll in, it’s a chance to transform a property into something truly special.
That said, it’s not without its challenges. Regulations, marketing, and ongoing upkeep can quickly overwhelm first-time hosts. If you’re serious about making your holiday let successful without burning out, working with a trusted holiday let management agency could be your smartest move. They bring experience, technology, and a team of professionals to help your holiday home thrive.
So whether you’re looking to rent out your cottage in Cornwall, a townhouse in Bath, or a country retreat in the Cotswolds, the opportunity is there—and with the right support, your holiday let could become your most rewarding asset yet.
