Self-Catering farm cottage holiday let

Families, couples and groups booking short breaks and week-long holidays, often in school holidays and summer.

Nightly or weekly rates, with higher prices in peak season. Some owners add extras such as welcome hampers, firewood or farm experiences.

• Basic property management
• Managing a budget for a conversion project
• Good guest communication
• Organising changeovers and cleaning

• Planning permission or change of use may be needed, so check before spending money
• Building regulations, fire safety, gas safety, electrical safety and energy performance requirements for lets, which vary by nation, so check
• Public liability insurance and buildings and contents cover that explicitly allow holiday letting
• Check any tenancy agreement, landlord consent or mortgage conditions if you do not own the farm outright
• Business rates and tax treatment of holiday lets, so speak to an accountant
• Income can be seasonal and weather dependent

Startup costs are typically around £30,000 to £120,000, depending on the size of the building and how much conversion work it needs. These are estimates, so get quotes for your own project before committing any money.

Monthly revenue is typically around £1,500 to £7,500, depending on location, size, pricing and how many weeks you let. These are estimates, and income can be seasonal and weather dependent, so plan for quieter months.

Check whether planning permission or change of use is needed before spending money. Also check building, fire, gas, electrical and energy requirements for lets, which vary by nation, plus insurance that explicitly allows holiday letting.