Holiday house for weekly and short stays

Families, couples and groups of friends on holiday, plus some visiting workers and people attending local events.

Nightly or weekly rates, higher in school holidays and summer, often with a cleaning fee. Income depends heavily on location and season.

• Good with guests and quick to reply
• Organised with bookings and cleaning changeovers
• Basic DIY or a reliable local handyman

• Planning permission or change of use may be needed in some areas, check with your council
• Scotland requires a short-term let licence, and Wales and England have been introducing registration schemes, check what applies to you
• You may need a holiday let mortgage and specialist insurance, as standard home or buy-to-let cover may not apply
• Gas, electrical and fire safety duties, plus an EPC, need checking before you take guests
• Tax and business rates versus council tax can differ for holiday lets, and the tax rules have changed recently, so check with HMRC or an accountant
• Income is seasonal and empty weeks still cost money, so keep a cash buffer
• Platform fees and cleaning costs reduce what you keep from each booking

Startup costs are typically around £5,000 to £25,000, depending on the property and how it is furnished and set up. These are estimates. Platform fees and cleaning costs also reduce what you keep from each booking.

Check whether planning permission or change of use is needed with your council. Scotland requires a short-term let licence, and Wales and England have been introducing registration schemes. Also check mortgage and insurance cover, gas, electrical and fire safety duties, and an EPC.

Monthly revenue is typically around £1,000 to £5,000, depending on location, season and bookings. Income is seasonal and empty weeks still cost money, so keep a cash buffer.