Small community sauna in a rented space

Local residents, runners and swimmers, couples and friend groups, and people who want a regular wellbeing routine, often on a membership or multi-visit pass.

Single session tickets, private hire, memberships or session bundles, plus small extras like towel hire and drinks.

• Customer service
• Running a booking system
• Basic maintenance and cleaning routines
• Budgeting and managing a lease

• Planning permission or change of use, check with your local council before committing to a site
• Building regulations, fire safety, ventilation and electrical or heating installation, which usually need qualified professionals
• Public liability insurance (and employer's liability if you hire staff) that covers sauna use
• Hygiene, cleaning rules and safe heat limits, with clear customer health guidance
• Lease terms, energy bills and quiet periods can squeeze a small business, so test costs first
• If you want to sell alcohol or hot food, check licensing and food registration with your council

Startup costs are typically estimated at around £20,000 to £90,000, depending on the site, the sauna build, fit-out and installation work. Test your lease and energy costs before committing.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £3,000 to £14,000, depending on session prices, how many slots you fill, memberships and location. This is revenue before costs, not profit.

Check planning permission or change of use with your local council, and building regulations, fire safety, ventilation and electrical or heating installation, which usually need qualified professionals. Also check insurance covering sauna use, and licensing if you sell alcohol or hot food.