How to Maximise Income from Holiday Letting

Maximising income from your holiday let is about making smart, strategic choices from the outset.

From marketing and pricing your property to the types of bookings you accept, every decision plays a part in shaping your overall returns.

Article updated: July 2026

With demand constantly shifting throughout the year, understanding how to adapt your approach is key to keeping your calendar full and your revenue growing.

Make Your Booking Strategy Work Harder

One of the simplest ways to increase rental income is by offering more flexibility.

Accepting short breaks, for example, can open your property up to a much wider audience. Owners who allow short stays and multiple bookings within a week see, on average, eight more bookings and 25% more revenue per year.

It's also worth considering your pet policy. Welcoming pets can significantly boost demand, with owners seeing eight additional bookings and around 16% more revenue on average.

These small adjustments can quickly add up, especially when combined with a smart pricing strategy that reflects demand throughout the year.

Understand Seasonality

According to Sykes' Holiday Letting Outlook Report, holiday let owners earned an average income of £25,600 in 2025, up from £24,700 the previous year.

Some of the top ways owners drive bookings and revenue during off-season months include:

• Offering discounts and price promotions
• Improving amenities or upgrading the property
• Increasing marketing activity
• Targeting new types of guests
• Accepting short breaks

Rather than leaving your calendar empty, these tactics help maintain a steady flow of bookings year-round.

Invest Where It Matters

Upgrading your holiday let can directly impact your earning potential.

For example, properties with a hot tub can earn around 40% more per year on average.

In 2025, Sykes' booking data can confirm the fastest-growing property types included:

• Unique stays, such as castles or lighthouses
• Glamping accommodation, like huts, pods or yurts
• Apartments

Likewise, focusing on quality interiors, thoughtful extras, and standout features can help justify higher prices and encourage repeat bookings.

Choosing the right property type when running a holiday let is imperative for maximising your rental income.

Target the Right Guests

Before investing in a holiday property, consider the type of guests your holiday let is most likely to attract.

Understanding your target audience can help you choose a property with the right location and amenities to maximise rental income throughout the year.

Holiday letting is a year-round business, and consistent occupancy often comes from a combination of smart pricing, strong marketing, and a great guest experience.

Where Is the Best Place to Buy a Holiday Home?

The Cotswolds continues to stand out as a strong performer, with holiday let owners in the region achieving an average gross income of £30,600 in 2025.

Its enduring appeal, driven by picturesque villages, year-round tourism, and popularity with both UK staycationers and international visitors, makes it a reliable choice for consistent bookings.

For a closer look at why this area performs so well, explore our guide to the best places to buy a holiday let in the UK.

How Can Sykes Help Maximise Your Rental Income?

Whether you're buying your first holiday let or expanding your portfolio, Sykes can help you make informed decisions and maximise your property's earning potential from day one.

List with Sykes and benefit from:

• Access to a holiday homes for sale marketplace in collaboration with Zoopla
• Over 35 years of holiday letting experience across a wide range of locations and property types
• Market-leading data insights to support accurate income projections and dynamic pricing strategies
• A dedicated account management team focused on helping you maximise occupancy and revenue
• £35 million annual marketing investment designed to drive bookings and increase visibility

Ready to buy property?

Access off-market investment properties with an average 8%+ annual gross yield (beating the UK's typical 3-5%).

Get property alerts →