Our holiday letting experts delve into the detailed costs of running a holiday let and explore various expenses you may have as an owner. Whether you’re considering starting a holiday home or opting for a holiday letting agent to manage it, understanding these costs will help you make informed decisions.
Holiday let management fees can vary depending on the location and services offered. Holiday letting agents may charge a management fee of around 15% to 25% of the rental income.
This fee typically covers advertising your property, managing bookings, handling guest communication, and overseeing check-ins and check-outs.We have broken the management fees down in more detail below:
Holiday let agents in St Andrews typically charge a management fee ranging from 15% to 25% of the rental income. For a property with an average rental income of £30,000 per year, the management fee could range from £4,500 to £7,500 annually.
Holiday Let agents will typically utilise Online Travel Agents (OTAs) to market your property, as well as their own booking platforms.
The OTAs and direct booking platforms typically take a % of the gross booking revenue, which can range from 10% to 18%. There may be upfront costs to cover setting up a property, such as photography, creating copy and connecting up to the OTAs.
You would typically expect all bookings management and communication with guests to be included within the management commission. This includes handling guest inquiries, processing bookings, and managing the booking calendar.
For a seamless check-in and check-out process, agents may charge an additional £100 to £200 per year, covering the cost of welcoming guests, handing over keys, and inspecting the property after departure. It’s important to note that not all agents will offer a personal check in or check out service, but rather utilise on-site key boxes. They will also have like a task management app system to report any issues on check in.
Most agents will have an in-house housekeeping team, or have trusted third party contractors that operate to their requirements. Typically you will market the property to have a separate cleaning fee in addition to the nightly rate, and as such this is not an expense to an owner.
To handle routine maintenance and repairs, holiday let agents will either handle small issues in-house, or they will contract out to specialist services, such as plumbers, electricians, pest controllers and roofers etc. The cost of annual maintenance will vary depending on a number of factors including the age of the property, whether it has a garden, what type of roof it has and any other number of factors.
A reputable agency will use their own linen which is hired in from a large laundry supplier. This will generally be covered by the cleaning fee that the guest will pay. It’s always advisable not to use your own, expensive linen but rather professional quality linen and towels to maintain consistency.
Holiday let agents may charge an estimated £50 to £150 per year to manage the property’s inventory, ensuring items are accounted for and in good condition.
For 24/7 emergency support and a point of contact, agents may include this is standard within the management commission, with a call out for any out of hours visits to a property to rectify an issue.
Please note that the figures provided above are estimated costs based on the average holiday let management fees and service charges in St Andrews, Scotland, for a property generating £30,000 in rental income per year.
For an accurate rental analysis, please get in touch with us for a personal consultation.
Changeover costs refer to the expenses incurred during the transition period between your guests. These expenses may include:
The welcome pack usually contains basic essentials such as tea, coffee, milk, and information about the local area.
To ensure your holiday let is equipped with fresh and clean linens for each guest, you’ll need to allocate a budget for laundry services. The cost will depend on the number of beds in the property and the quality of linens you provide. On average, laundry and linen fees could range from £30 to £60 per booking.
These guest changeover costs can vary, but a well-managed changeover may cost around £50 to £150 per booking.
Holiday let cleaners play a crucial role in maintaining the property’s cleanliness and ensuring it meets guests’ expectations.
The cost of cleaning services can vary based on factors like property size, location, and specific requirements. On average, holiday let cleaners may charge between £15 to £30 per hour, and the cleaning cost per changeover could be in the range of £50 to £120.
Monthly costs for a holiday let can be broken down into several components:
Holiday let insurance is essential to protect your investment.
The average annual cost of holiday let insurance can range from £200 to £600, depending on factors such as property value, location, coverage options, and the level of additional cover required (e.g., accidental damage, loss of rental income, public liability).
Insurance premiums will vary from one insurance provider to another, so it’s essential to shop around for the best deal that suits your needs.
As with any property, utility bills for a holiday let include electricity, gas, water, and internet. The monthly cost may vary depending on usage and the number of guests.
On average, utility bills could amount to £100 to £250 per month. For internet services, you can expect to pay around £20 to £50 per month, depending on the speed and package you choose.
The type of property tax you’ll pay depends on whether you are using the holiday home solely for personal use or generating income from holiday letting. If the property is your primary residence and you occasionally rent it out, you may pay council tax.
However, if you operate it as a full-fledged holiday business, you’ll be subject to business rates property tax. The threshold for paying business rates in the UK is currently set at a rateable value of £12,000 or more. Properties with a rateable value below this threshold may be eligible for small business rate relief, reducing the amount of tax payable, or becoming exempt altogether.
Ensuring the safety of your guests is of utmost importance. Health and safety costs may include regular inspections, safety equipment, fire and carbon monoxide detectors, and compliance with local regulations.
The expenses for health and safety measures could range from £100 to £300 annually. Specific costs may include:
Gas Safety Certificate: Around £60 to £100 per year
Portable Appliance Testing (PAT): Approximately £2 to £5 per appliance
Fire Risk Assessment: Varies, but may cost between £150 to £300
Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Alarms: Approximately £20 to £50 per unit
While budgeting for your holiday let, it’s essential to set aside funds for unforeseen expenses. These might include repairs due to sudden damages, equipment replacements, or legal requirements.
Having a reserve of around £500 to £1,000 can provide peace of mind and help you manage such unexpected costs efficiently.
Maintaining the condition of your holiday let is crucial for attracting guests and generating positive reviews. Ongoing maintenance expenses may include garden upkeep, appliance servicing, general wear and tear repairs, and window cleaning. Depending on the property’s size and condition, you can expect to allocate around £500 to £1,500 per year for ongoing maintenance.
A well-decorated and well-furnished holiday let can significantly impact guest satisfaction and booking rates. While initial furnishing costs can vary widely, budgeting around £2,000 to £5,000 for essential furnishings and decorations is a reasonable estimate. Remember that you may need to replace or update furnishings periodically.
Effectively marketing your holiday let is crucial for attracting potential guests. Marketing expenses may include professional photography, online listing fees, and advertising on various platforms.
Additionally, if you maintain a dedicated website for your holiday let, you’ll need to consider the hosting and maintenance costs. Depending on your marketing strategy, these expenses can range from £200 to £500 annually.
Starting a holiday let and managing it involves several costs, and understanding these expenses will enable you to budget effectively and run a successful holiday home. By factoring in all the potential costs, you can ensure a delightful and profitable experience for both you and your guests.
Starting a holiday let and managing it involves several costs, and understanding these expenses will enable you to budget effectively and run a successful holiday home. By factoring in all the potential costs, you can ensure a delightful and profitable experience for both you and your guests.
