Summer is the busiest season for short-term rentals in London. With major events, summer holidays and a flood of international tourists, demand for well-located, quality short-let properties spikes, and so does the earning potential.
But succeeding in the short-term rental market requires more than just clean sheets and good Wi-Fi. If you’re a landlord or property owner looking to make the most of the summer season, here’s what you need to know to prepare your property professionally, legally and profitably.
1. Understand London’s short let regulations
Before listing your property, make sure you’re compliant with local laws:
- 90-Day rule: In Greater London, short-term rentals (less than 90 consecutive days) are limited to 90 nights per calendar year per property unless you obtain planning permission for a change of use.
- Lease & freeholder restrictions: If your property is leasehold, check the lease terms. Many leases prohibit short-term subletting.
- Council permissions: Some boroughs (e.g., Westminster, Kensington & Chelsea) actively monitor short lets. In certain areas, enforcement can be strict.
2. Consider professional short-let management
Managing a short-let property yourself, especially during peak summer months, is a full-time job. Consider working with a short-let management company that can:
- Handle bookings, cleaning and maintenance
- Professionally photograph and market your property
- Adjust pricing dynamically based on demand
- Manage check-ins/outs and guest support
This is particularly valuable if:
- You don’t live locally
- You’re listing multiple properties
- You want to maximise occupancy without the admin
- You’re planning to be away during this period
3. Prepare the property for high guest turnover
High summer demand means short booking gaps, so your property needs to be turnover-ready.
Essentials:
- Hotel-grade linen and towels (with spares on-site)
- Keyless entry (smart lock or lockbox)
- A rapid-response maintenance plan
- Professional cleaning between stays - aim for same-day turnaround
Preventive maintenance:
- Service boilers, check plumbing and AC/fans before the season starts
- Lock away any items that aren’t for guest use
- Ensure outdoor spaces (balconies, terraces, gardens) are clean, safe and presentable
4. Furnish and style for the short-let market
This isn’t about personal taste, it’s about maximising broad appeal and functionality.
- Prioritise durability over decoration - heavy-use items (like sofas, dining tables, flooring) should be robust and easy to clean.
- Use neutral tones and bright, airy accents to create a clean summer feel.
- Provide multi-functional furniture (e.g., sofa beds, fold-out dining tables) to increase occupancy options.
- Install USB ports, reliable broadband, and streaming services — these are expected, not optional.
Pro tip: Invest in professional photography with staging. Great photos = more clicks and bookings.
5. Create a strategic pricing and availability plan
Research online or ask an estate agency for a valuation. Set minimum stay durations to reduce cleaning frequency and attract longer bookings (e.g., 3–5 nights minimum). Offer early-bird discounts for June/July and increase pricing around:
- Wimbledon
- Notting Hill Carnival
- BST Hyde Park & summer festivals
- School holiday dates
6. Position the property for your ideal guest profile
Define your target summer renter:
- Families: Highlight proximity to parks, playgrounds, transport, washer/dryer.
- Tourists: Emphasise walkability, local hotspots, guidebooks, Oyster cards, etc.
- UK-based staycationers: Emphasise outdoor space (if you have it), nearby attractions, and the ability to cook or work from home if needed
7. Don't neglect insurance & liability
Short-term lets introduce higher risks. Protect yourself:
- Get short-term rental insurance (standard home insurance often excludes this).
- Cover:
- Guest injury liability
- Accidental or malicious damage
- Lost income due to cancellations or property issues
- Require a damage deposit or activate platform-based damage.
8. Focus on guest experience & automation
Guest expectations are high, especially in London.
- Automate messaging (check-in instructions, local tips, Wi-Fi details)
- Provide summer amenities: fans, picnic blankets, reusable water bottles, outdoor seating
- Have an estate agency manage your check in/out process
- Monitor reviews and respond promptly, reviews are your best marketing tool
The London summer short-let market is lucrative but competitive. Landlords who treat their property as a hospitality business, not just a spare asset, will benefit the most. By combining compliance, good design, professional support, and smart operations, you can position your property for a highly profitable and stress-free summer season.
If you’re considering letting your property this summer, Interlet can help manage the entire process - from compliance to guest experience, so you can maximise your income without the stress.
