To let: your home for the holidays
Country Homes & Interiors|August 2023
Renting out your home can help fund your travel plans, pay bills and mean your property isn't left empty. But is it worth the extra packing?
ANDRÉA CHILDS
To let: your home for the holidays

More of us than ever are watching what we spend and trying to reduce our bills. But what if you could make money from your property, instead of simply cutting back? Covering the costs of a holiday by hiring out your home via a rental agency isn't new, but an increasing number of people are now choosing this option to help earn a little on the side, either by renting out a spare room or an annexe while they are at home, or letting the entire property while they are away travelling or visiting family and friends.

This change isn't about people renting out second homes; it's about earning income from a primary residence-a trend that has risen post-pandemic and gained traction as mortgage rates and energy bills rise.

The pandemic and the adoption of remote work has untethered many people from the need to be in an office every day, and offered them a newfound flexibility to continue their work from home,' explains Amanda Cupples, general manager for Northern Europe at Airbnb. 'As a result, people are spreading out to thousands of towns and cities, staying for weeks, months, or even entire seasons at a time."

REASONS TO RENT

Renting out your home may enable you to experience living and working elsewhere, with the security of knowing your property isn't left empty and can earn its keep while you are away. The property owners we work with may be retirees who like to travel, others who have a second home overseas that they tend to escape to during the winter months, or people who want to spend time with extended family. We have properties that we market for as little as six weeks a year,' says Jess Clark, creative director at Unique Homestays, which offers luxury holiday homes in stunning locations, many of them in the countryside.

This story is from the August 2023 edition of Country Homes & Interiors.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the August 2023 edition of Country Homes & Interiors.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORSView All
Sowing the seeds for a life of abundance
Country Homes & Interiors

Sowing the seeds for a life of abundance

The perpetual rhythm of planting, tending and harvesting brings a feeling of hope and fulfilment to Diana Yates, and it extends beyond her Greenfields garden to all of her life

time-read
3 mins  |
August 2024
Cabin fever
Country Homes & Interiors

Cabin fever

Offering cosy, doll's house-sized country retreats, cabins combine modern comforts with an immersive experience of nature

time-read
4 mins  |
August 2024
'Building boats has become my passion'
Country Homes & Interiors

'Building boats has become my passion'

Wooden boat builder, Obioma Oji

time-read
3 mins  |
August 2024
Cover-up job
Country Homes & Interiors

Cover-up job

Durable and decorative, cladding is a brilliant way to protect your home's exterior without compromising its aesthetics

time-read
3 mins  |
August 2024
Flights of fancy
Country Homes & Interiors

Flights of fancy

Replace or refurbish your staircase and you'll elevate the appearance of your home at every level. Here are the steps to take...

time-read
4 mins  |
August 2024
TRUE BLUE
Country Homes & Interiors

TRUE BLUE

A firm favourite for decorating, blue is one of the most restful, mindful shades in the colour spectrum. Stylist and interiors expert Sara Bird shares how to use it in your country home

time-read
5 mins  |
August 2024
COUNTER INTELLIGENCE
Country Homes & Interiors

COUNTER INTELLIGENCE

Practical and inspiring ideas for selecting the best kitchen worktop for your space

time-read
3 mins  |
August 2024
A GARDEN GLOW-UP
Country Homes & Interiors

A GARDEN GLOW-UP

As late summer days begin to shorten, extend your time outdoors with a blend of practical and decorative lighting

time-read
2 mins  |
August 2024
TRÈS BELLE
Country Homes & Interiors

TRÈS BELLE

Sharon and Tony Dallas have turned their dilapidated Grade II-listed house in Essex into an enchanting home with a considered colour palette and French treasures galore

time-read
4 mins  |
August 2024
HOME AT LAST
Country Homes & Interiors

HOME AT LAST

Having often walked past their dream property over the years, Rich and Emma Proud finally became its owners and turned it into a comfortable home for three generations of their family

time-read
4 mins  |
August 2024