The UK rental landscape is changing rapidly. With tighter regulations, increased taxation, and shifting tenant expectations, many landlords are reassessing the long-term buy-to-let model. At the same time, the short-term let market—particularly in thriving tourist and business destinations—continues to show strong earning potential.
If you’re a landlord or investor looking to increase your returns, switching from a traditional buy-to-let to a short-term holiday let could be a smart move. In this guide, we explore the key steps involved in making the switch, the benefits, and how mySTAYINN can help you unlock your property’s full potential.
Why Make the Switch?
Let’s start with why more landlords are exploring short-term lets in 2025.
Higher Yields
Short-term lets can command significantly higher nightly rates than long-term rentals, especially in popular destinations like Edinburgh, York, Bristol, and Bath. Even factoring in gaps between bookings, many landlords report better overall returns.
Greater Flexibility
You can use the property yourself during quiet periods, or block off dates for friends and family. This flexibility doesn’t exist with long-term tenancies.
Diversified Income
With the right pricing strategy, short-term lets let you respond to market demand, events, and seasonality. You’re not locked into one rental rate for a year.
Avoiding Recent BTL Challenges
Landlords have faced reduced tax relief, tighter energy efficiency rules, and increased compliance costs. Some of these pressures are less severe in the short-term let market—provided you meet local licensing requirements.
Step-by-Step: Converting from BTL to Short-Term Let
1. Understand Local Regulations
Before anything else, check whether your property is in a region with short-term let licensing or planning restrictions. For example:
- In Edinburgh, you’ll likely need a short-term let licence and planning permission for secondary letting.
- York, Oxford and Bristol may have Article 4 Directions or tourism policies that apply.
Each council has its own rules, and compliance is essential.
2. Furnish and Style Your Property
Long-term lets tend to be let unfurnished. Short-term lets must feel more like boutique hotels or comfortable homes. Invest in:
- Quality bedding, mattresses, and towels
- Practical furniture (including dining, living, and workspaces)
- Stylish decor that photographs well
- Fully equipped kitchen with utensils, cookware, and basics
- Smart TVs, fast Wi-Fi, and possibly even welcome packs
If you’re unsure where to start, mySTAYINN offers guidance on furnishing and staging properties to maximise booking appeal.
3. Photography and Listing Creation
Your online presence matters. Platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com are highly visual, and a well-crafted listing will attract more attention.
You’ll need:
- Professional photographs of each room
- A compelling description that highlights amenities and location
- A strong, search-optimised title
Don’t forget to include practical info like Wi-Fi speed, check-in process, and parking availability.
4. Implement a Pricing Strategy
Unlike BTL, you’re not setting a fixed monthly rent. Instead, short-term lets require:
- Variable pricing by season, day of week, or local events
- Minimum night stays in peak periods
- Discounts for longer bookings or last-minute availability
Dynamic pricing tools can help, but working with a management partner like mySTAYINN means you get data-driven pricing tailored to your property and location.
5. Get Set Up for Guests
You’ll need a reliable process for:
- Guest messaging and bookings
- Cleaning and turnover between stays
- Stocking essentials (loo roll, tea, coffee, cleaning supplies)
- Providing house manuals, local tips, and emergency contacts
If that sounds like a lot, it is. But mySTAYINN handles all of this for you.
Costs to Consider (and Offset)
Switching to short-term letting involves some upfront costs:
- Furnishing and decorating the property
- Licensing and insurance fees
- Professional photography
- Initial setup (smart locks, key safes, guest materials)
However, many of these are one-off costs. And when managed effectively, short-term lets often deliver higher annual revenue to offset these investments.
How mySTAYINN Helps You Transition Seamlessly
If you’re thinking of making the move to short-term letting, mySTAYINN can support you every step of the way:
- Compliance and Licensing Guidance
We help you understand your local regulations, complete licence applications, and ensure your property meets safety standards. - Interior Styling and Setup Support
We advise on furnishing your property to match guest expectations—and can connect you with trusted suppliers. - Listing Creation and Professional Photography
We create platform-optimised listings that stand out and convert browsers into bookings. - Dynamic Pricing and Revenue Management
Our team monitors market trends and uses data-driven tools to maximise your nightly income. - Guest Communication, Cleaning and Maintenance
We handle everything—so you don’t have to. From key exchanges and 5-star guest messaging to 24/7 issue resolution, we’ve got you covered.
Whether you’re switching from BTL or entering the market for the first time, our experience across cities like Edinburgh, York, and Bristol ensures your property is in expert hands.
Conclusion
With rising challenges in the long-term rental sector and increasing demand for short stays in the UK, switching from buy-to-let to short-term letting could significantly boost your returns. But to succeed, you need the right setup, strategy, and support.
At mySTAYINN, we take the stress out of short-term letting—helping you earn more while doing less. From compliance to cleaning, pricing to photography, our expert team handles it all.
Interested in turning your BTL into a high-earning holiday let? Get in touch with mySTAYINN today and let’s unlock your property’s full potential.
