What Hosts and Guests Should Know? The UK short-term rental sector is entering a period of significant change. In 2026, the government is expected to introduce new regulations aimed at improving transparency, safety, and oversight of the short-term letting market.These changes could affect hosts, investors, and guests using serviced accommodation across the country. At MyShortLets, we […]
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What Short-Term Landlords Need to Know This week, the housing lobby group Generation Rent broadened its sights — not just on private landlords, but squarely on second-home owners and Airbnb-style hosts, claiming these properties are squeezing local housing markets and lifting rents for long-term renters. link>>> What’s the Campaign Really About? At its core, Generation Rent argues that a […]
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What the 2025 Budget Means for Hospitality — and Why Short-Let Operators Should Care The UK Autumn Budget 2025 has just landed — and while that usually comes with hope, this time the hospitality sector is sounding the alarm. What was billed as relief for pubs, hotels, leisure and accommodation businesses has left many operators […]
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What the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 Means for Let-Site Operators, Investors & Landlords Date: 14/11/2025 The private rented sector is about to go through some of its biggest changes in a generation. The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 (RRA) introduces 12 major reforms that every landlord, property developer, and short-let operator needs to be aware of […]
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MyShortLets Earns Superhost Status Once Again We are proud to announce that MyShortLets has officially earned Superhost status once again. This recognition is more than just a title; it reflects the consistent effort, attention to detail, and commitment to exceptional hospitality that define how we operate every single day. Our dedication to our guests is […]
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Short-Term Let Trends: What’s Changing in Business Travel & Serviced Apartments (Sep 2025) Businesses are shifting fast. SilverDoor’s latest data (Sept 2025) sheds light on global movements, rates, and what travellers in the corporate/contractor space now want — information that’s gold for anyone running short-term lets.Here’s what’s going on — and what it means for […]
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UK Holiday Packing Essentials: Smart, Seasonal, and Staycation-Ready Why It Matters UK holidays are all the rage—whether it’s a cozy cottage, a campfire under stars, or a scenic road trip through the Highlands. But let’s face it: limited luggage space, changeable weather, and varied plans can trip even seasoned travellers up. Luckily, Which? has your […]
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Why Cleethorpes Is Positively Buzzing 1. A Modern Reinvention of Classic Coastal Charm Cleethorpes is shaking off its “kiss‑me‑quick” badge by introducing contemporary food experiences, boutique accommodation, and events to complement its well-loved pier and golden sands. The Guardian 2. Waterfront Redevelopment Boost With £18.4 million earmarked from the Levelling Up Fund, plans include reimagining Market […]
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The UK short-term rental market in April 2025 continued its upward trajectory, with strong performance across most key indicators compared to the same period last year. This growth highlights a resilient and steadily expanding market, despite a slight decline in average length of stay. Key Market Highlights Short-Term Rentals: 2025 Market Trends Report Overview In […]
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What Hosts and Guests Should Know New regulatory changes affecting short-term holiday lets—often dubbed the “Airbnb law”—are on the horizon in the UK. These upcoming regulations aim to strike a balance between supporting tourism and preserving local housing supply. Here’s what you need to know: Understanding Upcoming Regulations 1. Stricter Planning Permission Requirements A new […]
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“AI Will Make You Rich!” – And Other Social Media Bedtime Stories I couldn’t help myself. Every day, I’m getting bombarded — emails, posts, shorts, videos, and even phone calls — all shouting the same thing: “AI is the secret to unlimited leads!” “Don’t miss the AI revolution!” “Start your own AI business from your sofa!” Honestly, […]
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What’s Changing in April 2025? From April 2025, local councils in England will have the authority to apply a 100% council tax premium on furnished second homes that are not used as a primary residence. This new measure—part of the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2023—is designed to reduce the number of underused homes in high-demand areas. In simple terms:If your […]
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New Tax Rules Hit Holiday Let Owners Hard: One Landlord Faces £20,000 Council Tax Bill The UK government’s push to tackle the housing crisis in coastal and rural communities is having a serious knock-on effect on holiday let owners—and not in the way many expected. In a striking example, Blackpool-based holiday let owner Judith Robbins […]
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Homeowners in some parts of the UK are facing a ‘living hell’ as house prices tumble and properties fail to sell due to anti-tourism measures and a ‘hellish’ climate Second homeowners in parts of Wales say they are trapped in a “living hell” as house prices drop, costs skyrocket, and tourism regulations tighten—leaving many unable […]
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Airbnb partners with London Borough of Waltham Forest to empower residents to benefit from home sharing Key Highlights Airbnb and the London Borough of Waltham Forest are launching a new partnership to promote the benefits of homesharing across diverse communities. £25,000 in funding will support grassroots events and cultural initiatives throughout the borough. Waltham Forest to be […]
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New regulations affecting holiday lets in Wales have been described as “brutal” by industry experts, with fears the changes could lead to thousands of job losses across the tourism sector in Wales. The impact of these regulations stretches beyond just the immediate financial concerns for property owners; it touches the very fabric of communities that […]
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Levies are typically added to customers’ bills, and it is anticipated it could help bring in an extra £1.7m a year to the city’s economy A tourist tax on hotel stays in Nottingham is now expected to launch in January 2026, following a delay in the original timeline. In July 2023, city councillors backed a plan […]
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As former U.S. President Donald Trump signals a return to aggressive trade policies, including the potential reintroduction of tariffs, questions are being raised about how this could impact UK households and their financial wellbeing. Could There Be an Impact on the Housing Market? Richard Donnell, Executive Director at Zoopla, explained that the UK housing market […]
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Brighton and Hove councillors have debated implementing planning controls and closing tax loopholes to address the growing impact of holiday lets in the city. Green councillor Ollie Sykes highlighted the strain short-term lets are placing on housing availability. “There is virtually nowhere left to rent in Brighton and Hove. It’s absolutely crazy,” Sykes told Brighton […]
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Soho’s residential community is vanishing at an alarming rate as short-term lets replace permanent homes, turning entire apartment blocks into online hotels. New estimates suggest that fewer than 2,000 people now live in London’s vibrant West End, a dramatic drop from previous decades. At a parliamentary meeting on Thursday, hosted by Cities of Westminster and […]
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Chris Bryant MP, Minister of State for Media, Tourism, and Creative Industries, has confirmed that England’s much-anticipated statutory short-term lets registration scheme will come into force later this year. The introduction of the registration scheme is expected to foster greater transparency in the short-term rental market, which has grown significantly in recent years. With platforms like Airbnb, many […]
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Travel gift cards have become an increasingly popular and flexible way for people to book accommodation, transport, and experiences. In 2025, some of the most widely used travel gift cards include Airbnb, Marriott, Delta Air Lines, Ryanair, GetYourGuide, MyShortLets and Eurostar, reflecting a growing shift towards experience-based gifting. Other commonly redeemed cards include Hotels.com, Best Western, Southwest […]
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Airbnb has issued a warning to prospective short-let tenants in the UK about scammers using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to manipulate property images, making listings appear more attractive than they actually are. According to research from Airbnb and Get Safe Online, the average amount lost to fraud now stands at £1,937. The platform is concerned that AI-generated scams […]
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The housing market got off to a strong start in January, with house prices reaching new record highs. Halifax’s House Price Index reports a +0.7% increase in house prices in January, following a slight decline of -0.2% in December. The average house price reached £299,138, marking a new peak at the start of the year. […]
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Supporting You Through the Unexpected At times, unexpected circumstances can disrupt our daily lives. Whether it’s a sudden need for relocation or the requirement for emergency accommodation, we understand how important it is to have a trusted partner to guide you through these challenging moments. That’s why, with nearly a decade of expertise in managing […]
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Research shows that 70% of landlords planning to grow their portfolios this year intend to acquire new buy-to-let properties through a limited company. A survey conducted for Paragon Bank found that 69% of these landlords will choose this approach, the second-highest figure ever recorded. Only 25% of landlords plan to purchase properties in their personal […]
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In the past, bridging finance was viewed as a costly option, but these days, bridging products are much more affordable. As a result, many astute investors are turning to us to find out which lenders to approach. Short-term finance can be used in a variety of ways, as outlined below: Standard Bridging: Refurbishment Buy-to-Let: Heavy […]
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Cardiff, Birmingham, and Plymouth have emerged as key locations for buy-to-let investment, according to Paragon Bank’s 2024 lending data. Cardiff’s CF24 postcode, covering areas like Cathays and Roath, topped the list, attracting landlords eager to accommodate the city’s large student population. Paragon reports that landlords in this area can achieve average returns of 8.7%. Birmingham’s […]
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A surprising 42% of landlords are unaware of the upcoming requirement for a minimum EPC rating of C for private rented properties, according to a recent survey. Research from epIMS highlights a widespread lack of understanding about the need to meet Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) standards by 2030. Last month, the government announced a consultation […]
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OpenAI has launched Operator, an AI agent available to ChatGPT Pro users in the United States through a $200 monthly plan at operator chatgpt com. Operator is designed to autonomously perform tasks, such as interacting with websites by typing, clicking, and scrolling. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has described this as “an early research preview,” with the […]
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The serviced apartment sector is expected to experience significant growth. Factors like hybrid working, a preference for home-like accommodations, and longer stays are reshaping the market, while technology and AI are improving the overall experience. Marianne Curphey examines how the sector is adapting to meet the needs of customers across various regions. The rise of […]
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Winter often brings harsh weather, and storms can cause significant damage to properties, leading to costly repairs. The National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) reports that the average insurance claim for storm damage is £3,636, although some claims are much higher. For instance, in 2023, a roof damaged by heavy rain resulted in a £97,804 payout. […]
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A top landlord law expert has strongly criticised two ‘rogue councils’ after the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) released harsh reports highlighting their ‘serious failings’ in managing social housing. Newcastle City Council, which voluntarily referred itself to the RSH, faced severe censure for numerous issues, including over 1,800 overdue repair requests. The council was also […]
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London’s rental market continued to thrive in 2024, with research showing an average monthly increase of 4.3% across the city. According to data from Benham and Reeves, Shoreditch emerged as the leader, with rents rising by 6.6% per month, outpacing all other areas. Canary Wharf and Ealing followed closely behind, each experiencing a 5.9% monthly […]
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For years, the Rent to Serviced Accommodation (R2SA) business model has been touted as an affordable entry point into property investment. Widely promoted by property education courses, this approach involved leasing residential properties, setting up Limited Companies, and subletting them as short-term rentals under the Tour Operators’ Margin Scheme (TOMS). However, the recent HMRC v […]
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Research from Zoopla shows that half of the UK’s 30 million homes gained in value in 2024, as house prices resumed growth after a dip in 2023. The decline in 2023 was attributed to weak buyer demand, influenced by higher borrowing costs. In total, 15 million UK homes saw a value increase of 1% or […]
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In 2016, Londoners could typically expect to double their money when selling their home, but that is no longer the case. London homeowners, often overwhelmed by headlines about rising house prices and declining affordability, tend to expect huge profits when selling their properties. However, the latest data from Hamptons suggests that the days of dramatic […]
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This year could offer a promising chance for Londoners aiming to enter the housing market, as affordability reaches its best levels in 12 years. Recent research shows that in 2025, average house prices will be 9.3 times the average income, a significant decrease from 10.7 in 2018 and 10.6 in 2022. After a period of […]
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After coming into its own during the pandemic and its aftermath,corporate demand for serviced apartments has levelled off last year, according to the Global Serviced Apartment Industry Report (GSAIR) 2024. The number of corporates booking serviced apartments for business travel has dropped 11.2 per cent year-on-year, according to the report, while usage of this accommodation […]
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The average property price in the UK currently stands at £269,426, reflecting a slight dip from the peak reached in the aftermath of the post-lockdown housing boom two years ago. Back in August 2022, during the height of that frenzy, the typical cost of a home across the UK was £273,751. This marked a significant […]
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This holiday season, we wish you and your loved ones a home filled with warmth, laughter, and joy. As you celebrate, may your days be bright, your nights cozy, and your hearts full of happiness. Thank you for letting MyShortLets be a part of your journey this year. We look forward to continuing to provide […]
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Serviced apartments have steadily risen in popularity among investors. The sector’s resilience has boosted confidence, and as an asset class, it often delivers higher profit margins than traditional hotels. Growing consumer awareness, partly driven by platforms like Airbnb, has also contributed to the increasing appeal of serviced apartments to leisure travellers. With tighter regulations on short-term rentals across […]
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A planning application has been submitted to the Lake District National Park to convert the Grey Walls Hotel in Windermere into a 17-unit Aparthotel. The two-storey building, currently in a “dilapidated” state, requires extensive refurbishment. Previous attempts to redevelop the site failed due to high costs and a lack of demand for a public house […]
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Europe’s rental and relocation markets are facing significant challenges, including upcoming legislation, rising costs, and environmental regulations. In the UK, the Autumn Budget, led by Chancellor Rachel Reeves, could negatively impact landlords, potentially leading many to sell properties, which may create a housing shortage. This would particularly affect high-demand rental markets in cities like London, key areas […]
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Airbnb Partners Airbnb is expanding its rent-to-rent model to the UK through a partnership with real estate developer Greystar. The company launched its Airbnb-friendly apartments (AFA) program in 2022, allowing renters to sublet their apartments part-time when not in use. This service initially partnered with 250 buildings across cities like Houston, Phoenix, Jacksonville, and New […]
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Just over a decade ago, Camilla Shipton was cleaning holiday homes to support her young family. Armed with a vacuum cleaner and a strong work ethic, she went above and beyond to ensure every property was immaculate for arriving guests. Today, she is the founder of Deal-based Keepers Cottages and manages 155 prestigious holiday lets, making her […]
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Reporter Harleen Nottay meets tenants fleeced by online fraudsters In this eye-opening report, Harleen Nottay delves into the experiences of tenants who have fallen victim to online fraudsters, losing money and trust to fake property listings. Through in-depth interviews, she sheds light on the emotional and financial toll these scams take on innocent renters. Nottay […]
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London Stansted records ‘busiest day in history’ London Stansted Airport set a new record on 27 October, handling over 107,000 passengers, its busiest day ever, surpassing the previous record of 104,000 set in August. October also marked the airport’s busiest month, with more than 2.6 million passengers, driven by high demand for family holidays and […]
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Pembrokeshire council has decided to reduce its council tax premium on second homes from 200% to 150%, just six months after the higher rate was implemented. The decision, proposed by Councillor Huw Murphy, passed narrowly with 30 votes to 26 and will take effect from next April. The council also plans to ask the Welsh […]
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UK Short-Term Rental Sector Outpaces Hotels, Growing 16 Times Faster Amid Shifting Travel Priorities The UK’s short-term rental (STR) sector has seen explosive growth, expanding 16 times faster than traditional hotels over the past decade, underscoring a shift in traveler priorities. Analysis by Property Management Software provider RMS Cloud shows that STR businesses have surged […]
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Labour’s October Budget, led by Reeves, has introduced several tax adjustments impacting property investors and landlords: Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT): Effective October 31, 2024, the SDLT surcharge on second homes and investment properties rises from 3% to 5%. Temporary SDLT thresholds will also revert by March 31, 2025, potentially driving demand in rental markets. […]
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A study suggests that an increase in Airbnb properties in London is linked to higher crime rates. A 10% rise in active Airbnb rentals could lead to 1,000 more robberies annually, based on 2018 data. The study found a positive correlation between Airbnb listings and crimes like robbery and burglary from 2015 to 2018. Researchers […]
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Airbnb has introduced a new Co-Host Network, featuring over 10,000 experienced co-hosts across 10 countries to help manage properties, with a focus on personalisation. Hosts must have a rating of at least 4.86 to be included, and an algorithm recommends the best co-hosts for users. Brian Chesky, Airbnb’s CEO, stated the goal is to personalise […]
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AI is becoming a popular tool for travel planning, as illustrated by Jason Brown’s experience using ChatGPT to create a 10-day itinerary for his family’s trip to Amsterdam and Ireland. Brown found the AI-generated itinerary helpful, with detailed daily plans, but he also supplemented these suggestions with local recommendations. Similarly, others are turning to AI […]
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Cleethorpes – the east-coast rival to Blackpool Cleethorpes, a charming east-coast town, rivals Blackpool with its classic seaside atmosphere and unique attractions, including The Number 1 Pub, a former booking office-turned-micro-museum celebrating the town’s rich history. Sir Edward Watkin, who brought the Manchester, Sheffield & Lincoln Railway to Cleethorpes in 1863, transformed the town with […]
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