This piece by Cliff Ward, holiday lets expert at insurance company Pikl, who shares five of the most profitable upgrades based on Pikl’s experience working with short-term rental owners across the UK.
1. Hot Tubs Offer a Major Income Boost – Ward says: “Hot tubs continue to be one of the most valuable investments you can make in a holiday-let. Hosts with hot tubs often charge £50–£80 more per night, based on market averages from comparable listings, which could equate to over £25,000 a year in extra income for properties with strong booking rates. Whilst it may seem like a pricey addition, you’re likely to see a strong return on your investment. Not only do they photograph well and attract attention on booking sites, but they’re consistently mentioned in five-star guest reviews. Not to mention, in the right locations, estate agents even suggest they can bump up resale value which is great if you ever intend to sell.”
2. ‘Instagrammable’ Interiors Justify Higher Prices – “In today’s market, people are booking spaces that look good online as much as they are for location, especially if they want to post about their stay on social media. Airbnb has even reported that listings with standout décor or ‘Instagrammable’ features attract significantly more bookings, and many hosts are able to charge 25–35% more per night as a result. However, what’s considered ‘Instagrammable’ can change like the wind, so I’d recommend opting for ‘Instagrammable’ accessories that can easily be swapped without a huge price tag. If you’re unsure what’s trending, utilising Pinterest Trends is a great way to know what’s popular across social media in home and interior space.”
3. Outdoor Kitchens and Fire Pits Are a Summer Win – “In the warmer months, features like pizza ovens, fire pits, or outdoor kitchens can make a huge difference. We’ve seen owners increase their rates by up to £50 a night by making their outdoor areas more usable and more appealing in photos. What’s great is that many of these additions are relatively low-cost. Some fire pits or pizza ovens come in well under £2,000, but the guest value perception is much higher. It turns a standard garden into something people get excited about and are willing to pay for.”
4. Workspaces Attract Longer, More Reliable Bookings – “Workspace ready listings are a smart move for anyone wanting year-round income. According to industry reports, workspace-ready listings often see 10–20% higher annual income, especially from remote workers or digital nomads booking longer stays. You don’t need to convert a whole room, but a well-lit corner with a desk and decent Wi-Fi is a great way to increase your income. This also can help fill gaps mid-week and outside peak season, which can really smooth out your income over the year.”
5. Luxury Bathrooms Pay Off in Reviews and Rates – “Kitchens might sell homes, but bathrooms sell bookings. A luxury bathroom, with a freestanding tub, walk-in shower, and more premium finishes, can boost perceived rental value by up to 30%, based on staging feedback and guest reviews. Standout features of a home like these are the kind of details that guests remember, and they often lead to better reviews and more repeat bookings. Even small upgrades like rainfall showers or ambient lighting can make a big impact.”
But Ward concludes with a disclaimer: “Before making any changes to your property, it’s important to check with your home insurer first to make sure you are covered in the event of a claim. Extensive renovations may result in changes to your cover or premium, so it’s important to speak to your insurer beforehand.
“Features such as hot tubs and pools are a great addition to your home, but they also come with risk, so a risk assessment may be required beforehand. Simple measures such as leaving instructions for use or installing non-slip flooring can mitigate any potential issues and allow your guests to enjoy any attractive features that you install in your home.”
