With a growing trend towards holidaymakers opting for last-minute UK getaways, holiday let owners will be wanting to do all they can to boost bookings over the coming weeks.
According to Sykes Holiday Cottages’ latest Staycation Index Report 24% of all 2025 breaks have been booked within just a month of departure – meaning owners can still attract a significant number of bookings if they’re prepared.
To help owners boost last-minute bookings this season – especially with temperatures hotting up – here are five tips from James Shaw, Managing Director of Sykes Holiday Cottages.
- Accept short breaks
Being flexible with your booking length can be beneficial in driving last minute interest and filling up your calendar this season.
And with short breaks becoming increasingly popular with travellers – almost half (48%) of our 2025 bookings to date have been short breaks of six days or less – ensuring your property accepts these types of getaways is essential to securing last minute breaks.
In fact, our recent Holiday Letting Outlook Report suggested that accepting flexible, short stays could result in an average of 29% more bookings per year.
- Install seasonal features at your property
To attract last-minute bookings this summer, make sure your property features seasonal touches that help it stand out from the crowd.
Simple updates – like adding fresh flowers or colourful plants to the garden – can instantly boost kerb appeal.
Investing in items such as stylish outdoor furniture or a BBQ creates inviting spaces for al fresco dining, giving guests a clear picture of how they can relax and enjoy the warmer weather of late.
- Be flexible on pricing and offer discounts and deals
Tempting travellers with exclusive summer discounts and limited-time deals is an effective way to spark interest and turn browsers into booked guests.
At Sykes, our owners can opt into our Income Maximisation scheme – which essentially means giving our experts at Sykes freedom to vary a property’s agreed prices up to a certain percentage.
Our team will decrease prices dependent on how well similar properties in the area are selling, trends in website searches and previous years’ data, ensuring a property remains as competitive as possible.
- Allow bookings with pets
With a huge portion of travellers now bringing their pooches along for trips, accepting pets at your holiday home could also broaden your appeal, opening you up to more last-minute bookers.
Consider adding pet-friendly amenities to your property and showing these off in property images. From dog beds to pet bowls and toys, these thoughtful extras will help guests book with confidence – knowing their four-legged companion will be just as welcome as they are.
- Update your own social media
Using your social media channels is a quick and easy way to boost seasonal bookings.
Even a simple Instagram Story with a link to your holiday home’s webpage can catch the eye of a last-minute booker. Try posting a Reel that highlights your favourite features – whether it’s the garden, hot tub, or proximity to the beach – and show why it’s the perfect summer escape.
Don’t be shy about asking family and friends to share your posts too, especially those outside the local area. A quick share or recommendation can travel fast and often leads to spontaneous bookings through word of mouth.
James Shaw is Sykes Holiday Cottages’ managing director
