Holiday home owners keen to maximise their property’s potential for the year ahead might only need to make two key changes to see significant returns, according to Holidaycottages.
Introducing pet-friendly policies and installing hot tubs can lead to a substantial uplift in both bookings and revenue, the firm claims.
Latest data shows that cottages accepting dogs on average received three additional bookings per year and generated 29% more revenue compared to those that don’t. This translates to more than £4,000 in extra annual income.
With over 40% of bookings in 2025 including a dog, the demand for pet-friendly stays continues to soar. In fact, looking ahead to 2026, data from the lettings firm shows that the percentage of bookings that includes a dog is already at 43%. This presents real opportunities for holiday homeowners looking to the year ahead to attract bookings.
It haas also revealed that adding a hot tub is another powerful way to attract guests, particularly for smaller properties accommodating two to three people. Homes with this feature have experienced a 33% revenue boost over the past 12 months, driven by a 15% increase in weekly rental pricing and an average of five additional bookings per year.
“Holidaymakers are looking for properties that allow them to unwind completely or bring their furry family members along,” explains Joby Mussell, chief commercial officer at Holidaycottages.
“For property owners, these enhancements are relatively simple to implement yet deliver impressive results in terms of both revenue and guest satisfaction. Of course, it’s important to note that other factors can also help boost performance – these include price flexibility, increased availability over the course of a year and improved imagery when marketing a property.”
Mussell concludes: “By responding to shifting guest expectations, owners have a great opportunity to unlock new levels of success in the bustling holiday rental market throughout the year.
“For current and prospective holiday homeowners, making these simple yet effective changes could not only amplify the appeal of their properties but also secure an increase in yearly earnings – especially if they make updates to their rentals now ahead of peak booking season.”
