What are the best ways to save money on your holiday let property?

Reduce waste from inefficient appliances

As you may already know from personal experience in your own household, old or poorly maintained appliances can be silent budget killers. A tired boiler, for instance, could be working twice as hard (and using twice the energy) to heat your holiday let property. Fridges, dishwashers and washing machines that have seen better days may also be consuming more power or water than they should.

If you’re able to upgrade to energy-efficient models, you may find that it doesn’t just improve performance – it slashes your running costs too. Appliances with A-rated or better energy labels are best; ideally ones designed for high-frequency or commercial use. If you’re not able to fully replace your appliances for whatever reason, you can still make a difference by scheduling routine servicing, clearing vents and checking seals regularly. Even small inefficiencies – like a freezer door that doesn’t close fully – can rack up energy waste over time.

Also, you might want to consider installing water-saving devices such as tap aerators or low-flow shower heads. They’re easy and affordable changes that make a big difference to consumption, especially if your guests are in the habit of long showers.

Install smart technology for better control

If you’ve got the budget and capability for them, smart devices can provide a really practical way to manage your holiday let more efficiently. A smart thermostat, for example, enables you to control heating remotely, helping you avoid warming empty rooms between guests. (Some models learn usage patterns and adjust settings automatically, which can keep energy usage lean without sacrificing the comfort of your next set of guests.)

You can also use smart plugs to manage appliances, lighting, and heating zones individually, enabling you to fine-tune consumption depending on season and occupancy. Plus, if your property is part of a portfolio, remote access lets you oversee multiple lets at once, streamlining your management process.

Motion sensors in hallways, bathrooms or outdoor areas may also be worth considering, as they can help to prevent lights from staying on unnecessarily. (Some owners also use smart meters to get real-time feedback on electricity and gas usage, helping them spot spikes and address developing issues.) It all provides a great way to help you make informed decisions, rather than just guessing where costs might be increasing.

Secure reliable local contractors for maintenance

Emergency call-outs can be some of the most expensive and stressful issues you’ll face as a holiday let owner, so building a trustworthy network of (ideally local) tradespeople can sometimes be very helpful towards reducing long-term costs. The personal relationships matter too – you may well benefit from faster response times and clearer communication when problems arise.

To do that though, it’s a good idea to get quotes in advance from local plumbers, electricians, joiners and cleaners. If possible, try to agree rates ahead of time to avoid last-minute charges. Some tradespeople offer reduced rates to regular clients, especially during quieter months when they have fewer bookings.

It also makes sense to schedule a general maintenance inspection before each season begins. Roof leaks, pipe corrosion or early signs of pest problems can be resolved quickly when spotted early. Regular upkeep of gutters, windows, heating systems and exterior surfaces can all go a long way to keeping your property in top condition, and saving you from the worst of unexpected repair bills.

Cut costs on utilities with efficient suppliers

One of the simplest ways to reduce running costs is to check your current utility contracts. Electricity, gas and water suppliers vary widely in how they price their services – and if you haven’t changed supplier for a while, there’s a good chance you’re paying more than necessary.

Compared to gas and electricity, business water rates can sometimes be overlooked, but they can represent a sizeable portion of your outgoings. And when it comes to business water rates, we can help at The Business Water Shop. We know how much of a hassle it can be to get started on switching business water providers, which is exactly why we’ve made it our mission to ensure the entire process is as simple and stress-free as possible.

All you need is your postcode to get started. Then, we’ll connect you with our network of trusted suppliers that spans across the UK, enabling you to get the most competitive water quotes for your business. We’ve even been able to save some customers up to 55% on their water bills, and you can count on us to use all our resources and industry expertise to get you the best deal.

Sometimes, it may not be about the price itself, but the service you’re getting for it. So even if you’re reasonably happy with the rates you’re paying, it’s still worth looking into – you might find that there are other suppliers who offer you a service that more closely matches your needs.

And if you ever have any questions, or need any advice, that’s exactly what our team is here for. We’re committed to helping you get exactly what you need from your new supplier, whether that’s lower prices, better customer service, contract flexibility, or more.

It only takes a few minutes to get your online quote – so if you’re thinking about moving to switch business water suppliers, there’s never been a better time to do it!