The UK short-term rental landscape is shifting fast, and new research from Sykes Holiday Cottages confirms just how quickly things are accelerating. According to their latest data, 56% of UK second-home owners with underused or vacant properties are now considering switching to short-term letting. Rising taxes, higher ownership costs and softening long-let returns are all pushing owners to rethink how their properties generate income.
For estate agents and lettings businesses, this shift presents one of the clearest opportunities in years. Owners are actively looking for guidance, and the agencies that can offer both long-let and short-let solutions will put themselves at the centre of a growing, future-proof market.
This isn’t a temporary trend. It’s a structural change driven by new behaviours, new expectations and new economics. And it represents a moment estate agents cannot afford to miss.
Why more second-home owners are choosing short-term letting
A combination of financial and lifestyle factors is driving the movement. Tax changes have made some long-term letting models less attractive, while the cost of holding an unused second home continues to rise. At the same time, the UK has seen a surge in flexible travel: longer stays, remote work bookings, multi-week relocations and blended leisure/business trips. Owners can now earn attractive returns year-round, not just during peak seasons.
Short-term lets also give owners far more control. They can earn income when they want to, block dates for personal use, and tailor availability to their lifestyle. This hybrid model solves a growing number of modern ownership needs.
Crucially, however, these owners are looking for professional management. They want the income of STR, not the day-to-day pressure of running it themselves. That means the demand for expert, trusted partners has never been higher.
What this shift means for estate agents and lettings businesses
As more owners consider short-term letting, estate agents are becoming their first point of advice. Owners want to understand the revenue potential, the operational demands and the risks. Agencies that can answer these questions with confidence are far more likely to secure the client long-term.
Short-term letting also represents a powerful new revenue stream. It allows estate agents to:
- increase landlord retention
- offer a broader service portfolio
- boost revenue per client
- stay competitive against specialist STR operators
- prevent losing landlords to other agencies or independent STR firms
At the same time, agents do not need to become operational experts themselves. With the right partner, they can expand into STR without hiring cleaners, scheduling housekeepers, managing maintenance or handling late-night guest issues. This is where collaboration becomes essential.
Growing STR supply increases the need for professional operations
With 56% of second-home owners entering or exploring STR, supply is rising sharply. This increased competition means guests expect a higher level of consistency, cleanliness and service. The STR properties that perform best share a common advantage: they are supported by strong operational systems.
Professional operations now include:
- hotel-level housekeeping
- premium linen hire and laundry
- preventative and reactive maintenance
- guest messaging across multiple channels
- dynamic pricing and revenue management
- compliance checks and safety protocols
- multi-channel listing optimisation
- direct booking support and conversion strategies
These operational layers require specialist teams, technology and experience. For estate agents, partnering with an established STR operations provider is the most efficient and scalable way to meet this rising standard.
How estate agents work with Opago to launch STR without operational stress
Opago works with estate agents across London and Paris to support their transition into the short-term rental market. We manage all daily operations while the agency retains the client relationship and expands its offering confidently.
Our support includes full end-to-end operations such as housekeeping, maintenance, linen hire, guest communication and property readiness. We also manage revenue optimisation, multi-channel listings, compliance and direct booking pathways. This allows estate agents to offer STR solutions under their own brand without hiring additional staff or building operational processes from scratch.
Agents who partner with Opago gain the ability to say “yes” to every landlord who enquires about short-term letting. They also retain clients who might otherwise leave for a specialist STR company. In a market where owners are reconsidering their income strategies, this is a major competitive advantage.
Why now is the moment to act
The combination of tax changes, increasing supply and owner interest has created a window of opportunity. Agencies that provide short-term letting solutions today will become the default choice for owners tomorrow. Those who delay risk falling behind as more competitors and dedicated STR operators expand their presence.
Short-term rentals are evolving quickly, but with the right operational partner, the transition is smooth, scalable and profitable. Estate agents who take the lead now will position themselves at the centre of a fast-growing, high-yield sector—and deliver a service their landlords are already asking for.
Thinking about expanding into short-term lets? Opago can support every step.
Opago is already the trusted operations partner for leading STR operators, serviced apartment providers and property managers. If you want to offer STR to your landlords without taking on operational risk, we’d be happy to show you how the model works.
Book a conversation with our team to explore what an STR partnership could look like for your agency.
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