What does holiday let management actually cost?
The headline commission is rarely the whole number. Here is what to look for before you sign anything.
- No setup fee
- No photography fee
- No lock-in
- One transparent commission
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Get a clear quote
Tell us about the property and we'll come back with an honest projection.
Comparing management companies on headline commission alone is how owners end up disappointed. A 15% quote with five add-ons costs more than a 20% quote with none.
The typical UK range
Full holiday let management in the UK generally runs between 15% and 25% of booking revenue. Coastal and high-demand areas sit toward the upper end because the operational load is heavier in peak season. Listing-only or marketing-only arrangements sit lower, often 10% to 15%, but leave the work with you.
VAT status, whether commission is charged on the gross booking or net of platform fees, and whether cleaning is charged to the guest or the owner all move the real number substantially.
The add-ons to ask about
Setup or onboarding fees. Photography fees. Listing creation fees. Linen hire charged per changeover. A margin taken on cleaning above the cleaner's cost. Maintenance call-out mark-ups. Annual membership or software fees. Early exit fees or long notice periods.
Ask for the total cost on a hypothetical £30,000 revenue year rather than a percentage. The answers get much clearer, much faster.
How we charge
One performance-aligned commission on booking revenue. No setup fee, no photography fee, no listing fee, no linen hire charge, no lock-in contract. Cleaning is charged to the guest at cost-reflective rates, not marked up as a profit line.
Your exact rate depends on the property, its location and the service level, and we put it in writing at appraisal before you commit to anything.
Judging it on net, not gross
The only fair test of a management company is what lands in your account across a full year compared with what would have landed there otherwise. A higher commission that lifts occupancy and nightly rate meaningfully is cheaper than a low one that does not.
We would rather show you that projection honestly, including the cases where the maths says stay as you are.
Why owners choose us
- Airbnb Superhost rated 4.97 stars
- No setup fees, no lock-in contract
- Local Suffolk team, real humans on the phone
- One clear monthly statement
What to compare
| Fee | Industry norm | Abode Retreats |
|---|---|---|
| Management commission | 15% to 25% | Single performance-aligned rate |
| Setup / onboarding | £150 to £500 | None |
| Photography | £200 to £400 | Included |
| Listing creation | Sometimes charged | Included |
| Linen | Per-changeover hire | Included in changeover |
| Contract term | 6 to 12 months typical | No lock-in |
Questions owners ask us
How much do holiday let management companies charge?
Most UK full-management companies charge between 15% and 25% of booking revenue, and many add setup, photography and linen fees on top.
Is commission charged on the gross or net booking?
It varies by company, which is why quotes are hard to compare. Ask whether platform fees and cleaning fees are inside or outside the figure the commission is applied to.
Do management fees include cleaning?
Usually not. Cleaning is normally charged to the guest as a separate fee. What matters is whether the manager takes a margin on it.
Are management fees tax deductible?
Management fees are generally an allowable expense against your letting income, but tax treatment depends on your circumstances and current rules, so take advice from your accountant.
Ask us for the whole number.
One commission, written down, with a projection of what you would actually take home.