The rise of short lets: why flexibility is the new luxury

What is a short let, and what are the benefits?

Jack: A short let gives you the freedom to rent a property for a flexible amount of time - anything from just a few weeks to several months. The key difference is that it’s not classed as someone’s main home, so it isn’t an Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST), which is the standard rental agreement in England.

That distinction gives both homeowners and occupiers much more flexibility. It’s a great option for anyone who wants to let their property for a short period, or for those looking for somewhere comfortable to stay without a long-term commitment.

Why choose to stay in a short let?

Jack: There are lots of reasons people go for a short let. We see strong demand in prime central London areas such as Notting Hill, Knightsbridge and Chelsea from those wanting to be close to the heart of the capital. Meanwhile, neighbourhoods like Hampstead and St John’s Wood, as well as southwest locations including Richmond, Chiswick and Wimbledon, remain popular for their village-like atmosphere.

Many enquiries come through our Corporate and Film Desks, often from people temporarily relocating to London for work or a specific project. But it’s not all about work. We also see plenty of lifestyle-driven stays - people visiting for the British sporting season, spending time with family over the holidays, and wanting a proper home rather than a hotel.

From overseas, we often help parents whose children are starting university in London and who want to stay nearby for the first few weeks. Short lets are also popular with homeowners renovating their property, who need a comfortable base while work is being done.

Why should homeowners consider a short let for their property?

Jack: In a word: flexibility. Because a short let runs for a fixed period, it’s ideal for homeowners who want to use their property themselves at certain times of the year. It can also be a great way to generate extra income during any empty periods. If your property is also on the market to sell, a short let can help bridge the gap while you wait for the right buyer or the best timings.

What advice would you give homeowners thinking about short letting?

Jack: Presentation is everything. Short-let occupiers expect a high standard, so make sure the property is well-presented and welcoming. There are certain features that really make a difference too - things like air conditioning, and in London especially, off-street parking, since short-let occupiers can’t apply for parking permits. It’s also important to understand the regulations around short lets to make sure you’re compliant. That’s where having a specialist like Knight Frank really helps, where we handle the details and guide you through the process.

How does Knight Frank help give homeowners peace of mind?

Jack: We provide a fully managed service, so homeowners don’t need to worry about the day-to-day side of things. We take care of everything, from liaising with occupiers to sorting out any issues quickly. Our Relocation department includes several specialist desks, covering Corporate, Sports, Film, and Overseas clients, so we’re well connected to find the right match for every property. And because short lets can often achieve a premium compared with longer-term rentals, we’re experienced in negotiating the best outcomes for both homeowners and occupiers.