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If you own a property in London and you're still leaving it on a long-term tenancy at a flat monthly rate, you might be sitting on an untapped goldmine, and not even know it. The short let market in London has exploded in recent years, and landlords who've made the switch are quietly earning 30–60% more than their buy-to-let counterparts in the same postcodes.

But here's what nobody tells you upfront: short let management in London isn't just "putting your flat on Airbnb and watching the money roll in." That's the myth. The reality is that without the right management strategy, pricing, guest communication, compliance, maintenance, and presentation, your property will underperform, collect bad reviews, and cost you more than it earns.

This is exactly why professional short let management exists, and why more London property owners are turning to specialists like 20Property Management to handle it properly.

What Is Short Let Management in London, and Why Does It Matter?

Short let management refers to the end-to-end operation of a furnished property rented out for stays typically ranging from one night to a few months. In London, this covers everything from Zone 1 city apartments targeting corporate travellers, to luxury townhouses in Chelsea or Kensington hosting high-net-worth guests.

London's unique position as a global city means demand for quality short lets never really sleeps. Business travellers, relocating professionals, tourists, and families between moves all need accommodation, and they'll happily pay premium rates for the right property in the right hands.

The catch? Managing that demand well requires time, expertise, local knowledge, and technology. Most property owners simply don't have all four. That's where a specialist short let management company in London steps in.

The Real Cost of Self-Managing a Short Let in London

Before we talk about what good management looks like, let's be honest about what poor management looks like, because it's far more common than you'd think.

Self-managing landlords in London often run into the same wall: the listing goes live, the first few bookings come in, and then the cracks appear. A guest checks in at midnight and no one picks up the phone. The cleaner cancels last minute and you're scrambling. The pricing hasn't been updated in three months and you're leaving money on the table during peak season.

Then there's the legal side. London has specific rules around short lets, including the 90-night rule for primary residences under the Deregulation Act 2015. Get that wrong and you're facing council penalties. Layer on top of that the income tax requirements, safety certifications (gas safety, EPC, fire risk assessments), and platform compliance, and the "passive income" dream starts looking a lot more like a second job.

Professional Airbnb management in London exists precisely to take all of that off your plate.

What Does Quality Short Let Management in London Actually Include?

Not all short let management companies are created equal. If you're comparing providers, here's what a genuinely professional service should cover:

Dynamic Pricing Strategy The best operators use live data to adjust nightly rates based on demand, local events, seasonality, and competitor analysis. A flat rate set once and left alone is costing you money every single day.

Professional Photography and Listing Optimisation First impressions on Airbnb and other platforms are everything. A listing with properly lit, professionally staged photography consistently outperforms one shot on a phone, often by 40% or more in click-through rate.

24/7 Guest Communication Guests book at all hours and expect fast responses. Slow replies tank your ranking on Airbnb's algorithm. Premium Airbnb management in London means someone is always available, not just during business hours.

Housekeeping and Linen Management Every single turnover needs to be hotel-standard. That means consistent quality control, not just a cleaner who shows up when they can. A professional management team has vetted, reliable housekeeping partners and backup systems when things go wrong.

Maintenance Coordination Boilers break on bank holidays. Appliances fail mid-stay. A good property manager has a trusted network of tradespeople and handles maintenance quickly, without needing to bother you for every small issue.

Compliance and Legal Oversight Short let regulations in London are tightening. A professional management company stays current with legislation, handles licensing where required, and makes sure your property is fully compliant, protecting you from fines and liability.

Why Luxury Short Let Management in London Is a Category of Its Own

There's managing a short let, and then there's managing a luxury short let. The two are not the same thing.

In prime London postcodes, Mayfair, Belgravia, Notting Hill, South Kensington, Marylebone, guests have very different expectations. They're not just looking for a clean place to sleep. They want hotel-level service, discreet check-in, curated local recommendations, concierge support, and flawless presentation. They're often paying upwards of £400–£1,000+ per night, and they know exactly what that should feel like.

Luxury short let management in London requires a different calibre of operation: higher-specification linen, bespoke welcome experiences, proactive communication rather than reactive, and a team who understands how to handle discerning guests without making it feel transactional.

At 20Property Management, this is a core part of what we do. We don't treat a £900-per-night Knightsbridge apartment the same way we'd treat a budget studio. Every property gets a tailored management approach that matches its market position and guest profile.

The 20Property Management Difference

20Property Management was built around one principle: that London property owners deserve a management partner who treats their asset with the same care they would.

That means genuine transparency on earnings, no hidden fees buried in the small print, and a team that's proactive rather than just reactive. Our approach to premium Airbnb management in London combines:

Data-led pricing that keeps your occupancy high without underselling your property

Vetted, five-star housekeeping teams with quality checks after every turnover

Full legal compliance management, including short let licensing and safety certifications

Dedicated guest communication, handled professionally around the clock

Regular owner reporting so you always know how your property is performing

We manage properties across London, from Zone 1 city apartments to multi-bedroom family homes in the suburbs, with the same standard of care at every price point.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How much can I earn from short letting my London property? 

It depends on the property's location, size, and condition, but most well-managed properties in London earn 30–60% more through short lets than comparable long-term tenancies. A professional management company can give you a realistic revenue projection based on live market data for your specific postcode.

Q: Is short letting my London property legal? Yes, with conditions. If it's your primary residence, you can short let up to 90 nights per calendar year without planning permission under the Deregulation Act 2015. For investment properties or lets exceeding 90 nights, you may need to apply for a change of use. A good short let management company will advise you on your specific situation and handle compliance on your behalf.

Q: What's the difference between short let management and Airbnb management? Airbnb management typically refers to managing listings specifically on the Airbnb platform. Short let management is broader, it often covers multiple platforms (Booking.com, Vrbo, direct bookings) simultaneously to maximise occupancy. At 20Property Management, we use a multi-channel approach to ensure your property is seen by the widest possible pool of quality guests.

Q: Do I need to furnish the property before handing it over? Yes, short lets require fully furnished properties. If your property needs a furnishing refresh, 20Property Management can advise on what works best for your target guest profile, and help you avoid spending money on the wrong things.

Q: How quickly can I get started? In most cases, we can have a property live and taking bookings within 7–10 days of onboarding, including professional photography, listing creation, and compliance checks.

Ready to Make Your London Property Work Harder?

If you're a London property owner who's been considering the short let market, or you're already listed but not getting the results you expected, the answer isn't to work harder. It's to work with the right team.

20Property Management offers a free, no-obligation property assessment for landlords across London. We'll tell you honestly what your property could earn, what it would take to get it there, and whether short let management is the right fit for your situation.