If you own a holiday property in the UK, chances are you’ve been told—over and over again—that big booking platforms are your only option for attracting guests. But here’s the reality in 2025: that model is outdated, expensive, and built for someone else’s profit, not yours.

Across the country, holiday rental owners are rethinking their approach. They’re stepping away from high-commission third-party platforms and choosing to list on book direct websites—platforms that work with them, not against them. If you’re still relying solely on online travel agencies (OTAs) to fill your calendar, this is your wake-up call.

It’s time to stop paying for visibility. Start building value instead.

The Commission Problem No One Talks About

Let’s get straight to it: most major platforms take a significant slice of your earnings. Between host commission and guest service fees, it’s not uncommon to lose 15–25% of your revenue to third parties.

Here’s how it adds up:

• £2,000 booking
• 15% OTA commission = £300 gone
• Add guest service fees and elevated prices to cover your losses
• Result: less appealing prices, lower guest satisfaction, and thinner margins

What could you do with an extra £300 per booking? Update your furnishings? Cover your marketing? Improve guest amenities? That’s your money—and you should be keeping it.

More Listings, Less Control

Many owners join OTAs for exposure but quickly realise they’ve sacrificed more than just profit:

• Communication is restricted
• Cancellation policies are dictated by the platform
• Brand identity is buried under someone else’s logo
• Reviews, guest info, and loyalty are controlled by the OTA

It’s a system designed to make the guest loyal to the platform, not to your property. That means fewer repeat bookings, less guest trust, and a race to the bottom on pricing.

The Rise of Book Direct Websites in the UK

A growing number of property owners are saying “enough.” They’re joining platforms like UK Holiday Rentals, which allow them to list their holiday homes without losing control or commission.

Unlike the big-name OTAs, UK Holiday Rentals is a book direct website—a place where guests can find your listing, connect with you directly, and book without paying inflated third-party fees.

Here’s what sets it apart:

• No commissions
• You handle your bookings, your way
• You own your guest relationships
• You’re in charge of your brand, pricing, and availability

It’s not just a listing—it’s a tool to build a better business.

What You Gain When You Go Direct

Switching to a book direct website doesn’t just protect your profit—it puts you in the driver’s seat.

1. Better Profit Margins

By removing commission fees, you either:

• Keep your prices the same and earn more
• Lower your prices and attract more guests
• Or strike the balance that works for you

Whichever you choose, you win.

2. Guest Relationships That Last

When guests book directly, you receive their real contact details. That means you can:

• Send welcome messages
• Build a mailing list for repeat bookings
• Follow up with personalised offers
• Encourage reviews that benefit your brand

It’s the difference between a transaction and a relationship.

3. More Flexibility and Control

Want to offer a special package for last-minute bookings? Adjust your cancellation policy? Block off dates for a family event? When you go direct, you don’t need anyone’s permission.

But Will I Still Get Bookings?

Short answer: yes.

Long answer: not only will you still get bookings, but you’ll often get better ones.

Guests are becoming more informed. Many are actively searching for book direct websites to avoid the very same fees and frustrations you’re experiencing. UK travellers are increasingly using terms like:

• “Book holiday rental directly”
• “Accommodation with no booking fees”
• “UK holiday homes book direct”

With the right platform—and basic tools like social media or a personal website—you can attract guests who are ready to stay and spend

How UK Holiday Rentals Supports Property Owners

UK Holiday Rentals is built for owners who want simplicity, freedom, and results. When you join, you get:

• A high-quality, commission-free listing
• A direct line of communication with guests
• Visibility to UK travellers actively searching for places to stay
• Support to help you make the most of your listing
• A network of book direct advocates across the UK

You stay in control. We support the visibility and infrastructure. Together, we bring guests closer to a better booking experience—and you closer to better returns.

Ready to Take Back Control?

The old model of relying on high-fee platforms and handing over your profits is no longer the only option. Property owners across the UK are rewriting the rules by going book direct—and they’re not looking back.

You’ve built something worth staying in. Don’t hand it over to companies that see your property as a line in their spreadsheet.

Create your listing today and join a growing movement of UK property owners who are choosing better bookings with no commission, no middlemen, and no compromises.