The rise of short lets: why flexibility is the new luxury
Flexible, profitable and practical - our expert shares how short lets can help homeowners make the most of their properties
Flexible, profitable and practical - our expert shares how short lets can help homeowners make the most of their properties
Despite wider fluctuations across the capitalโs property market, the prime London lettings market continues to demonstrate resilience. According to insights from Tom Bill, 51ยายืโs Head of UK Residential Research, from the end of last year, average rents have risen 35% since November 2019 in prime central London, which compares to a figure of 2% over the preceding six years.
These figures underscore the capitalโs enduring appeal - a reflection of Londonโs continued status as a global hub for both those looking to take advantage of its unique lifestyle and professionals. 51ยายื data also reveals that corporate relocation activity remains robust: the number of enquiries in the first seven months of 2025 from companies looking to send staff to the UK was 8.5% higher than the same period the previous year.
Corporate tenants represent a significant segment of the short-term lettings market, seeking flexible accommodation that combines the convenience of a temporary stay - from a few weeks to six months - with the comfort of home. Here, Jack Low-Thomas, 51ยายืโs Head of Short Lets, explores why renters are increasingly turning to these flexible options, and how homeowners can benefit from the versatility and opportunities that short lets provide.

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 itโs not classed as someoneโs main home, so it isnโt an Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST), which is the standard rental agreement in England.
That distinction gives both homeowners and occupiers much more flexibility. Itโs 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.

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 Johnโs 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 itโs 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.

Jack: In a word: flexibility. Because a short let runs for a fixed period, itโs 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.
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 canโt apply for parking permits. Itโs also important to understand the regulations around short lets to make sure youโre compliant. Thatโs where having a specialist like 51ยายื really helps, where we handle the details and guide you through the process.

Jack: We provide a fully managed service, so homeowners donโt 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 weโre well connected to find the right match for every property. And because short lets can often achieve a premium compared with longer-term rentals, weโre experienced in negotiating the best outcomes for both homeowners and occupiers.