A Guide to Buying a Holiday Let in Northumbria

by Gaynor Anderson / Owners

Thinking about investing in a holiday property? Northumberland is one of the UK’s most sought-after destinations for holiday lets, thanks to its stunning coastline, historic castles, and charming villages. If you’re considering buying a holiday let in Northumbria or exploring the wider UK holiday rental market, this guide will walk you through the essentials, highlight the best buy holiday lets in Northumberland and explain why this region is perfect for your next investment.

Warkworth Castle Image by Craig Duncanson

Why Start a Holiday Let Business?

A holiday let can be a rewarding way to make the most of a second home or investment property. With growing demand for staycations and short-term rentals, many owners are entering this market. However, success requires careful planning, preparation, and ongoing management.

Before you start, understand what’s involved—from guest expectations to local regulations and tax rules. There’s a lot to consider, but with over 40 years of experience, our experts are here to help. Get in touch today.

To find out more, contact us via email newowners@nccc-ltd.co.uk or call 01665 830783.

Market Insights

Our sister brand Sykes Holiday Cottages provides an in-depth review of the short-term accommodation industry around the UK. Read the full report here

Here are the main findings for 2025:

The UK holiday let market experienced its biggest-ever year for bookings in 2024, despite challenging economic conditions. Holiday letting remained resilient and profitable.
Owners earned an average income of £24,700 in 2024 (up from £24,500 in 2023)
Outstanding Rental Potential: The income figures from high-performing villages underscore strong ROI (Return on Investment) opportunities for buyers looking to buy holiday home Northumberland.
Surging Demand: With booking growth of 15%, demand for holiday lets in the region is climbing rapidly.
High Earnings: Northumberland’s £25k average yearly income places it well above many other UK regions.
Investment Hotspots: Coastal villages—particularly Seahouses, Craster, Beadnell and Berwick upon Tweed—are proving to be exceptional investment zones, particularly if you’re aiming to buy a holiday let in Northumbria.

So, Why Buy a Holiday Home in Northumberland?

Northumberland offers a unique combination of natural beauty and cultural heritage, making it a prime location for holidaymakers year-round. Here are the main reasons why buying a holiday home in Northumberland is a smart move:

1. Affordable Property Prices

Compared to other UK holiday hotspots, Northumberland offers competitive property prices, making it easier to find the best buy holiday lets in Northumberland without breaking the bank.

2. Year-Round Appeal

Unlike some seasonal destinations, Northumberland attracts visitors throughout the year. From summer beach holidays to winter castle tours, your property can generate income in every season.

3. Rich Heritage and Attractions

From Hadrian’s Wall to Lindisfarne, Northumberland is packed with history and culture. These attractions ensure a constant flow of tourists looking for unique experiences.

Want to know the Costs of running a Holiday Let, read our blog to find out more

Tips for Buying a Holiday Let in Northumbria

Choose the Right Location

Seaside or countryside? Coastal homes often attract summer bookings, while rural cottages can be booked year-round.
Accessibility matters, think about if you’re going to manage the property yourself, consider how far it is from your permanent home.
Local attractions and amenities. Proximity to beaches, national parks, restaurants or historic sites can make your property more desirable.

Furnishings that help drive bookings

The decor is the icing on the cake for a holiday let. Your property even if small, should aim for quality and a little bit of the wow-factor. We often hear that guests want to stay in something different to their own home – but a place of excellent quality.

Sans Souci, Seahouses Ref. 1131063

Number 1 search feature – Pet Friendly

We’ve seen a huge increase in people wanting to holiday with their furry friends, and we’ve seen that pet-friendly properties can increase your income by around 18% and this year 75% of bookings have been made at a pet-friendly place. Join over 600 of our cottages who allow dogs or pets in obtaining healthy bookings all year round. Read our helpful blog on How to Make your Holiday Let Pet Friendly

Additional features to consider:

Hot tubs and swimming pools — often booked up quickly.
Outdoor spaces and parking — especially valuable in rural settings.
Fast Wi-Fi and good mobile reception — now expected as standard.

These upgrades may require extra maintenance, so weigh the potential return against ongoing costs.

Pipistrelle, Bamburgh Ref. 1122284

Understand Legal Requirements:

Before welcoming guests, ensure you comply with all UK legal and safety obligations:

Current Holiday Let and Public Liability Insurance for your property.
Up to Date Fire Risk Assessment, plus compliant smoke and carbon monoxide detectors throughout the property.
Provide a clear accessibility statement where applicable.
Adhere to Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) Safety Regulations.

These steps protect guests and help you avoid penalties.

Tax and Business Considerations

Understanding the tax side of your holiday let business is crucial. For example, properties classified as Furnished Holiday Lets (FHL) historically offered tax advantages, though government changes terminated this from April 2025.

Local tax rules may also influence whether you pay business rates or council tax, so it’s worth getting professional advice.

Read our helpful blogs on Furnished Holiday Let Tax Guide and Stamp Duty

Ready to Buy Your Holiday Home in Northumberland?

With its soaring rental income, booking growth, and coastal allure, Northumberland stands out as a prime region for anyone looking to buy holiday home Northumberland. At Northumbria Coast and Country Cottages, we can help you discover the best buy holiday lets in Northumberland and provide end-to-end support—from property search to rental launch.

Seahouses Office

Start your holiday let journey today—explore your options with us! To find out more, contact us via email newowners@nccc-ltd.co.uk or call 01665 830783. Get your free owner pack here and book your free pricing appraisal today!