Changeover costs: what to expect and how to keep them manageable
Changeover costs are one of the biggest ongoing expenses for holiday let owners. Understanding what goes into each turnover, from cleaning to laundry to restocking, helps you budget accurately and decide whether professional support is worth the investment.
Every time a guest checks out and a new one checks in, there is work to be done. The changeover is the backbone of a well-run holiday let, and the costs associated with it are something every owner needs to plan for carefully.
Changeovers sit within the broader picture of running costs for a holiday let, but they deserve a closer look because they are one of the few expenses that scale directly with how many bookings you take.
What is involved in a changeover?
A thorough changeover is more than a quick clean. It typically includes:
- Deep cleaning: Bathrooms, kitchen, floors, surfaces, windows and all guest-facing areas
- Laundry: Bed linen, towels, tea towels and any other fabric items
- Restocking: Toiletries, cleaning products, bin bags, tea, coffee and welcome supplies
- Property check: Inspecting for damage, testing appliances, checking heating and hot water
- Presentation: Arranging cushions, folding towels, setting out welcome information
The standard expected by guests on platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo has risen sharply. A five-star changeover is not a luxury; it is the baseline for maintaining good reviews and strong rankings.
What do changeovers cost?
Costs depend on the size of the property, the level of service and your location. As a guide:
- 1-bedroom apartment: £50 to £80 per changeover
- 2-bedroom cottage: £70 to £120 per changeover
- 3+ bedroom family home: £100 to £180 per changeover
- Larger or luxury property: £150 to £250+ per changeover
Laundry is sometimes included in the cleaning price and sometimes charged separately. If you are using a linen hire service, budget an additional £10 to £25 per bed per changeover.
How many changeovers per year?
This depends on your booking pattern. A property that takes mostly week-long stays might see 30 to 40 changeovers a year. One that also accepts short breaks could see 50 to 70 or more.
This is where average booking value becomes important. More short stays mean more changeovers, which means higher costs. A smart pricing strategy balances occupancy with booking length to keep changeover costs manageable.
DIY vs professional changeovers
Some owners handle changeovers themselves, especially if they live nearby. This saves money but takes significant time, particularly in peak season when back-to-back turnovers are common.
Professional changeover services, whether arranged independently or through a co-host, bring consistency and reliability. When you work with HolidayHost, your Local Host manages the entire changeover process, coordinating trusted local cleaners and suppliers to ensure every guest arrives to a perfectly prepared property.
Keeping changeover costs under control
- Invest in durable, easy-clean furnishings that can handle frequent use
- Use machine-washable bedding and avoid delicate fabrics
- Buy consumables in bulk
- Set minimum stay lengths during peak periods to reduce the number of turnovers
- Build changeover costs into your nightly rate so they are covered by bookings
Changeovers are a fact of life in holiday letting. Planning for them properly means fewer surprises and a smoother experience for both you and your guests.
