A holiday letting agent will act as the marketing and admin function to generate bookings, handle enquiries and take money, then arrange paperwork for the guest such as driving directions and key collection instructions. Some agents will also offer varying degrees of service and support for the cleaning and changeover requirements as well as support for guests during the stay.

They will charge a % of the bookings income they generate for your property which is typically between 15% and 30%. Bear in mind that vat is chargeable on this service too.

The agent will take on all elements of marketing the property, from adding your property to their website, taking photographs and including your property in their brochure. Pricing is usually done in a matrix with price bands (i.e. A, B, C.....) where your property will be assigned a band depending on their rental estimation.

The owner is then paid booking income minus the commission, typically monthly after the stays have taken place, though again different agencies have different procedures for payment.

Using an agency has advantages and disadvantages to consider. The advantages include access to professional marketing services which will provide a much broader reach to potential customers both offline and online. They will also be able to chase late payments and deal with complaints and enquiries which can be a significant ask of your time.

The downsides are that this expertise comes at a cost in the commission you pay them which will amount to a few thousand pounds in a good letting year.