Should you use a holiday let agency? Why going it alone isn’t always the best option
- james73515
- Aug 12
- 3 min read
If you’re a short-term rental host or holiday let owner, the question eventually comes up: should I self-manage or work with an agency? In the latest episode of Holiday Let Insider, Rachel Brennan, Senior Manager for Property Onboarding at Sykes Holiday Cottages, shares key insights on why partnering with a professional agency might just be the smartest move you make.
Whether you’re overwhelmed by day-to-day tasks, struggling to get bookings, or unsure how to price your property correctly, Rachel outlines how agencies like Sykes offer real value – without taking control away from the owner.
Why work with a holiday let agency?
Managing a holiday let yourself can feel like a full-time job. From guest communication to maintenance issues and pricing strategy, it’s easy to get overwhelmed.
Rachel makes it clear: “A good agency doesn’t take over your property – they support you behind the scenes so you can run it better.”
With an agency like Sykes, you get access to:
Daily operational support.
Booking and pricing optimisation.
Marketing reach through trusted platforms.
A hands-on onboarding process to get you set up quickly.
And importantly, you stay in control. Owners set availability, approve bookings, and can choose how much or how little involvement they want from the agency.
Greater visibility = more bookings
One of the biggest benefits of working with an agency is visibility. Getting listed on the right platforms and ranking high in search results takes serious strategy – and that's where agencies shine.
According to Rachel, "The difference in visibility when you list through an agency like Sykes is huge – and visibility means bookings."
With Sykes managing over 22,500 properties across the UK, they’ve built trust with consumers and reach across multiple platforms, which directly translates to more eyeballs on your property.
Personalised packages based on your needs
Every host is different, and Rachel emphasises that Sykes offers customisable support. Whether you’re a hands-off investor or a hands-on owner, they help you build the right level of service.
Want to handle your own changeovers? No problem.
Need help with pricing and guest comms? They’ve got you.
Unsure how to get started? The onboarding team walks you through every step.
And if you're feeling overwhelmed at any point, Rachel says: “Just talk to us – we’re here to help. It doesn’t need to feel like you’re doing it all alone.”
You keep control – but get expert guidance
A common concern from owners is losing control. But that’s a myth.
Sykes allows you to:
Set your own pricing (or use their expert recommendations).
Choose your availability.
Stay as hands-on or hands-off as you want.
They simply provide the data, insights, and tools to help you succeed – while you remain firmly in the driver’s seat.
Trusted brand = more confidence from guests
Guest trust is a huge factor in bookings. A professional agency brand, like Sykes, gives your property built-in credibility.
As Rachel puts it: “When guests see the Sykes name, they know what to expect. That brand trust makes a big difference when it comes to conversions.”
Plus, their team works behind the scenes to ensure:
Professional listings.
Accurate pricing.
Responsive guest communication.
Fewer booking headaches.
Conclusion: self-managing isn’t the only way to succeed
If you’re wondering how to take your holiday let to the next level – or simply take some of the pressure off – working with a holiday let agency like Sykes might be the solution you’ve been looking for.
You’ll get the operational support, marketing reach, and booking optimisation you need – without giving up control.
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