How to Make Money Using Your Home in the UK: 15 Smart Ideas
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Owning a house in the UK comes with many expenses, from monthly mortgage repayments to maintenance, repairs and council tax. But what if your house could actually help pay for itself?
With some creative thinking and practical action, there are several ways you can use your home, garden, driveway and even belongings to bring in extra income. Whether you're aiming to cover household bills or generate a side hustle, the following ideas show how to make money using your home in the UK.
Before diving in, keep in mind:
- If you're renting, many of these ideas won’t apply.
- If you have a mortgage, check with your lender before making any changes.
- Your home insurance policy may need updating if you're using your home for income.
Let’s explore some of the top ways to turn your house into a money-maker, that could even pay for itself!
1. Rent Out a Room with the UK Rent a Room Scheme
One of the simplest ways to make money from your home is to rent out a spare room to a lodger.
The UK Rent a Room Scheme allows you to earn up to £7,500 per year tax-free by letting out a furnished room in your main home. This only applies if you continue to live in the property. You don’t even need to do a tax return unless you earn above this amount.
Find out more about the Rent a Room Scheme on GOV.UK.
2. Airbnb a Spare Room or Space
If you’re not ready to commit to a full-time lodger, listing a room (or your entire home) on Airbnb could be a flexible alternative.
Whether it's a spare bedroom or a converted loft, you could let it out to holidaymakers, weekend travellers or short-term guests. As long as it’s legally and safely classed as a bedroom, you can make money this way.
Read more about two ways to make money with Airbnb on the blog.
3. Become a Landlord
If you own a second home or plan to live elsewhere for a while, consider renting out your house long-term or even as a short-term rental.
You may need to switch to a buy-to-let mortgage, or your lender might allow you to rent it out for a limited time. Always check your agreement.
Importantly, you’ll need proper landlord insurance to protect the property and cover risks such as damage or missed rent.
Some homeowners even convert part of their home, like a basement, garage or annex, into a self-contained flat and rent it out.
4. Rent Out Your Driveway
If you live near an airport, train station, city centre or busy tourist area, your driveway could be in demand.
Platforms like JustPark allow you to rent out your private parking space. Whether commuters or tourists use it, it’s a smart way to make passive income without much effort.
5. Grow and Sell Plants or Produce
You can start by growing your own fruits, vegetables and herbs in your garden to save money. But you could also scale this into a small side business.
Plant extra seeds in pots or trays and sell the starter plants on your driveway, at local markets or via community groups. Once you’re confident, you can expand to selling homegrown produce too.
6. Rent Out Storage Space
If you’ve got a secure, unused space like a spare room, loft or garage, you could rent it as storage space.
People often look for affordable alternatives to commercial storage units. You can use platforms like Stashbee, which provide insurance and handle the admin, making the process much easier and safer for both parties.
7. Host International Students
Renting a room to international students is another great way to make use of a spare bedroom. Agencies can match you with students looking for short or long-term stays.
This usually includes offering breakfast or evening meals, and perhaps transportation, but it can be rewarding financially and culturally.
8. Rent Out Tools or Equipment
If you own power tools, DJ equipment, camera gear or other specialist items, list them for hire on sites like Fat Llama.
They’ll handle the insurance, so you’re covered if the item isn’t returned or is damaged. It’s a great way to earn from things you already own.
9. Make Profitable Home Improvements
Some home improvements won’t earn you money now, but they can increase the value of your property in the long run.
Examples include:
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Converting the attic into a bedroom
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Adding a garden office
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Installing a dropped kerb and parking space
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Modernising the kitchen or bathroom
When you eventually sell, these improvements could help you get a higher asking price and return on your original investment.
10. Pet Sit from Your Own Home
If you love animals and have the right setup, you could offer pet boarding services in your home. It’s ideal for those with a garden or pet-friendly space.
This works well through agencies or apps that match pet owners with sitters. Some require licences, so check your local council’s rules before starting.
11. Rent Your Home for Film or Photo Shoots
Homes with character, large rooms or unique decor are sometimes hired for TV shows, adverts, fashion shoots and films.
Websites like Shoot Factory or Locations Direct let you list your home for hire. This can be a high-paying option, but may involve early starts, long days or moving out temporarily. They may also want to redecorate or rearrange furniture. Be prepared for some disruption.
12. Rent Out Your Garden for Camping
If you live somewhere popular for holidays, like Cornwall or Devon, and have a large garden with privacy, you could host campers.
Sites like CampSpace let you list your outdoor space for tent pitches. It's especially appealing if you can offer basic facilities like outdoor taps or a bathroom to use.
13. Rent Out Your Car
If you don’t use your car every day, apps like Turo or Hiyacar let you rent it out when it’s not in use.
The platforms usually include insurance and vetting, giving peace of mind while earning passive income.
14. Rent Your EV Charger
With the rise of electric vehicles, there's growing demand for home EV charging points.
You can earn money by letting people use your home charger via apps like Co Charger or JustCharge. Ideal if you’re near main roads or attractions.
15. Rent Part of Your Garden as an Allotment
Not everyone has space to grow their own food. If your garden is large enough, you could divide a section and rent it as a private allotment.
It’s low maintenance for you, and a great help to someone looking to grow their own produce. Plus, if you love to grow your own too, you can pick up some new tips and share seeds.
Bonus Idea: House Swapping to Save on Holidays
This won’t earn you money directly, but can save you hundreds on accommodation. Platforms like Guardian Home Exchange let you swap homes with someone in another town or country for your holiday.
Things to Consider Before Monetising Your Home
Before jumping in, here are a few things to think about:
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Tax: You can earn up to £1,000 annually from side income before declaring it. For renting property, see HMRC’s guide.
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Permissions: Check your mortgage terms, leasehold agreements, and home insurance policies. Don’t forget, you may need to take out additional insurance, such as Landlord’s insurance, if you plan to rent out your space or property to a tenant.
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Privacy: Be prepared for less privacy if you're hosting people or sharing space.
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Time commitment: Some ideas require more effort than others, so consider how much time you can realistically give.
Want More Home-Based Income Ideas?
If you’re looking for more ways to make money from home, rather than using your home, check out these helpful posts:
Final Word
Whether you rent out a room, your driveway or your entire house, there are many creative and legitimate ways to make money using your home in the UK.
Some ideas provide passive income with little involvement, while others require a bit more hands-on work, but they can all help ease the financial burden of homeownership or support your lifestyle goals.
Always research the legal, tax and insurance requirements first. With the right preparation, your home could be one of your most valuable financial assets and could even pay for itself!