Key Takeaways:

• Sustainable shortlets can benefit from the growing market of eco-conscious travellers.
• True sustainability encompasses energy efficiency, water conservation, waste management, and many other aspects.
• Marketing your green efforts is just as important as having a sustainable property. Make sure your property is visible to the right market.
• Sustainability can happen in small ways. Using LED lighting, installing recycling bins, and opting for reusable containers won’t cost a lot, but will have a significant impact on your property’s sustainability.

Why Sustainable Shortlets Can Boost Rental Revenue

Did you know: More than 8 out of 10 travellers say that sustainability is important to them.

Sustainable shortlets are one way to make your property stand out in London’s competitive rental property market. Research reveals that an increasing number of travellers prefer to stay in eco-friendly accommodations. 

A Booking.com 2025 report revealed that sustainability remains important to 84% of travellers. The same report also revealed that 53% are conscious of tourism’s impact on the environment and local community. In another study, 7 out of 10 respondents would choose to live in a sustainable property. Some of them are even willing to pay more just to stay in a greener environment.

As climate change and global warming issues become more prominent and troublesome, property owners should capitalise on the growing eco-conscious market. Making your shortlet more sustainable is a strategic move to attract more bookings.

What Does it Mean to Have a Sustainable Property?

Sustainability is a holistic approach that focuses on minimising negative environmental impact. 

To have a sustainable property, focus on upgrades that can enhance the guest’s experience during their stay without negatively affecting the environment and local community.

Here are key areas you can invest in.

• Energy efficiency. Change all your lights to LED lighting. Utilise smart thermostats that can be remotely managed. Opt for energy-efficient appliances, such as washing machines and refrigerators. You can also invest in renewable energy sources. All these will help your property conserve energy while lowering your utility bills.
• Water conservation. Install dual-flush toilets and low-flow showerheads and faucets to reduce water consumption. You should also encourage guests to reuse towels, so there’s no need to wash more than what’s necessary.
• Recycling and waste reduction. Place recycling bins with clear labels for plastics, paper, glass, and other materials. If possible, put a composting bin as well. You can minimise the use of single-use plastic by using durable containers, opting for refillable toiletries, and providing eco-friendly reusable bags.
• Eco-friendly products. Opt for non-toxic and biodegradable products. This includes cleaning products and toiletries. Source locally made products and furnishings. This won’t just help local communities earn a living. It will also promote their business every time a guest stays in your property.
• Community support. Support local businesses by recommending them to your guests. Develop partnerships with eco-friendly restaurants, local markets and other sustainable businesses. Provide a welcome pack filled with locally produced goods to promote your partners.
• Guest education. Provide clear instructions on how guests can be more sustainable during their stay. Set house rules that include using the smart thermostat when going outside, turning off lights when not in use, conserving water, opting for eco-bags and reusable containers and recycling waste.

How to Market Your Sustainable Shortlet to Increase Occupancy Rates

Making your property more sustainable is only half the battle. With all the upgrades you’ve done, it’s now time to promote it so guests will know. Discover how to market sustainable short-term rentals to capture the attention of eco-conscious travellers.

Here are strategies you can implement.

Highlight your green features

Update the property description in your listing to showcase all the green features in your property. Put it under a specific section labelled “Eco-Friendly Features” or “Sustainable Upgrades” so potential guests will know what you’ve done to make your property more environmentally friendly. Use catchy keywords like “green stay,” “energy-efficient,” and “locally sourced” in the heading or title of the property listing. Add photos to highlight the green amenities in your property, such as a welcome basket, refillable toiletries, and a smart thermostat.

Tell your story

Don’t just say that your property is sustainable. Tell the story of why you’re so committed to sustainability. Sometimes, the story behind your effort is more powerful than any other marketing stint. What motivated you? What steps did you take to be more sustainable?

Your story is something that guests can relate to. It shows your humanity as a property owner. This authenticity can make guests feel your sincerity in helping the environment.

Communicate with guests

Directly communicate with guests about your efforts to improve their experience. Some guests reach out to ask questions. Ensure you can effectively convey in the conversation how your sustainable efforts make your property stand out.

Include a digital guide that will teach your guests how to practice sustainability during their stay. This includes recycling, conserving water, and reducing energy consumption, among other practices.

You can also provide a list of local and sustainable businesses that your guests can enjoy. Promote local cafes, farmers’ markets, and other local businesses.

Show certifications

If your property has any green certifications, display them. Make sure you mention it in your property listing and have a document printed and displayed in your property. For instance, your property’s EPC rating is worth displaying if you have managed to improve it above the average rate in your location. This will give your property a competitive edge.

Partner with experts

Partnering with property experts who have an eco-friendly reputation is another way to promote sustainable short-term lets. Property management companies like City Relay can help you identify cost-effective strategies to implement sustainability. They also have the platform to market these green features across major letting sites. Combined with dynamic pricing strategies, they will ensure that your eco-friendly efforts translate to more bookings, better occupancy rates, and higher rental revenue.

FAQs: Sustainable Short-term Rentals in London

Is it more expensive to have a sustainable rental in London?

There’s an initial investment to make your property sustainable. Making your property more energy-efficient or improving the insulation will cost you. However, these improvements result in lower operating costs and reduced utility bills. You can also command higher nightly rates. All these can offset the initial expenses of making your property more sustainable.

Can I get my London property certified as sustainable?

There’s no one certificate for rental properties, but there are several you can apply for to prove its sustainability. For instance, you can use your Energy Performance Certificate to showcase your property’s energy efficiency. You can also check out Green Tourism and see if they can help assess the environmental impact of your property.

What small changes can I make now to improve my property’s sustainability?

If your budget is tight, there are still ways to make your property more sustainable. Switching to LED lights is one of the easiest and cost-efficient ways to improve your property’s sustainability. Installing recycling bins is another option that you can implement immediately without incurring significant costs.

Transform Your Property Into a Sustainable Shortlet

The future of short-term letting is sustainable, just like the travel industry. Embracing eco-friendly practices and improving your property to be more sustainable will help you attract eco-conscious travellers and enjoy lower overhead costs (e.g. utility bills). It will make your property more competitive and compliant with local laws.

It’s time to transform your property so it’s contributing to a better planet. Let City Relay help implement green property management practices and showcase your property’s eco-friendly appeal.

Find out how City Relay can help you boost revenue and occupancy rates through eco-friendly solutions. Get a free rental estimate now.