One of the first questions we’re asked at Escape Cottages Scotland is:
“How much can I actually earn from a holiday home in Scotland?”
It’s a very sensible question — and the honest answer is:
It depends.
However, with the right property, pricing strategy and management, a Scottish holiday home can generate strong seasonal income and long-term returns.
Let’s break it down properly.
What Affects Holiday Home Income in Scotland?
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all figure. Your earnings will depend on:
Location
Property size and standard
Features (hot tub, log fire, views)
Whether you’re dog-friendly
Whether you’re family-friendly
Seasonality and demand
Guest reviews
Properties in high-demand areas such as Aviemore and the Cairngorms typically perform very well due to year-round tourism — skiing, walking holidays, summer breaks and festive stays.
Peak vs Off-Peak Seasons in Scotland
Holiday let income in Scotland is highly seasonal.
High Season
Summer holidays
October half term
Christmas & New Year
February half term (especially near ski areas)
New Year in particular can command premium pricing — especially in the Highlands.
Mid Season
Spring
Early autumn
Low Season
November (excluding festive bookings)
Early January
A strong pricing strategy ensures you maximise high-season income while staying competitive in quieter months.
What Could a Typical Highland Holiday Home Earn?
While every property is different, here’s a general idea for a well-presented 2–3 bedroom holiday home in a popular Highland location:
Strong summer occupancy
Premium festive rates
Steady short breaks in spring and autumn
Properties with hot tubs, log fires and modern interiors typically achieve higher nightly rates and stronger occupancy.
The key is professional photography, dynamic pricing and excellent guest communication — all of which directly affect revenue.
Does Using a Holiday Letting Agency Increase Income?
Many owners initially consider self-managing. However, income is about more than just avoiding commission.
Professional management can increase revenue through:
Optimised pricing strategies
Wider marketing exposure
Faster response times to enquiries
Better guest reviews
Repeat bookings
Reduced vacant nights
Higher occupancy and stronger nightly rates often offset management fees — and remove the stress of 24/7 guest communication.
What About Running Costs?
When calculating holiday home profitability in Scotland, remember to factor in:
Mortgage (if applicable)
Licensing fees
Commercial waste
Insurance (holiday let insurance is essential)
Utilities
Cleaning & laundry
Maintenance
Hot tub servicing (if applicable)
A well-managed property should still provide a healthy return after costs — particularly in high-demand tourist areas.
How to Maximise Your Holiday Home Income
If you’re buying — or already own — a holiday let in Scotland, here are our top tips:
Invest in quality furnishings
Ensure plenty of comfortable seating
Provide the guest essentials (toilet rolls, dishwasher tablets, etc.)
Offer fast WiFi
Install a coffee machine (one of our most requested features!)
Consider a hot tub if suitable
Be dog-friendly if possible
Create a beautiful, memorable guest experience
Five-star reviews directly impact earnings.
Is a Holiday Home in Scotland Worth It?
For many owners, the answer is yes — financially and personally.
A holiday home can provide:
A lifestyle asset
Personal use throughout the year
Long-term property growth
Seasonal income
With the right setup and management, it can be both enjoyable and profitable.
Thinking About Buying or Letting Your Scottish Holiday Home?
At Escape Cottages Scotland, we specialise in holiday home lettings in Aviemore and the Cairngorms — and we’re now expanding across Scotland.
We help owners:
Understand earning potential
Navigate licensing requirements
Optimise pricing
Maximise occupancy
Deliver five-star guest experiences
If you’re considering buying a holiday home in Scotland — or already own one — we’d love to have a chat about how we can help you achieve the best possible return.
Take care,
Julie