How Do We Compare?

We think you should ask hard questions before choosing a holiday let management company. Here's how we stack up — honestly.

Choosing the right holiday let management company is one of the most important decisions you'll make as a property owner. We've put together this honest comparison so you can see exactly what sets Full Bed Hosts apart — not just in price, but in service, communication, and results.

Feature	Full Bed Hosts	Large Nationals Sykes, Hoseasons	Regional Agents Bournecoast, Dorset Cottage Holidays	DIY / Self-Managing
Commission rate	16% (no VAT)	25–40% + VAT	18–25% + VAT	0% but your time
Personal account manager	Direct access to James	Call centre		N/A
Local knowledge	Based in the region	National operation	Local	If you live nearby
Professional photography	Included free
Risk-based guest screening
Maintenance coordination	Trusted local trades			You handle it
Direct booking website	Available (£900)		Rarely	Build yourself
Onboarding cost	Free			Your time
Minimum contract	6 months	12+ months	12+ months	None
Response time	7am–10:30pm, ~1hr	Business hours only		You
Safeguarding trained	Level 3 certified	Not standard	Not standard	N/A
VAT registered	No (under threshold)	Yes — adds cost		N/A

Commission rates and features are based on publicly available information and owner-reported experiences. Regional agents vary widely — always ask for a full written breakdown before signing.

Fully Insured & Compliant

Public liability, AirCover, and full compliance support on every property.

Consistent 5-Star Reviews

We manage the guest experience end-to-end so your reviews stay high.

Genuinely Local

We're based in the region we serve. No national call centres, no remote coordination.

Why Not Just Go With a Big Name?

Large agencies have brand recognition — but recognition doesn't equal results.

You're Not a Priority

Large agencies manage thousands of properties. Yours is one listing among many. When something goes wrong, you're in a queue — not a priority.

The Fees Add Up

Headline commission rates look reasonable until you add VAT, photography fees, onboarding charges, and platform markups. The real cost is often significantly higher than advertised.

One Size Doesn't Fit All

National agencies apply the same approach to every property. We tailor our management to your property, your goals, and your guests — because no two properties are the same.

What About Managing It Yourself?

Self-managing can work — but it's a second job. Guest communications, pricing research, cleaning coordination, maintenance calls, review management, and platform optimisation all take time. Our owners tell us they earn more with us than they did alone — and they get their weekends back.

Read: The True Cost of Self-Managing Your Holiday Let

A property that works as hard as you do.

"Moving to Full Bed Hosts was the best decision we made. They handle everything so we can just enjoy the income."

— Sarah & David, Bournemouth

"What sets them apart is the personal touch. They genuinely care about our property as if it were their own."

— Mark & Lisa, Poole

Ready to See the Difference?

Get in touch for a free, no-obligation consultation and income estimate. No pressure — just honest advice.