If you own or manage a short term let, you’ll know how quickly small expenses can add up. After a busy Summer season , Winter presents the perfect opportunity to review your running costs, identify where savings can be made, and set yourself up for a more profitable year ahead.
At Clark Anderson Properties, we’ve pulled together some key areas to review, along with practical steps you can take. We’ve also included links to trusted people and providers who we confidently recommend.
1. Are you out of contract?

One of the easiest ways to overspend is by letting contracts roll over without realising it. This happens across broadband, utilities, insurance and even TV packages. When a contract ends, many suppliers move you to a more expensive rolling rate.
Our advice:
- Make a list of all current service providers and check when each contract ends
- Set reminders a month in advance so you have time to compare
- Avoid automatic renewals unless the rate is still competitive
2. Council Tax or Business Rates?

In Scotland, furnished holiday lets qualify as commercial properties and should be assessed for business rates rather than council tax. This switch can make a noticeable difference to your annual costs.
To qualify, your property must be:
- Available for short term let for at least 140 days per year
- Actually let for at least 70 of those days
You should submit your application as early as possible in your STL journey, as even though you must continue to pay the council tax whilst waiting for the qualifying metrics above, once you do evidence them, the council tax is rebated.
You’ll need to submit a booking schedule to the local council. We can help with this, and most councils accept our documentation as valid evidence.
Do keep in mind that business-rated properties are also liable for water charges. However, these are typically inexpensive and can still lead to significant overall savings.
We use and recommend Business Stream for our own properties due to their fair rates and reliable service.
3. Review your broadband setup

Reliable broadband is non-negotiable for guests. It influences reviews and repeat bookings. That said, many owners are still paying too much for speeds they don’t need or contracts they’ve long outgrown.
Before the new season kicks off, now is a great time to:
- Check your current contract terms
- Run a speed test to assess performance
- Compare alternative providers for better deals
Switching during Winter helps avoid guest disruption and gives you time to test the new setup.
4. Utilities; an easy win for cost cutting

After business rates, your utilities are likely the next largest overhead. And unlike many fixed costs, this is one area where loyalty rarely pays off. You could be missing out on better deals simply by not switching.
We recommend speaking with Michelle McNiven at Utility Warehouse. Michelle takes care of the full process for you and becomes your direct contact for any future changes or issues. That means no more hours spent on hold or bouncing between departments.
Here is a short note from Michelle:
“Let’s Cut Your Domestic Property Costs Together!
Are you spending more than you should on household bills?
I’m here to help you save money and lower your domestic property costs – quickly, easily, and without stress.
I take the hassle out of switching by doing all the hard work for you. Whether it’s energy, broadband, mobile SIMs, or insurance, I’ll find the best deals and ensure a smooth, simple transition.
Forget spending hours comparing providers or worrying about hidden fees – I’ll help you achieve clear savings and complete peace of mind.
Start saving today and discover how much you could cut from your household bills.”
You can check her services here.
5. Insurance; keep it competitive

Insurance should be reviewed every 12 months, not just for price but also for cover. Do your buildings, contents, and public liability policies still reflect the reality of your business and the current value of your property?
Even if your premium seems reasonable, it’s worth checking what’s available on comparison sites. Alternatively, ask us and we’ll put you in touch with a broker who understands short term lets.
6. Claiming capital allowances

If you haven’t already looked into capital allowances for your furnished holiday let, this could be one of the most valuable changes you make this year. Many owners are unaware they could be eligible for significant tax savings through this scheme.
Visit GoZeal to see if your property qualifies and to understand what’s involved.
7. Ditch the expensive TV package

Smart TVs make traditional TV bundles unnecessary. Most come preloaded with Freeview and offer streaming apps such as Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Disney Plus.
We recommend providing Freeview as standard and adding a Netflix account for guests to use. It’s a small gesture that adds big value to the stay, especially for families or those staying longer than a couple of nights.
8. Smart thermostats: control without micromanaging

Systems like Hive or Nest allow you to set heating schedules and monitor usage during empty periods. These tools are great for reducing energy use between bookings, especially in colder months.
It is important to note that we do not recommend adjusting heating remotely when guests are staying. Instead, we use your digital guide to encourage responsible usage and explain that smart settings help keep rates fair for everyone.
Final thoughts
Reducing overheads doesn’t mean cutting corners. In fact, it’s the opposite. Taking time now to tighten up your outgoings ensures your property is better protected, better managed, and ultimately more profitable.
If you’d like support reviewing your setup, we’re happy to help or connect you with trusted providers who’ve made a difference to our own business.
Let’s make Winter work for you.