Are you looking to stay ahead in the ever-evolving holiday letting market across Mid, West and South Wales? We’re excited to share our 2026 Market Insights Report — based on 2025 performance.
Despite national economic pressures and softer search volumes across the UK self‑catering sector, our Coast & Country Holidays portfolio performed exceptionally well.
Across our 400+ properties, average occupancy increased by 2% compared to 2024, with peak summer weeks reaching an impressive 81% occupancy.
Whether you’re an experienced owner or exploring your first investment, these insight-driven findings will help you plan for a successful season ahead.
Carry on reading as we uncover the top trends shaping holiday letting across Mid, West & South Wales — and discover how to make 2026 your most rewarding year yet…
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An Overview of the Mid, West & South Wales Holiday Let Market
2025 proved to be a resilient year for Coast & Country Holidays, with average occupancy rising by 2% despite wider economic pressures and reduced search demand for self-catering stays.
The winter months brought a mix of challenges, including storms and a noticeable shift towards last-minute bookings, highlighting changing booking behaviours.
However, the rest of the year delivered strong performance, particularly across spring, summer and autumn, with peak summer occupancy reaching an impressive 81%.
Meanwhile, UK travellers continue to prioritise local breaks:
✅ 63% plan to take a UK holiday within the next 12 months.
✅ 34% will choose a UK break as their main holiday.
Who is booking holidays in our regions?
Across 2025, guest groups booking with Coast & Country Holidays were:
2025 Guest Demographics
Source: Coast & Country Holidays Market Insight Report 2026
Top‑Performing Properties in 2025
Last year’s best-performing properties recorded between 41 and 53 bookings, showing the impact of a strong pricing strategy, good location, and quality presentation.
Many have already secured excellent numbers for 2026, proving that the right approach can lead to consistent success.
Our top properties in 2025:
1. Bryn Hafod, Llandrindod Wells – 53 bookings in 2025 (22 already secured for 2026)
2. Garden View, Pembroke – 44 bookings in 2025 (22 secured for 2026)
3. Llety Cariad, Llandrindod Wells– 53 bookings in 2025 (22 secured for 2026)
4. Beach Haven, Aberystwyth – 47 bookings in 2025 (31 secured for 2026)
5. No 10 Croft House, Tenby – 41 bookings in 2025 (30 secured for 2026)
Maximising Your Holiday Let Yield and Bookings
To boost your holiday let’s income, adapting to modern booking habits is essential.
Here are four key areas where owners can significantly improve your holiday let’s bookings and yield:
1
Smarter Pricing Strategies
Owners who follow our pricing advice see 41% more revenue.
Using dynamic pricing tools adds an average of 7 extra bookings and delivers 26% higher annual revenue.
2
Stay Flexible for Last‑Minute Bookings
37% of all bookings were made within four weeks — a clear shift in traveller behaviour.
In peak months, 3% of bookings were made on the day of arrival.
3
Accept Short Breaks
Short breaks made up 44% of all bookings (up from 36% in 2024).
Accepting them can generate 25% more revenue annually.
4
Make Your Property Pet‑Friendly
27% of bookings included pets.
Pet-friendly homes achieve 8% more bookings and 16% more revenue each year.
💡 KEY POINTS FROM REPORT
Lead times vary with property size: 46% of bookings for one-bedroom homes were within four weeks of arrival, compared to 24% for larger homes.
Two short breaks outperform one weekly booking: generating 148% of the weekly rental rate.
Value‑Adding Property Features: Top 3 Guest Searches
Looking to boost your bookings this year? Well you’ll need to know what your guests actually want.
Here were the 3 most searched-for holiday let features in 2025:
- Pet-friendly stays
- Hot tubs (can increase revenue by up to 40%)
- Large properties
Sustainability Is Growing in Importance
With only 6% of properties currently offering EV charging, installing a charger presents a strong opportunity to appeal to eco-conscious travellers and future-proof your investment.
Emerging Trends in the UK Holiday Let Industry
According to our latest report, key trends shaping traveller behaviour include:
More Frequent UK Breaks
Nearly half of travellers plan 2–3 domestic trips each year.
Convenience Is King
- 35% are more likely to choose a UK break over going abroad.
- 56% say UK trips are easier to plan.
Gen Z Leads Staycations
71% of 18–28 year-olds booked UK holidays in 2025.
‘Tastecations’ Are Rising
A third of Brits now select destinations based on local food.
👉 Download our full Market Insights Report 2026 to discover even more essential trends shaping the holiday let industry.
Buying a Holiday Home in Wales?
In 2025, the most searched-for holiday let locations in Wales were Tenby, Newport, Borth, and Swansea. Cardigan Bay also saw a noticeable rise in interest, reflecting growing demand for coastal escapes across the region.
Top Features Holidaymakers Look for in a Welsh Holiday Let
When buying or letting a property in Wales, certain features consistently attract guests:
- Sea views – one of the most popular search filters for coastal holiday lets
- Parking – a high-demand feature in many sought-after Welsh destinations
- Proximity to amenities – 34% of holidaymakers value easy access to a beach, 33% a local shop, and 25% a pub
Focusing on these features can help boost your property’s appeal, improve occupancy, and make your Welsh holiday let stand out in searches.
Head to our Guide to Buying a Holiday Let in Wales for more insider tips to start your journey with confidence.
Professional Marketing for Your Holiday Home
Partnering with Coast & Country Holidays gives you the best of both worlds: local expertise backed by the national marketing reach of Sykes Holiday Cottages.
In 2025, our marketing delivered:
- £35 million invested in marketing
- 700+ partner sites (including Airbnb & Booking.com)
- 65% repeat guests
- 700,000+ social media followers
- A 4.8★ rated customer app
- 160,000 Bloom loyalty members
As part of Sykes Holiday Cottages, we were thrilled to win our 12th consecutive accolade at the 2025 British Travel Awards🏆
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FAQs: Holiday Letting in Mid, West & South Wales
Is Wales a good place to invest in a holiday let?
Yes — demand is strong year-round, and occupancy levels remain consistently high.
How can I increase my holiday let bookings?
Dynamic pricing, short breaks, pet‑friendly stays, and adding sought‑after features like hot tubs or outdoor space can significantly boost your income.
Are short breaks more profitable?
Yes — short breaks can generate up to 25% more annual revenue than weekly-only stays.
How last-minute are bookings?
37% of bookings are made within four weeks, and same‑day bookings are increasing.
Should I allow pets in my holiday let?
Definitely — 27% of bookings included pets, and pet-friendly homes see higher occupancy and revenue.
Make 2026 Your Best Year Yet
The Mid, West & South Wales holiday letting market is evolving — but with the right strategy, it presents huge potential.
Inside, you’ll find:
- In‑depth regional trends
- Actionable insights to boost your bookings
- Expert advice on maximising income
