In a cost of living crisis, it’s not a bad idea to think of ways to make (or save) extra cash. Some people take on part-time jobs or start up a side hustle, others might start selling unwanted items from around the home. But here’s another idea, what about using your property to increase your income?
Homeowners around the country are forking out for higher-than-ever monthly mortgage payments and eye-watering energy bills, so maybe it’s time to make your bricks and mortar work for you.
While an obvious way to make money from your home is to take in a lodger, many of us don’t fancy living with strangers.
In this quick read, we look at other ways you could earn cash from your crib.
Note: If you’re renting a property, please check with your landlord before embarking on any cash-making ideas as you may be in breach of your tenancy agreement.
- Rent out your driveway: If you live near a train/tube station, a city or town centre or anywhere it’s expensive to park, you could earn money from your driveway, garage or parking space. There are plenty of apps and websites to advertise your space on, like Just Park or Your Parking Space. People can pay for monthly parking spaces, short-term parking or EV charging (if that’s what you offer) and payment is taken through the app.
- Make your home a movie star: Fancy seeing your faux fireplace or bathroom sink on the big screen? Whether you live in a fancy house, a city centre apartment or a quirky cottage, your home could earn you a tidy sum by renting it out to TV or film crews. It could also be rented out for photo shoots. Google ‘location agency’ to see if your home could work as a film set.
- Offer storage space: If you’ve got an unused garage or spare room, you could be filling it up with other people’s stuff for cash. Websites such as Storemates or Stashbee connect people needing storage with empty rooms/garages all over the country. They offer insurance cover and other support services for a small percentage of your earnings.
- Turn your spare room into an office for rent: While many people enjoy the WFH pandemic trend, for some, it’s just not possible. So, if you’re willing to host office workers or freelancers in your home, you could bump up your income by a couple of hundred pounds extra per month. Check out Share My Office or Officeriders to see if your space is suitable.
If you decide to make some extra cash through your property, always check with your mortgage lender and insurance provider to ensure you’re not in breach of any contractual agreements you have with them.
Would you consider renting out part of your home for extra cash? We at Spencer Harvey would love to know, comment below.