UK homeowners are urging the British public to follow in their footsteps and invest their hard-earned savings in a holiday let.

Over seven in ten (71 per cent) who own a home are looking for new ways to spend their savings and with the popularity of staycations booming, a holiday let looks to be the new kid on the property block.

And Original Cottages – whose research revealed the findings – homeowners Julie Brown and Jeremy Nayler are first-hand examples of that trend, investing in a second property and reaping the financial rewards.

Nearly three-quarters of those surveyed (73 per cent) say they’re more likely to invest their savings in a holiday let now than they were five years ago and Brown, who invested with her partner, reckons more of the British public should emulate their decision.

She said: “Following the success of our first buy to let property listed with Original Cottages and the growing trends for staycations, when it came to thinking about where to invest the remainder of our savings – my partner and I felt getting a second property was a smart choice for us.

READ: Holiday lets blossoming as homeowners seek new avenues for investment

“We’ve seen fantastic returns and investing in something tangible such as property, has been really successful for us.

“Not only do we have equity in the property, but we can also obtain a passive income through our guest stays.

“What’s more, being part of the Original Cottages family has made the whole holiday letting experience stress-free as we benefit from their national marketing, guest services and advice, as well as property maintenance.

“They helped to make the process of getting started a lot less daunting.”

Nayler, also an Original Cottages homeowner, retired in 2019 and decided to invest a portion of his savings in order to protect his children’s financial future.

He's now seeing that decision come to fruition and Nayler, a former NHS worker, added:

“Investing in stock and bonds felt too shaky and the increased popularity of holidaying in the UK convinced us that property, and a holiday let specifically, was the right way for us to invest.

“Joining the Original Cottages family has been a real benefit – not only are we able to enjoy the increasing trend for staycations, but it’s been a stress-free experience.”

Original Cottages has also worked with Personal Finance Expert Rachel Springall from Moneyfacts.co.uk to create tips on the benefits of alternative investments.

Springall has devised seven key pieces of advice for UK homeowners, including investing in real estate via buy-to-let, undertaking detailed research and investing in alternative commodities such as physical gold or gold stocks.

And antiques, art, wine, whisky, stamps or coins are other forms of investment in physical items that could be financially advantageous.

Crowdfunding could also be a wise investment for those looking to support start-up businesses, while stocks and shares and cryptocurrency are other potential avenues Springall believes it could be worth exploring.

And she said: “There are lots of different investment opportunities out there compared to a simple savings account and, in most cases, savers with a flexible savings pot could be earning very little each year on their cash.

“Alternative assets can appreciate over time in value, but it is important consumers get advice before investing.”

For more information about how to let your property or to speak to an Original Cottages local expert visit, https://www.originalcottages.co.uk/holiday-letting-agents