Full Management
Hands-off, end-to-end: marketing, bookings, guest comms, key holding, cleaning, maintenance, statements. Typical commission 15–25%.
15–25% commissionSelf-managing your Cornwall holiday let but need local key cover for changeovers, emergencies, contractor access or guest lockouts? Key-holding-only services typically start from £30/month per property. Here's what's included and what to check before handing over keys.
We’re still launching in Cornwall and may not have a local holiday let management agency for you yet. Tell us what you need; your confirmation email says straight away what happens next.
Key holding is the right call for owners who handle their own bookings, marketing and guest communications — but live too far away (or don't want to be on-call 24/7) for the practical end of running the property. The key holder is a local who handles physical access, emergencies and contractor coordination on a retainer-plus-call-out basis.
Best for:
Typical Cornwall key holding pricing (2026):
What's typically included:
What's typically NOT included (unless you upgrade):
Cornwall key holders are typically established local cleaners, property managers, or holiday-let owner-operators with spare capacity. Check identity, insurance and references before you hand over keys. Most are willing to take on 5–15 properties across a small radius rather than scale to dozens — which usually means faster response times and more personal service than national property-management firms.
We’re an independent guide, not a letting or management agency. These are the honest options; pick whichever suits you.
Propertymark’s Find an Expert directory lists member letting agents, and PASC UK is the trade body for self-catering holiday lets, with agency members. Neighbours and local property offices are good sources too.
Ask for Public Liability cover, Client Money Protection if they hold your rental income, redress scheme membership (The Property Ombudsman or the Property Redress Scheme), who owns the listings, the full fee schedule including VAT and any maintenance markup, and the exit terms.
Leave your details and tell us what you need. We’re still looking for Cornish agencies to work with, so we may not have one for you yet; your confirmation email says straight away what happens next. We’ll tell you who before sharing anything, and agencies may pay us for introductions.
Need something other than key holding? Our guides cover the full range of Cornwall holiday let management — full management, key holding, changeover cleaning, guest communications, letting-only.
Hands-off, end-to-end: marketing, bookings, guest comms, key holding, cleaning, maintenance, statements. Typical commission 15–25%.
15–25% commissionLocal key holder for changeovers, emergencies, contractor access. Retainer plus call-out pricing — ideal for self-managing owners.
From £30/moSame-day Saturday turnovers, linen change, hot-tub sanitising, deep cleans. Cornwall cleaners who know the holiday-let standard.
From £60/turnOutsource the 24/7 inbox. Booking confirmations, inquiry response, mid-stay problem triage, post-stay review chasing.
From £30/moProfessional photography, multi-channel OTA listings (Airbnb, Booking.com, Vrbo), pricing optimisation, calendar sync. You handle the rest.
5–10% or flat feeCornwall holiday-let prices vary by property size and service level. Figures below are typical 2026 starting points; ask any agency for an itemised proposal.
Marketing-only — photography, listings, pricing, calendar sync. You handle the rest.
End-to-end. Marketing, bookings, cleaning, key holding, guest comms, statements.
Monthly retainer + £30–£60 per call-out. For self-managing owners needing local cover.
Per turnover. 2-bed cottage £60–£90; 4-bed £130–£200. Linen typically extra.
Find your nearest town guide for local market information and typical fees.
Everything you need to know about key holding in Cornwall.
Standard retainer is £30–£60/month per property, with per-call-out fees of £30–£60 (more for evenings, weekends and out-of-hours). For a typical owner-managed 2-bed property with 30 changeover weeks per year and 2–3 emergency call-outs, expect annual cost £500–£900. Larger properties or multiple-key setups can push monthly retainer to £60–£120.
Most key holders treat as emergencies: guest lockouts, alarm activations, water leaks, heating failure, broken locks, lost guest keys. Not emergencies: routine cleaning issues, minor maintenance, lightbulb changes, contractor escorts pre-arranged. Each agency sets thresholds — check the service-level definition in the contract before signing.
Yes — many Cornwall key holders offer combined service (key holding plus changeover cleaning). Sometimes more cost-effective than splitting providers. Ask up front for a combined rate; expect roughly the standard cleaning rate plus a small monthly key-holding premium.
Key holders carry their own Public Liability insurance for incidents caused by their negligence. However, your property buildings and contents insurance should also be checked — some standard holiday-let policies exclude periods when 'no responsible person is in the property'. Confirm both sides before appointing.
Standard key holding usually doesn't include this — they only attend on call-out. If you want a routine arrival check (lights on, heating started, no obvious issues before guests arrive), this is normally an add-on at £15–£30 per check. Some Cornwall key holders bundle it; others charge separately.
Usually 3 months minimum, then rolling monthly. Some key holders ask for a 12-month commitment if the property is in a difficult-to-cover area (remote moorland, far-west Cornwall). Always check the exit notice period — 30 days is common.