Kensington owners usually come to Rockman Residences with one of two problems: a beautiful property sitting empty for months at a time, or a property they would happily let out if it did not mean answering guest messages at midnight. This guide covers how short-let and vacant management actually work in W8 and SW7.
Who books Kensington, and when
Kensington demand is international and long-window. Guests book further ahead than almost anywhere else in London, which is good news for owners who want visibility over their calendar.
The three main groups are leisure visitors around the museums, Kensington Gardens and the High Street; academic and medical guests connected to Imperial College and the Cromwell Road clinics; and relocating professionals and families taking 30-night-plus stays while they look for something permanent.
The lease is the first thing to check
More Kensington short-lets fail on paperwork than on demand. Before Rockman Residences lists anything we read the lease, check the freeholder and managing agent position, confirm the insurance covers paying guests, and hard-code London's 90-night limit into the calendar so it cannot be breached by accident.
If the building genuinely does not permit short-lets we will say so rather than list it and hope. In that case there are still two options that work.
Vacant property management as an alternative
- Scheduled inspections with photographic condition reports
- Keyholding and contractor access for works and deliveries
- Airing, flushing and heating checks to protect the property and your insurance position
- Cleaning before and after any personal use
- The option to switch into managed short-lets whenever you want it earning
What it costs
Management starts at 14% on a 12-month agreement, 18% on six months and 22% rolling monthly. Onboarding is £0 provided the property meets our requirements, turnovers are handled at £0, and photography and linen are charged separately at cost.
Frequently asked questions
What can a Kensington flat earn on short-lets?
It depends on size, floor, outside space and building, so we build a free valuation from live W8 and SW7 comparables rather than quoting a headline number. We always show it net of cleaning and management.
Does the 90-night rule apply in Kensington?
Yes. Greater London properties are limited to 90 nights of short-letting per calendar year unless you hold planning permission. We manage the calendar to that limit automatically.
Can you look after the property while it is empty?
Yes — that is our vacant property management service, with scheduled checks, keyholding, cleaning and condition reporting.
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