Owning a large property should feel like an advantage — more space, more flexibility, more income potential. Yet for many landlords, the reality is frustratingly different. Big homes often sit empty between short stays, struggle to attract families year-round, or generate inconsistent returns through traditional holiday letting.
So how do some large properties go from weeks of silence to steady, reliable bookings?
The answer lies in a growing but often misunderstood market: contractor lets.
At Luke Stays, we specialise in transforming underperforming large homes into fully booked contractor accommodation, particularly across the North East of England, including Newcastle upon Tyne, Gateshead, Durham, and Sunderland. This guide explains how contractor lets work, why they’re ideal for large properties, and how the right management can turn an empty house into a dependable income stream.
Why Large Properties Often Struggle in Traditional Letting
Large houses face a unique challenge in the rental market.
While smaller properties appeal to singles and couples, bigger homes rely on a much narrower audience — families, group holidays, or event-based bookings. Outside peak seasons, this often leads to:
- Long void periods
- High cleaning and reset costs
- Heavy wear during short, intense stays
- Unpredictable monthly income
Holiday lets can look great on paper, but many owners discover that high nightly rates don’t always equal high annual returns.
This is where contractor accommodation changes the game.
What Are Contractor Lets?
Contractor lets are medium- to long-term stays booked by:
- Construction companies
- Infrastructure contractors
- Engineering firms
- Utilities providers
- Project teams working away from home
Instead of hotels, companies prefer fully furnished houses where teams can stay comfortably for weeks or months at a time.
For large properties, this model is a perfect fit.
Why Contractor Lets Work So Well for Large Properties
1. Space That Finally Makes Sense
Contractor teams need:
- Multiple bedrooms
- Separate beds (not sofa beds)
- Living areas to unwind after long shifts
- Proper kitchens for self-catering
Large houses provide all of this naturally — without awkward layouts or compromises.
Instead of trying to squeeze value out of a property that’s “too big” for holidaymakers, contractor lets use the space efficiently.
2. Longer Stays = Fewer Voids
One of the biggest advantages of contractor accommodation is length of stay.
Contractors typically book:
- 2–4 weeks
- 1–3 months
- Sometimes 6 months or longer
That means:
- Fewer check-ins and check-outs
- Less marketing stress
- Predictable monthly income
For landlords used to weekend bookings and midweek gaps, this alone can be transformational.
3. Reliable, Professional Guests
Contractor guests aren’t party groups or last-minute bargain hunters.
They are:
- Employed professionals
- Booked and paid for by companies
- Focused on work, not nightlife
At Luke Stays, we work with repeat corporate clients who value clean, well-managed accommodation — and treat it with respect.
Location Matters — and the North East Delivers
Contractor demand is driven by ongoing projects, not tourism trends.
The North East continues to see strong activity in:
- Construction and regeneration
- Infrastructure upgrades
- Energy and utilities
- Manufacturing and logistics
This makes locations like Newcastle upon Tyne, Gateshead, Durham, and Sunderland ideal for contractor accommodation.
Our properties are positioned close to:
- Major road links
- City centres and industrial hubs
- Project sites and business parks
For contractors, convenience matters more than sea views — and that creates year-round demand.
From Empty to Fully Booked: The Luke Stays Approach
Many landlords like the idea of contractor lets but worry about how to make it work in practice. That’s where professional management becomes essential.
Here’s how Luke Stays helps large properties reach full occupancy.
1. Purpose-Matching the Property
We don’t just “list” your home.
We assess:
- Bedroom layouts
- Bed configurations
- Parking availability
- Storage and communal space
Then we match the property to the right type of contractor booking, ensuring it’s practical, compliant, and appealing to corporate clients.
2. Furnishing for Durability, Not Decoration
Contractor accommodation needs to be:
- Comfortable
- Hard-wearing
- Easy to maintain
We prioritise:
- Proper beds (not gimmicks)
- Functional furniture
- Simple, clean interiors
This reduces damage, extends furniture lifespan, and keeps maintenance costs under control.
3. Corporate-Focused Marketing
Contractor lets aren’t filled through standard holiday platforms alone.
Luke Stays markets properties via:
- Corporate booking channels
- Direct relationships with companies
- Relocation and project managers
- Repeat business networks
This is how properties move from occasional bookings to consistent occupancy.
4. Professional Management That Protects Your Asset
Large properties need proactive management.
Our service includes:
- Guest vetting
- Regular inspections
- Professional cleaning
- Maintenance coordination
- Clear communication with companies
This ensures your property remains in excellent condition — even with high occupancy.
Real Returns: Why Contractor Lets Improve Cash Flow
While nightly rates for contractor lets may appear lower than peak holiday pricing, the annual maths tells a different story.
Contractor accommodation offers:
- Higher occupancy rates
- Lower void periods
- Reduced marketing spend
- Fewer turnovers and resets
For many large property owners, this results in stronger net returns and far less stress.
Who Should Consider Contractor Lets?
Contractor accommodation is especially effective for:
- 4+ bedroom houses
- HMOs transitioning away from room-by-room lets
- Former family homes
- Underperforming holiday lets
- Properties struggling to sell or rent traditionally
If your property feels “too big” for its current strategy, contractor lets may be the missing piece.
Why Property Owners Choose Luke Stays
Plenty of companies claim to manage contractor accommodation. Luke Stays actually specialises in it.
What sets us apart:
- Focus on large properties
- Deep understanding of contractor needs
- Strong North East presence
- Hands-on, proactive management
We don’t chase short-term hype — we build long-term, sustainable income strategies for property owners.
The Bottom Line: Bigger Properties Deserve a Smarter Strategy
Leaving a large property empty isn’t just frustrating — it’s expensive.
Contractor lets offer a proven way to:
- Reduce voids
- Stabilise income
- Protect your property
- Maximise space efficiently
With the right setup and professional management, large homes can move from underperforming assets to fully booked, reliable income generators.
If your property is currently sitting empty — or not earning what it should — contractor accommodation could be the shift that changes everything.
