Smart tech upgrades for the modern UK holiday let: What pays off in 2026

1. Keyless entry and smart locks - secure, seamless access

Smart locks replace traditional keys with digital access codes or app-based entry. For guests, this means hassle-free check-in. For hosts, it means fewer issues with lost keys and more control over access.

Why it pays off

• No need to coordinate check-ins manually

• Improves security and guest satisfaction

• Supports last-minute bookings and remote management

Cost vs value
Smart locks typically cost between £150 and £400. Over the course of a season, they can save hours of admin and reduce key replacement costs - especially for hosts managing multiple properties.

Read more: Top Smart Locks for Holiday Rentals in the UK – Landlord’s Portal

2. Smart heating controls - reduce energy costs and boost comfort

Smart thermostats like Nest, Hive and Tado allow remote control of heating systems and can adjust temperatures based on occupancy. Some systems also “learn” guest behaviour for more efficient operation.

Why it pays off

• Prevents overheating between bookings

• Reduces energy bills

• Offers guests personalised comfort

Cost vs value
A smart thermostat typically costs £200–£300, with installation. Energy savings can range from 10% to 20% annually.

Read more: 5 Smart Tech Solutions for Cost-Effective Vacation Rentals – Minut

3. Smart lighting and occupancy sensors - efficient and intuitive

Motion-activated lighting and smart bulbs help you manage energy use and deliver a polished guest experience. These tools are especially helpful in hallways, bathrooms and entryways.

Why it pays off

• Prevents lights being left on unnecessarily

• Can be set to create welcoming lighting scenes for arrivals

• Increases safety and comfort

Cost vs value
Smart lighting can be implemented for under £500 in most small to medium properties, with measurable savings and improved guest feedback.

Read more: Smart Devices for Holiday Lets – Schofields

4. Remote guest messaging and automation - reduce workload

Guests expect timely responses, even outside normal working hours. With automated messaging, you can deliver booking confirmations, arrival instructions and reminders without manual effort.

Why it pays off

• Saves hours on repetitive messaging

• Improves guest experience

• Helps maintain high response rates on booking platforms

Cost vs value
Often included in property management tools, guest messaging automation can replace dozens of manual interactions per booking - especially valuable for high-volume listings.

Read more: Travelnest Guest Messaging

5. Integration matters - streamline your systems

The biggest value comes from connecting your devices to a single system. For example:

• Use smart locks to trigger check-in lighting

• Pair heating with occupancy tracking

• Sync messaging with booking status updates

Smart tech becomes most powerful when part of a central strategy.

How Travelnest helps

Our management dashboard brings everything together in one place making it easy to view and manage your listings. By connecting your availability, communication and operations, we help you save time and deliver a more polished guest experience.

Final thoughts

Smart tech upgrades are no longer niche features - they’re essential tools for improving your holiday let business in 2026. From reducing admin to cutting utility costs, these investments help owners stay competitive in a demanding market.

Whether you’re just starting with a smart lock or planning a fully integrated setup, Travelnest’s team can help you make the right choices based on guest needs, budget and long-term goals.

Book a call with our experts or log in to your Travelnest dashboard to explore smart tech solutions that work for your property.