How to Start and Grow a Short-Term Let Management Business with Gillian Green
Episode Overview
In this episode of the Scottish Property Podcast, Nick and Steven are joined by Gillian Green, a property investor and short-term rental operator who has expanded from traditional buy-to-lets into serviced accommodation, commercial property, and an apart-hotel project.
Gillian shares how her journey evolved from building a personal property portfolio to running a growing short-term rental management company with around 50 units under management. The conversation explores the realities of operating in the short-term rental space, why it’s more hospitality than property investing, and the operational challenges that most investors underestimate.
This episode offers a practical look at scaling a short-term let management business — from sourcing deals and managing guests to handling cleaners, maintenance, and fluctuating seasonal demand.
Episode Highlights
- Why short-term rentals should be treated as a hospitality business
- How guest experience and fast response times affect reviews and repeat bookings
- Why systems are essential when managing multiple serviced accommodation units
- How Gillian grew from property investor to managing around 50 units
- The role of partnerships, networking and local demand in scaling the business
- Why commercial property can help diversify a wider property portfolio
- How multi-occupancy commercial buildings can reduce vacancy risk
- The operational challenges behind heating issues, maintenance and guest communication
- Why reliable cleaners are one of the most important parts of the business
- How Airbnb, Booking.com, direct bookings and contractor relationships affect occupancy
- Why seasonality matters when assessing short-term rental income
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Do you think short-term rentals are more like property investing or hospitality? Share your thoughts in the comments.
