Let’s be honest — there’s nothing more worrying than seeing your serviced accommodation units sitting empty. Unlike traditional long-term rentals, every vacant night in a serviced apartment directly hits your bottom line. With higher operating costs and premium pricing, even a few empty weeks can cost thousands in lost revenue.
At TMS UK Properties, we specialise in serviced accommodation across the UK. We’ve helped many owners move from frustratingly low occupancy rates to consistently busy, high-performing units that deliver excellent returns. This isn’t about crossing your fingers and hoping for bookings — it’s about using smart, targeted marketing that attracts the right guests at the right time.
If your serviced units are quiet and you’re tired of looking at empty calendars, this guide is for you.
Why Serviced Accommodation Units Face a Unique Empty Room Crisis
The demand for serviced accommodation remains strong — driven by corporate relocations, extended business stays, project workers, and professionals needing flexible mid- to long-term housing. However, increased supply in many UK cities has made the market more competitive.
Many owners struggle with prolonged voids because they market their units like standard rentals instead of premium, flexible serviced homes. Poor photos, weak online presence, and failure to reach corporate decision-makers are common reasons why otherwise beautiful units stay empty.
The good news? With the right approach, it’s entirely possible to achieve 85–95%+ occupancy year-round.
Secret 1: Visuals That Sell a Lifestyle, Not Just a Room
Guests booking serviced accommodation aren’t just looking for a place to sleep — they want convenience, comfort, and a “home away from home” feel.
Blurry photos or dark, uninviting images kill bookings instantly. Invest in professional photography, 360° virtual tours, and high-quality videos that showcase the space beautifully. Highlight the fully equipped kitchen, fast Wi-Fi, workspace areas, luxury linens, and thoughtful extras like a Nespresso machine or welcome pack.
Show how the unit supports real lifestyles — a bright dining area for video calls, a comfortable sofa for relaxing after a long day, or a peaceful bedroom perfect for recharging. Virtual staging can help empty units look warm and lived-in.
Secret 2: Write Descriptions That Speak Directly to Your Ideal Guest
Generic copy won’t cut it in serviced accommodation. You need to speak the language of corporate guests, contractors, and relocating professionals.
Instead of “Modern 1-bed apartment,” try: “Stylish, fully furnished one-bedroom serviced apartment in Area, perfect for professionals on assignment. Enjoy a fully equipped kitchen, dedicated workspace with high-speed Wi-Fi, and a comfortable living space — all just minutes from major transport links and business districts.”
Naturally include searchable terms such as “serviced apartment Manchester corporate,” “flexible stay Birmingham,” or “mid-term let London professionals.” See how our professional listing optimisation for serviced accommodation can dramatically improve your visibility and booking rates.
Secret 3: Get Found on the Right Platforms
List on major booking channels like Booking.com, Airbnb, Expedia, and corporate-focused platforms. But don’t stop there. Optimise your own website for direct bookings which carry higher margins, and use Google Ads to target high-intent searches.
For corporate appeal, ensure your units are listed on platforms and directories that relocation agents and corporate housing providers use.
Secret 4: Targeted Marketing That Reaches Corporate and Professional Guests
This is where many serviced accommodation owners miss out. Run geo-targeted and interest-based ads on LinkedIn and Facebook to reach HR managers, relocation consultants, project managers, and contractors.
Create helpful content such as:
- Neighbourhood guides for new arrivals
- “What to expect during a corporate stay in City”
- Short videos walking through the apartment’s key features
Share real guest testimonials with permission to build trust fast. At TMS UK Properties, our managed serviced units benefit from consistent, professional campaigns that keep occupancy high.
Secret 5: Smart Pricing and Attractive Packages
Dynamic pricing is essential in serviced accommodation. Prices should flex with demand — higher during peak corporate periods and adjusted during quieter times.
Offer appealing packages such as:
- Weekly or monthly discounted rates
- Corporate packages including cleaning, utilities, and high-speed internet
- Flexible check-in/check-out options
- Welcome hampers for new guests
Creating urgency with limited-time offers or “only 2 units left at this rate” can encourage quicker decisions.
Secret 6: Build Strong Corporate Partnerships and Referral Networks
The highest-paying, longest-staying guests often come through relationships. Connect with relocation companies, large employers, consultancies, and construction firms in your area. Offer them priority access and tailored corporate rates.
Don’t forget your existing guests — a thoughtful referral incentive can bring in new bookings with minimal effort.
Secret 7: Speed, Service, and Continuous Improvement
Respond to enquiries within minutes — corporate guests often decide quickly. Make the booking process smooth and professional. After the stay, ask for feedback and testimonials to keep improving.
Track performance across all channels and adjust your marketing accordingly. What worked last quarter may need tweaking as the market changes.
Let TMS UK Properties Help You Achieve Full Occupancy
Managing serviced accommodation successfully requires more than just owning nice units — you need strong marketing, professional presentation, revenue management, and excellent guest service working together.
At TMS UK Properties, we provide end-to-end support for serviced accommodation owners. From stunning visuals and targeted marketing campaigns to day-to-day management and corporate client relationships, we help maximise occupancy and profitability.
Ready to Fill Your Serviced Accommodation Units?
Stop losing revenue to empty units. Get in touch today for a free serviced accommodation appraisal and a personalised marketing and occupancy strategy. We’ll review your current performance and show you exactly how to attract more bookings and achieve consistently high occupancy.
Call us now or visit www.tmsukproperties.co.uk to get started.
Your fully occupied, high-performing serviced accommodation portfolio is closer than you think.
