How much does house sitting cost in the UK?

More homeowners are turning to house sitters as a stress-free alternative to leaving their homes unattended—or paying for expensive pet boarding services. Whether it's for security, pet care, or general upkeep, a house sitter can offer peace of mind while you’re away.

But how much does it cost to hire one? Rates can vary based on location, duration, and responsibilities, making it tricky to determine a fair price. 

In this guide, we’ll break down house sitter costs in the UK, explore the key factors that influence pricing, and share expert tips on finding a reliable sitter that fits your needs and budget.

How much does a house sitter cost in the UK?

The cost of a house sitter can range from £25 to £75 per night or £295 per week, depending on factors such as location and the services required. In addition to hourly rates, many house sitters may also charge for extra services such as pet care or additional tasks like gardening or pool maintenance. 

What does house sitting include in the UK?

A dedicated house sitter ensures plants stay healthy while the homeowner is away. (Source: Shutterstock)

House sitting price list

House sitting is highly customizable, depending on your needs, budget, and preferences. These tables can give you an idea of how much to pay a house sitter per day (or per service).

Pet-only prices

House & pet care prices

A reliable house sitter makes sure pets stay happy and active while owners are away. (Source: Shutterstock)

What things affect the cost of house sitters?

Various factors determine how much house sitters charge. Here's an overview, including additional services to request:

Stay length

Some homeowners only need house sitters for a few hours, while others require them for months. A three-month stay is considered long-term house sitting and generally has a lower daily rate (exclusive of bank holidays). 

Number of pets

How many pets do you have? What species and breeds are they? Do they need special medical care or supervision? How often are the walks, and how much playtime is necessary? These factors significantly affect the overall cost of house sitting. 

For instance, dogs generally require more work than cats (who tend to be more independent). Furry dog breeds need regular grooming than less hairy ones. Another is if you need their cages or litter boxes cleaned regularly.

Experienced house sitters can look after dogs (of any size), cats, rabbits, hamsters, and birds. A professional house sitter can accompany your furry friend at home while continuing their routine: feeding, exercising, playing, and petting.

House size

The size of your house and garden will also affect the house-sitting service cost. How often do you want it cleaned? Large properties require much upkeep, especially if you have unique plants. These will add to the price of house sitting.

Cleaning services

Most house sitters can declutter your home and offer extra benefits, such as washing duvets, pillows, curtains, and carpets; spring cleaning services; oven or appliance cleaning; and dry cleaning drop-off and collection.

Travel

Some house sitters charge reasonable travel costs during the house-sitting assignment, and it can reach a maximum of £60.

How do I know if I can trust my house sitter?

Here are some pointers for finding a reliable house sitter:

• Meet them in advance. This gives them a chance to introduce themselves and answer your questions. Treat this as an interview.
• Know their background. Ask for client testimonials or reviews to learn more about their previous work. You can also talk about their experience in other areas, such as cleaning and gardening.
• Ask about their experience in handling animals. You can also ask them how they handle specific pet emergencies. This will help you evaluate the capability of your house sitter as a pet care provider.
• Introduce the house sitter to your pets. This is especially important if they’re social animals (such as dogs and cats) so you can observe how they interact.
• Run through the necessities and special requirements. This includes the frequency of walks and plays, feeding and sleeping regimens, and your pet’s usual routine.
• Discuss about home security. Let your house sitter know how they can keep your keys securely to help you gain peace of mind.
• Request regular updates. Ask if they can regularly update you about your home and pet, including pictures.
• Draw a contract. It should contain the service’s rate, duration, and other pertinent details.
• Talk about contingency plans. This includes delays in return and unforeseen circumstances.

Book a house sitter on Airtasker

House sitters cost around £25 to £250, depending on house size, pet type, and assignment duration. For an accurate quotation, talk to a Tasker and provide your house-sitting requirements.

Save time and protect your house and pets while you're away. Post a task now and connect with a reliable service provider shortly! It’s a fuss-free, convenient, and cost-effective choice.