What better than a short-term let in London in the New Year? More personal than a hotel and with more freedom, grateful tenants often stay for a month, after seeing in the New Year at Trafalgar Square and then working their way through their ‘must-do list’, says Catherine Cockcroft, head of rentals at Aylesford.

“We would suggest being very central to take full advantage of West End theatres, galleries and museums,” she says. If you’re keen to include some skating, the ice rink at Somerset House lasts until January 23.

Some short-term let accommodation has a minimum term (for instance, 22 days), so it’s important to check, advises Cockcroft. Also, she suggests you book early, as serviced apartments and private rentals tend to go quickly. “Check what’s included in the rental – daily cleaning, hot water and electricity – and what bills you have to pay.”

Short-term stayers should expect to pay about 30 to 40 per cent more than long-term renters, and in some cases, as much as 50 per cent. This can be good news for landlords, points out Sarah Wilson from Hamptons International Knightsbridge, securing higher rental yields and generating income in quiet periods.

Her colleague Simon Wood in Richmond says other positives for landlords are “getting rent upfront, the rental period is short and flexible, and viewings can continue for longer-term tenancies throughout the short-let period.” However, landlords should remember there are additional costs, such as increased landlord involvement (people do expect more for their money) and payment of utility bills. A good agent can help ease the way for these extra tasks, he adds.

Although short-term lets can appear prohibitively expensive, if you work back the rent to a day rate it’s far less costly than a hotel, believes Wood. “And you get your own kitchen.”

A possible downside is the New Year means celebrations, points out Michael Harte from Blenheim Bishop in Mayfair. “Parties can result in damage. This can turn many landlords off, despite the increased rent.”

Short-term tips

•Make sure there’s a point of contact for management problems, such as the boiler breaking down. It can make for a miserable stay if your landlord is away on holiday.

•The longer the short let (up to four months), the more amenable the landlord.

•Be in the thick of things, near late-night shopping or relatives.