When The Open Championship returns to Royal Birkdale in summer 2026, Southport will take the global spotlight once again. As one of the most prestigious golf events in the world, The Open brings with it a huge influx of visitors, international press, and short-term rental demand.
If you’re a Southport landlord or homeowner considering whether to rent your property during the tournament, now is the time to prepare. This guide from Northwood Southport covers everything you need to know about letting for The Open — from potential returns to practical requirements and legal updates.
Why The Open is a rental opportunity worth considering
The 2026 championship at Royal Birkdale is expected to draw over 200,000 visitors across tournament week, many of whom will be seeking comfortable accommodation close to the course. Hotels in the area typically book out 6 to 12 months in advance, meaning short-term rental listings in Birkdale and surrounding neighbourhoods are highly sought after.
In 2017, the last time The Open was hosted in Southport, local landlords saw a surge in demand with nightly rates for well-located homes rising significantly. One-bedroom flats close to the course were renting for upwards of £200 per night, while premium detached homes fetched even higher rates.
The result? Many landlords earned what would normally be a month’s income in a single week.
But this kind of opportunity takes planning. Let’s look at what you need to know to make it work.
Can I rent my house for The Open 2026 in Southport?
Before listing your home, ask the following questions:
- Do I need a licence? At the time of writing, Southport (under Sefton Council) doesn’t have a specific licence requirement for short-term lets, but this could change. Always check with the council.
- Is my mortgage eligible? If you have a residential mortgage, you may need permission from your lender for short-term letting.
- Is my leasehold property allowed to sublet? Flats or leasehold properties may have restrictions.
- Do I meet EPC requirements? While temporary lets don’t always require the same ratings, an EPC of E or higher is advisable.
- Do I have the right insurance cover? Short-term letting requires holiday let insurance or landlord cover for furnished lets.
- Who will manage the changeovers? Someone needs to handle guest arrival, key handover, cleaning and emergency contact.
Thinking about letting your Southport property for The Open? Book a free rental consultation with our local team today.
Short-term vs long-term letting: What’s the better strategy?
While The Open presents a unique short-term opportunity, many Southport landlords choose to remain in the long-term rental market. Here’s how the two compare:
Short-term letting pros:
- Higher nightly rates
- Flexibility of usage
- Ideal for furnished homes near Birkdale
Short-term letting cons:
- More management and logistics
- Insurance and cleaning costs
- Seasonal demand only
Long-term letting pros:Remove
- Consistent monthly income
- Less tenant turnover
- Easier planning and financial forecasting
Long-term letting cons:
- Fixed-term contract required ( this is not the case rethe Renters ACT
- You may not be able to reclaim the property for the tournament without notice
Solution: Some landlords choose to offer fixed-term tenancies that expire shortly before July 2026, allowing them to re-market for short-term guests during The Open.
Where to invest or let: Southport’s Open 2026 hotspots
If you’re already a landlord, your property might be in one of the most in-demand areas. If you’re considering buying ahead of the tournament, location is everything.
Birkdale Village
- Walking distance to the course
- Popular with players’ entourages, VIPs and broadcasters
- Strong short-term demand and long-term capital growth
- Average Birkdale rental yield: ~5.4% (long-term)
Hillside and Ainsdale
- Close to Southport Golf Links and key travel routes
- Spacious detached homes ideal for families or groups
- Higher nightly rates for furnished homes during the event
Southport town centre
- Suitable for professionals and international guests
- Easy access to the train station, restaurants and amenities
- Flats or maisonettes attractive for 3 to 5 night stays
Churchtown and Marshside
- Quieter, residential appeal
- Slightly further from the course but still desirable
- Good for landlords seeking longer pre-tournament lets
Looking to buy or let in Birkdale ahead of 2026? Our team can advise on the best-performing streets and yields.
What kind of guests will be looking for short-term rentals?
The Open draws a broad range of visitors, and each group will have different accommodation needs:
- Golf fans attending from across the UK and abroad
- Corporate hospitality guests linked to sponsors or VIPs
- Media teams covering the event
- Support crews including caddies, fitness coaches, and logistics staff
- Families of players seeking longer stays in quiet, furnished homes
Homes with parking, reliable Wi-Fi and multiple bedrooms will be particularly attractive. Properties within walking distance of Royal Birkdale will command the highest premiums.
Preparing your property: Make it guest-ready
Whether you plan to market your home on Airbnb, Booking.com or through a local agency, presentation matters. Here are the essentials:
- Furnish to a good standard with beds, sofa, dining table, cutlery, towels, etc.
- Deep clean before every guest
- Provide clear instructions for check-in and house use
- Ensure you meet fire safety regulations with smoke alarms and exits
- List amenities accurately (Wi-Fi, parking, coffee machine, etc.)
- Use professional photos and floorplans to attract bookings
Some landlords hire local property managers to handle changeovers, cleaning and communication.
What about Section 21 changes and new landlord legislation?
With the Renters’ Rights Act now in force, landlords in Southport must comply with updated letting laws.
Key updates affecting 2026 lets include:
- Abolition of Section 21: No-fault evictions have been removed. Landlords must now use formal possession grounds.
- Periodic tenancies by default: All new tenancies are rolling monthly agreements unless otherwise structured.
- Stricter EPC requirements: Landlords should aim for at least EPC C by 2028 to futureproof their lets.
- Mandatory registration and redress scheme: All landlords must register their properties and belong to an ombudsman scheme.
If you plan to let your property short-term during The Open and then transition to a long-term tenant, understanding these rules is vital.
Not sure how Section 21 changes affect your rental plans for 2026? We can help you navigate the legal landscape.
Should I invest now to let in time for The Open?
There are still opportunities to purchase in Southport before summer 2026. Buying early gives you time to:
- Prepare and furnish the property
- Complete any necessary upgrades
- Let it long-term first, then reclaim it ahead of July 2026
- Build local knowledge and experience with the help of a letting agent
Popular property types include:
- 2–3 bed houses near Birkdale station
- Detached homes with driveways and gardens
- Apartments in town centre developments
If your investment strategy includes both capital growth and short-term letting income, timing your purchase is crucial.
Why work with Northwood Southport?
Our team understands both the local rental market and the specific pressures of event-based lettings. Whether you’re letting for a week, a month or the long haul, we can help with:
- Property valuations and income forecasting
- Legal compliance and documentation
- Tenant vetting and contract structuring
- Property management and maintenance
- Guaranteed Rent options for peace of mind
Make your property work harder for you in 2026. Book a free rental valuation with our team today.
Final thoughts: Be ready to let, not left behind
The Open 2026 is more than just a sporting event. For Southport landlords, it’s a rare chance to boost income, showcase your property and tap into global visitor demand.
But with that opportunity comes responsibility — legal, financial and practical. Whether you plan to rent short-term during the tournament or secure a tenant now and revisit your strategy in 2026, preparation is key.
With expert local knowledge, trusted property management and up-to-date advice, Northwood Southport is here to help you make the most of this moment.
Start your Open 2026 letting plan today — get in touch with our friendly team.
