The financial benefits of home and pet sitting

Posted on 10 September, 2018

Financial benefit

Growing numbers of retired people are continuing to work part-time to earn extra money in retirement and stay active. In fact, 85% of our homesitters are retired and in their 50s, 60s and 70s.

Earlier this year, we asked our homesitters what they appreciated most about home and pet sitting. Just over 70% told us they enjoy looking animals most. They also love taking time out from their usual routines and having a change of scene. Many said they enjoy staying in different places and exploring new areas. Others love fact it gives them the opportunity to earn extra money in retirement.

Around 65% of our homesitters said the job contributes financially towards their retirement, and just over a quarter (27%) chose the role specifically to earn extra money, while a fifth (20%) wanted to continue working flexibly and part-time in their retirement.

Homesitters are paid a daily rate to look after people’s homes and their pets. They also receive a daily food allowance and their travel costs are paid when they travel to attend the preliminary meeting with the client and to and from the assignment.

Additionally, there is an Accommodation Offset, allocated by HMRC, which means that homesitters make savings because they are not in their own home. Added to this, utility bills and home running costs also reduce.

The financial benefits vary depending on how many assignments people take on. Some choose to do just a few assignments a year, where as others, like Yolande and Clive Noble, from Shropshire, are often away from their own home.

The Nobles have done a wide variety of domestic and commercial assignments over the 15 years they have worked for Homesitters. They are usually away from home for many months of the year, especially if they are doing a commercial assignment, which tend to last a few months at a time.

The couple even rented out their own home for nine years and used a caravan as a base because they did so many assignments.Now, they have gone back to their home and rely on a neighbour and their daughter to keep an eye on it. Clive also pops back to check on everything every few weeks.

If you are retired and would like to earn extra money and enjoy a new venture this Autumn, we are currently recruiting homesitters to join our team. To find out more, go to www.homesitters.co.uk or call us on 01296 630 730.

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