New research from MYNE and Globetrender reveals changing attitudes to holiday home ownership, with Brits favouring hassle-free, repeat stays. Jenny Southan reports

Holiday home ownership is being reshaped by changing travel habits, with Brits increasingly moving away from traditional second home models in favour of more flexible and responsible alternatives.

A new report – “Holiday Home Ownership: A Changing Landscape” – by co-ownership platform MYNE and produced in collaboration with Globetrender, shows that 47% of Brits like the idea of having a regular base abroad. However, the way they want to access and use these properties is evolving, driven by shifting priorities around cost, convenience and impact.

The research, based on a Censuswide survey of 2,000 UK respondents conducted between February 25 and 27, 2026, highlights how ownership is no longer seen as the only route to achieving a sense of belonging in a destination. Instead, travellers are increasingly interested in models that allow repeat stays without the full responsibilities of owning a property outright.

This shift is closely linked to the rise of the “Return Economy”, with 61% of Brits saying they would rather revisit destinations than continually seek new ones.

Nikolaus Thomale, founder and CEO of MYNE, says: “People still dream of having a home abroad they can return to, but the way they want to own and use it is changing. Our report highlights the rise of the ‘Return Economy’, where today’s travellers are choosing to revisit familiar destinations rather than chasing somewhere new.”

He continues: “Travellers want places where they can build lasting memories, feel part of local communities, and return year after year, all while keeping travel flexible and hassle-free. Managing a property abroad can be complex and time-consuming, which is why models like co-ownership and companies like MYNE are gaining appeal.”

For many, a holiday home is now less about status and more about enabling regular, longer stays in a familiar place. More than half of respondents (55%) say they favour extended visits and repeat trips, reinforcing the appeal of having access to a consistent base abroad.

At the same time, concerns about the wider impact of second home ownership are becoming more prominent. The report finds that 65% of Brits are aware of debates around overtourism and housing pressure in popular destinations. Among those surveyed, 35% are concerned about properties sitting empty for much of the year, while 33% worry that tourism accommodation reduces availability for local residents.

These concerns are influencing attitudes towards ownership models. Three quarters of respondents (75%) say awareness of these issues has affected how they choose accommodation, while 56% support government intervention to limit empty or underused properties in tourist hotspots. As a result, there is growing interest in approaches that keep properties in active use throughout the year.

Jenny Southan, founder and CEO of Globetrender, says: “The future of travel is less about ticking boxes and more about building familiarity, community and comfort in places people love. That shift in values is something we’re tracking across multiple trend signals. It’s no surprise that hybrid ownership models like co-ownership are resonating – they fit with the broader desire for flexibility, simplicity and purposeful travel.”

More than half of Brits (57%) find year-round usage models appealing, particularly those designed to maximise occupancy rather than concentrate visits in peak seasons. Some 22% say a destination becomes more attractive if there is an opportunity to contribute to the local economy during quieter months, suggesting that ownership is increasingly being viewed through the lens of responsibility as well as personal benefit.

Flexibility is another key factor shaping demand. Some 58% of respondents say year-round access is important when considering a property abroad, while 57% value travelling outside peak periods. In addition, 30% say the ability to stay for extended periods would make a holiday home more appealing, reinforcing the shift towards longer, more immersive stays.

Despite ongoing interest in having a base overseas, traditional ownership models present several barriers. Maintenance and repairs are cited as the biggest challenge by 38% of respondents, followed by managing a property from abroad (31%) and high upfront costs (30%). These practical issues are leading many travellers to explore alternatives that reduce complexity.

Co-ownership is emerging as one such option, offering shared access to properties without the full financial and administrative burden. Respondents identify lower upfront costs (23%), reduced financial risk (19%) and peace of mind (17%) as the main advantages of this approach.

The demand for simplicity extends beyond ownership structure to the overall travel experience. Two thirds of respondents (66%) say they are most interested in fully serviced holiday homes, where maintenance and day-to-day management are handled for them. The same proportion say a hassle-free experience is a priority when travelling.

This is reflected in changing definitions of luxury. Rather than focusing on owning a property outright, 59% of Brits now associate luxury with ease and convenience. One in three say they would be willing to pay more for a professionally managed, streamlined experience, indicating a clear move away from traditional notions of second home ownership.

The findings suggest that holiday home ownership is entering a new phase, shaped by demand for flexibility, greater awareness of local impact and a preference for ease over full ownership.

Read the full report: “Holiday Home Ownership: A Changing Landscape”