A homeowner’s side hustle renting out his unused parking space to builders and tourists earns him over £6,000 a year.
Gary Jones’ central Brighton flat comes with a designated parking space – but he doesn’t drive – so he rents it out for £21 a day.
The 52-year-old was YourParkingSpace’s highest earner for 2023 when he earned £6,462 with his easy side hustle.
He started the ‘low maintenance’ money-making scheme in 2021 and said he now regrets the four years his parking space sat unused.
Gary, a director at a language school, said: ‘I was so surprised how much it made last year. I’m very happy with the situation – I joke I should try to buy the space next door too!
‘Now, If I were to ever move to a new place I’d look for one with a parking space even though I don’t drive.’
Gary said he was always aware central Brighton was a difficult place to park, but was unaffected by it personally.
But when the bookings started rolling in, he invested money into installing a bollard and lock box.
Apart from the odd bit of weeding and occasional phone call from a customer who struggling to find the spot tucked down a one-way road, the parking space basically manages itself, Gary said.
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The space is sometimes rented by concertgoers staying overnight at hotels without parking.
Gary even goes the extra mile by texting bookers to check they arrived safely, said sometimes he gets tradesmen too who recommend him to others.
He said: ‘It’s word of mouth – if you come for a weekend and the service is good, they recommend it to their family and friends.’
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While Gary earns enough from his full-time job, he said the extra income helps with extra financial pressure due to inflation.
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