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20 Ways to Earn Money for over 50’s

27th April 2026

I am nearing retirement, can I earn some extra money and how?

Obviously you need to declare any income to HMRC.

As a single senior living alone in the UK right now (March 2026), your house is probably your biggest asset for bringing in a bit of extra cash without too much hassle.

The Rent a Room Scheme is still brilliant – you can make up to £7,500 a year completely tax-free by letting out a furnished room in your main home. If you go over that, you pay tax only on the excess, but most people stay under it easily. It’s automatic if you’re below the limit, no need to tell HMRC unless you exceed it. (Check the official details here: https://www.gov.uk/rent-room-in-your-home/the-rent-a-room-scheme)

Here are 20 straightforward, realistic ideas that lots of other retirees are actually doing. I’ve focused on things that suit living alone, keep effort low where possible, and included the most popular websites people use these days.

1. Take in a lodger

Rent out a spare bedroom long-term. It’s the easiest and most reliable for steady money, and that £7,500 tax-free limit makes it very attractive.

Most popular site: SpareRoom – https://www.spareroom.co.uk (tons of ads and it’s the go-to for room rentals in the UK)

2. Short-term lets like Airbnb

Let the room out occasionally to visitors or tourists. Still qualifies for the Rent a Room relief if it’s furnished and in your main home.

Airbnb: https://www.airbnb.co.uk (easy to set up, great for weekends or holidays)

3. Small B&B setup

Offer breakfast with the room for guests. Keep it small to fit nicely with the tax rules.

4. Rent your driveway or parking spot

If you’re near a station, town centre, or anywhere busy, people will pay to park there. Super passive once listed.

JustPark: https://www.justpark.com (very popular and trusted)

YourParkingSpace: https://www.yourparkingspace.co.uk (another strong one, often highly rated)

5. Rent out the garage, loft, or shed

For storage, bikes, furniture – people need space.

Stashbee: https://stashbee.com (specialises in this sort of thing)

6. Equity release (lifetime mortgage)

If you’re 55+, take some cash out of your home’s value without selling or moving. No monthly repayments, but interest builds up – get proper independent advice first.

Equity Release Council: https://www.equityreleasecouncil.com

7. Occasional paying guests

Similar to Airbnb but more casual, perhaps for family visitors or events.

8. Garden space rental

Allotment plots, glamping, dog exercise – whatever fits your garden.

9. Film or photo shoots at home

If your place has nice features or character, occasional decent payments.

10. Extra storage for people’s stuff

Attic or basement for boxes, seasonal gear, etc.

Stashbee again: https://stashbee.com

11. Workspace rental

Let someone use a quiet room or desk for a day or two (if planning rules allow).

12. Sell things you make

Crafts, jams, cakes – from your kitchen or hobbies.

Etsy: https://www.etsy.com (loads of older sellers do really well here)

13. Online tutoring

Pass on your knowledge (history, languages, music, whatever you’re good at).

Tutorful: https://tutorful.co.uk

Superprof: https://www.superprof.co.uk

14. Freelance bits from home

Writing, advice based on your old job – all remote.

Upwork: https://www.upwork.com

Fiverr: https://www.fiverr.com

15. Pet sitting or dog boarding

Look after pets in your home/garden while owners are away. Great if you like animals.
Rover (UK): https://www.rover.com/uk (popular choice)

16. Home baking or meals

Sell cakes, pies, or ready meals locally (follow food hygiene basics).

Often via Facebook Marketplace or local groups.

17. Light odd jobs for neighbours

Gardening, small fixes – use your home as a base.

18. Run little classes or groups

Crafts, cooking tips, card games – charge a small fee.

19. Rent out your tools/gear

Mower, ladder, pressure washer if you have them.

Fat Llama: https://fatllama.com

20. Online content about your life

Blog or YouTube on gardening, retirement tips – can build up ad money slowly.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com (free and simple to start)

A few quick tips from what works for others: Start with something easy like a room on SpareRoom or parking on JustPark – they’re low-risk and popular.

Always double-check your home insurance covers it, and see how it might affect any benefits (Pension Credit especially) with a free check at Age UK: https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/money-legal/benefits-entitlements/benefits-calculator/. Local council rules matter too, especially for short lets.

If any of these catch your eye, give it a go small-scale first. Plenty of us in the same boat are making a nice extra bit this way. Let me know if you want more on one in particular!

Rentasenior is a UK online portal for seniors aged 50 years or over to offer their skills and expertise to their local community.