Oxford Short-Let Management That Delivers

Expert management. Better guests. Effortless returns.

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Why Oxford Property Owners Choose Watermelon

Built by a Property Owner, For Property Owners

Hi, I'm Alona, and I founded Watermelon Rentals six years ago, but not as a property manager. I started as a property investor myself. After successfully finding and managing my own short-let and achieving returns that far exceeded traditional long-term letting - often up to 3x more - I realised that for most people, property isn't just a business asset. It's often the biggest investment, retirement plan, or family's financial security. Whether you're looking to buy your investment property or already own a second home in Oxford, it gets very stressful when companies don't deliver the attention to detail that your property deserves. So I decided to build something different.

Hotel Standards, Local Expertise

I've personally assembled a trusted network of Oxford-based professionals who maintain properties to hotel standards: from our cleaning team and linen service to handymen, gardeners, and licensed tradespeople. They're not just contractors; they're part of our extended team, and they understand our standards.

Personal Service, Passive Income

When you work with Watermelon Rentals, you're not getting a call centre or a different person each time you ring. You're getting me and my small, dedicated team, who will know your property by name and treat it with the same care we'd give our own. Whether we're helping you find the right investment or managing your existing property. We handle everything, you simply collect the income.

Find out more

Our Services

Property Investment

We help you find, secure, and manage properties that deliver consistent, measurable returns. From sourcing the right investment to preparing it for guests and handling full management, we take care of every detail.

Second-Home Management

If you own a second home in Oxford, we ensure it’s cared for as if it were our own. Whether you visit occasionally or live abroad, we make sure your property stays secure and well-maintained, turning it into a source of passive income when you’re away.

Real Results From Real Properties

↑ 40% Average Income Increase

Compared to long-term letting.

★ 4.9/5 Guest

Rating

Across all our Oxford properties.

92% Average Occupancy

Year-round bookings, not seasonal spikes.

15-25% Management Fee

Full service. No hidden costs. Ever.

What Our Clients say about us

Tim
Property Owner in Oxford
"Before partnering with Watermelon Rentals, my Oxford property was rented out to students and was quite run-down. Since Watermelon took over, they've transformed it to the standard of a hotel, in superb condition, and my income has nearly tripled each month. It's incredible to see such a transformation and profitability through their expert management."
Catherine
Property Investor with a Home in Slovenia
"Managing a property abroad can be daunting, but Watermelon Rentals ensures that my Slovenian holiday home is well taken care of, even though I'm not in the country. It's remarkable to have a family retreat that not only serves as a getaway but also generates a stable income. Their efficiency and reliability have truly exceeded my expectations."
Ian
Airbnb Host in Ukraine
"Despite the ongoing invasion, Watermelon Rentals has been phenomenal in managing my property in Ukraine. They've maintained an occupancy rate of over 80% without reducing prices, ensuring continuous income. Their proactive and secure management in such challenging times is nothing short of remarkable."
Tim
Property Owner in Oxford
"Before partnering with Watermelon Rentals, my Oxford property was rented out to students and was quite run-down. Since Watermelon took over, they've transformed it to the standard of a hotel, in superb condition, and my income has nearly tripled each month. It's incredible to see such a transformation and profitability through their expert management."
Catherine
Property Investor with a Home in Slovenia
"Managing a property abroad can be daunting, but Watermelon Rentals ensures that my Slovenian holiday home is well taken care of, even though I'm not in the country. It's remarkable to have a family retreat that not only serves as a getaway but also generates a stable income. Their efficiency and reliability have truly exceeded my expectations."
Ian
Airbnb Host in Ukraine
"Despite the ongoing invasion, Watermelon Rentals has been phenomenal in managing my property in Ukraine. They've maintained an occupancy rate of over 80% without reducing prices, ensuring continuous income. Their proactive and secure management in such challenging times is nothing short of remarkable."
Tim
Property Owner in Oxford
"Before partnering with Watermelon Rentals, my Oxford property was rented out to students and was quite run-down. Since Watermelon took over, they've transformed it to the standard of a hotel, in superb condition, and my income has nearly tripled each month. It's incredible to see such a transformation and profitability through their expert management."
Catherine
Property Investor with a Home in Slovenia
"Managing a property abroad can be daunting, but Watermelon Rentals ensures that my Slovenian holiday home is well taken care of, even though I'm not in the country. It's remarkable to have a family retreat that not only serves as a getaway but also generates a stable income. Their efficiency and reliability have truly exceeded my expectations."
Ian
Airbnb Host in Ukraine
"Despite the ongoing invasion, Watermelon Rentals has been phenomenal in managing my property in Ukraine. They've maintained an occupancy rate of over 80% without reducing prices, ensuring continuous income. Their proactive and secure management in such challenging times is nothing short of remarkable."

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Oxford Locals. Hospitality Experts.

We live here. We work here. We know which streets perform best, which seasons drive demand, and how to position your property for maximum occupancy.

But we don't wing it. Our systems, technology, and service standards match the best global property management companies with the personal touch only locals can provide.

Book a call

We Don't Just Manage Properties. We Build Brands.

Here's what sets us apart: Every property we manage gets the full branding treatment. Not just photos and a description, but a complete identity that makes guests choose your property over the competition.

What's Included

Strategic Positioning - We identify your property's unique selling points and craft a story around them.

Professional Photography & Styling - Not just snapshots. Editorial-quality images that sell the experience, not just the space.

Compelling Copywriting - Descriptions that trigger emotional responses and drive bookings.

Multi-Platform Optimisation - Each listing is tailored to perform on its specific platform (Airbnb vs Booking.com require different approaches).

Guest Experience Design - From welcome messages to checkout instructions, every touchpoint reinforces your property's premium positioning.

Review Strategy - We actively manage and respond to reviews, building social proof that converts browsers into bookers.

"Your property isn't just another listing. It's a brand. And brands command premium rates."

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How It Works

Free Consultation

(Day 1)

We visit your property, discuss your goals, and provide a detailed revenue projection with zero obligation.

Professional Setup

(Days 2-7)

Photography, copywriting, branding, and optimisation. We create a premium listing that stands out and commands top rates.

Go Live

(Day 8)

Your property goes live across all the most popular booking platforms simultaneously. Our dynamic pricing ensures you're competitively positioned from day one.

Collect Your Income

(Day 14+)

Monthly payments, detailed reporting, and transparent accounting. You're earning while we're working.

Why Guests Love Watermelon Properties

Happy guests mean better reviews. Better reviews mean higher occupancy. Higher occupancy means maximum returns for you.

24/7 support with instant response

Hotel-quality cleaning and amenities

Contactless check-in/out

Local recommendations from people who actually live here

5-star experience worth reviewing

Stylish, fully equipped homes

Introduce us to Oxford’s finest homes and earn up to £1,000 in rewards

More Info