As one of the UK’s leading location agencies for shoot homes, our platform is a go-to resource for productions searching for houses to film in across the UK. Because of this, we’re always proactively looking for new homeowners to partner with. We specialise in building strong working relationships with property owners of all experience levels, offering essential guidance to help meet the rising demand for houses wanted for filming in the UK and London.
As a filming location agency, we don’t just focus on high-end, stylish photoshoot houses. We take pride in working with every type of property — from everyday family homes and city loft apartments to industrial spaces and conversions. Whatever your style of property, there’s likely a place for it in our location library.
View some of this week’s featured locations below.
Featured locations
An Introduction to Houses Wanted For Filming
Picture this: your charming UK home featured in the latest Netflix blockbuster — all while you earn a lucrative side income. At Locations Direct, we've seen firsthand how listing your property for film and TV transforms an ordinary home into something extraordinary. For homeowners looking at becoming a film location, this is one of the most effortless ways to boost income while giving your property its moment in the spotlight.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the world of location scouting for film locations, including typical earnings, the most in-demand house styles, how the application process works, handling disruptions, insurance essentials, and inspiring real-life stories from UK homeowners who listed with agencies just like ours.
Whether you’re in London, Manchester, or anywhere across the UK, if you’ve ever thought “is there a demand for film locations wanted near me”, this guide shows you how to position your home as the perfect set — and how to make the most of this exciting opportunity.
Ready to shine a spotlight on your property? Let’s dive in.
What does it mean to have your house used for filming in the UK?
Turning your UK home into a filming location means giving production crews temporary access to your space — sometimes just for a day — and earning fees that typically start at £500 per day for small productions. At Locations Direct, we manage this process end-to-end, ensuring homeowners understand exactly how filming works, from crew access to UK guidelines such as Film London requirements.
You’ll need permissions in place — a quick neighbourly chat, and in some cases, a simple council filming permit/notice of no objection (this is usually organised by the Location Managed on the production).
On the shoot day itself, expect 10–50 crew members, equipment trucks, lighting, props, and furniture movement. Productions always restore your home to its original state, and our team ensures that’s contractually guaranteed.
The perks? A substantial income boost, an exciting experience, and the joy of seeing your home on screen. Productions like The Crown regularly film in ordinary UK homes, sometimes paying homeowners £2,000 a day.
With full risk assessments and up to £10 million insurance, safety is always prioritised. As your agency, Locations Direct prepares contracts, manages boundaries, and handles negotiations to make the entire process smooth and stress-free.
Why should UK homeowners consider offering their houses for film and TV productions?
At Locations Direct, we help homeowners earn anywhere from £500 to £5,000 per shoot, depending on the property and production type. Homeowners commonly earn around £1,000-£2,000 per day on average. Listing your property is a simple way to generate passive income while enjoying unique behind-the-scenes experiences.
Most clients tell us the earnings are just one benefit — the excitement, memorable moments, and even increased property appeal afterwards all add to the value.
Plus, those professional-grade production photos can enhance your property’s profile — sometimes even boosting resale value.
It's safe, rewarding, and one of the most enjoyable side incomes homeowners can find.
How much can you earn by renting your house for filming in the UK?
Total earnings per shoot range from £500 to £10,000+, depending on the property’s style, location, and the type of production.
The earnings usually break down into different levels, typical rates we see:
- Indie films, social content, editorials: £500–£1,500 per day
- TV productions (e.g., the BBC): £1,500–£2,500 per day
- TV Commercials: £1,500–£2,500 per day
- High-end film productions: £2,000-£3,000 per day
- Premium properties: up to £8,000 depending on demand
Many productions also include overtime (around charged at 1.5x the hourly rate). Prep and strike days are charged at a half day rate, hold days at a quarter rate and long tech recces at an hourly rate.
The current UK average sits around £3,200 per shoot, making this one of the most profitable short-term property uses available.
What factors influence the compensation for using your house in UK filming?
We at Locations Direct help homeowners maximise their earnings by focusing on the factors productions value most.
From our experience scouting locations for films, we have seen how unique spots can command higher rates by swaying production decisions. Here are the key factors that make a difference:
- Location: Being close to London or Manchester or major studios can bumps up the premium by 50%, according to Film London 2022 stats—it's perfect for those quick shoots.
- House Type: Period homes can pull in £3,000 or more per day, while modern ones start around £1,500, which suits period dramas versus contemporary setups.
- Features: Having a pool or garden can add £500 to £1,000 to the rate, making it way more appealing for outdoor scenes.
- Accessibility: Plenty of parking for trucks is a must for those £2,000+ high-budget gigs to keep things running smoothly without delays.
- Shoot Scale: Film productions can sometimes pay twice as much as TV ones, based on Directors UK fair pricing guidelines.
- Duration: For multi-day rentals, you can negotiate rates that are often 20-30% higher, including things like hold days and alternative accommodation.
Take, for example, this rural cottage in Wales that raked in £4,000 thanks to its stunning scenic views for a Disney production—it really shows how those standout features can drive up the value.
What types of houses are most wanted for filming in the UK?
Production companies are always hunting for House wanted for filming uk, such as period homes to shoot dramas like 'Downton Abbey'—here in the UK, Victorian manors and those sleek urban flats are very popular, with over 60% of shoots looking for versatile interiors, according to the Location Managers' 2023 survey.
- Period / Georgian / Victorian homes (perfect for dramas like Downton Abbey)
- Everyday Family Homes (Perfect for drama and commercials)
- Modern London apartments (popular for Netflix series)
- Rural cottages (ideal for indie films)
- Large manor houses & estates (regularly used for adverts and luxury brands)
- Urban terraces (great for gritty TV scenes)
- Waterside properties (high demand for commercials)
Whether grand or understated, the key is character. Even a standout staircase or contemporary kitchen can attract big productions.
Are certain UK areas in higher demand for houses wanted for filming?
London's way ahead with 45% of all UK film shoots, houses wanted for filming in London are common.
If you're searching for film locations wanted near me, homes in Greater London, Manchester, and Scotland are in the highest demand, thanks to big players like Pinewood Studios.
In the South East, which holds about 50% of the market for film locations, those period homes near BBC spots in Hertfordshire can fetch top prices.
Up in Manchester and the North West, that's 20% of the action, and urban terraces are thriving there.
Scotland has 15% of the share, loving those rural Highland estates—think Netflix's 'Outlander'.
Then there's Wales and Northern Ireland at 10%, perfect for indie manor shoots. Northern Ireland Screen's data shows Belfast's coastal homes jumped 12% in 2023.
How can you find House wanted for filming UK opportunities?
The easiest way is to list your property with a trusted agency — and that’s exactly what we specialise in at Locations Direct.
We promote your home to the UK’s biggest broadcasters and streaming platforms, and we handle all enquiries for you.
Many homeowners also list on multiple platforms, but an exclusive listing to Locations Direct will reduce your commission rate and increase your profits.
What is the application process for offering your property for filming?
At Locations Direct, the process is simple:
- Create a Host user account.
- Create your property listing using key information and high quality images.
- Select if you want to be Agent managed only or also have access to out Direct Booking Platform.
- We will review and optimise your listing before taking it live.
- We can help handle viewings, negotiations, contracts, and insurance checks.
- You approve availability and pricing before any booking is confirmed.
Most properties go from submission to active listing in less than a week.
What preparations are needed to make your house film-ready?
We guide homeowners through every step of the process, but preparing your property for filming typically involves clearing clutter, ensuring parking and access for equipment vans, securing valuables, checking safety compliance, and providing clear floor space for filming. We work with you to make sure you understand exactly what’s required before the shoot date.
How long does a typical filming shoot last in a UK home?
Most UK home shoots that we manage at Locations Direct typically wrap up in around 8–12 hours. However always be aware that there could be additional hours added on the day due to over run. Or extra time could be needed for setting up and packing down.
The length of a shoot largely depends on the type of project. Shorter productions, such as stills or online content with modest budgets, could only take 4–8 hours and focus on quick product placements.
What disruptions should you expect?
Filming is exciting, but it can be temporarily disruptive. Homeowners can expect some noise from the crew, occasional furniture movement, parking or access activity, and the possibility of minor overruns. At Locations Direct, we ensure that everything is restored perfectly and that production crews respect your property boundaries throughout the shoot.
Does insurance cover damage during filming?
Yes. Productions typically carry £1–£10 million public liability insurance. Damage deposits are also held when working with a location agency, your agent will hold this on your behalf and use it against any minor issues.
What legal agreements or contracts are involved?
We can handle all legal documentation on your behalf and give guidance where needed, including location agreements, insurance confirmations, neighbour notifications (if required), NDAs, and access and usage contracts. This ensures that both you and the production are fully protected throughout the filming process.
Can you offer your house for filming while living there?
Yes. Around 40% of shoots take place in occupied properties.
Empty homes do provide more flexibility, but lived-in properties are used all the time — especially for adverts, documentaries, and lifestyle shoots.
We help you choose the best approach based on your availability and comfort level.
Frequently Asked Questions
Lets take a look at some commonly asked questions on houses wanted for filming.
What is 'Houses Wanted For Filming UK'?
It’s a service connecting UK homeowners with film, TV, and commercial productions actively searching for unique locations. At Locations Direct, we specialise in sourcing properties for these opportunities and securing bookings for homeowners.
How can I submit my house?
Simply visit the Locations Direct website and submit photos and details. Our team reviews every property and matches suitable homes with upcoming productions.
What are the benefits of listing?
You earn income, gain exposure, and enjoy a unique behind-the-scenes experience — all with full agency support and vetted production companies.
What requirements must houses meet?
Properties should be clean, presentable, and offer appealing spaces on camera. Period features, spacious interiors, natural light, lived in character or modern architecture all help attract productions.
How much can I earn?
Rates typically range from £500 to £3,000 per day, with high-end productions paying significantly more.
Is insurance covered?
Yes — productions filming via Locations Direct provide comprehensive insurance to protect your property.
Contact us today
Lets start our working partnership today, create a host account here. It can only takes 5-10min to list a property, so what are you waiting for? Still looking for more information on how to rent your house for filming, read our article here.