🇬🇧 The new British side hustle
The average Brit now juggles two income streams, according to Aviva, but most of us still want something low effort and a bit fun. Enter the weird money-makers: totally above board, occasionally ridiculous, and surprisingly lucrative.
Below are ten side hustles that don’t require you to start a business or film yourself dancing. Just real ways people are topping up their income - no crypto, no pyramid schemes, and definitely no surveys that pay in “points.”
🚗 1. Rent Out Your Driveway or Parking Space
Live near a city centre, train station or stadium? You could earn £50–£200 a month renting your space on JustPark or YourParkingSpace. Commuters love the convenience, and you can control when it’s available.
💇♀️ 2. Sell Hair, Clothes, or Hobbies on Specialist Marketplaces
People really do buy human hair (try BuyandSellHair.com). Or sell pre-loved clothes on Depop and Vinted, many users make £100+ a month clearing wardrobes.
🗣️ 3. Join a Focus Group or Paid Consumer Panel
Share your opinion and get paid for it. Sites like Respondent, Saros Research and Research Opinions UK pay £20–£100 per study. Real money for honest feedback.
🏨 4. Get Paid to Test Hotel Beds or House-Sit Pets
TrustedHousesitters and HometesterClub match you with stays that need care. Sometimes you’ll get paid, other times the “payment” is free accommodation. Either way, you sleep (and save) well.
🌿 5. Rent Out Your Garden for Glamping or BBQ Parties
Yes, people will pay to use your garden. RentMyGarden and Gamping let you list your outdoor space for £30–£300 per booking. Check insurance and local noise rules first.
🍽️ 6. Become a Mystery Shopper or “Secret Diner”
Get paid to eat lunch - dream job, right? Platforms like Market Force and ESA Retail pay £10–£50 per visit plus reimbursements. Reviews must be honest, not “five stars because I’m hungry.”
♻️ 7. Recycle Tech or Old Books for Cash
Declutter and earn with MusicMagpie, Ziffit or CEX. You’ll typically get a few quid per item, but old iPhones and PS4s can net £100+.
📱 8. Become a “Human Billboard” for TikTok or Local Brands
Brands pay everyday people to wear merch or film short promo clips. Average earnings: £25–£200 per gig. It’s odd, yes but it beats handing out flyers in the rain.
📸 9. Sell Your Photos to News or Stock Sites
Your phone snaps could make the papers. Upload to Newsflare or Alamy and get paid if media outlets use them. Real UK contributors earn £100+ for viral clips.
🎙️ 10. Lend Your Voice or Accent for AI Training Projects
Got a clear accent or distinctive tone? Freelance sites like Remotasks, DataAnnotation.tech and Prolific pay for short recordings to train AI. It’s usually £5–£20 per task, all from home.
🔒 How to Stay Safe and Avoid Scams
Stick to reputable UK or EU-registered platforms and read the small print. Never send money upfront, and report anything that feels “off.”
For tax: you can earn up to £1,000 a year tax-free under HMRC’s trading allowance, after that, you’ll need to declare your income on a Self Assessment return.
💰 How Much Can You Actually Earn?
Effort Level | Example Gig | Typical Pay |
|---|---|---|
Low | Selling items on Vinted | £50–£150/month |
Medium | Mystery shopping | £10–£50/visit |
Medium | Renting driveway | £50–£200/month |
High | Garden rentals | £100–£300/event |
Niche | Voice gigs / photo sales | £20–£200/project |
🧾 Bottom Line
The UK’s side-hustle economy isn’t just Uber drivers and Etsy stores. Try one weird idea, pocket the cash, and tell us which worked - we’ll feature the best reader tips next month
💡 Savingsense Tip
Start with something that uses what you already have - a spare space, skill, or hobby. That’s the real trick to earning without extra effort.
📊 By the Numbers:
43% of UK adults now have a side income, according to Finder.
