Most guides will tell you to cast a wide net. Sign up for every house-sitting platform you can find, they say. Create a dozen profiles, set up a hundred alerts, and play the numbers game.
We’re here to tell you that’s terrible advice. It’s the fastest route to notification fatigue, missed opportunities, and a diluted effort that lands you precisely nowhere.
The real key to unlocking incredible stays in Cotswold cottages or London townhouses isn’t about being everywhere at once; it’s about being on the right one or two platforms that perfectly match your ambitions.
After spending years chaining sits together from the Swiss Mountains to the Australian coast, we've learned this lesson the hard way. Juggling multiple inboxes, remembering different profile quirks, and paying several membership fees is a drain.
You end up being a master of none. The solution is surgical precisionchoosing the platform that serves your specific needs, whether that's finding paid gigs, focusing on rural pet sits, or securing long-term stays.
In our last guide, we covered the critical steps of prepping your home and creating a stress-free handover for your sitter. Now that you've mastered the art of preparation, it's time to find that perfect person (or, if you're the sitter, that perfect home). This is where the platform you choose becomes the single most important decision in your house-sitting journey.
The Platform Paradox: UK-Specific vs. Global Giants
Your first big decision is whether to go local or global. It's a common crossroads. Do you choose a platform built exclusively for the British market, or a global powerhouse with a massive UK presence? There are distinct advantages to each.
UK-specific platforms like House Sitters UK or Mindahome UK often have a stronger foothold in smaller towns and villages that might be overlooked by international audiences. They foster a tighter-knit community feel and their membership fees are generally much lower. If you're looking for hyper-local sits or just dipping your toes in, they're a fantastic, affordable starting point. It's a great way to find local house sitting opportunities.
On the other hand, you have the international behemoths. Here's the interesting twist: the world's largest house-sitting platform, Trusted House Sitters, is actually a UK-based company. This gives it a huge home-field advantage, resulting in a near-monopoly on the sheer volume of listings across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. While their fees are higher, the unparalleled number of options often makes it a go-to for serious, full-time sitters looking for a steady stream of House sitting jobs UK.
The choice isn't about which is better, but which is better for you.
Our Definitive Ranking of UK House Sitting Platforms
We’ve sifted through the noise, analyzed user reviews, and drawn from our own extensive experience to rank the best platforms for the UK market. This ranking considers the volume of UK-specific listings, ease of use, safety features, and overall value for the annual fee.
1. TrustedHousesitters
As the undisputed market leader, Trusted House Sitters is the first stop for most. It boasts the largest global database of sits, with a staggering number of opportunities in the UK at any given time (often 400+ active listings).
Its entire model is built around a value exchange: sitters mind pets and homes in exchange for free accommodation. The platform's focus is squarely on pet welfare, making it ideal for animal lovers. While it has the highest price tag, the sheer volume of choice often justifies the cost for those who plan to sit regularly.
Key Features: Included background checks, 24/7 vet support line during sits, unlimited applications, and a user-friendly app.
Pricing: Approximately £99–£329 per year (though 30% discount codes are available).
2. House Sitters UK
This is the quintessential UK-exclusive site, trusted by tens of thousands for finding local matches. Uk House Sitters focuses on simplicity and connection. Because it's dedicated to one country, the community is highly engaged and the quality of listings is consistently high. It's an excellent, budget-friendly choice for those who aren't interested in international travel and want a straightforward, reliable platform.
Key Features: Award-winning customer support, a very simple and clean interface, and a strong emphasis on both pet and home care.
Pricing: Approximately £29 per year.
3. MindMyHouse
Established way back in 2005, MindMyHouse is one of the originals. It’s a UK-based service with a global reach, but its roots give it a strong domestic focus. Its biggest selling point is its price. It is, by a significant margin, one of the cheapest established platforms on the market. For sitters on a tight budget who still want access to a decent pool of listings, it's an unbeatable value proposition.
Key Features: The lowest annual fee, an ad-free experience, and powerful search filters for specific UK regions.
Pricing: $29 USD per year (which is roughly £22).
4. HouseSitMatch
A UK-centric platform that puts a heavy emphasis on creating a trusted local community. HouseSitMatch is known for its excellent reputation (a 4.9 on Trustpilot speaks volumes) and its ethical stance. They donate a portion of every membership fee to pet charities, which is a lovely touch. The platform offers a solid number of UK sits and focuses on building long-term relationships between owners and sitters.
Key Features: High Trustpilot rating, free background checks included, and a charitable donation model.
Pricing: Approximately £89–£169 per year.
5. Nomador
Nomador is a community-driven global site with a particularly strong presence in the UK and Europe. It has a unique 'Trust Profile' system where your credibility builds over time with feedback and ID verifications. It also offers a free 'Discovery' option, which lets you apply to a limited number of sits to try it out before committing to a full membership—a great feature for beginners.
Key Features: A tiered trust-building profile, family-friendly sit options, and a free basic membership to get started.
Pricing: Free for basic access; £29 for 3 months and between £79-£159 per year for unlimited applications.
6. HouseCarers
Another long-running international site (founded in 2000), HouseCarers has maintained a solid base of listings in the UK for over two decades. Its interface might feel a bit dated compared to newer apps, but its secure matching system and email alerts for preferred locations are reliable and effective. It's a trusted name in the industry with a loyal user base.
Key Features: Secure internal messaging, ID verification options, and customized email alerts for new sits.
Pricing: Approximately £40 per year.
7. Mindahome UK
As a leading UK-based exchange, Mindahome focuses on empowering both owners and sitters. They provide members with a free guide and give homeowners full control over the screening process. The platform attracts a lot of motivated, repeat sitters, which speaks to its effectiveness and the quality of the community it has built.
Key Features: Free member's guide, full screening control for homeowners, and a high rate of repeat sitters.
Pricing: Approximately £20 per year.
8. Rover
Unlike the other platforms on this list, Rover is primarily a paid service. If your goal is to earn money while you sit, this is the platform for you. While known for dog walking and drop-in visits, it has a robust house-sitting section. Homeowners pay a nightly rate for your services. It's a great way to turn your love for pets into a genuine House Sitting Career. The trade-off is that Rover takes a commission from your earnings.
Key Features: App-based booking and payment, sitter insurance up to £10k, and UK-wide availability for paid gigs.
Pricing: Free to create a profile; Rover takes a 20% commission on your earnings.
9. House Sit UK
A newer player in the UK-dedicated market, House Sit UK offers a clean, modern interface for connecting owners and sitters. Its pricing is highly competitive, making it an attractive option for those just starting out. With features like internal messaging and privacy controls, it provides a secure environment to arrange sits.
Key Features: Free for homeowners to list, secure internal messaging system, and strong privacy controls.
Pricing: Approximately £12 per year for sitters.
10. Workaway
Workaway is a bit of a wildcard. It's not exclusively a house-sitting site but a broader cultural exchange platform. However, it has a large and active house/pet sitting section with around 500 UK hosts. Sits here are often part of a volunteer-style exchange, sometimes involving a few hours of other light work (like gardening or helping with a project) in exchange for room and board. It's perfect for those seeking a more immersive cultural experience alongside their sit.
Key Features: Volunteer-style cultural exchange, often includes extras beyond basic sitting, unlimited access to global opportunities.
Pricing: £36 per year for an individual account.
Beyond the List: Making Your Final Choice
Now that you've seen the top contenders, the choice comes down to your personal strategy. Don't just pick the cheapest or the biggest. Ask yourself:
What is my primary goal? (Free travel, earning money, short local stays?)
How often will I sit? (A £259 fee for one sit a year isn't worth it, but for 10 sits it's a bargain). Understanding Your Essential Guide to Housesitting Fees is crucial.
Where do I want to go? (If it's a specific small village, a UK-focused site might be better).
No matter which you choose, a standout House Sitting Profile is non-negotiable. It's your resume, your first impression, and your ticket to landing those dream sits. Back it up with great communication and a commitment to providing excellent care, and you’ll find the world of house sitting and the UK, wide open to you. For those looking at a wider map, the same principles apply whether you're exploring house sitting canada or House Sitting Au. The platform is your key.
Good luck, and if you have questions, you know where to find us
DM us @housesittersguide on Instagram. We answer everyone!
Konrad and Caro 🐾
What is the most popular house sitting site in the UK?
TrustedHousesitters is by far the most popular and largest house sitting platform in the UK, offering the highest volume of listings due to its global reach and UK origins.
Can you get paid for house sitting in the UK?
Yes, you can. While most platforms operate on a free exchange model (free stay for pet/home care), sites like Rover are specifically designed for paid house sitting gigs, where sitters charge a nightly rate.
Are UK-only house sitting websites better than international ones?
It depends on your needs. UK-specific sites are often cheaper and feature listings in smaller towns. However, global platforms like TrustedHousesitters offer a much larger quantity and variety of opportunities across the entire country.
How much does it cost to join a house sitting website in the UK?
Annual membership fees for sitters typically range from around £20 on newer sites to nearly £329 for premium tiers on the largest platforms. Homeowners can often list their property for free.
Is house sitting in the UK safe?
Yes, reputable platforms prioritize house sitting safety with features like internal messaging, background checks, and verified user reviews to build trust and ensure a secure experience for both homeowners and sitters.
