Why people book direct
Holiday rentals direct from owners can be noticeably cheaper. Platforms add service fees that can run well above 10% of the booking. Owners often offer a better price, more flexible dates, or simply a more personal relationship. Many UK families have booked the same villa direct for years without a problem.
What you give up
When you pay a platform, it holds your money and has a process for refunds if the property doesn't exist or is seriously misdescribed. When you pay an owner directly, especially by bank transfer, that protection disappears. If the "owner" is a scammer using copied photos, the money is usually gone.
How to book direct safely
- Verify the owner. Ask for their full name and check it against public records where available, such as the Nota Simple in Spain.
- Check the licence number and confirm it matches the address.
- Pay by credit card or a payment service with buyer protection. Avoid transfers to personal accounts in a different name or country.
- Pay in stages: a modest deposit first, the balance closer to the date.
- Get a written agreement covering dates, price, deposit, cancellation and what happens if the property isn't available.
- Have it checked before the balance. A local in-person check confirms the villa exists, matches the photos and the owner is real.
How to spot an owners direct scam
- The owner refuses any video call or visit
- Payment must go to a different person or a foreign account
- The price drops sharply when you hesitate
- The same photos appear on another listing under a different name