Living or working in London can get very expensive, and with the rising cost of living, lots of Londoners are looking to boost their income without having to take up a second job. There are plenty of side hustles that can be done in the vibrant city of London. In this post we won’t be considering online side hustles, but rather ways to make extra money in London.
Make extra money in London as a TV or movie extra
The film and TV production industry in London is thriving, meaning that there are lots of opportunities to make extra money working as a tv or movie extra in London.
The rate of pay for London and the Southeast is a basic daily rate of £112.47 per 9 hour day (with a meal break) between 7am – 10pm, with overtime available.
You can also earn more working bank holidays and overnight.
How to get started working as an extra
To start a side hustle as a tv or film extra you can either go it alone and search for jobs yourself, or register with a casting agency.
In order to register with a casting agency you will need to submit your photos with measurements, attend auditions and then see if you are picked.
We recommend signing up with Extra People, Casting Collective and Uni-versal Extras
Become a mystery shopper
Mystery shopping is the dream side hustle for many of us – getting paid to shop and eat!
When you complete a mystery task assignment you will typical have to complete your visit and then write up a report based on the experience and service that you received.
Mystery shopping tasks can include visiting:
- Shops
- Restaurants
- Banks or other financial establishments
- Spas
And more.
The amount of money that you can earn will vary based on what the assignment entails, but you will typically get reimbursed for your purchase as well as receiving a fee for completing the assignment.
Read now: winter side hustle ideas.
How to get started as a mystery shopper
We have a full guide on becoming a mystery shopper.
Make extra money in London as a Delivery Driver
Why not dip your toes into the bustling world of courier and delivery gigs? It’s become a hot trend lately, offering a super flexible side hustle for anyone eager to pocket some extra cash in the lively city of London. The cool thing? You don’t need a car to jump on this bandwagon. Loads of delivery pros zip around the city on bikes, motorbikes, or even electric scooters.
When it comes to getting paid, different platforms have their own groove. Some dish out cash per hour, while others go per ride or delivery. On average, you’re looking at hauling in £7 to £13 an hour, making it a pretty sweet deal for those keen on topping up their income in the fast-paced heart of London. Plus, think about it – not only are you raking in the dough, but you also get to cruise through the cool corners and hidden gems of London’s diverse neighbourhoods. It’s like getting paid to explore the city!
How to get started as a Delivery Driver in London
To get started you can see the requirements from JustEat, Deliveroo and Uber Eats.
Get paid as a dog walker or dog sitter
Did you know that there are approximately 12 million dogs as pets in the UK, and 31% of households own a dog? That’s a lot of furry friends requiring daily walks or dog-sitting whilst their owners are away.
With the rise of employers asking their staff to head back into the office, the demand for dog walkers is skyrocketing, and you can expect to charge anything from £10 per hour and above. What’s more, some clients would be happy for you to take multiple dogs on a walk, giving you the chance to earn more.
You do need to consider things such as business insurance too.
How to get started as a dog walker
Read our full guide on getting started as a dog walker.
Don’t forget that you can boost your income whilst dog walking with these apps:
- Get paid to walk with Cashwalk
- Get paid to walk with Sweatcoin
- Get paid to walk with Biscuit
- Get paid to walk with WeWard
Make extra money in London using your house as a film or tv set
Explore a unique way to tap into the flourishing film and entertainment industry by renting out your home as a film set. If you’re eager to get a piece of the action but prefer a more laid-back income source compared to being on screen, offering your home to a film crew could be an excellent avenue for making extra money in London.
Film and TV productions often seek authentic locations instead of artificial sets. Additionally, there’s the possibility of having your house featured in a photo shoot, which is less intrusive. Location agencies actively search for a variety of properties, ranging from sleek minimalist loft apartments to distinctive family homes. Surprisingly, even unmodernised properties and fixer-uppers can attract considerable interest.
By renting out your home as a shoot location, you could potentially earn up to £1,000 per day in London, with London rates typically falling in the range of £750-£1,000 per day.
How to get started
We would recommend registering with Scouty, Creative Location and Lavish Location.
Complete odd jobs for others
With a population of over 9 million people, completing odd jobs for others in London is a great way to boost your income.
Many Londoners are busy, meaning that they are happy to pay to outsource those niggly one-off tasks on their to-do list.
It could be anything like:
- Assembling flat pack furniture
- Decorating for a birthday
- Decorating for Christmas
- Painting a room
- Clearing leaves in the garden
- Picking up a package
And many more.
You will have the flexibility to set your own rates and availability. You can either list the jobs you can do, or apply for projects that people have posted.
How to get started
Sign up for websites like TaskRabbit and Airtasker to get started.
Make extra money in London by renting out your parking space
Navigating London’s crowded streets often means scarce parking, making your parking space a hot commodity. Transform this overlooked asset into a lucrative income source with these key benefits:
- High Demand: London’s perpetual hustle creates a constant demand for parking spaces, especially in prime locations.
- Premium Locations Command Top Rates: If your space is strategically located, near stations, business districts, or tourist spots, you can charge a premium for convenience.
- Flexible Arrangements: Whether short-term for daily or weekend users, or long-term with monthly tenants, renting out is flexible to suit your preferences.
- Passive Income, Minimal Effort: List your space on platforms like JustPark or YourParkingSpace, and earn money effortlessly as users book your spot.
- Unlock Financial Potential: Depending on location and demand, renting your parking space can yield substantial income, helping boost your finances.
- Easy Listing and Management: Online platforms make listing, rate-setting, and management simple, giving you control and ensuring a smooth experience for all.
Renting out your parking space in London not only eases the city’s parking challenges but also turns an overlooked asset into a steady income stream.
How to get started
We recommend getting started with JustPark or Parklet.
Store other people’s items
London isn’t known for many big, sprawling houses, and if so, they come at a premium. If you happen to have some extra storage space then you can turn it into cash.
This could be your empty loft, a garage or a spare room if you don’t fancy having a houseshare.
When others need to store their items then you can either charge per item or per square foot.
How to get started
You can advertise on Facebook or Gumtree, or use dedicated websites such as Stashbee.
Offer unique London experiences to make extra money in London
In the dynamic landscape of modern tourism, travellers aren’t just seeking conventional sightseeing; they crave authentic experiences and a connection with local cultures. Harness this trend and explore two innovative avenues to not only showcase your city but also pad your pockets.
The surge in platforms like Airbnb and CouchSurfing has transformed the travel landscape, with tourists expressing a growing interest in immersing themselves in local cultures. This opens up a fantastic opportunity for locals to monetize their knowledge and passion for their city by offering unique and personalized experiences.
You don’t need a history degree to dive into this venture. Leverage your interests and expertise to craft one-of-a-kind city tours. Perhaps you’re a literary enthusiast; consider guiding tourists through pubs that inspired literary greats. Alternatively, explore the city’s best charity shops or unveil its most Instagrammable hidden gems.
Here’s the exciting part—no niche is too obscure for you to offer an experience.
For example, this person is offering a one hour Instagram photoshoot in London for £70.
Or you could offer a Harry Potter walking tour.
To expand your reach, complement in-person tours with online workshops and experiences. Whether it’s a virtual exploration of hidden city secrets or a hands-on workshop showcasing your unique skills, the possibilities are incredible.
Another option is to offer a unique dining experience in London. London’s diverse culinary scene presents a delectable opportunity for those with a flair for cooking. If you have culinary skills, why not turn your kitchen into a money-making venue? Hosting dining experiences through dedicated online platforms allows you to showcase your love for food while earning a creative income.
How to get started
Check out Airbnb Experiences and Funzing to get started.
