Side hustles in London
City-sized demand for services, and the UK tax rules to know.
London's density works for local services: lots of customers within a short trip, and high willingness to pay for time-saving help. Tutoring, dog walking, cleaning, event and photography work all do well.
UK tax basics
The first £1,000 of trading income a year may be covered by the trading allowance. Above that you'll usually need to register for Self Assessment (GOV.UK: trading allowance). If you sell through online platforms, they may report your earnings to HMRC.
Across the UK: best side hustles in the UK.
10 side hustles compared
| Idea | Startup cost* | Time to first sale* | Skills needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freelance writing / copywriting | $0–$300 | 2-6 weeks | Clear writing, research, pitching |
| Social media management | $0–$300 | 2-6 weeks | Content planning, short video, analytics |
| Online tutoring | $0–$200 | 1-3 weeks | Subject expertise, patience, clear explanations |
| Reselling / thrift flipping | $50–$500 | 1-2 weeks | Product knowledge, photography, negotiation |
| Pet sitting & dog walking | $50–$500 | 1-2 weeks | Reliability, animal handling |
| Cleaning service | $200–$1,500 | 1-3 weeks | Thoroughness, scheduling |
| Photography | $500–$5,000 | 2-8 weeks | Camera skills, editing, posing people |
| Personal trainer / fitness classes | $300–$3,000 | 2-6 weeks | Certification, coaching, motivation |
| Event planning | $200–$2,000 | 1-3 months | Organisation, vendor relationships |
| Delivery & gig apps | $0–$500 | Days | A vehicle or bike, time |
*Solopreneur.co estimates for a lean, one-person start (equipment you don't already own, software, samples, basic insurance where relevant). Not survey data; your costs will vary by location.
1. Freelance writing / copywriting
Write web pages, emails, case studies or blog posts for businesses that don't have an in-house writer.
- Startup cost
- $0–$300
- First sale
- 2-6 weeks
- Skills
- Clear writing, research, pitching
How to start
- Pick one industry you already understand (e.g. SaaS, dentists, real estate).
- Write 3 sample pieces for that industry and host them on a free portfolio page.
- Pitch 10 businesses a day for two weeks with a specific idea for their site.
- Price per project, not per word, once you have two paying clients.
Watch out: Generic AI-written content is now cheap; you win on research, interviews and results.
Sources: BLS: Writers and Authors
2. Social media management
Plan, create and schedule posts for businesses that know they should post but don't.
- Startup cost
- $0–$300
- First sale
- 2-6 weeks
- Skills
- Content planning, short video, analytics
How to start
- Choose 1-2 platforms you understand deeply.
- Offer a 30-day trial package with a clear deliverable count (e.g. 12 posts).
- Report results monthly (reach, saves, clicks, leads), not just posts made.
- Use automation for DMs and scheduling so one person can serve 5+ clients.
Watch out: Clients churn when results are vague; agree on one metric up front.
Sources: BLS: Public relations specialists
3. Online tutoring
Teach school subjects, test prep, languages or coding over video.
- Startup cost
- $0–$200
- First sale
- 1-3 weeks
- Skills
- Subject expertise, patience, clear explanations
How to start
- Pick a subject and level where results are measurable (exam scores, grades).
- List on one tutoring marketplace to get first reviews, then move repeat clients to direct booking.
- Sell packages of 8-10 sessions rather than single sessions.
- Ask parents/students for permission-based referrals.
Watch out: Working with minors may require background checks depending on platform or location.
Sources: BLS: Teachers (related occupations)
4. Reselling / thrift flipping
Buy underpriced items (thrift stores, garage sales, clearance) and resell online.
- Startup cost
- $50–$500
- First sale
- 1-2 weeks
- Skills
- Product knowledge, photography, negotiation
How to start
- Choose one category you know (sneakers, vintage clothing, electronics).
- Check sold (not listed) prices before buying.
- Photograph well and list on 2-3 marketplaces.
- Track profit per item after fees and shipping.
Watch out: Marketplaces report payments to tax authorities above thresholds; keep records.
Sources: IRS: Form 1099-K FAQs
5. Pet sitting & dog walking
Walk dogs or care for pets while owners work or travel.
- Startup cost
- $50–$500
- First sale
- 1-2 weeks
- Skills
- Reliability, animal handling
How to start
- Start with neighbours and local community groups.
- Get pet-care insurance and, if you like, a pet first-aid course.
- Use a simple booking and payment process.
- Build routes so walks cluster geographically.
Watch out: Liability: one bad incident can end the business; get insurance.
Sources: BLS: Animal Care and Service Workers
6. Cleaning service
Clean homes or small offices on a recurring schedule.
- Startup cost
- $200–$1,500
- First sale
- 1-3 weeks
- Skills
- Thoroughness, scheduling
How to start
- Start with recurring residential clients (weekly/biweekly).
- Use a checklist per visit so quality is consistent.
- Get liability insurance and, if hiring later, bonding.
- Price per visit after timing your first few jobs.
Watch out: Physical work and travel time limit how far one person can scale.
Sources: BLS: Janitors and Building Cleaners
7. Photography
Shoot portraits, events, products or real estate.
- Startup cost
- $500–$5,000
- First sale
- 2-8 weeks
- Skills
- Camera skills, editing, posing people
How to start
- Choose one niche (headshots, product, real estate, weddings).
- Build a portfolio with 10-20 strong images in that niche.
- Publish clear packages and prices.
- Use contracts that cover usage rights and deposits.
Watch out: Gear costs can spiral; rent before buying.
Sources: BLS: Photographers
8. Personal trainer / fitness classes
Train clients 1:1, in small groups, or online.
- Startup cost
- $300–$3,000
- First sale
- 2-6 weeks
- Skills
- Certification, coaching, motivation
How to start
- Get a recognised certification and insurance.
- Start with outdoor small groups or online sessions to avoid gym rent.
- Sell monthly packages.
- Track client progress to demonstrate results.
Watch out: Liability insurance and certification are the norm, often required by venues.
9. Event planning
Plan weddings, parties or corporate events.
- Startup cost
- $200–$2,000
- First sale
- 1-3 months
- Skills
- Organisation, vendor relationships
How to start
- Start as an assistant to an established planner or with friends' events.
- Build vendor relationships (venues, caterers).
- Use contracts with deposits and cancellation terms.
- Specialise in one event type.
Watch out: Seasonal income; deposits protect your cash flow.
10. Delivery & gig apps
Deliver food or parcels through gig platforms.
- Startup cost
- $0–$500
- First sale
- Days
- Skills
- A vehicle or bike, time
How to start
- Compare platforms in your city.
- Track all mileage from day one (deductible in many tax systems).
- Work peak hours only.
- Treat it as a bridge while building something with more upside.
Watch out: After vehicle costs, net pay can be low; track it honestly.
Sources: IRS: gig economy tax center
How to choose between these ideas
Score each idea 1–5 on four questions and start the one with the highest total:
- Can you get paid in 30 days? Services usually beat products here.
- Do you already have the skill? Learning and selling at once doubles the risk.
- Do you know where buyers gather? A community, marketplace, local street or your old industry.
- Could it run on 5–10 hours a week? Most people start alongside a job.
Then validate before spending money: see how to test a business idea.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best side hustle in London?
Sources
- GOV.UK: trading allowance gov.uk
- BLS: Writers and Authors bls.gov
- BLS: Public relations specialists bls.gov
- BLS: Teachers (related occupations) bls.gov
- IRS: Form 1099-K FAQs irs.gov
- BLS: Animal Care and Service Workers bls.gov
- BLS: Janitors and Building Cleaners bls.gov
- BLS: Photographers bls.gov
- BLS: Fitness Trainers and Instructors bls.gov
- BLS: Meeting, Convention and Event Planners bls.gov
- IRS: gig economy tax center irs.gov
Checked 21 Oct 2026. Spotted an error? Tell us.
Update history
- : first published; figures checked against the sources listed.