20 Side Hustle Ideas That Actually Work in the UK (2025 Edition)
Looking to boost your income in 2025? Whether you are saving for a house, tackling bills, or building a rainy day fund, these side hustle ideas are tried and tested in the UK. Each idea includes typical effort, costs, and realistic earning ranges so you can pick what fits your time and skills.
Income varies by experience, location, demand, and effort. Ranges below are illustrative, not guarantees. Always follow platform rules, local laws, and tax requirements.
Online side hustles
1. Sell on eBay or Vinted
Clear out unwanted clothes, gadgets, and collectibles. Vinted is great for clothing with no seller fees, while eBay suits electronics, tools, and unique items. Use clear photos, relevant keywords, and fair pricing to sell faster.
2. Freelance on Fiverr or Upwork
Offer digital services like writing, design, coding, or video editing. Start with small gigs, deliver quickly, and build reviews. Withdraw to a UK bank or Payoneer.
3. Start a blog or niche website
Create a content site about a topic you know. Monetise with ads, affiliate links, or digital products. A domain is about £10 per year and hosting from about £30 per year. WordPress gives you control without needing to be a developer.
4. Amazon KDP self publishing
Publish journals, planners, notebooks, or simple workbooks. It is free to upload. Focus on helpful niches and quality covers. Royalties can add up over time.
5. Print on demand merchandise
Create T shirts, mugs, or tote bags with your designs. Use services like Printful or Gelato and sell via Etsy or Shopify. No stock to hold. The service prints and ships when an order is placed.
6. Start a faceless YouTube channel
Create tutorial videos, screen recordings, or ambient sound compilations. Monetise with YouTube ads, affiliate links, or sponsorships. Consistency and useful content matter most.
7. Virtual assistant work
Help small businesses with inbox management, scheduling, research, or basic bookkeeping. Find clients through PeoplePerHour or relevant Facebook groups.
8. Online tutoring
Offer GCSE or A level tutoring in subjects you are confident in. Platforms like Tutorful or Superprof help you find students. A DBS check is usually required when working with under 18s.
9. Proofreading and editing
Provide spelling, grammar, and formatting help for students, authors, and businesses. Build a simple portfolio, then list services on freelance sites.
Local and hands on side hustles
10. Offer local services
Dog walking, house cleaning, ironing, and gardening are always in demand. Post in local groups or leave flyers. Reliability and punctuality win repeat business.
11. Sell baked goods or custom cakes
If you enjoy baking, get the required food hygiene rating from your council, then take orders for birthdays and events. Promote on Instagram and in local groups.
12. Pet sitting or house sitting
Look after pets while owners are away. Sites like Pawshake or TrustedHousesitters help you find clients. Great if you love animals and have flexible hours.
13. Deliver with Uber Eats or Just Eat
Use a car, scooter, or bicycle to deliver food locally. Evenings and weekends can be busy. Check insurance requirements before you start.
14. Sell at car boot sales or flip online
Source bargains at charity shops or Facebook Marketplace, then resell online. Learn what sells, test small batches, and reinvest profits.
15. Rent out your driveway
Near a station, stadium, or city centre. Rent your space through JustPark or YourParkingSpace. Set rules and availability to suit your schedule.
Creative and semi passive ideas
16. Sell on Etsy
Offer printables, stickers, or handmade items. A Cricut machine or Canva Pro can help, but many shops start with simple printable downloads.
17. Start a side hustle newsletter
Share money tips or niche updates by email. Use Substack or ConvertKit. Monetise through sponsors and affiliate links once you grow an audience.
18. CV and resume editing
Help job seekers improve wording and formatting. Bundle with LinkedIn profile tuning. Link to your own guides and templates for extra value.
19. Become a mystery shopper
Get paid to visit shops, restaurants, or test websites. UK firms include Market Force, ESA Retail, and Grass Roots. Short tasks with modest but steady payouts.
20. Create an online course
Package your skills into a video course with Teachable or Udemy. Topics range from Excel to photography to calligraphy. Upfront work, then ongoing sales.
Comparison table: which side hustle fits you
| Hustle type | Effort | Startup cost | Risk | Flexibility | Typical monthly earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| eBay or Vinted selling | Low | £0-£10 | Low | High | £100-£500+ |
| Freelancing | Medium to high | £0 | Low | Medium | £250-£1,000+ |
| Blog or YouTube | High | £30+ | Medium | High | £0-£1,500+ |
| Food delivery | Medium | £0-£50 | Low | High | £300-£800 |
| Online tutoring | Medium | £0 | Low | Medium | £300-£1,200 |
How to pick and start quickly
- Match time and skills to one idea, then commit for 4 to 6 weeks
- Set a simple target such as £200 in 30 days
- Create one listing, one profile, or one offer today
- Track results weekly and refine your offer, photos, or pricing
Safety, compliance, and tax basics
- Tax: The £1,000 trading allowance may cover small earnings. Over that you may need to register as self employed and file a return
- Insurance: Check business, public liability, or hire and reward insurance where relevant
- Food and product rules: Home baking and cosmetics require specific standards. Check your local council guidance
- DBS and safeguarding: Needed for tutoring and work with children
- Platform terms: Follow marketplace rules to avoid account bans
FAQs about UK side hustles
Do I have to pay tax on my side hustle
Yes. The first £1,000 of trading income can be covered by the trading allowance. Beyond that you declare income and expenses. Keep records from day one.
Can I do a side hustle alongside a full time job
Yes. Many options work evenings and weekends. If employed, check your contract for any conflicts of interest or exclusivity clauses.
Which side hustle pays the most
Skilled freelancing, tutoring, and building online assets such as blogs, courses, or channels can scale best, but they take longer to ramp up.
How do I keep on top of the admin
Use a simple spreadsheet to track income and expenses, or try lightweight software. Keep digital copies of receipts and invoices.