7:00pm Saturday 2nd January 2010
By Julie Magee
A DRIVEWAY situated close to Bournemouth Airport has proved to be a money-spinner for mother-of-five Susan Omar.
Since she decided to market them through the Parkatmyhouse.co.uk website, self-employed Susan’s six spare parking spaces have bolstered her income, earning her more than £1,700.
She said: “Customers who rent my driveway save a considerable amount over what they would pay if they parked at the airport so it represents good value to them.
“But I also offer personalised meet and greet at the airport, a clean car to come back to and a cup of tea on arrival.
“And for me, the extra money is much welcome, particularly for our family holidays and Christmas.”
Parkatmyhouse.co.uk founder Anthony Eskinazi predicted that the service would make more than £1 million for homeowners this year.
He added: “Last year was a fantastic year for us. With the recession hitting, it has made more people look to alternative ways of making money and saving money.”
Off-road parking spaces near stadiums, airports and train stations are in particular demand with some owners earning up to £5,500 a year from renting them out to drivers looking for somewhere to park on a regular or one-off basis.
Motorists are also benefiting by paying up to 70 per cent less in parking charges.
Hard-pressed homeowners are also advertising their spare parking spaces in newsagents’ windows and newspapers.
Bookings on the Parkatmyhouse.co.uk site have soared by 200 per cent since the economic downturn began.
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