Airbnb UK Statistics
06/02/2024
Airbnb Overview
In the wake of the COVID-19 economic recovery and the resurgence of tourism to pre-pandemic levels, many homeowners in the UK have capitalized on the opportunity to generate extra income by utilizing their second homes or spare rooms as Airbnb accommodations. Airbnb stands out as one of the premier global platforms for vacation rentals, enabling property owners to list their available spaces for short-term rental.
With London's average hotel room rate soaring above £170, Airbnb offers a cost-effective alternative for long-term stays, appealing to backpackers and tourists alike. This has fueled the growing popularity of Airbnb among holidaymakers throughout the UK.
UK Airbnb Insights
Here are key statistics for Airbnb in the UK, sourced from Airbnb's official UK insights report:
- Active listings in the UK: 223,200
- Top cities for Airbnb listings: London, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Manchester
- Average occupancy rates: 11.0% (London), 14.9% (Edinburgh), 16.4% (Glasgow), 13.7% (Manchester)
- Average monthly revenue for hosts: £2,414
- Most profitable Airbnb cities: London, Edinburgh, Bath, Bristol, Brighton
- Average annual revenue for hosts in Hornsea: £19,647
Additional noteworthy UK Airbnb statistics include:
- The average age of Airbnb hosts in the UK is 44, with a majority being female.
- UK Airbnb hosts earn an average of £3,100 annually.
- Airbnb has helped prevent foreclosure or eviction for three percent of hosts in the UK.
- In the past year, Airbnb facilitated travel for 8.4 million guests to the UK.
Globally, Airbnb boasts over 7 million active listings across 220 countries, having served over 1.5 billion guests since its inception in 2007.
How Airbnb Operates
Airbnb operates as a platform connecting hosts who offer accommodations with travelers seeking lodging. Here's how it works:
- Create an Airbnb account using an email address or social media account.
- Browse listings to find accommodations in desired locations for specified dates.
- Book a listing by providing payment details; Airbnb typically charges a service fee of 3% to 5%.
- Communicate with the host for any inquiries or arrangements.
- Check-in upon arrival, obtaining keys and relevant information from the host.
To ensure a positive experience, Airbnb provides various travel protection options, including guest insurance and 24/7 customer support. Hosts benefit from fast connectivity with guests and the opportunity to earn supplemental income, often fostering meaningful connections and experiences.
This article is designed to offer general advice and may not apply to every insurance, broker, insurer, cover or policy. You would need to check the individual policy benefits of each cover with your insurer or broker.
