Choosing the Right Property Type for Airbnb UK
Choosing the right property type is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when starting or scaling an Airbnb business. The wrong property can limit bookings, reduce profitability, and create regulatory issues — while the right one can deliver consistent income and long-term growth.
In this guide, we break down the best property for Airbnb UK, explore the most profitable Airbnb property types, and explain how to choose a compliant, high-performing holiday let property UK that works for today’s serviced accommodation UK market.
Table of Contents
Why Property Type Matters for Airbnb in the UK
Best Property for Airbnb UK (Quick Summary)
Best Airbnb Property Types Explained
Apartments vs Houses for Airbnb
City, Coastal & Rural Holiday Lets Compared
New-Build vs Period Properties
Key Factors to Consider Before Choosing an Airbnb Property
Common Airbnb Property Mistakes to Avoid
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Airbnb Property
FAQs
Why Property Type Matters for Airbnb in the UK
Not all properties perform equally as short-term lets. The property type you choose directly affects:
Occupancy rates
Average nightly price
Guest satisfaction
Ongoing management costs
Compliance with local regulations
Successful Airbnb operators don’t just buy “cheap” properties — they select assets that align with local demand, guest behaviour, and regulation.
Many landlords choose to work with professional Airbnb management UK providers to analyse data, demand, and compliance before committing to a property.
Best Property for Airbnb UK (Quick Summary)
The best property for Airbnb in the UK typically:
Is located in a high-demand area
Has year-round booking potential
Appeals to a clear guest type (business, family, leisure)
Complies with council and planning regulations
Is easy to manage and furnish
For most locations, one- and two-bedroom apartments consistently outperform other Airbnb property types due to stable demand and operational efficiency.
Best Airbnb Property Types Explained
1. One- and Two-Bedroom Apartments
Best for:
City centres
Business travellers
Couples and short stays
Why they work:
High year-round demand
Lower maintenance and cleaning costs
Easier guest turnover
In most UK cities, apartments remain the safest and most scalable option for Airbnb and serviced accommodation.
2. Houses for Serviced Accommodation UK
Best for:
Families
Contractors
Corporate relocations
Why they work:
Higher nightly rates
Longer average stays
Less reliance on weekend tourism
Three-bedroom houses with parking and good transport links perform particularly well in commuter towns and suburban areas.
3. Coastal Holiday Let Property UK
Best for:
Short breaks
Lifestyle investors
Coastal holiday lets can achieve premium nightly rates during peak seasons. However, income is often seasonal, so pricing and cash-flow planning are essential.
Popular UK locations include Cornwall, Devon, Wales, and Scottish coastal towns.
4. Rural & Countryside Airbnb Properties
Best for:
Experience-led stays
Unique accommodation
Cottages, lodges, and barn conversions can outperform urban properties when positioned correctly, but success depends heavily on branding and marketing.
5. Large Properties & HMO-Style Serviced Accommodation
Best for:
Experienced operators
Larger properties with multiple bedrooms or ensuite layouts can generate strong returns but require professional management and strict regulatory awareness.
Apartments vs Houses for Airbnb
Choosing between an apartment or a house for your Airbnb property depends on your target guests, location, and management capacity. Here’s a clear comparison:
| Factor | Apartments | Houses |
|---|---|---|
| Demand | Very high | Medium–high |
| Management | Easier | More complex |
| Regulations | Lease-dependent | More flexible |
| Income stability | Strong | Higher upside |
| Best for | Beginners | Scaling operators |
City, Coastal & Rural Holiday Lets Compared
City Airbnb Properties
✔ Year-round demand
✔ Business and leisure bookings
✖ Potential planning restrictions
City-centre apartments near transport links consistently rank as the best property for Airbnb UK.
Coastal Holiday Lets
✔ High peak-season pricing
✖ Seasonal income fluctuations
These work best when marketed as short-break experiences rather than long-term income assets.
Rural Airbnb Properties
✔ Unique guest appeal
✖ Marketing-dependent performance
Best suited for hosts willing to invest in branding and guest experience.
Best Property for Airbnb in London
London Airbnb properties perform best when they offer:
One- or two-bedroom layouts
Excellent transport connections
Lift access where possible
Fast Wi-Fi and modern interiors
Hosts must also account for the 90-day short-term letting rule and local council requirements. Professional serviced accommodation management can help ensure compliance.
Best Property for Airbnb in Manchester & Major UK Cities
Cities such as Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, and Liverpool favour:
Modern apartments
City-centre or regeneration zones
Corporate and event-driven demand
These locations are ideal for serviced accommodation UK strategies focused on longer stays and repeat bookings.
Best Coastal Holiday Let Property UK
The strongest-performing coastal properties typically include:
Private parking
Walkable access to attractions
Outdoor space or sea views
Seasonality must be planned for, but peak-season revenue can be substantial.
New-Build vs Period Properties
New-Build Properties
Lower maintenance
Modern layouts
Often restricted by lease agreements
Period Properties
More character and charm
Higher guest appeal
Increased upkeep and costs
Always review lease terms, planning permissions, and freeholder consent before committing.
Key Factors to Consider Before Choosing an Airbnb Property
Before buying or renting, assess:
Local Airbnb demand and competition
Average daily rate (ADR)
Occupancy potential
Council and planning rules
Parking, access, and layout
Furnishing and setup costs
Many landlords avoid costly mistakes by using professional Airbnb management services to evaluate properties before launch.
Common Airbnb Property Mistakes to Avoid
Choosing price over demand
Ignoring local regulations
Poor layout for short stays
Underestimating furnishing costs
Targeting the wrong guest type
Choosing the Right Airbnb Property
There is no single “perfect” Airbnb property — but there is a perfect property for each location and strategy.
The most successful hosts choose properties that:
Match local demand
Comply with regulations
Are easy to manage
Appeal clearly to a target guest
If you want to maximise returns while reducing risk, working with an experienced operator like Stayful can significantly improve outcomes.
FAQs: Choosing Airbnb Property Types in the UK
What is the best property for Airbnb UK?
One- and two-bedroom apartments in high-demand UK locations typically offer the best balance of occupancy, income, and ease of management.
Are houses better than apartments for Airbnb?
Houses can achieve higher nightly rates and attract families or groups, but they usually involve higher management and maintenance costs.
What is the best holiday let property UK for beginners?
Beginner hosts often perform best with city-centre apartments or commuter-town houses that have consistent year-round demand.
Is serviced accommodation different from Airbnb?
Serviced accommodation UK typically targets longer stays, corporate guests, and relocations, offering more stable income compared to nightly Airbnb bookings.
Do I need permission to use my property as an Airbnb?
Yes. Permissions depend on local council rules, planning use class, and lease or freeholder restrictions.