How Many Airbnb’s Are in the UK ? Growth from 2018 to 2025

Airbnb has revolutionised the short-term rental market in the UK, offering thousands of hosts a chance to earn income from their properties. If you've ever wondered how many Airbnb listings are in the UK, this article breaks down the data, tracks growth over time, and answers common questions about Airbnb trends in the country.

For more guidance on hosting in the UK, check out Stayful's Airbnb management tips.

The Current State of Airbnb in the UK

As of 2025, there are an estimated 350,000–400,000 active Airbnb-style listings across the UK. This includes entire homes, private rooms, and shared spaces. Various analytics platforms, including Airbtics and AirDNA, estimate around 396,427 active listings in 2025, highlighting the continued popularity of short-term rentals.

Regional Breakdown (Approximate)

  • London: ~55,000–112,000 listings

  • Manchester: ~20,000 listings

  • Edinburgh: ~10,000 listings

  • Bristol: ~8,000 listings

  • Glasgow: ~7,500 listings

  • Brighton: ~6,500 listings

For more city-specific insights, see Stayful's guide to top Airbnb locations in the UK.

Growth of Airbnb Listings in the UK (2018–2025)

Airbnb has seen rapid expansion in the UK over the last several years. Here's a snapshot of growth:

Year Estimated Airbnb Listings:

2018 - 223,200.

2020 - 280,000.

2022 - 330,000.

2025 - 396,427.

This shows that the Airbnb market in the UK has nearly doubled since 2018, reflecting the rise in short-term rental popularity and increased urban tourism.

Why Airbnb Listings Are Growing

  1. Tourism Demand: The UK attracts millions of visitors annually, especially in cities like London, Edinburgh, and Bath.

  2. Flexible Hosting: Homeowners can rent rooms or entire properties with minimal upfront cost.

  3. Regulatory Adaptation: Many local councils have implemented short-term rental regulations, providing clearer frameworks for hosts.

  4. Investment Opportunities: Short-term rentals often generate higher returns than traditional long-term lets.

For tips on getting started with hosting, visit Stayful's setup guide.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • As of 2025, estimates range between 350,000–400,000 active listings, with commercial tracking sites like Airbtics reporting approximately 396,427 listings.

  • From 2018 to 2025, listings nearly doubled, growing from around 223,200 to nearly 400,000.

  • London leads with the highest number of listings, estimated between 55,000 and 112,000 depending on data source.

  • Yes, the total counts include entire homes, private rooms, and shared spaces.

  • Platforms like AirDNA, Airbtics, and InsideAirbnb provide ongoing analytics for Airbnb properties in the UK, including city-level breakdowns.

  • Yes! Stayful offers Airbnb management services to help hosts maximize income and ensure compliance with local regulations.

Conclusion

The UK Airbnb market has experienced strong growth from 2018 to 2025, now boasting nearly 400,000 active listings. Whether you are a host, investor, or traveler, keeping track of these trends can help you make informed decisions.

As the market continues to expand, understanding the distribution and growth of Airbnb properties in the UK is more important than ever.

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