10 Most Profitable Airbnb Locations UK
Investing in short-term rentals is one of the most attractive opportunities for property investors in the UK.
Platforms like Airbnb allow landlords to earn higher Airbnb market rental yields than traditional buy-to-let properties, but understanding the best Airbnb investment locations is essential.
In this guide, we’ll explore the most profitable Airbnb locations UK, highlight top cities to be an Airbnb landlord, and provide actionable strategies for investors.
Table of Contents
Why Invest in Airbnb in the UK
Factors That Make a Location Profitable
Top Cities to Be an Airbnb Landlord
London.
Edinburgh.
Manchester.
Brighton.
Liverpool.
Bath.
Oxford.
Glasgow.
York.
Bristol.
Emerging Airbnb Investment Locations
Calculating Airbnb ROI in the UK
Tips for Maximising Airbnb Returns
The Future of Airbnb Investing in the UK
Conclusion: Best Cities and Locations for Airbnb Investment
Why Invest in Airbnb in the UK
The UK short-term rental market has experienced strong growth over the past decade. Increasing domestic and international travel, paired with rising housing demand, has created lucrative opportunities for Airbnb property investors.
Key benefits of Airbnb investing
Higher rental yields: Often 20–50% more than traditional buy-to-let.
Flexibility: Properties can be used personally or rented short-term.
Portfolio diversification: A smart addition to any property portfolio.
Factors That Make a Location Profitable
The most profitable Airbnb locations UK share several key traits:
Strong tourist demand: High visitor numbers ensure consistent bookings.
Accessibility: Proximity to airports, train stations, and public transport matters.
Local attractions: Landmarks, events, and entertainment draw guests year-round.
Occupancy trends: A high Airbnb occupancy rate UK signals strong demand.
Regulatory environment: Always check local short-term rental rules.
Top Cities to Be an Airbnb Landlord
Here’s a detailed look at the best cities for Airbnb investment, including occupancy rates, average nightly rates, and investment potential.
London
Occupancy rate: 75–80%.
Average nightly rate: £120–£250.
London remains one of the most popular Airbnb locations UK due to tourism, business travel, and major events.
Best neighbourhoods for Airbnb:
Shoreditch & Hoxton – young professional appeal.
Westminster & South Bank – premium tourist areas.
Canary Wharf – corporate demand.
For professional Airbnb management in London, visit Stayful.co.uk London services.
Edinburgh
Occupancy rate: 70–75%.
Average nightly rate: £100–£180.
Edinburgh is one of the best Airbnb investment locations in the UK thanks to its festivals, historical sites, and tourist appeal.
Best neighbourhoods:
Old Town – historical charm.
Leith – vibrant and trendy.
Professional management can maximise returns. Check Stayful.co.uk Edinburgh services.
Manchester
Occupancy rate: 65–70%.
Average nightly rate: £80–£150.
Manchester is growing as a business and leisure hub, making it one of the best cities for Airbnb investment.
Best neighbourhoods:
Northern Quarter – trendy and central.
Deansgate – ideal for tourists.
Learn more about managing Manchester Airbnb properties at Stayful.co.uk.
Brighton
Occupancy rate: 70%.
Average nightly rate: £90–£160.
Brighton’s coastal charm ensures steady bookings, making it a top best places for Airbnb UK.
Best neighbourhoods:
Brighton Marina – luxury rentals.
North Laine – central and quirky.
Stayful.co.uk Brighton management can help optimise occupancy.
Liverpool
Occupancy rate: 60–65%.
Average nightly rate: £70–£120.
Liverpool offers affordable properties and strong tourist demand, making it ideal for Airbnb investing.
Best neighbourhoods:
Albert Dock – tourist hotspot.
Ropewalks – central nightlife.
Learn more: Stayful.co.uk Liverpool services.
Bath
Occupancy rate: 75%.
Average nightly rate: £100–£180.
Bath attracts history and spa enthusiasts year-round, making it one of the best cities for Airbnb.
Best neighbourhoods:
City Centre – walking distance to attractions.
Lansdown – upscale rentals.
Professional management support: Stayful.co.uk Bath services.
Oxford
Occupancy rate: 70%
Average nightly rate: £90–£160
Oxford’s universities and tourist appeal create year-round demand, making it one of the best cities to be an Airbnb landlord.
Best neighbourhoods:
City Centre – ideal for tourists.
Headington – popular with families.
Stayful.co.uk Oxford Airbnb management can help investors maximise income.
Glasgow
Occupancy rate: 65–70%
Average nightly rate: £70–£140
Glasgow is emerging as a strong short-term rental market, with affordable properties and growing demand.
Best neighbourhoods:
Merchant City – central and tourist-friendly.
West End – scenic and cultural.
For professional services, visit Stayful.co.uk Glasgow.
Emerging Airbnb Investment Locations
Investors should also watch these high-growth areas:
Bristol: Corporate and leisure mix.
York: Family and heritage tourism.
Liverpool Waterfront: Increasing popularity.
Newcastle: Affordable entry, strong demand.
Can Airbnb investment be profitable outside of major cities ?
Yes. Emerging markets like Bristol, Newcastle, and Liverpool Waterfront can offer high returns due to lower property prices and growing demand.
These locations are ideal for investors looking for best Airbnb investment UK opportunities with strong ROI potential.
Calculating Airbnb ROI in the UK
To identify the best places to buy for Airbnb UK, consider:
Gross Rental Yield:
(Annual Airbnb Income / Property Price) x 100.Occupancy Rate: Higher occupancy = better returns.
Average Daily Rate (ADR): Determines revenue per booking.
Operating Costs: Cleaning, maintenance, Airbnb fees.
Professional guidance can help investors optimise ROI: Stayful.co.uk Airbnb ROI services.
Tips for Maximising Airbnb revenue potential
Professional Photography – Listings with quality images attract more bookings.
Dynamic Pricing – Adjust rates based on season and demand.
Optimised Listings – Include SEO-friendly descriptions.
Regulatory Compliance – Check local rules to avoid fines.
Marketing & Reviews – Encourage repeat bookings for higher occupancy.
Conclusion Best Cities and Airbnb markets for Airbnb Investment
Choosing the right location is critical for Airbnb success. The top cities include:
London – premium, high-end market.
Edinburgh – historical and festival-driven demand.
Manchester – northern growth hub.
Brighton – coastal and vibrant.
Liverpool – affordable, high-yield.
Bath – historical charm, year-round bookings.
Oxford – university-driven demand.
Glasgow – emerging, strong returns.
Airbnb Market FAQ
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The most profitable Airbnb locations in the UK typically combine high tourist demand.
Strong occupancy rates, and manageable property prices. Cities like London, Edinburgh, Manchester, Brighton, Liverpool, Bath, Oxford, and Glasgow consistently deliver strong returns for investors.
For professional guidance on identifying high-yield locations.
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The best places for Airbnb UK are cities and regions where demand is consistent year-round.
London offers premium rates, Edinburgh and Bath attract historical tourism.
While Manchester and Liverpool provide strong corporate and leisure bookings.
Emerging markets like Bristol and Newcastle are also gaining popularity.
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Factors include:
High Airbnb occupancy rate UK
Strong tourist and business visitor numbers
Accessibility to transport and local attractions
Legal and regulatory compliance
Cities that score well across these metrics tend to be the best cities for Airbnb investment.
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Based on occupancy and income potential, the best cities to be an Airbnb landlord include:
London
Edinburgh
Manchester
Brighton
Liverpool
Bath
Oxford
Glasgow
Each city has different investment characteristics, from high-end premium markets to affordable, high-yield opportunities.
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London generally records the highest Airbnb occupancy rate UK at 75–80%, followed by Bath and Edinburgh at around 70–75%.
Factors affecting occupancy include tourism seasonality, business travel demand, and local events.
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Yes.
Some cities, particularly London, Edinburgh, and Bath, have regulations limiting the number of days a property can be rented short-term.
It’s essential to check local rules and ensure compliance to avoid fines.
Professional Airbnb management providers like Stayful
can help navigate regulations.
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s Airbnb investing in the UK worth it?
Yes, for investors who choose the best Airbnb locations UK, optimise occupancy, and manage properties effectively.
Short-term rentals can generate significantly higher yields than traditional buy-to-let investments, especially in cities with strong demand.
Free Airbnb Training Course
One resource is the Airbnb Mastery Academy, which provides a comprehensive online training program covering various aspects of Airbnb hosting and investing.
Estimate revenue potential plus much more:
Doing proper market research.
Stacking a property deal.
Creating a business plan.
By taking advantage of this free training opportunity, you can enhance your Airbnb investing knowledge, stay ahead of industry trends, and develop the skills and strategies necessary to succeed in this rapidly evolving market.
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced investor, these free resources can serve as invaluable tools to help you navigate the Airbnb landscape and maximise your returns.