Top UK Cities for Airbnb Investment in 2025

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Airbnb investment continues to thrive across the UK, and as we move into 2025, savvy landlords are eyeing new hotspots for short-term letting opportunities. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or exploring alternatives to traditional buy-to-let, understanding the best cities for Airbnb in the UK in 2025 can make a significant difference to your returns.

AtEason Stays, we collaborate with landlords across the UK to transform underperforming properties into thriving short-term rental assets. This guide walks you through the top locations for 2025, backed by data, trends, and on-the-ground experience.

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Why Location Matters More Than Ever

The UK’s short-let landscape has evolved. It’s no longer just about London or seaside towns. With work-from-anywhere flexibility, a rise in domestic travel, and increased demand for furnished rentals, landlords are seeing strong performance in cities that balance affordability, tourist pull, and strong local infrastructure.

Here’s what we considered when selecting thebest cities for Airbnb UK 2025:

• High occupancy rates & competitive nightly rates
• Local events and tourist attractions
• Infrastructure such as transport and business hubs
• Council regulations & licensing environment
• Emerging growth in mid-term bookings (30+ nights)

Now let’s get into the list.

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1. Manchester – The Northern Powerhouse

Manchester continues to top investor wishlists — and for good reason. With strong corporate demand, two major football clubs, year-round concerts, and a growing number of international arrivals via Manchester Airport, it’s an Airbnb goldmine.

Why it’s great in 2025:

• Events like Parklife, international football, and conferences boost off-peak occupancy
• City centre apartments near Deansgate and Spinningfields earn high nightly rates
• Excellent transport links and a booming student population

Pro Tip: Properties close to Oxford Road or Ancoats perform particularly well with both business and leisure guests.

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2. Edinburgh – Festival Capital of the World

Scotland’s capital is world-renowned for its festivals, medieval charm, and short-term demand. Edinburgh maintains a strong year-round performance thanks to tourism, universities, and corporate travel.

2025 Outlook:

• Fringe Festival, Hogmanay, and summer tourism keep occupancy above 80% in peak months
• Short-let regulations have tightened, but properties with existing planning permission remain highly valuable
• Old Town, New Town, and Leith are top locations

If you can secure a compliant property, this city offers some of the best ROI in the UK.

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3.Birmingham – A Business & Events Hub on the Rise

With HS2 on the horizon and a growing events scene, Birmingham is cementing its place as a key short-let city. The NEC, Commonwealth Games legacy, and medical tourism from Queen Elizabeth Hospital continue to drive bookings.

Key Points for Landlords:

• Strong weekday bookings from corporate guests
• Jewellery Quarter and Digbeth are hotspots for stylish apartments
• High demand for contractors and relocation stays

We’ve seen properties managed byEason Stays in central Birmingham outperform traditional rentals by 40–60% in net cash flow.

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4.Liverpool – Affordable Investment with High Weekend Demand

Liverpool is not just about football and Beatles tours. It’s now one of the most consistent performers for Airbnb investors looking for a high-yield market with relatively low entry costs.

Why Liverpool?

• Weekend stays for nightlife, events, and concerts are booked out weeks in advance
• Contractor and mid-week trade supported by nearby development sites
• Baltic Triangle and Ropewalks areas are guest favourites

With many landlords struggling to cover mortgages on long lets, short-term rentals in Liverpool offer a serious solution.

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5.Glasgow – A Cultural Giant with Steady Returns

Often overshadowed by Edinburgh, Glasgow offers landlords excellent returns thanks to its student population, conference venues, and diverse neighbourhoods.

Things to Note:

• West End and Merchant City are top performers
• Mid-term stays are growing as guests seek alternatives to hotels
• Licensing requirements mean compliant operators will have less competition

If you’re thinking about entering the Scottish market, Glasgow gives you a more accessible alternative to Edinburgh — and still ranks among thebest cities for Airbnb UK 2025.

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6.Leeds – Corporate Demand and Yorkshire Events

Leeds is becoming an Airbnb sleeper hit. With its finance district, two major universities, and the Yorkshire Dales on its doorstep, it’s quietly gaining traction with investors.

Highlights:

• Short-let stays from NHS relocators, weddings, and sports events
• Airbnb-friendly zoning in areas like Headingley and the city centre
• Properties within walking distance of Leeds Station perform best

Whether you’re letting a 1-bed flat or a 3-bed townhouse, Leeds delivers consistent occupancy at competitive rates.

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7.Sheffield – Contractor & Student Crossroads

Sheffield might not be the first city you think of, but with major developments like Heart of the City II and a growing demand for mid-term rentals, this city is turning heads.

Why Sheffield Makes the List:

• High occupancy driven by contractors and university guests
• Kelham Island is an emerging hotspot with trendy bars and converted lofts
• Lower purchase prices make it ideal for rent-to-rent or first-time investors

We’ve helped several landlords transition into the Sheffield market atEason Stays, turning underperforming buy-to-lets into thriving Airbnb units.

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Bonus:Blackpool & Coastal Towns – Seasonal but Profitable

While not city-based, Blackpool deserves a shoutout for landlords willing to accept seasonal variation. With the right property and standout listing, you can generate strong summer profits that beat many year-round lets.

Tips:

• Invest in properties with parking and modern décor
• Focus on strong visual branding and guest experience
• Use dynamic pricing tools to adjust for the off-season.

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Key Takeaways for Landlords

If you’re a landlord considering the short-let route in 2025, the opportunities are vast — but so are the challenges. Picking the right location is half the battle. The other half is delivering an excellent guest experience while remaining compliant.

Thebest cities for Airbnb UK 2025 combine high demand, supportive infrastructure, and manageable regulation. Whether you’re investing in the North, Midlands, or Scotland, now is the time to get ahead of the curve.

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Ready to Explore Your Property’s Potential?

AtEason Stays, we help landlords unlock higher income through expert Airbnb management — from listing optimization to guest handling and everything in between.

👉Free Airbnb Valuation

Or, if you’re ready to speak with someone,
👉 HERE to Book a Discovery Call

Let’s make 2025 your best year yet in short-term letting.

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