Business, Marketing, Real Estate

Why More Landlords Are Switching to Airbnb in 2025


It’s 2025, and the UK rental landscape has shifted. What was once a safe, predictable long-term strategy is now full of uncertainty, and many landlords are starting to ask:

“Is long-term rent still worth it?”

More and more landlords are now comparing Airbnb vs long-term rent in the UK, and the results are surprising. From rising regulation to rent caps, increased taxation, and late payments, traditional letting is becoming less attractive, while short-term lets are offering higher returns, greater flexibility, and hands-off solutions.

AtEason Stays, we work with landlords across the UK who are making the switch to short-term letting. In this blog, we’ll explore why this shift is happening, the pros and cons of each model, and how to evaluate what’s right for your property in 2025.


Long-Term Renting in the UK: What’s Changed?

While traditional buy-to-let has always been the go-to model for UK landlords, the market in 2025 looks very different:

  • Renters Reform Bill changes the playing field with Section 21 abolished
  • Increased compliance with licensing schemes and EPC targets
  • Higher tax burdens, with mortgage interest relief scrapped years ago
  • More tenant rights, but fewer landlord protections
  • Rent arrears and evictions are becoming harder and slower to resolve

For many landlords, these changes mean one thing: less control, lower returns, and more risk.


What Airbnb Offers Landlords in 2025

Short-term letting via platforms like Airbnb is no longer just for holiday hotspots. In 2025, professional Airbnb operators across the UK — especially in cities like Manchester, Liverpool, and Leeds — are consistently helping landlords earn more without the stress of long-term tenants.

Here’s what Airbnb can offer:

💸 Higher Monthly Returns

Even with occupancy rates of 70–80%, Airbnb typically brings in 30–100% more income than traditional rents, depending on location and setup.

🧘 Fewer Long-Term Headaches

No late rent. No evictions. No wear-and-tear disputes after 12-month tenancies. Just guest bookings, automated payments, and clear accountability.

🛠️ Better Property Condition

With regular cleaning, maintenance, and guest checks between stays, your property stays in showroom condition year-round.

🧾 Tax-Efficient Opportunities

If you qualify as a Furnished Holiday Let (FHL), you may benefit from:

  • Capital allowances
  • Lower income tax
  • Business rates relief (in some cases)

Airbnb vs Long-Term Rent in the UK: 2025 Breakdown

FeatureLong-Term RentAirbnb / Short-Term Let
Monthly IncomeFixed, often below marketVariable, but higher potential
Occupancy ControlLocked into tenanciesYou choose when to accept bookings
Property Wear & TearWeakened in the new legislationLower due to frequent cleaning
Tax ReliefMinimal for BTLFHL rules may apply
Legal ProtectionWeakened in the new legislationGuest terms managed via platforms
Cash Flow FlexibilityRent due monthlyPayouts after each booking
Management RequiredOngoing tenant handlingOutsourced via companies like Eason Stays

Real Example: Landlord Case Study

A landlord in Manchester was receiving £1,100 per month with a long-term tenant in a 1-bed apartment.

After switching to Airbnb withEason Stays, they now earn between £2,000–£2,400/month, depending on occupancy. They no longer deal with:

  • Rent chasing
  • Deposit disputes
  • Letting agent fees
  • Wear and tear from year-long stays

Their property is cleaned twice a week, guests leave reviews, and they receive a monthly performance report — hands-free.


Common Concerns Landlords Have About Airbnb

It’s natural to have concerns when switching to a new model. Let’s address the most common ones:

❓ Will it stay occupied?

We use dynamic pricing tools, event calendars, and OTA partnerships to keep occupancy between 70–90% on average.

❓ Isn’t it risky with guests?

Airbnb provides host damage protection, but we also add our safety measures — including ID verification, deposit holds, and security protocols.

❓ What about management time?

We take care of everything — from listings and pricing to cleaning, maintenance, and guest support. You’ll receive a clear monthly payout with no admin.


How to Transition Your Property to Airbnb

If you’re considering making the switch in 2025, here’s a step-by-step approach:

✅ Step 1: Get a Free Valuation

Know what your property could realistically earn on Airbnb with local, seasonal, and competitor data.
👉Get your free Airbnb valuation here

✅ Step 2: Prepare the Property

This includes staging, photography, Wi-Fi setup, and safety compliance (e.g. FRA, smoke alarms). We’ll handle it for you if needed.

✅ Step 3: Go Live

We create and manage your listing across Airbnb, Booking.com, and other sites to maximise exposure.

✅ Step 4: Sit Back and Earn

Track your performance through your monthly report, receive payouts after each guest stay, and enjoy a hands-off income stream.


Final Thoughts: Why 2025 is the Year to Rethink Your Strategy

If you’ve been feeling the squeeze as a traditional landlord, you’re not alone. The Airbnb vs long-term rent UK debate is more relevant than ever — and thousands of landlords are discovering that the smart move isn’t to sell, but to switch.

✅ More income
✅ Less legal stress
✅ Better guest experiences
✅ Hands-off management withEason Stays


🚀 Ready to See What Your Property Could Earn?

If you’re tired of the headaches of long-term renting, let’s talk.

👉Get your free Airbnb income forecast today

We’ll show you exactly what your property could earn on Airbnb, with no obligation. Let 2025 be the year you finally maximise your property’s potential.

Eason Stays — expert Airbnb management across the UK, built for landlords who want better returns without the hassle.