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
Feature | Long-Term Rent | Airbnb / Short-Term Let |
---|---|---|
Monthly Income | Fixed, often below market | Variable, but higher potential |
Occupancy Control | Locked into tenancies | You choose when to accept bookings |
Property Wear & Tear | Weakened in the new legislation | Lower due to frequent cleaning |
Tax Relief | Minimal for BTL | FHL rules may apply |
Legal Protection | Weakened in the new legislation | Guest terms managed via platforms |
Cash Flow Flexibility | Rent due monthly | Payouts after each booking |
Management Required | Ongoing tenant handling | Outsourced 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.