Why More Landlords Are Switching to Airbnb in 2025

The UK property market is evolving—and fast. With changing tenant behaviours, economic shifts, and the rise of digital platforms, many landlords are re-evaluating how they let their properties. One trend is becoming crystal clear: more landlords are switching from traditional long-term lets to short-term rentals like Airbnb.

So, what’s behind this shift? In this guide, we’ll break down the differences between Airbnb vs long term rent in the UK, and explore why 2025 might be the year to rethink your rental strategy. As one of the UK’s trusted short-term let management companies,Eason Staysworks with landlords across the country to help them maximise income while reducing the day-to-day hassle.

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Airbnb vs Long Term Rent: What’s the Difference?

Let’s start with a quick breakdown of how these two models work in the UK:

Long-Term Rental

• Fixed tenancy agreement (usually 6–12 months or more)
• Monthly rent payments
• Tenants responsible for utility bills and often council tax
• Requires landlord registration and legal compliance (e.g., EPC, deposit scheme)

Airbnb / Short-Term Let

• Guests stay from a few nights to a few weeks
• Income varies based on nightly rate and occupancy
• Utilities typically included in nightly price
• Hosts must ensure compliance with short-let regulations and cleaning standards

Your guide on UK short-let compliance or Airbnb legal rules.

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Why the Shift? Key Reasons Landlords Are Moving to Airbnb in 2025

1. Higher Potential Earnings

In cities like London, Manchester, Edinburgh, and Brighton, short-term lets often outperform traditional rents on a monthly basis. A well-located flat that earns £1,200/month via long-term rental might pull in £2,500+ via Airbnb—even after fees and cleaning costs.

While occupancy fluctuates, the flexibility to set dynamic pricing around peak seasons and events gives Airbnb landlords an edge.

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2. Greater Flexibility

With long-term tenancies, your property is essentially locked in for months—even if market conditions shift. In contrast, short-term letting allows landlords to:

• Block off dates for personal use
• Adjust pricing based on demand
• Pause listings if renovation or sale is planned

This flexibility is particularly valuable in uncertain economic times or when planning a future sale or refurbishment.

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3. Lower Risk of Arrears and Evictions

One of the biggest pain points in traditional renting is non-payment of rent and the legal hurdles involved in eviction. With Airbnb, payment is taken upfront. If a guest cancels or doesn’t show, you’re not left chasing overdue rent.

And since guests don’t establish tenancy rights during short stays, there’s significantly less legal complexity when a stay ends.

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4. Better Property Condition Over Time

Surprisingly, many landlords find their properties fare better under short-term use. Frequent cleaning, regular inspections, and guest reviews help maintain higher standards. Properties are rarely left neglected for months on end.

Eason Stays ensures every property in our portfolio receives professional cleaning and inspection after each guest—keeping homes in prime condition all year round.

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5. Professional Management Makes It Easy

One reason some landlords hesitate to switch is the assumed hassle: guest messages, check-ins, cleaning schedules. But with experienced short-let management services likeEason Stays, you don’t need to lift a finger.

Our team handles:

• Listing optimisation
• Guest screening and support
• Housekeeping and maintenance
• Calendar and pricing management
• Compliance with local short-let rules

This “hands-free” approach means landlords get the benefits of Airbnb without the stress.

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But What About the Challenges?

Of course, short-term letting isn’t without its considerations:

• Seasonal demand can impact occupancy
• More frequent cleaning and restocking required
• Local regulations are tightening in some areas
• You’ll need insurance tailored for short-term lets

That’s why working with a professional team (likeEason Stays) helps mitigate risks while enhancing returns. We stay on top of regulation changes, guest screening, and property maintenance, so you don’t have to.

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Which Properties Work Best on Airbnb?

Not every property is suited to the short-let model, but many are. Airbnb performs especially well with:

✅ City-centre flats near transport links
✅ Properties with parking or outdoor space
✅ Stylish, well-furnished interiors
✅ Homes near tourist attractions or business hubs
✅ 1–2 bedroom homes (perfect for couples or small families)

Not sure if your property is a fit? That’s where ourFree Valuation Servicecomes in.

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How to Get Started

If you’re considering switching from long-term to Airbnb, here are the first steps:

1. Research your local market – see what similar properties are charging on Airbnb.
2. Understand regulations – some cities require licenses or planning permission.
3. Upgrade your interiors – modern furniture and photos make a huge difference.
4. Partner with a trusted management company – especially if you’re remote or time-poor.

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Thinking of Making the Switch?

Whether you’re a first-time landlord or a seasoned investor, 2025 could be the ideal year to explore the Airbnb vs long term rent UK debate. With rising tenant turnover, rental regulation changes, and increased demand for short stays, many landlords are already seeing better returns with less risk.

At Eason Stays, we offer a Free Valuation Service to help you understand your property’s earning potential on Airbnb. We’ll provide honest, data-driven insights to help you decide if short-term letting is right for you.

Curious how much your property could earn on Airbnb? Request your free valuation with Eason Stays today. https://www.easonproperty.com/airbnb-management/#airbnb

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Still deciding? Save this guide or share it with a fellow landlord weighing their options for 2025.

Let us know if you’d like a downloadable checklist or custom ROI forecast for your property—our team would be happy to help. Click here: https://www.easonproperty.com/airbnb-management/#airbnb