Argyll

As of May 2026, Oban, Fort William, Inveraray, Campbeltown have 1,401 active Airbnb and VRBO listings. This represents a 9% decrease from the previous year.

The average Airbnb or VRBO in Argyll generates £28K per year. High-performing properties earn £70K/year, while low-performing properties earn £13K/year. This significant performance variance suggests that top-tier assets are capturing outsized demand despite broader revenue compression, highlighting a stark bifurcation in operator success.

Airbnb and VRBO can be profitable in Argyll. Average annual revenue is £28K with 40% occupancy. High-performing properties earn up to £70K/year. The spread between average and high performance indicates that market saturation is uneven, allowing premium listings to maintain profitability even as average yields contract.

The average occupancy rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Argyll is 40%. This occupancy level, combined with an average nightly rate of £193, results in a RevPAR (revenue per available room) of £51 per day.

4+ bedroom properties demonstrate the strongest performance in Argyll, with annual revenue of £53K. These properties balance operating costs and rental demand most effectively in the Argyll market. Property performance varies significantly by location, amenities, and management quality.

Short-term rental regulations vary by jurisdiction in the Argyll area. Oban: Moderate. Scotland-wide licensing scheme applies, host registration required by 2024. No owner-occupancy rules. Moderate enforcement through local council. Fort William: Moderate. Same Scotland licensing requirements, planning permission may be needed for whole properties. Standard enforcement by Highland Council. Inveraray: Lenient. Scotland licensing applies but small village, minimal enforcement. Many operate traditionally. Campbeltown: Lenient. Scotland registration required but remote location, light enforcement, tourism-dependent economy. Always verify current regulations with local authorities and obtain necessary permits before operating a short-term rental.

The Argyll Airbnb and VRBO market is currently showing balanced conditions. Supply has declined 9% year-over-year, while RevPAR has decreased 17%. This indicates balanced supply-demand dynamics, suggesting that the market is recalibrating as declining unit counts attempt to match lower aggregate travel demand.

Launch around February, 2-3 months before peak summer season (May peaks). This pre-peak timing lets you build reviews when competition is 16% lower than peak months. Avoid launching during peak season when established listings dominate, or slow months (February-January) when gaining traction is harder.

The most common amenities in Argyll listings include: Tv (85%), Kitchen (84%), Washing Machine (73%), Heating (68%), Pets Allowed (52%). Amenities that boost revenue the most include Bbq, Hot Tub, Pets Allowed, with Bbq properties earning approximately 40% more (£49K/year vs £35K/year).

Monthly estimated revenue per listing in Argyll over the last 12 months: May: £2K, June: £2K, July: £2K, August: £2K, September: £2K, October: £2K, November: £968, December: £1K, January: £779, February: £937, March: £1K, April: £2K. These figures are based on RevPAR (revenue per available room) multiplied by the number of days in each month.

The overall average nightly rate in Argyll is £193, up 9% year-over-year. By property size: 1-bedroom properties average £130/night, 2-bedroom properties average £158/night, 3-bedroom properties average £231/night, 4+ bedroom properties average £444/night. Rates peak in May and are lowest in November.

Guests in Argyll book an average of 42 days in advance, down 28% from last year. By property size: 1-bedroom: 40 days, 2-bedroom: 41 days, 3-bedroom: 42 days, 4+ bedroom: 49 days. Larger properties tend to have longer booking windows as guests plan group trips further ahead.

Over the past year, supply declined 9%, revenue decreased 17%, occupancy fell 9%, nightly rates rose 9%, and lead time decreased 28%. These metrics reveal a shift toward short-notice bookings and price sensitivity, signaling that operators are struggling to sustain occupancy levels despite higher headline rates.

In Argyll, Saturday sees the highest booking demand while Sunday has the lowest. Nightly rates peak on Friday and are lowest on Monday. Weekends show 6% higher occupancy than weekdays.