Blandford Forum

As of June 2026, Shaftesbury, Bournemouth, Salisbury have 1,339 active Airbnb and VRBO listings. This represents a 14% decrease from the previous year.

The average Airbnb or VRBO in Shaftesbury generates £23K per year. High-performing properties earn £56K/year, while low-performing properties earn £10K/year. The stark disparity between top and bottom earners suggests that market success is heavily skewed toward specific property profiles, as total market revenue has contracted significantly despite a reduction in available supply.

Airbnb and VRBO can be profitable in Shaftesbury. Average annual revenue is £23K with 36% occupancy. High-performing properties earn up to £56K/year. While the 36% occupancy rate indicates moderate utilization, the high-performer ceiling reflects a localized competitive advantage that persists even as overall market revenue experiences a sharp year-over-year decline.

The average occupancy rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Shaftesbury is 36%. This occupancy level, combined with an average nightly rate of £167, results in a RevPAR (revenue per available room) of £42 per day.

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

Short-term rental regulations vary by jurisdiction in the Shaftesbury area. Shaftesbury: Moderate. Planning permission required for entire home STRs (90+ days). Part of Dorset Council jurisdiction. Standard enforcement through complaints. Bournemouth: Moderate. Planning permission needed for primary residence conversions. Article 4 directions in some areas. Enforcement complaint-driven, some unlicensed operation occurs. Salisbury: Moderate. Wiltshire Council requires planning permission for material change of use. 90-day rule for London doesn't apply. Enforcement reactive, not proactive. Always verify current regulations with local authorities and obtain necessary permits before operating a short-term rental.

The Shaftesbury Airbnb and VRBO market is currently showing balanced conditions. Supply has declined 14% year-over-year, while RevPAR has decreased 30%. This indicates balanced supply-demand dynamics. The simultaneous contraction in both inventory and revenue suggests a market recalibration where supply is exiting in response to weakening aggregate demand.

Launch around May, 2-3 months before peak summer season (August peaks). This pre-peak timing lets you build reviews when competition is -27% lower than peak months. Avoid launching during peak season when established listings dominate, or slow months (November-January) when gaining traction is harder.

The most common amenities in Shaftesbury listings include: Tv (88%), Kitchen (84%), Heating (75%), Washing Machine (67%), Private Yard (56%). Amenities that boost revenue the most include Heating, Hot Tub, Washing Machine, with Heating properties earning approximately 37% more (£47K/year vs £34K/year).

Monthly estimated revenue per listing in Shaftesbury over the last 12 months: May: £1K, June: £1K, July: £2K, August: £2K, September: £1K, October: £1K, November: £965, December: £1K, January: £751, February: £873, 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 Shaftesbury is £167, down 5% year-over-year. By property size: 1-bedroom properties average £109/night, 2-bedroom properties average £143/night, 3-bedroom properties average £200/night, 4+ bedroom properties average £535/night. Rates peak in December and are lowest in September.

Guests in Shaftesbury book an average of 34 days in advance, down 22% from last year. By property size: 1-bedroom: 31 days, 2-bedroom: 35 days, 3-bedroom: 38 days, 4+ bedroom: 46 days. Larger properties tend to have longer booking windows as guests plan group trips further ahead.

Over the past year, the Shaftesbury Airbnb and VRBO market has seen the following changes: supply declined 14%, revenue per listing decreased 30%, occupancy fell 9%, average nightly rates decreased 5%, and lead time decreased 22%. These indicators signal reduced booking confidence and pricing power, reflecting a more cautious environment for short-term rental operators.

In Shaftesbury, Saturday sees the highest booking demand while Monday has the lowest. Nightly rates peak on Saturday and are lowest on Tuesday. Weekends show 25% higher occupancy than weekdays.