Bridgend

As of June 2026, Bridgend, Cardiff, Porthcawl have 541 active Airbnb and VRBO listings. This represents a 12% decrease from the previous year.

The average Airbnb or VRBO in Bridgend generates £21K per year. High-performing properties earn £48K/year, while low-performing properties earn £8K/year. The substantial disparity between top-tier and average earnings suggests that revenue potential is heavily concentrated, indicating that market saturation does not impact all listings equally.

Airbnb and VRBO can be profitable in Bridgend. Average annual revenue is £21K with 36% occupancy. High-performing properties earn up to £48K/year. A 36% occupancy rate alongside declining supply suggests a shrinking pool of active listings, which may create opportunities for remaining operators to capture existing demand.

The average occupancy rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Bridgend is 36%. This occupancy level, combined with an average nightly rate of £146, results in a RevPAR (revenue per available room) of £39 per day.

4+ bedroom properties demonstrate the strongest performance in Bridgend, with annual revenue of £37K. These properties balance operating costs and rental demand most effectively in the Bridgend market. Property performance varies significantly by location, amenities, and management quality.

Short-term rental regulations vary by jurisdiction in the Bridgend area. Bridgend: Moderate. No specific STR licensing yet, but planning permission may be required for material change of use. Welsh Government registration scheme coming 2025. Currently light enforcement. Cardiff: Moderate. No dedicated STR regulations currently. Planning permission needed if primary use changes. Welsh national registration launching 2025. Enforcement minimal at present. Porthcawl: Moderate. Falls under Bridgend County Borough Council rules. No current STR-specific licenses. Planning considerations apply. Welsh registration scheme pending 2025. Limited enforcement now. Always verify current regulations with local authorities and obtain necessary permits before operating a short-term rental.

The Bridgend Airbnb and VRBO market is currently showing balanced conditions. Supply has declined 12% year-over-year, while RevPAR has decreased 16%. This indicates balanced supply-demand dynamics. The concurrent drop in supply and revenue suggests that market contraction is currently outpacing the removal of underperforming inventory.

Launch around May, 2-3 months before peak summer season (August peaks). This pre-peak timing lets you build reviews when competition is -18% lower than peak months. Avoid launching during peak season when established listings dominate, or slow months (March-January) when gaining traction is harder.

The most common amenities in Bridgend listings include: Tv (90%), Kitchen (86%), Heating (69%), Washing Machine (69%), Pets Allowed (50%). Amenities that boost revenue the most include Heating, Washing Machine, Hot Tub, with Heating properties earning approximately 43% more (£40K/year vs £28K/year).

Monthly estimated revenue per listing in Bridgend over the last 12 months: May: £1K, June: £1K, July: £2K, August: £2K, September: £1K, October: £1K, November: £950, December: £1K, January: £663, February: £981, March: £1K, April: £1K. 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 Bridgend is £146, up 5% year-over-year. By property size: 1-bedroom properties average £100/night, 2-bedroom properties average £141/night, 3-bedroom properties average £158/night, 4+ bedroom properties average £334/night. Rates peak in August and are lowest in November.

Guests in Bridgend book an average of 33 days in advance, down 21% from last year. By property size: 1-bedroom: 30 days, 2-bedroom: 34 days, 3-bedroom: 34 days, 4+ bedroom: 36 days. Larger properties tend to have longer booking windows as guests plan group trips further ahead.

Over the past year, the Bridgend Airbnb and VRBO market has seen the following changes: supply declined 12%, revenue per listing decreased 16%, occupancy fell 7%, average nightly rates increased 5%, and lead time decreased 21%. Shorter lead times alongside falling occupancy reflect a market where guests are booking closer to stay dates, signaling increased price sensitivity.

In Bridgend, Saturday sees the highest booking demand while Monday has the lowest. Nightly rates peak on Saturday and are lowest on Monday. Weekends show 28% higher occupancy than weekdays.