Cornwall

As of May 2026, St Ives, Newquay, Falmouth, Penzance have 10,980 active Airbnb and VRBO listings. This represents a 11% decrease from the previous year.

The average Airbnb or VRBO in Cornwall generates £22K per year. High-performing properties earn £55K/year, while low-performing properties earn £11K/year. The wide performance gap indicates significant polarization, where top earners capture outsized returns despite a 34% drop in overall market revenue.

Airbnb and VRBO can be profitable in Cornwall. Average annual revenue is £22K with 36% occupancy. High-performing properties earn up to £55K/year. The 11% supply contraction suggests a market consolidation phase, highlighting that profitability is increasingly concentrated among fewer, more effective operators.

The average occupancy rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Cornwall is 36%. This occupancy level, combined with an average nightly rate of £168, results in a RevPAR (revenue per available room) of £39 per day.

4+ bedroom properties demonstrate the strongest performance in Cornwall, with annual revenue of £36K. These properties balance operating costs and rental demand most effectively in the Cornwall market. Property performance varies significantly by location, amenities, and management quality.

Short-term rental regulations vary by jurisdiction in the Cornwall area. St Ives: Strict. Article 4 Direction requires planning permission for new STRs, effectively banning most conversions. Active enforcement with refusals common. Newquay: Moderate. Planning permission needed in some areas, 90-day rule for unhosted rentals. Moderate enforcement, some operate without approval. Falmouth: Moderate. Article 4 in town center requires planning permission. Mixed enforcement, many operate informally. Penzance: Lenient. General planning rules apply, minimal specific STR restrictions. Light enforcement. Always verify current regulations with local authorities and obtain necessary permits before operating a short-term rental.

The Cornwall Airbnb and VRBO market is currently showing balanced conditions. Supply has declined 11% year-over-year, while RevPAR has decreased 34%. This indicates balanced supply-demand dynamics. The synchronized decline in both supply and revenue suggests a correction where the market is finding a new equilibrium.

Launch around May, 2-3 months before peak summer season (August peaks). This pre-peak timing lets you build reviews when competition is -22% 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 Cornwall listings include: Tv (88%), Kitchen (76%), Washing Machine (72%), Heating (60%), Pets Allowed (50%). Amenities that boost revenue the most include Hot Tub, Heating, Gym, with Hot Tub properties earning approximately 61% more (£66K/year vs £41K/year).

Monthly estimated revenue per listing in Cornwall over the last 12 months: May: £2K, June: £2K, July: £2K, August: £2K, September: £1K, October: £1K, November: £555, December: £957, January: £504, February: £563, March: £844, 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 Cornwall is £168, down 5% year-over-year. By property size: 1-bedroom properties average £116/night, 2-bedroom properties average £149/night, 3-bedroom properties average £196/night, 4+ bedroom properties average £369/night. Rates peak in August and are lowest in November.

Guests in Cornwall book an average of 39 days in advance, down 22% from last year. By property size: 1-bedroom: 38 days, 2-bedroom: 39 days, 3-bedroom: 40 days, 4+ bedroom: 45 days. Larger properties tend to have longer booking windows as guests plan group trips further ahead.

Over the past year, the Cornwall Airbnb and VRBO market has seen the following changes: supply declined 11%, revenue per listing decreased 34%, occupancy fell 9%, average nightly rates decreased 5%, and lead time decreased 22%. These indicators reflect a shift toward shorter-term booking cycles and intensified pressure on yield.

In Cornwall, Friday sees the highest booking demand while Monday has the lowest. Nightly rates peak on Saturday and are lowest on Thursday. Weekends show 7% higher occupancy than weekdays.