Ilfracombe

As of June 2026, Ilfracombe, Barnstaple, Bideford have 1,161 active Airbnb and VRBO listings. This represents a 8% decrease from the previous year.

The average Airbnb or VRBO in Ilfracombe generates £21K per year. High-performing properties earn £55K/year, while low-performing properties earn £11K/year. The substantial spread between tiers suggests that revenue potential is highly polarized, indicating that market outcomes are heavily dependent on specific property attributes rather than broad market trends.

Airbnb and VRBO can be profitable in Ilfracombe. Average annual revenue is £21K with 32% occupancy. High-performing properties earn up to £55K/year. The variance in earnings shows that while the market supports profitability, the gap between average and top-tier performers reveals significant differences in how effectively listings capture existing demand.

The average occupancy rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Ilfracombe is 32%. This occupancy level, combined with an average nightly rate of £180, results in a RevPAR (revenue per available room) of £40 per day.

4+ bedroom properties demonstrate the strongest performance in Ilfracombe, with annual revenue of £34K. These properties balance operating costs and rental demand most effectively in the Ilfracombe market. Property performance varies significantly by location, amenities, and management quality.

Short-term rental regulations vary by jurisdiction in the Ilfracombe area. Ilfracombe: Lenient. No specific STR licensing. Must comply with planning use if significant change, business rates may apply. Light enforcement, many hosts operate without issues. Barnstaple: Lenient. No dedicated STR permits. Planning permission needed for material change of use. Business rates applicable. Minimal enforcement, hosts generally operate freely. Bideford: Lenient. No STR-specific regulations. Standard planning rules apply for change of use. Business rates for commercial lets. Limited enforcement, hosts operate with few restrictions. Always verify current regulations with local authorities and obtain necessary permits before operating a short-term rental.

The Ilfracombe Airbnb and VRBO market is currently showing balanced conditions. Supply has declined 8% year-over-year, while RevPAR has decreased 32%. This indicates balanced supply-demand dynamics. The sharp revenue drop despite lower supply implies that declining traveler interest is currently outpacing the contraction in available inventory.

Launch around May, 2-3 months before peak summer season (August peaks). This pre-peak timing lets you build reviews when competition is -35% 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 Ilfracombe listings include: Tv (89%), Kitchen (77%), Washing Machine (73%), Heating (57%), Pets Allowed (57%). Amenities that boost revenue the most include Hot Tub, Washing Machine, Pool, with Hot Tub properties earning approximately 52% more (£55K/year vs £36K/year).

Monthly estimated revenue per listing in Ilfracombe over the last 12 months: May: £2K, June: £2K, July: £2K, August: £2K, September: £1K, October: £1K, November: £561, December: £993, January: £459, February: £623, March: £929, 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 Ilfracombe is £180, down 5% year-over-year. By property size: 1-bedroom properties average £116/night, 2-bedroom properties average £148/night, 3-bedroom properties average £201/night, 4+ bedroom properties average £368/night. Rates peak in August and are lowest in November.

Guests in Ilfracombe book an average of 39 days in advance, down 21% from last year. By property size: 1-bedroom: 36 days, 2-bedroom: 38 days, 3-bedroom: 41 days, 4+ bedroom: 48 days. Larger properties tend to have longer booking windows as guests plan group trips further ahead.

Over the past year, the Ilfracombe Airbnb and VRBO market has seen the following changes: supply declined 8%, revenue per listing decreased 32%, occupancy fell 10%, average nightly rates decreased 5%, and lead time decreased 21%. These metrics point to a tightening environment where shorter booking windows and lower utilization suggest a shift toward more last-minute, price-sensitive consumer behavior.

In Ilfracombe, Saturday sees the highest booking demand while Monday has the lowest. Nightly rates peak on Saturday and are lowest on Wednesday. Weekends show 16% higher occupancy than weekdays.