Leeds

As of May 2026, Leeds, York, Harrogate have 3,109 active Airbnb and VRBO listings. This represents a 5% decrease from the previous year.

The average Airbnb or VRBO in Leeds generates £18K per year. High-performing properties earn £45K/year, while low-performing properties earn £6K/year. The stark disparity between top and bottom earners suggests that market returns are highly sensitive to specific asset positioning rather than a rising tide across the broader sector.

Airbnb and VRBO can be profitable in Leeds. Average annual revenue is £18K with 38% occupancy. High-performing properties earn up to £45K/year. With supply contracting by 4.5% year-over-year, the revenue decline indicates that current demand is struggling to absorb even reduced inventory levels.

The average occupancy rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Leeds is 38%. This occupancy level, combined with an average nightly rate of £127, results in a RevPAR (revenue per available room) of £35 per day.

4+ bedroom properties demonstrate the strongest performance in Leeds, with annual revenue of £46K. These properties balance operating costs and rental demand most effectively in the Leeds market. Property performance varies significantly by location, amenities, and management quality.

Short-term rental regulations vary by jurisdiction in the Leeds area. Leeds: Lenient. No specific STR regulations or licensing required. Planning permission needed only if primary residence changes to commercial use. Minimal enforcement, hosts operate freely. York: Moderate. Planning permission required for whole-property lets over 90 days. No registration system. Some enforcement through neighbor complaints, but many hosts operate without permission. Harrogate: Lenient. No STR-specific rules or registration. Planning permission only if material change of use. Light enforcement, widespread operation. Always verify current regulations with local authorities and obtain necessary permits before operating a short-term rental.

The Leeds Airbnb and VRBO market is currently showing balanced conditions. Supply has declined 5% year-over-year, while RevPAR has decreased 19%. This indicates balanced supply-demand dynamics. The simultaneous drop in supply and revenue reflects a market adjustment where profitability is compressing despite fewer active listings.

Launch around May, 2-3 months before peak fall season (August peaks). This pre-peak timing lets you build reviews when competition is -38% 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 Leeds listings include: Tv (93%), Kitchen (90%), Washing Machine (79%), Heating (77%), Parking (45%). Amenities that boost revenue the most include Hot Tub, Bbq, Pets Allowed, with Hot Tub properties earning approximately 79% more (£49K/year vs £27K/year).

Monthly estimated revenue per listing in Leeds over the last 12 months: May: £1K, June: £1K, July: £1K, August: £1K, September: £1K, October: £1K, November: £966, December: £1K, January: £744, February: £789, March: £957, 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 Leeds is £127, up 3% year-over-year. By property size: 1-bedroom properties average £80/night, 2-bedroom properties average £131/night, 3-bedroom properties average £177/night, 4+ bedroom properties average £347/night. Rates peak in August and are lowest in January.

Guests in Leeds book an average of 28 days in advance, down 21% from last year. By property size: 1-bedroom: 23 days, 2-bedroom: 32 days, 3-bedroom: 33 days, 4+ bedroom: 35 days. Larger properties tend to have longer booking windows as guests plan group trips further ahead.

Over the past year, the Leeds Airbnb and VRBO market has seen the following changes: supply declined 5%, revenue per listing decreased 19%, occupancy fell 5%, average nightly rates increased 3%, and lead time decreased 21%. These metrics highlight a shift toward shorter booking windows, which challenges operators to maintain consistent utilization in a softening revenue environment.

In Leeds, Saturday sees the highest booking demand while Sunday has the lowest. Nightly rates peak on Saturday and are lowest on Tuesday. Weekends show 17% higher occupancy than weekdays.