Leicestershire

As of May 2026, Leicester, Loughborough, Market Harborough have 1,038 active Airbnb and VRBO listings. This represents a 3% decrease from the previous year.

The average Airbnb or VRBO in Leicestershire generates £18K per year. High-performing properties earn £41K/year, while low-performing properties earn £5K/year. The significant delta between earnings tiers suggests that market returns are highly sensitive to specific property positioning rather than broad market trends, as total revenue remains under pressure.

Airbnb and VRBO can be profitable in Leicestershire. Average annual revenue is £18K with 35% occupancy. High-performing properties earn up to £41K/year. This wide disparity indicates that the market currently rewards top-tier assets disproportionately while the broader supply faces stagnant growth and declining average revenue.

The average occupancy rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Leicestershire is 35%. This occupancy level, combined with an average nightly rate of £134, results in a RevPAR (revenue per available room) of £34 per day.

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

Short-term rental regulations vary by jurisdiction in the Leicestershire area. Leicester: Lenient. No specific STR regulations or licensing requirements. Operates under general planning laws. Minimal enforcement of STR activity. Loughborough: Lenient. No dedicated STR regulations. Subject to standard planning permission and business rates if applicable. Light enforcement. Market Harborough: Lenient. No specific STR licensing or permit system. Standard planning and tax rules apply. Minimal active enforcement of short-term rentals. Always verify current regulations with local authorities and obtain necessary permits before operating a short-term rental.

The Leicestershire Airbnb and VRBO market is currently showing balanced conditions. Supply has declined 3% year-over-year, while RevPAR has decreased 11%. This indicates balanced supply-demand dynamics. These metrics signal a contraction phase where the reduction in supply has yet to offset the downward pressure on per-unit revenue performance.

Launch around July, 2-3 months before peak fall season (October peaks). This pre-peak timing lets you build reviews when competition is -54% lower than peak months. Avoid launching during peak season when established listings dominate, or slow months (June-January) when gaining traction is harder.

The most common amenities in Leicestershire listings include: Tv (94%), Kitchen (94%), Heating (84%), Washing Machine (83%), Parking (51%). Amenities that boost revenue the most include Hot Tub, Pets Allowed, Bbq, with Hot Tub properties earning approximately 58% more (£43K/year vs £27K/year).

Monthly estimated revenue per listing in Leicestershire over the last 12 months: May: £878, June: £862, July: £1K, August: £1K, September: £1K, October: £1K, November: £937, December: £1K, January: £819, February: £887, 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 Leicestershire is £134, up 15% year-over-year. By property size: 1-bedroom properties average £89/night, 2-bedroom properties average £126/night, 3-bedroom properties average £198/night, 4+ bedroom properties average £271/night. Rates peak in December and are lowest in June.

Guests in Leicestershire book an average of 25 days in advance, down 18% from last year. By property size: 1-bedroom: 24 days, 2-bedroom: 28 days, 3-bedroom: 25 days, 4+ bedroom: 27 days. Larger properties tend to have longer booking windows as guests plan group trips further ahead.

Over the past year, the Leicestershire Airbnb and VRBO market has seen the following changes: supply declined 3%, revenue per listing decreased 11%, occupancy fell 9%, average nightly rates increased 15%, and lead time decreased 18%. The combination of rising rates and shorter lead times suggests a shift toward more reactive, last-minute booking behavior.

In Leicestershire, Saturday sees the highest booking demand while Sunday has the lowest. Nightly rates peak on Saturday and are lowest on Sunday. Weekends show 8% higher occupancy than weekdays.