Maidstone

As of May 2026, Maidstone, Canterbury, Rochester have 1,462 active Airbnb and VRBO listings. This represents a 13% decrease from the previous year.

The average Airbnb or VRBO in Maidstone generates £20K per year. High-performing properties earn £53K/year, while low-performing properties earn £7K/year. The substantial revenue spread suggests that market performance is highly polarized, with top-tier assets capturing a disproportionate share of available demand despite a contraction in overall supply.

Airbnb and VRBO can be profitable in Maidstone. Average annual revenue is £20K with 33% occupancy. High-performing properties earn up to £53K/year. This occupancy rate indicates a relatively tight market, where high earners likely leverage specific demand segments that remain resilient against the broader 13.7% year-over-year revenue decline.

The average occupancy rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Maidstone is 33%. This occupancy level, combined with an average nightly rate of £167, results in a RevPAR (revenue per available room) of £37 per day.

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

Short-term rental regulations vary by jurisdiction in the Maidstone area. Maidstone: Moderate. Planning permission required for short-term lets over 90 days/year. New registration scheme pending. Enforcement increasing but many operate without permission. Canterbury: Moderate. Planning permission needed if primary residence changes to short-term rental. Some Article 4 directions in city centre. Patchy enforcement, many unlicensed operators. Rochester (Medway): Lenient. Minimal specific STR regulations. Planning permission only if material change of use. Light enforcement, hosts largely self-regulate. Always verify current regulations with local authorities and obtain necessary permits before operating a short-term rental.

The Maidstone Airbnb and VRBO market is currently showing balanced conditions. Supply has declined 13% year-over-year, while RevPAR has decreased 14%. This indicates balanced supply-demand dynamics. The parallel decline in both supply and revenue reflects a cooling market where inventory reduction is currently keeping pace with softening demand.

Launch around May, 2-3 months before peak fall season (August 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 (November-January) when gaining traction is harder.

The most common amenities in Maidstone listings include: Tv (91%), Kitchen (89%), Washing Machine (79%), Heating (76%), Private Yard (47%). Amenities that boost revenue the most include Pool, Bbq, Hot Tub, with Pool properties earning approximately 156% more (£101K/year vs £39K/year).

Monthly estimated revenue per listing in Maidstone over the last 12 months: May: £1K, June: £1K, July: £1K, August: £1K, September: £1K, October: £1K, November: £945, December: £1K, January: £805, February: £876, March: £989, 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 Maidstone is £167, up 15% year-over-year. By property size: 1-bedroom properties average £111/night, 2-bedroom properties average £143/night, 3-bedroom properties average £210/night, 4+ bedroom properties average £398/night. Rates peak in December and are lowest in May.

Guests in Maidstone book an average of 28 days in advance, down 25% from last year. By property size: 1-bedroom: 27 days, 2-bedroom: 29 days, 3-bedroom: 28 days, 4+ bedroom: 34 days. Larger properties tend to have longer booking windows as guests plan group trips further ahead.

Over the past year, the Maidstone Airbnb and VRBO market has seen the following changes: supply declined 13%, revenue per listing decreased 14%, occupancy fell 8%, average nightly rates increased 15%, and lead time decreased 25%. These metrics highlight a shift toward impulsive, higher-priced bookings amidst a tightening supply environment.

In Maidstone, Saturday sees the highest booking demand while Sunday has the lowest. Nightly rates peak on Saturday and are lowest on Wednesday. Weekends show 11% higher occupancy than weekdays.