Scarborough

As of May 2026, Scarborough, Whitby, Filey have 3,220 active Airbnb and VRBO listings. This represents a 6% decrease from the previous year.

The average Airbnb or VRBO in Scarborough generates £24K per year. High-performing properties earn £59K/year, while low-performing properties earn £12K/year. The stark disparity between top and bottom performers suggests that despite a 6% contraction in overall market supply, revenue capture remains highly polarized, favoring assets that can effectively navigate a 33% decline in market-wide revenue.

Airbnb and VRBO can be profitable in Scarborough. Average annual revenue is £24K with 39% occupancy. High-performing properties earn up to £59K/year. An occupancy rate of 39% alongside significant revenue variance highlights a market where profitability is heavily tied to specific asset positioning rather than broad market trends.

The average occupancy rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Scarborough is 39%. This occupancy level, combined with an average nightly rate of £152, results in a RevPAR (revenue per available room) of £47 per day.

4+ bedroom properties demonstrate the strongest performance in Scarborough, with annual revenue of £42K. These properties balance operating costs and rental demand most effectively in the Scarborough market. Property performance varies significantly by location, amenities, and management quality.

Short-term rental regulations vary by jurisdiction in the Scarborough area. Scarborough: Lenient. No specific STR regulations beyond planning permission for material change of use. Minimal enforcement; many operate without issues. Whitby: Lenient. No dedicated STR licensing scheme. Standard planning laws apply. Light enforcement; hosts operate freely. Filey: Lenient. No STR-specific regulations or registration. Subject only to general planning rules. Minimal enforcement; widespread operation. Always verify current regulations with local authorities and obtain necessary permits before operating a short-term rental.

The Scarborough Airbnb and VRBO market is currently showing balanced conditions. Supply has declined 6% year-over-year, while RevPAR has decreased 33%. This indicates balanced supply-demand dynamics. The simultaneous contraction in both supply and RevPAR suggests that market equilibrium is being reached through a reduction in total capacity rather than increased consumer demand.

Launch around May, 2-3 months before peak summer 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 (February-January) when gaining traction is harder.

The most common amenities in Scarborough listings include: Tv (89%), Washing Machine (70%), Kitchen (68%), Pets Allowed (57%), Heating (49%). Amenities that boost revenue the most include Heating, Bbq, Tv, with Heating properties earning approximately 130% more (£66K/year vs £29K/year).

Monthly estimated revenue per listing in Scarborough over the last 12 months: May: £2K, June: £2K, July: £2K, August: £2K, September: £1K, October: £1K, November: £835, December: £1K, January: £693, February: £931, March: £1K, 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 Scarborough is £152, down 12% year-over-year. By property size: 1-bedroom properties average £106/night, 2-bedroom properties average £131/night, 3-bedroom properties average £166/night, 4+ bedroom properties average £327/night. Rates peak in August and are lowest in November.

Guests in Scarborough book an average of 45 days in advance, down 15% from last year. By property size: 1-bedroom: 40 days, 2-bedroom: 44 days, 3-bedroom: 46 days, 4+ bedroom: 57 days. Larger properties tend to have longer booking windows as guests plan group trips further ahead.

Over the past year, the Scarborough Airbnb and VRBO market has seen the following changes: supply declined 6%, revenue per listing decreased 33%, occupancy fell 12%, average nightly rates decreased 12%, and lead time decreased 15%. This compression across all key performance metrics indicates a tightening market environment where hosts face increased pressure on both pricing power and booking velocity.

In Scarborough, Saturday sees the highest booking demand while Monday has the lowest. Nightly rates peak on Saturday and are lowest on Tuesday. Weekends show 32% higher occupancy than weekdays.