York

As of May 2026, York, Leeds, Harrogate have 2,559 active Airbnb and VRBO listings. This represents a 6% decrease from the previous year.

The average Airbnb or VRBO in York generates £26K per year. High-performing properties earn £56K/year, while low-performing properties earn £9K/year. This wide revenue variance suggests that top-tier assets capture a disproportionate share of demand, while the bottom tier faces significant utilization hurdles despite a contracting overall supply.

Airbnb and VRBO can be profitable in York. Average annual revenue is £26K with 37% occupancy. High-performing properties earn up to £56K/year. The performance gap indicates that while market-wide revenue is under pressure, elite properties maintain strong returns, suggesting a divergence in how different segments navigate the current environment.

The average occupancy rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in York is 37%. This occupancy level, combined with an average nightly rate of £173, results in a RevPAR (revenue per available room) of £52 per day.

4+ bedroom properties demonstrate the strongest performance in York, with annual revenue of £51K. These properties balance operating costs and rental demand most effectively in the York market. Property performance varies significantly by location, amenities, and management quality.

Short-term rental regulations vary by jurisdiction in the York area. York: Moderate. Planning permission required for whole-property lets over 90 days/year. Some enforcement through complaints. Many hosts operate without permission. Leeds: Lenient. No specific STR regulations. Standard planning rules apply for material change of use. Minimal enforcement, widespread operation. Harrogate: Moderate. Planning permission needed for change of use to STR. Article 4 direction in some areas removes permitted development rights. Complaint-based enforcement, mixed compliance. Always verify current regulations with local authorities and obtain necessary permits before operating a short-term rental.

The York Airbnb and VRBO market is currently showing balanced conditions. Supply has declined 6% year-over-year, while RevPAR has decreased 18%. This indicates balanced supply-demand dynamics. The contraction in supply has yet to offset the decline in per-listing revenue, pointing toward a softening demand environment that is stabilizing through inventory adjustment.

Launch around May, 2-3 months before peak fall season (August peaks). This pre-peak timing lets you build reviews when competition is -25% 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 York listings include: Kitchen (86%), Tv (83%), Washing Machine (66%), Heating (63%), Private Yard (31%). Amenities that boost revenue the most include Hot Tub, Bbq, Heating, with Hot Tub properties earning approximately 146% more (£112K/year vs £45K/year).

Monthly estimated revenue per listing in York over the last 12 months: May: £2K, June: £2K, July: £2K, August: £2K, September: £1K, October: £2K, November: £1K, December: £2K, January: £923, February: £1K, 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 York is £173, up 5% year-over-year. By property size: 1-bedroom properties average £120/night, 2-bedroom properties average £167/night, 3-bedroom properties average £252/night, 4+ bedroom properties average £432/night. Rates peak in August and are lowest in January.

Guests in York book an average of 41 days in advance, down 20% from last year. By property size: 1-bedroom: 38 days, 2-bedroom: 41 days, 3-bedroom: 46 days, 4+ bedroom: 49 days. Larger properties tend to have longer booking windows as guests plan group trips further ahead.

Over the past year, the York Airbnb and VRBO market has seen the following changes: supply declined 6%, revenue per listing decreased 18%, occupancy fell 10%, average nightly rates increased 5%, and lead time decreased 20%. These shifts highlight a trend of compressed booking windows and lower utilization, as hosts attempt to defend nightly rates despite weakening demand.

In York, Saturday sees the highest booking demand while Monday has the lowest. Nightly rates peak on Saturday and are lowest on Tuesday. Weekends show 47% higher occupancy than weekdays.