Airbnb Statistics

What is Airbnb

With the economic recovery of COVID-19 continuing and tourism levels rising to normal levels, many homeowners across the UK have used second homes and even spare rooms as Airbnbs to make additional income on the spaces they don’t use. Airbnb is one of the world’s leading vacation rental platforms and allows property owners to list their available rooms and properties on their platform.

With the average hotel room rate in London reaching over £170, Airbnbs can prove a cheaper alternative for long-term stays by backpackers and tourists. This has contributed to the rising popularity of Airbnb with many holidaymakers across the UK.

UK Airbnb Data

Here are the UK statistics for Airbnb according to Airbnb’s UK official insights report:

• UK Active listings: 223,200
• Top cities: London, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Manchester
• Average occupancy rate: 11.0% (London), 14.9% (Edinburgh), 16.4% (Glasgow), 13.7% (Manchester)
• Average monthly revenue for hosts: £2,414
• Most profitable Airbnb cities: London, Edinburgh, Bath, Bristol, Brighton
• Average annual revenue for hosts in Hornsea: £19,647

Other notable Airbnb statistics for the UK include:

• The average Airbnb host in the UK is 44 years old and female.
• Airbnb hosts in the UK earn an average of £3,100 per year.
• Airbnb has helped prevent foreclosure or eviction for three percent of hosts in the UK.
• Airbnb has helped 8.4 million guests travel to the UK in the past year

Airbnb has over 7 million active listings in over 220 countries as of 2023 and serviced over 1.5 billion guests since its establishment in 2007.

How does Airbnb work

Airbnb is a platform which allows people to rent out their homes or apartments searching for a room or house during their travels. An Airbnb host creates a listing for the properties they wish to make available to room seekers. Travelers can browse listings and book accommodations directly through the Airbnb platform. Airbnb typically charges 3% to 5% of the total booking price as a service fee.

1. Create an Airbnb account using your email address or social media account.
2. Browse listings. Find accommodation in your desired area for the time you’ll need it
3. Book a listing. Book your desired room and enter your payment details. You will not be required to pay cash to the host as they will receive payment via Airbnb.
4. Communicate with your host. Airbnb hosts will typically be quick to respond on the app if you have any questions or queries.
5. Check in. When you arrive at your Airbnb, you will need to check in with your host. Your host will provide you with the keys to your accommodation and any other information that you need.

Airbnb has a number of travel protection options for its users to ensure that everyone has a pleasant experience. These include the options to leave host reviews and to take out guest insurance for personal liability insurance and luggage protection. The app also offers 24/7 customer support to its users for help with sorting out your booking and stay.

Property owners who list their spare rooms with Airbnb also receive the benefit of connecting with room seekers fast and making a decent side income during busy tourist seasons.

“Who knew that sharing your home with
streams of strangers could be such a rewarding
experience. I didn’t join Airbnb to make friends,
but that’s happened naturally – in snapshots
of lives, in funny memories, in unexpected
messages, repeat visits, surprise parcels and
invitations from guests all around the globe. I
started hosting during the Edinburgh Festival
Fringe, when my spare room just felt like
wasted space. Now it feels like an opportunity
– to help pay the bills, importantly! – but also
to laugh and to learn and to return some of the
kindness that’s been shown to me wherever
I’ve travelled in the world.”
– Susie, Edinburgh, a home host

Getting Travel Insurance

When you next travel and are thinking of booking an Airbnb, it helps to have yourself covered for any mishaps along the way. Unforeseen incidents have the potential to occur in various places and at any moment, including when you’re trying to unwind on a vacation.

Whether it’s a simple mishap like misplaced baggage or a more complex situation like a significant accident, when things take an unexpected turn during your trip, you might find yourself in a difficult situation unless you’ve secured appropriate travel insurance coverage

Compare cheap travel insurance quotes

References:

https://www.airbnbcitizen.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/AirbnbUKInsightsReport_2018.pdf