Airbnb vs Long-Term Let: Which Strategy is Right for Your London Property?

The Income Argument for Airbnb

In the right London locations, a well-managed Airbnb can generate significantly more income than a standard long-term tenancy. A 2-bedroom apartment in Paddington that would rent for £2,200 per month on a long-term basis might generate £3,000–£3,500 per month via Airbnb at 70–75% occupancy.

The Real Costs of Short-Term Letting

The higher gross income comes with substantially higher costs — cleaning, linen, platform fees, utilities, maintenance, and professional management fees of 20–25%.

Regulatory Risk

London's short-term letting regulations limit Airbnb to 90 nights per year for properties in Greater London without planning permission.

Our Recommendation

Unless you have a property in a prime tourist location and a professional management team in place, long-term let is the more reliable strategy for most of our clients.