Be fair! Airbnbs and private rentals ‘must get equal treatment’
Summary
Propertymark is calling for greater parity between Airbnb-style short lets and the mainstream private rented sector, citing official data showing 100.9 million guest nights in UK short-term lets in 2025, an 11.5% annual increase. The organisation argues that the growth of short lets may be reducing housing supply for long-term renters and increasing pressure on affordability in high-demand areas.
Why it matters
For residential property surveyors, the expansion of short-term lets can affect local housing supply, rental market dynamics and affordability assumptions used in valuation and market analysis. It also signals potential future regulatory change that could influence investment decisions and local market conditions.
Key points
- UK short-term lets recorded 100.9 million guest nights in 2025.
- Guest nights rose 11.5% year on year, with Wales showing the strongest national growth.
- Propertymark says short lets can reduce homes available for the private rented sector.
- The group wants local authorities to have better data and stronger powers.
- The campaign seeks greater parity between short-term lets and private rentals.
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