Airbnb restrictions will hit millions in the UK

Any restrictions on Airbnb and other short lets platforms will hit millions in the UK, according to the people behind new research.

A government review of short-term tourist accommodation has been launched at a time when many areas in England have seen a significant rise in short-term holiday letting.

Insurance firm Quotezone selected 2018, which it calls “a normal year before the pandemic came into effect”, against the same time period in 2022, revealing a 102 per cent increase in the number of UK holiday homes let across January to May.

The analysis, looking at 25,000 holiday homes, appears to show the short lets phenomenon most active in Yorkshire which is currently leading the market in holiday home letting, as well as Cornwall, Devon, Cumbria, and Norfolk, which follow closely behind.

A Quotezone spokesman says: “Our data supports the trend that Airbnb-style letting is increasing in England as many people rent parts of their home to generate funds. Short term and holiday rentals play an increasingly important role in the economy and are valuable sources of income for homeowners across the country.

“Therefore, while it’s important that the government reviews the challenges presented by short-term letting on local communities and does indeed put steps in place to protect them, it must be remembered that this is now an essential form of income for millions. As many are currently feeling the cost of living squeeze, it is exactly this additional revenue stream that could help get many through this tough period.”

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