What Do Renters Look For in Short-Term Lets in the UK?

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How Can Investors Make Their Short-Term Rental Property Stand Out?

Short-term lets are currently a popular option for property investors in the UK. Buying property for Airbnb can provide benefits such as potentially stronger yields (due to typically higher fees to rent out the property), high demand in the right UK areas, and a more flexible investment strategy.

In order for a short-term let investment to thrive, however, it’s important to make the property as attractive as possible to ensure a steady stream of bookings.

Read our blog post to learn some of the key things that renters look for when selecting short-term let properties in the UK.

Hot Deal Alert: Up to £20k Off in Horizon Manchester!

Act fast to snap up a unit in the thriving Old Trafford regeneration zone, currently for up to £20,000 less. Short-term lets approved and projected yields starting from 9%+.

Arms of woman in striped top looking at Airbnb from a table device

Central Locations and Good Transport Links

Location remains one of the most important factors for guests choosing short-term accommodation in the UK.

Serviced accommodation can be popular in major cities and hotspots such as London, Manchester, Liverpool, Edinburgh and key tourist regions because these places offer great access to not only culture and nightlife, but also workplaces if a renter is travelling for business.

Being close to rail stations, bus routes and major roads makes a property far more attractive to renters who may not know the area well and want an easy, low-stress way to get around the city and explore. In practice, listings in central, well-connected neighbourhoods can also be popular options and see high demand and occupancy rates.

Proximity to event venues is also considered a big selling point when it comes to short-term lets. A 2024 Oxford Economics report on major UK events found that short-term lets help absorb demand around concerts and festivals, with Airbnb stays often offering people a more attractive cost-efficient option compared to hotels. For hosts, being within walking distance or a short ride of arenas, stadiums and conference centres is a strong selling point in listing descriptions.

Buy to Let Investment - Everything You Need to Know

Whether you're a first-time investor or growing your existing portfolio, be sure to read our essential guide with must-know information on investing in buy to let property in the UK.

Person sitting on a bed unpacking a suitcase

Parking and Easy Access

Even in city centres, many guests still drive, especially domestic travellers and families, so on-site or guaranteed parking often ranks highly on wish lists when browsing short-term lets.

Being able to drive to another city and have peace of mind that your car is safe, without having to pay daily parking fees, is a key amenity and allows visitors to spend more time and energy enjoying their trip.

For rural short-term lets, parking is even more of a necessity, and a private space close to the door also improves accessibility for older guests or those arriving late at night.

CGI image of spa with swimming pool at Horizon Manchester

Stylish, Comfortable Interiors and Luxury Facilities

With so many listings on platforms like Airbnb, first impressions matter. Hosts that invest in stylish design, coordinated furnishings and high standards of cleanliness stand out in crowded markets.

Properties with modern interiors such as up-to-date kitchens and bathrooms and contemporary furnishings can have a stronger likelihood of being selected, and could even have the potential for higher fees.

Offering short-term lets in developments that have amenities that go beyond the basics is another smart move for investors.

Properties or complexes that offer access to a pool, spa, sauna or gym regularly highlight these features because they increase perceived value and encourage longer bookings.

Reports suggest properties with a pool, in particular, can bring in higher occupancy rates. For UK investors, looking at purchasing an apartment in new build or off-plan developments with onsite facilities is a good move as a short-term let investment, as some will include these premium facilities like a pool and spa.

Communication and Service

Strong communication and responsive hosting are central to good reviews and repeat bookings. UK guest surveys show travellers weigh overall experience and service heavily when choosing where to stay, not just price.

Clear arrival instructions, quick replies to questions, and friendly communication all help guests feel confident before they arrive.

Guests also appreciate hosts who ‘go the extra mile’ with thoughtful touches like stocking the kitchen with tea and coffee, providing toiletries in the bathroom, and even leaving an itinerary for guests with recommendations on restaurants and things to do in the area.

Combined with compliance on safety and cleanliness standards, good communication and service builds trust can help guests feel comfortable staying in your property, and be more likely to leave a positive review.

We have investment properties that are short-term lets approved, located in key UK cities with great local attractions and transport links, in developments with luxury onsite facilities. Click the link below to browse our latest opportunities.

Browse Short-Term Let Investments

Hot Deal Alert: Up to £20k Off in Horizon Manchester!

Act fast to snap up a unit in the thriving Old Trafford regeneration zone, currently for up to £20,000 less. Short-term lets approved and projected yields starting from 9%+.

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Author

Amy Jackson

Amy Jackson is a property writer at RWinvest, helping our readers stay ahead of UK market trends with the latest news and statistics.

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What Do Renters Look For in Short-Term Lets in the UK?

How Can Investors Make Their Short-Term Rental Property Stand Out?

Hot Deal Alert: Up to £20k Off in Horizon Manchester!

Central Locations and Good Transport Links

Buy to Let Investment - Everything You Need to Know

Parking and Easy Access

Stylish, Comfortable Interiors and Luxury Facilities

Communication and Service

Hot Deal Alert: Up to £20k Off in Horizon Manchester!

As Seen On

Author

Amy Jackson

RWinvest Awards

Want to Get in Touch?

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What Do Renters Look For in Short-Term Lets in the UK?

How Can Investors Make Their Short-Term Rental Property Stand Out?

Hot Deal Alert: Up to £20k Off in Horizon Manchester!

Central Locations and Good Transport Links

Buy to Let Investment - Everything You Need to Know

Parking and Easy Access

Stylish, Comfortable Interiors and Luxury Facilities

Communication and Service

Hot Deal Alert: Up to £20k Off in Horizon Manchester!

As Seen On

Author

Amy Jackson

RWinvest Awards

Want to Get in Touch?

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