By Katrina Goldsmith
Edinburgh has a total of 7,818 listed homes on Airbnb as of 13th September 2022. This is a decrease since 2019 most likely due to Covid and new regulations. With so many tourists coming to Edinburgh, the demand for short-term rentals has increased. Airbnb is a service which allows property owners to rent out their homes and spaces to tourists looking for an affordable place to stay whilst travelling. Airbnb is the second most demanded accommodation brand and location in the UK. In 2019 11,048 homes were listed on Airbnb. This was at its peak demographic before COVID-19 heavily decreased the demand for the service. Since then, this number has dropped to just under 8000 homes listed as Airbnb in Scotland.
It is known that Edinburgh is fully populated during peak tourist season (June – August) as Edinburgh plays host to numerous successful festivals and events. Edinburgh is popular amongst visiting tourists, with attractions such as the world-famous Fringe or Hogmanay shows, with 3,012,490 people attending the fringe and 184,566 in attendance at Edinburgh’s Hogmanay event in 2021. This can make it challenging to find short-term accommodation within the city centre. Out of all Scottish cities, Edinburgh has the highest population of Airbnb listings.
Data from September shows that currently there are over 7000 homes listed for Airbnb. The pinpoints on the map indicate the regions with the highest number of homes listed on Airbnb. All of which are close to the city centre. With the likes of Old Town, Princes Street and Leith Street having 683 homes to let. Meanwhile, regions such as Fairmilehead currently have 2 properties listed. Having vast numbers of homes only available for short-term lets has many impacts on the locals who live in that area. Although Airbnb increases tourism and the economy of Edinburgh, it can reduce the availability of houses for those who need it, and the service also has a heavy impact on the affordability of homes.
However, since the peak of demand in 2019, calls for the government to place regulations on Airbnb in Edinburgh skyrocketed after locals struggled to find accommodation within the city centre. On the 5th of September, a short-term let controlled area was introduced by Edinburgh City Council which covers the entirety of the local authority area. This regulation meant that individuals who owned a second property and is not a primary residence accommodation in the Edinburgh council area must gain planning permission in order to list their property on Airbnb or as a short-term let. This exempts properties which have been operating without any planning permission for at least a minimum of 10 years prior. This would cost second home property owners between £600 – £24,300 depending on the size of the space they wish to let.
Owners who do not comply can be prevented from operating by Edinburgh Council. An enforcement notice will be passed onto the hosts and 28 days will be given for them to comply with the regulations. Failure to do so will result in a fine of up to £2000. In serious issues and repeated offences, this can increase to up to £20,000.