Short-term letting can outperform a traditional tenancy but only when the property, the location and the landlord’s expectations line up. Before we take on any Airbnb management client, we run through the same honest checklist. Here it is in full, so you can assess your own property before speaking to anyone.

1. Location and demand

Look for steady, year-round reasons people visit: hospitals, universities, business parks, events venues and good transport links matter more than tourist appeal alone. A property that fills mid-week with contractors and weekends with visiting families is far more resilient than one that relies on summer tourism.

2. The property itself

• Comfortable for the group size you’re targeting a great one-bed beats a cramped three-bed.

• Practical access: parking, keysafe-friendly entrance, and no fragile shared arrangements.

• Furnishable to a consistent standard guests forgive small spaces, not tired ones.

3. Rules, permissions and finance

Check your mortgage terms, leasehold clauses and local authority position on short-term lets before anything else. Some areas require planning permission or registration. None of this is a dealbr eaker in itself but it needs to be known on day one, not discovered on day ninety.

If your property passes these three tests, short-term letting is worth a serious look. If it doesn’t, a well-managed traditional let will usually serve you better and we’ll tell you that plainly.