Swansea’s short-term rental market is experiencing one of its strongest years yet. In 2025, this Welsh coastal city — long celebrated for its balance of culture, coastline, and community — has evolved into one of the UK’s most exciting Airbnb and holiday let destinations.
What makes Swansea unique is the dual force behind its success: a thriving calendar of local events and the enduring allure of the Gower Peninsula, the UK’s first designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Together, they create a dependable flow of visitors across every season — from surfers and walkers to festival-goers and family holidaymakers.
With occupancy rates rising and guest preferences becoming more experience-driven, understanding what fuels this demand is crucial for any property owner or investor. In this article, we’ll explore how Swansea’s event scene and natural surroundings are shaping the city’s short-let market in 2025, who the key guests are, and how Pass the Keys Swansea, led by Ainsley and Catherine Thomas, helps hosts capture consistent, high-quality bookings all year round.
Swansea’s short-term rental market continues to perform strongly, buoyed by a combination of staycation demand, event tourism, and eco-conscious travel trends.
Average occupancy rate (2025): 78–85%
Average nightly rate: £110–£160 (depending on property type and proximity to coast or centre)
Top guest segments: UK couples, outdoor enthusiasts, international tourists, and families seeking coastal escapes
Unlike other cities that rely on seasonal peaks, Swansea benefits from steady year-round tourism — driven by events at the Swansea Arena, Singleton Park, and Liberty Stadium, as well as ongoing popularity of the Gower Peninsula for nature-based travel.
The Gower Peninsula, located just 30 minutes from Swansea city centre, remains one of the most powerful magnets for short-let bookings in South Wales. Its beaches — Rhossili Bay, Three Cliffs Bay, and Oxwich Bay — frequently appear on lists of the UK’s best, attracting a mix of domestic and international travellers.
Outdoor Tourism: The Gower attracts hikers, cyclists, surfers, and wildlife enthusiasts year-round.
Extended Stays: Guests often book 5–7 nights to explore the area, boosting midweek occupancy.
Eco and Heritage Appeal: Interest in sustainable travel has surged, with guests seeking eco-conscious stays close to nature.
For hosts, properties offering sea views, garden spaces, or direct access to walking trails perform exceptionally well. Even city apartments benefit, as visitors often use Swansea as a base for day trips around the peninsula.
Travellers drawn to the Gower tend to value authenticity and comfort over luxury. Popular amenities include secure parking, outdoor gear storage, pet-friendly options, and cosy, homely interiors that feel rooted in Welsh culture.
While the Gower draws steady leisure visitors, Swansea’s growing events calendar fuels bursts of high-intensity Airbnb bookings. From major music festivals to international sports and cultural weekends, 2025 is shaping up to be one of the city’s busiest event years to date.
Since opening, the Swansea Arena has transformed the city’s event scene. Hosting international artists, comedy tours, and conferences, it generates significant spikes in demand for short-term accommodation — particularly modern apartments near SA1 and the Maritime Quarter.
Guest Type: Short-stay visitors (1–3 nights) seeking stylish, central accommodation with parking and walkability.
Each summer, Singleton Park becomes the heartbeat of Swansea’s live music scene. Major 2025 events include outdoor concerts, Pride celebrations, and the Swansea Food & Drink Festival.
Guest Type: Groups and families booking entire homes, often months in advance. Demand for pet-friendly and self-catering accommodation surges during these weekends.
From Swansea City FC fixtures to Ospreys Rugby matches, the Liberty Stadium drives consistent short-term bookings. Sports tourism remains a strong component of Swansea’s letting market, especially for weekends that attract fans from across Wales and beyond.
Guest Type: Weekend travellers and friend groups seeking value-for-money accommodation close to transport links.
With Swansea University drawing thousands of international students and visitors, academic events such as graduations and open days add an extra layer of demand.
Guest Type: Visiting families and academic guests who often prefer serviced apartments or entire homes for privacy and space.
Swansea’s guest mix is more diverse than ever, and understanding these segments helps hosts tailor their listings and amenities effectively:
| Guest Type | Key Motivation | Preferred Accommodation |
|---|---|---|
| Couples | Romantic coastal getaways | 1-bedroom apartments near SA1 or Mumbles |
| Families | Summer holidays & Gower exploration | 2–3-bedroom homes with gardens & parking |
| Event-goers | Concerts, festivals, and sports | City-centre apartments or serviced flats |
| Digital nomads | Long-term stays & remote work | Modern flats with Wi-Fi and workspace |
| International tourists | Heritage and coastal scenery | Centrally located, well-managed short lets |
Property investors and new hosts are turning to Swansea for strong yields and lower entry costs compared to larger UK cities.
City Centre & SA1: Best for short-stay event bookings; excellent ROI potential for apartments.
Mumbles: Premium market driven by coastal charm and proximity to Gower beaches.
Uplands & Brynmill: Consistent year-round bookings from students, families, and academics.
West Cross & Langland: Ideal for holiday lets with sea views and longer booking durations.
With average property prices still below national averages and year-round demand, Swansea presents a rare mix of affordability and sustainability in the short-let market.
Running a successful Airbnb in Swansea takes more than listing a property — it requires strategic management, local knowledge, and hands-on guest service. That’s where Pass the Keys Swansea, operated by Ainsley and Catherine Thomas, provides exceptional support.
Local Market Expertise: Insight into event calendars, tourism trends, and optimal pricing windows.
Dynamic Pricing Tools: Automatically adjust rates based on demand peaks (e.g., concerts, summer holidays).
Comprehensive Management: From professional cleaning and photography to guest communication and maintenance.
Compliance Support: Ensuring your property meets Welsh Government and local authority standards.
Multi-Channel Listings: Airbnb, Booking.com, and more — managed seamlessly for maximum visibility.
Their team understands the nuances of Swansea’s dual market — city events and coastal tourism — and tailors strategies that capture both short bursts of demand and longer seasonal stays.
Swansea’s Airbnb market thrives because it blends two worlds: the natural splendour of the Gower Peninsula and the energy of a fast-growing cultural hub. In 2025, this balance makes Swansea one of the UK’s most resilient and opportunity-rich locations for holiday let owners.
For hosts and investors, the key lies in aligning with the city’s rhythm — targeting event-driven weekends while also appealing to those seeking coastal calm. Properties that offer comfort, authenticity, and convenience continue to outperform the market.
With Pass the Keys Swansea, led by Ainsley and Catherine Thomas, hosts gain not just management but partnership — a data-driven, locally grounded service that keeps your property performing season after season. Whether you’re letting a waterfront apartment or a Gower cottage, their expertise ensures every guest experience — and every return — reaches its full potential.