Durham is a city that blends history, culture, and academic prestige. Traditionally dominated by student lets, its property market is now entering a pivotal moment in 2026. With tourism on the rise, corporate travel returning stronger than ever, and a packed event calendar, property owners have a unique opportunity to transform long-term student lets into high-performing short-term rentals.

If you’ve relied on student tenants for years, 2026 is the year to consider a switch. Short-term lets can deliver higher income, diversified guest streams, and the flexibility to use your property personally, all while reducing the risks associated with relying on a single long-term tenant group.

Why 2026 Is a Turning Point for Durham Hosts

Several factors are converging this year to make short-term lets in Durham particularly lucrative:

1. Hybrid Student Accommodation Patterns
   Post-pandemic, universities are seeing more hybrid learning. Fewer students live on campus full-time, leaving many properties underutilised. This creates an opportunity to target alternative guest types without losing occupancy.

2. Rising Tourism Numbers
   Durham’s historic architecture, the cathedral, riverside walks, and scenic surroundings are attracting more visitors than ever. Domestic and international tourists are increasingly choosing multi-night stays in self-contained properties over hotels, providing a steady flow of bookings.

3. Corporate & Professional Travel
   Durham’s universities, research centres, and nearby business hubs generate corporate visitors throughout the year. These guests prefer flexible, high-quality properties with workspaces and reliable Wi-Fi.

4. Event-Driven Peaks
   Concerts, festivals, and sporting events provide short-term bursts of high demand. Events such as:

• Lumiere Durham

• Cathedral concerts and exhibitions

• University graduations and academic conferences

…bring in guests who are often willing to pay premium rates for well-located properties.

5. Diversifying Income Streams
   By moving away from student lets alone, property owners can reduce reliance on a single tenant type, spread risk, and benefit from higher, more flexible income potential.

Understanding Durham’s 2026 Short-Let Guests

Short-let guests can be grouped into three main categories, each with specific requirements:

1. Leisure Tourists

• Who they are: Families, couples, and groups seeking historic or cultural experiences

• Typical stay: 2–4 nights exploring Durham Cathedral, Castle, riverside, and local walks

• What they want: Comfortable interiors, kitchens, family-friendly spaces, and proximity to attractions

2. Corporate & Professional Guests

• Who they are: University researchers, visiting consultants, conference attendees, and training staff

• Typical stay: 3–14 nights, often midweek or recurring bookings for projects

• What they want: Reliable Wi-Fi, workspace, self-contained accommodation, flexible check-in, and central locations

3. Event-Driven Visitors

• Who they are: Festival goers, concert attendees, or sports fans

• Typical stay: 1–5 nights

• What they want: Convenience, comfort, and proximity to venues; often willing to pay premium rates

Understanding these guest types allows owners to tailor their property and marketing strategy for maximum bookings and revenue.

How Durham Owners Can Optimise Properties in 2026

Transforming a student let into a profitable short-let involves both practical upgrades and strategic marketing:

• Comfort & Style: Modern décor, quality beds, and inviting living spaces

• Connectivity: High-speed Wi-Fi and a dedicated workspace for remote or corporate guests

• Self Check-In: Flexible entry options improve convenience for all guests

• Amenities: Kitchens, laundry, and practical touches appeal to families and longer stays

• Location Marketing: Highlight proximity to Durham Cathedral, riverside walks, restaurants, and university facilities

• Professional Photography: High-quality images increase bookings and perceived value

• Flexible Bedding & Space Options: Sofa beds or extra rooms expand market potential for groups

Even smaller flats or one-bedroom properties can generate premium nightly rates if optimised for these needs.

How Pass the Keys Helps Durham Hosts

For property owners, managing a diverse short-let guest base can feel overwhelming. Pass the Keys provides full-service management to ensure properties perform at their best:

• Listing Creation & Optimisation: Target tourists, corporate visitors, and event-goers with professional descriptions and photos

• Dynamic Pricing: Adjust nightly rates to capture peak weekends, conferences, and event periods

• Guest Communication & Check-In: Seamless experiences for a high level of guest satisfaction

• Cleaning & Maintenance: Professional standards encourage repeat bookings and positive reviews

• Compliance Guidance: Navigate Durham-specific licensing, insurance, and tax regulations

This hands-off approach allows owners to maximise income and occupancy without daily management stress.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can student lets be converted successfully to short-term rentals?
A: Yes. With updates for comfort, workspace, and amenities, student lets can attract leisure, corporate, and event-driven guests.

Q: Is demand seasonal in Durham?
A: No. University events, festivals, and tourism create year-round bookings.

Q: Can I use my property personally between bookings?
A: Yes. Short lets offer flexible personal use alongside guest stays.

Q: Do smaller properties perform well?
A: Absolutely. Even studios or one-bedroom apartments can command premium nightly rates with proper upgrades and marketing.

Q: How can I target multiple guest types?
A: Tailor amenities, marketing, and location promotion to appeal to leisure tourists, corporate visitors, and event attendees simultaneously.

Conclusion

2026 represents a unique opportunity for Durham property owners. By shifting from student lets to short-term rentals, owners can benefit from:

• Diversified, year-round income streams

• High-value bookings from corporate, leisure, and event guests

• Flexibility to use the property personally

With Pass the Keys managing listings, pricing, guest communication, cleaning, and compliance, Durham hosts can confidently unlock the full potential of their property and capitalise on the city’s evolving visitor market in 2026.