Few UK cities offer as rich a blend of history, culture, and modern charm as York. From its cobbled medieval streets and Roman walls to its independent coffee shops and thriving student scene, York continues to capture the imagination of travellers from around the world. But in 2025, it isn’t just visitors who are flocking to the city — it’s investors and hosts, drawn by a short-term rental market that’s outperforming most of the North of England.
York’s Airbnb and holiday let sector is thriving. Despite broader uncertainty in the UK housing market, York’s unique combination of heritage tourism, university-driven demand, and a growing calendar of cultural events has pushed occupancy rates to record highs. According to industry analysts, short-let occupancy in York averaged 79–82% in 2024, and early 2025 data suggests even stronger figures ahead.
In this article, we’ll explore what’s behind York’s holiday let boom — examining how tourism, education, and smart property management are shaping one of the country’s most resilient short-let markets. We’ll also highlight how Pass the Keys York, the city’s trusted local management partner, is helping hosts turn this momentum into consistent returns.
York has always been one of Britain’s most visited historic cities, but its tourism appeal has broadened in recent years. No longer just a destination for history enthusiasts, York now attracts a wider audience seeking boutique stays, independent dining, and immersive local experiences.
According to Visit York, the city now welcomes over 8 million visitors annually, contributing more than £1 billion to the local economy. International travel has rebounded strongly, with American and European tourists returning in high numbers, while domestic “mini-break” travel continues to thrive.
Visitors come for:
The York Minster, one of Europe’s most magnificent Gothic cathedrals.
The Shambles, a world-famous medieval street lined with cafes, shops, and Airbnb apartments.
York’s Museums and Attractions like the National Railway Museum, Clifford’s Tower, and the JORVIK Viking Centre.
Seasonal events, including the York Christmas Market, Ebor Racing Festival, and York Food & Drink Festival.
Each of these events brings predictable surges in short-let demand — with many properties booking out months in advance and nightly rates often doubling during peak weekends.
Beyond tourism, York’s academic institutions quietly underpin the city’s short-term rental resilience. The University of York and York St John University draw thousands of students, academics, and visiting researchers every year — many of whom seek short-term accommodation for study terms, conferences, and relocation periods.
Hosts benefit from steady mid-term bookings between September and June, driven by:
Visiting lecturers and postgraduate students needing furnished accommodation.
Parents visiting for graduation ceremonies and open days.
Summer language schools and international exchange programmes.
This segment provides valuable income stability during months when leisure tourism dips, keeping occupancy high even in January and February — traditionally quiet periods for many northern destinations.
Another key factor driving York’s record occupancy rates in 2025 is the rise of “slow travel” and remote work tourism. As professionals embrace hybrid working, more travellers are choosing to spend extended stays in smaller, culturally rich cities rather than major urban hubs.
Excellent rail links to London, Leeds, and Edinburgh.
Strong broadband connectivity across the city centre.
Safe, walkable neighbourhoods with cafes, coworking spaces, and riverside walks.
A relaxed pace of life combined with urban convenience.
This “work-from-anywhere” demographic often books stays of 2–6 weeks, offering hosts fewer changeovers and higher average revenue per booking.
With platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com now promoting “long stay discounts,” many York hosts have adapted their pricing to cater to this trend — offering reduced weekly rates while maintaining healthy profits.
York’s compact geography and rich architectural mix make it a diverse and profitable short-let city. From period apartments in the city centre to stylish townhouses in up-and-coming neighbourhoods, there’s a strong balance of demand and supply.
City Centre & The Shambles: High nightly rates and exceptional occupancy from tourists.
Bootham & Clifton: Popular with families and business travellers seeking quiet, spacious homes.
South Bank: A thriving area close to the racecourse, ideal for longer stays and event bookings.
Heworth & Fulford: Strong mid-term demand from university visitors and professionals.
According to AirDNA, average nightly rates for York Airbnbs in 2025 stand around £145–£180, with premium listings near the Minster commanding £250+ during peak periods. Annual occupancy is forecast to remain above 80%, thanks to York’s balanced mix of tourism, education, and local events.
While York’s market is brimming with opportunity, hosting successfully requires time, precision, and professionalism. Many local landlords who once relied on traditional tenancies are now discovering the benefits of outsourcing to professional short-let management companies like Pass the Keys York.
The local team, led by Sam March, combines local knowledge with national expertise to help hosts optimise every aspect of their short-let business:
Dynamic Pricing: Real-time rate adjustments based on demand trends and event calendars.
Professional Photography & Listing Optimisation: Ensuring listings stand out and convert views into bookings.
24/7 Guest Communication: A seamless guest experience that drives five-star reviews and repeat bookings.
Cleaning & Maintenance Coordination: Ensuring every stay meets high standards without owner stress.
For investors and homeowners, this end-to-end service means higher yields, fewer vacancies, and complete peace of mind.
York’s short-term rental success shows no signs of slowing. Analysts predict continued growth as travel patterns stabilise and demand for domestic heritage destinations remains strong.
Future drivers include:
Increased rail tourism thanks to improved LNER services.
Expansion of University of York’s research facilities, bringing more academic visitors.
The Northern Powerhouse initiative, which is boosting business travel and regional tourism visibility.
Continued preference for flexible accommodation over traditional hotels.
With its blend of history, hospitality, and strong year-round visitor base, York remains one of the UK’s most resilient and rewarding cities for holiday-let investment.
York’s short-let surge in 2025 is more than a passing trend — it’s the natural outcome of a city that continues to reinvent itself while preserving its timeless appeal. Whether you’re hosting a cosy studio in the city centre or a character-filled townhouse near the Minster, the potential for high returns has never been greater.
However, success in York’s competitive Airbnb landscape depends on professional management, pricing intelligence, and guest satisfaction — all areas where Pass the Keys York excels.
As the UK’s leading short-let management company, Pass the Keys handles every detail of hosting: from guest communication and cleaning to marketing, compliance, and revenue optimisation. Their York-based team, led by Sam March, provides local insight backed by national technology, ensuring hosts can enjoy consistent income and top-tier reviews without the day-to-day hassle.
If you’re ready to unlock the full potential of your property in York’s thriving short-term rental market, partnering with Pass the Keys York is the smartest step you can take.