Cornwall - a paradise for the Airbnb Market but not so good for housing people!

The holiday industry always portrays Cornwall as some idyllic, coastal and rural retreat.  An image which is at odds with life as lived by a lot of resident.s.

 

“When it comes to UK staycations, Cornwall continues to be one of the top picks — and it’s easy to see why. With its rugged coastline, picturesque villages and postcard-worthy beaches, Cornwall attracts a steady stream of domestic travellers, particularly during spring and summer.

In recent years, demand for rural and coastal Airbnb properties has skyrocketed and Cornwall remains at the heart of that trend. From surfing in Newquay to cliff walks in St Ives, guests come for the slower pace and outdoor lifestyle — making it an ideal market for everything from beach huts to family-sized cottages.”  [1].

An idyllic scene

 

Cornwall accounted for 3.4 million guest nights, (ONS), some 4.8% of the total across England.  [1].  Cornwall retains is position in the top ten of short term lets. 

 

According to  AirDNA – which tracks market data on airbnbs – recent statistics for Cornwall were:

Projected Annual Revenue  £42.7 K

Occupancy rate 68%

Average Daily Rate £145

Annual operating expense: £9.7k

Net operating income: £26.1k

[1].

 

Another report gives some details of the Cornish Airbnb market.

Average Airbnb Revenue in Cornwall

A typical short-term rental in Cornwall is booked for 226 nights per year, generating a medium Airbnb occupancy rate of 62% and an average daily rate (ADR) of £143 ($179). In September, 2024 - August, 2025, the average annual short-term rental revenue in Cornwall was £31K ($38K). As of 3rd October, 2025, there are 12,992 active Airbnb listings in Cornwall.

[2]. 

 

Conclusion

In the tourist world, Cornwall is a success, a prime location for holidays and holiday let owners.  Yet this success presents a partial picture of Cornwall.  If we examine the housing situation we discover another world. One where housing availability and affordability are real issues, where the number of properties used as second homes and holiday lets is approximately 23,000, and where some areas such as St. Ives and Newquay have significant numbers of properties unavailable to local residents.  

 

 Sources

1)   Top 10 Airbnb Markets in the UK in 2025, 30th October 2025.

https://www.hostaway.com/blog/top-airbnb-markets-uk/

 

2)   Airbnb Revenue in Cornwall, The United Kingdom: 2025 Short-Term Rental Data & Insights, 3rd October 2025.

https://airbtics.com/annual-airbnb-revenue-in-cornwall-uk/