Once hailed as a win-win solution for homeowners and travellers, Airbnb is now facing backlash in cities across the UK — and Bristol is no exception. A recent report reveals a concerning trend in the city’s housing market: a sharp increase in entire homes being lost to the short-term rental sector. As the popularity of platforms like Airbnb grows, so too does the pressure on Bristol’s already stretched housing availability.

But what exactly is happening in Bristol, and why should residents and landlords alike be paying attention? In this post, we’ll explore the data, consequences, and steps local communities are calling for to balance tourism with housing needs.

According to data from the Inside Airbnb project, the number of entire homes or apartments listed in Bristol rose by a staggering 153% between September 2015 and August 2019. The number jumped from 433 to over 1,100 listings, while private room listings saw only modest increases.

This surge has led to fears that landlords are increasingly choosing short-term rentals over long-term lets — effectively removing entire homes from the traditional housing market.

These listings are concentrated in popular, central areas such as Clifton, Bishopston, and Totterdown — neighbourhoods which are otherwise well-suited for family dwellings or affordable lets for locals and students.

Short-term lets may benefit landlords with higher nightly rates, but they also have significant knock-on effects. Critics argue that the rise of Airbnb is exacerbating Bristol’s housing crisis by reducing the availability of housing stock for residents, increasing rents, and pushing out local families in favour of part-time tourists.

In real terms, the conversion of full homes into short-term accommodations means fewer options for those seeking to rent or buy in Bristol — particularly for lower-income individuals or young professionals.

These findings are part of a wider UK trend, where cities with booming tourism economies are seeing increasing clashes between short-term rental profitability and long-term housing needs.

There are multiple factors behind the rise in full-home short lets:

• Financial Incentives: Property owners can often earn significantly more listing short-term than renting long-term.
• Low Regulation: Until recently, Bristol and many UK cities had limited enforcement mechanisms or caps for short-term lets, unlike cities such as Amsterdam or New York.
• Tech Convenience: Platforms like Airbnb make listing a property incredibly easy for homeowners with little to no overhead or middleman involvement.

However, as detailed in our guide to the 90-day Airbnb rule, the tide may be turning as more cities introduce regulations to curb excessive short-term renting.

Councillors, housing organisations, and local residents are increasingly urging for regulations to address this growing problem. Some of the proposed measures include:

• Introducing a formal registration system for short-term lets.
• Limiting the number of days a primary residence can be rented out annually.
• Stricter enforcement against landlords using multiple properties solely as Airbnb units.

One of the leading suggestions is to adopt models similar to those introduced by the UK government, which include licensing schemes and planning permissions for converting homes into holiday lets.

While Airbnb and short-term rentals offer real income potential, it’s vital for landlords to understand their market impact — and act responsibly. Working with a professional management company like Moa & Kin’s Airbnb management services in Bristol can help ensure compliance with local laws and sustainable hosting practices.

By maintaining high standards of hosting and considering property use in a way that doesn’t disrupt community balance, landlords can be part of a more sustainable short-let ecosystem. Our guide to choosing an Airbnb management company breaks down what to look out for when making your selection.

Bristol City Council has already begun dialogues about regulation, including the potential introduction of zoning restrictions and licensing. If implemented well, these policies could strike a better balance between encouraging tourism and preserving local housing availability.

Investing in property? It’s more important than ever to understand local dynamics before converting a long-term let into a short-term one. Check out the best practices for managing an Airbnb property to avoid common pitfalls that affect neighbourhood harmony and profitability.

The growth of short-term lets in Bristol is a powerful indicator of changing travel trends — but it also raises critical questions about housing supply, affordability, and urban planning. Landlords, policymakers, and residents alike need to consider how to manage these shifts in a way that benefits everyone.

Whether you’re a homeowner considering a short-term rental, or a policymaker seeking sustainable solutions, it’s clear Bristol needs thoughtful strategies to ensure the city remains vibrant, habitable, and inclusive for all.

Looking to host responsibly in Bristol or another UK city? Learn more about our Airbnb management services by visiting our services page.