Dornoch Airbnb Market Analysis 2025: Short Term Rental Data & Vacation Rental Statistics in Scotland, United Kingdom
Is Airbnb profitable in Dornoch in 2025? Explore comprehensive Airbnb analytics for Dornoch, Scotland, United Kingdom to uncover income potential. This 2025 STR market report for Dornoch, based on AirROI data from April 2024 to March 2025, reveals key trends in the niche market of 67 active listings.
Whether you're considering an Airbnb investment in Dornoch, optimizing your existing vacation rental, or exploring rental arbitrage opportunities, understanding the Dornoch Airbnb data is crucial. Navigating the high regulation landscape is key to maximizing your short term rental income potential. Let's dive into the specifics.
Key Dornoch Airbnb Performance Metrics Overview
Monthly Airbnb Revenue Variations & Income Potential in Dornoch (2025)
Understanding the monthly revenue variations for Airbnb listings in Dornoch is key to maximizing your short term rental income potential. Seasonality significantly impacts earnings. Our analysis, based on data from the past 12 months, shows that the peak revenue month for STRs in Dornoch is typically August, while January often presents the lowest earnings, highlighting opportunities for strategic pricing adjustments during shoulder and low seasons. Explore the typical Airbnb income in Dornoch across different performance tiers:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve $6,062+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $4,332 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
- Typical properties (Median) generate around $2,487 per month, representing the average market performance.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $1,428, often with potential for optimization.
Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in Dornoch
Dornoch Airbnb Occupancy Rate Trends (2025)
Maximize your bookings by understanding the Dornoch STR occupancy trends. Seasonal demand shifts significantly influence how often properties are booked. Typically, Augustsees the highest demand (peak season occupancy), while January experiences the lowest (low season). Effective strategies, like adjusting minimum stays or offering promotions, can boost occupancy during slower periods. Here's how different property tiers perform in Dornoch:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve 74%+ occupancy, indicating high desirability and potentially optimized availability.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) maintain 56% or higher occupancy, suggesting good market fit and guest satisfaction.
- Typical properties (Median) have an occupancy rate around 39%.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) average 19% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.
Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in Dornoch
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Airbnb Trends in Dornoch (2025)
Effective short term rental pricing strategy in Dornoch involves understanding monthly ADR fluctuations. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Dornoch typically peaks in December and dips lowest during April. Leveraging Airbnb dynamic pricing tools or strategies based on this seasonality can significantly boost revenue. Here's a look at the typical nightly rates achieved:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) command rates of $479+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $333 or more.
- Typical properties (Median) charge around $201 per night.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $140 per night.
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in Dornoch
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Airbnb Seasonality Analysis & Trends in Dornoch (2025)
Peak Season (August, June, July)
- Revenue averages $4,723 per month
- Occupancy rates average 56.7%
- Daily rates average $276
Shoulder Season
- Revenue averages $3,205 per month
- Occupancy maintains around 38.6%
- Daily rates hold near $274
Low Season (January, February, March)
- Revenue drops to average $1,670 per month
- Occupancy decreases to average 25.1%
- Daily rates adjust to average $272
Seasonality Insights for Dornoch
- The Airbnb seasonality in Dornoch shows highly seasonal trends requiring careful strategy. While the sections above show seasonal averages, it's also insightful to look at the extremes:
- During the high season, the absolute peak month showcases Dornoch's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues capable of climbing to $4,879, occupancy reaching a high of 62.5%, and ADRs peaking at $284.
- Conversely, the slowest single month of the year, typically falling within the low season, marks the market's lowest point. In this month, revenue might dip to $1,469, occupancy could drop to 20.5%, and ADRs may adjust down to $268.
- Understanding both the seasonal averages and these monthly peaks and troughs in revenue, occupancy, and ADR is crucial for maximizing your Airbnb profit potential in Dornoch.
Seasonal Strategies for Maximizing Profit
- Peak Season: Maximize revenue through premium pricing and potentially longer minimum stays. Ensure high availability.
- Low Season: Offer competitive pricing, special promotions (e.g., extended stay discounts), and flexible cancellation policies. Target off-season travelers like remote workers or budget-conscious guests.
- Shoulder Seasons: Implement dynamic pricing that balances peak and low rates. Target weekend travelers or specific events. Offer slightly more flexible terms than peak season.
- Regularly analyze your own performance against these Dornoch seasonality benchmarks and adjust your pricing and availability strategy accordingly.
Best Areas for Airbnb Investment in Dornoch (2025)
Exploring the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Dornoch? This section highlights key areas, outlining why they are attractive for hosts and guests, along with notable local attractions. Consider these locations based on your target guest profile and investment strategy.
| Neighborhood / Area | Why Host Here? (Target Guests & Appeal) | Key Attractions & Landmarks |
|---|---|---|
| Dornoch Beach | A beautiful sandy beach popular with families and outdoor enthusiasts, offering stunning coastal views and access to various water sports. Ideal for visitors looking for a relaxing beach getaway. | Dornoch Beach, Dornoch Water Sports, Pulteney Distillery, Royal Dornoch Golf Club, Dornoch Cathedral, Historic Dornoch Town |
| Dornoch Town Centre | The charming town center features quaint shops, restaurants, and cafes, providing a cozy and inviting atmosphere. It's perfect for tourists wanting to experience local culture and community. | Dornoch Castle, The Museum Formerly Known As The Dornoch Heritage Centre, Local art galleries, Historic buildings, Quaint boutiques, Cafes and pubs |
| Royal Dornoch Golf Club | Ranked as one of the top golf courses in the UK, the golf club attracts golf enthusiasts from around the world, making it a prime location for golfing vacations. | Royal Dornoch Golf Club, The Kailyard Restaurant, Golf academy, Stunning Highland scenery, Golfing events |
| Dornoch Firth | Known for its scenic beauty and wildlife, the firth offers outdoor activities like bird watching, fishing, and nature walks. Great for groups who enjoy outdoor adventures. | Dornoch Firth, Nature trails, Wildlife reserves, Fishing spots, Kayaking, Bird watching areas |
| Embo Village | A nearby village that offers a quaint feel just a short distance from Dornoch, ideal for tourists looking for a peaceful retreat close to the coast. | Embo Beach, Village center, Outdoor activities, Local pubs, Embo Links, Historical sites |
| Balblair | A picturesque area close to Dornoch which is known for its natural beauty and outdoor activities. Perfect for tourists looking to explore nature and rural life. | Walking trails, Cycling routes, Scenic views, Nature parks, Local wildlife, Quiet countryside |
| Shandwick Bay | Offering a tranquil setting with stunning views of the firth, Shandwick Bay is great for those seeking relaxation and outdoor activities like beachcombing and walking. | Shandwick Beach, Scenic walks, Picnic areas, Wildlife watching, Coastal views, Photography spots |
| Berriedale | A scenic area known for its rugged coastline and hills, providing access to excellent hiking trails. Ideal for tourists who enjoy highland adventures and exploration. | Berriedale River, Hiking trails, Wild scenery, Local flora and fauna, Historical sites, Photography opportunities |
Understanding Airbnb License Requirements & STR Laws in Dornoch (2025)
Yes, Dornoch, Scotland, United Kingdom enforces high STR regulations. Obtaining a license and ensuring compliance is almost certainly required according to current 2025 STR laws. Always verify the latest short term rental regulations and Airbnb license requirements directly with local government authorities for Dornoch to ensure full compliance before hosting.
(Source: AirROI data, 2025, based on 42% licensed listings)
Top Performing Airbnb Properties in Dornoch (2025)
Benchmark your potential! Explore examples of top-performing Airbnb properties in Dornochbased on Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) revenue. Analyze their characteristics, revenue, occupancy rate, and ADR to understand what drives success in this market.
16 The Meadows
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
Embo House
Entire Place • 8 bedrooms
Macdonald House
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Cathedral House
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
Cosy coastal cottage in the heart of Dornoch
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Luxury 2 bedroom apartment, balcony. Beach, golf.
Entire Place • 2 bedrooms
Note: Performance varies based on location, size, amenities, seasonality, and management quality. Data reflects the past 12 months.
Top Performing Airbnb Hosts in Dornoch (2025)
Learn from the best! This table showcases top-performing Airbnb hosts in Dornoch based on the number of properties managed and estimated total revenue over the past year. Analyze their scale and performance metrics.
| Host Name | Properties | Grossing Revenue | Stay Reviews | Avg Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cottages | 14 | $360,606 | 37 | 2.07/5.0 |
| Maggie | 10 | $260,398 | 48 | 3.44/5.0 |
| Jim | 2 | $112,412 | 8 | 5.00/5.0 |
| Lauren | 3 | $77,830 | 215 | 4.83/5.0 |
| Philip | 1 | $52,745 | 7 | 5.00/5.0 |
| Host #93678108 | 1 | $51,563 | 8 | 5.00/5.0 |
| Aurelie And David | 1 | $49,575 | 31 | 5.00/5.0 |
| Andrew | 1 | $47,767 | 44 | 4.95/5.0 |
| Cambusmore | 1 | $43,400 | 6 | 5.00/5.0 |
| Gareth | 1 | $42,725 | 8 | 5.00/5.0 |
Analyzing the strategies of top hosts, such as their property selection, pricing, and guest communication, can offer valuable lessons for optimizing your own Airbnb operations in Dornoch.
Dive Deeper: Advanced Dornoch STR Market Data (2025)
Ready to unlock more insights? AirROI provides access to advanced metrics and comprehensive Airbnb data for Dornoch. Explore detailed analytics beyond this report to refine your investment strategy, optimize pricing, and maximize your vacation rental profits.
Explore Advanced MetricsDornoch Short-Term Rental Market Composition (2025): Property & Room Types
Room Type Distribution
Property Type Distribution
Market Composition Insights for Dornoch
- The Dornoch Airbnb market composition is heavily skewed towards Entire Home/Apt listings, which make up 94% of the 67 active rentals. This indicates strong guest preference for privacy and space.
- Looking at the property type distribution in Dornoch, House properties are the most common (79.1%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
- Houses represent a significant 79.1% portion, catering likely to families or larger groups.
- Smaller segments like hotel/boutique, unique stays (combined 3.0%) offer potential for unique stay experiences.
Dornoch Airbnb Room Capacity Analysis (2025): Bedroom Distribution
Distribution of Listings by Number of Bedrooms
Room Capacity Insights for Dornoch
- The dominant room capacity in Dornoch is 2 bedrooms listings, making up 40.3% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for couples or solo travelers.
- Together, 2 bedrooms and 3 bedrooms properties represent 68.7% of the active Airbnb listings in Dornoch, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.
- A significant 47.8% of listings offer 3+ bedrooms, catering to larger groups and families seeking more space in Dornoch.
Dornoch Vacation Rental Guest Capacity Trends (2025)
Distribution of Listings by Guest Capacity
Guest Capacity Insights for Dornoch
- The most common guest capacity trend in Dornoch vacation rentals is listings accommodating 4 guests (40.3%). This suggests the primary traveler segment is likely small families or groups.
- Properties designed for 4 guests and 8+ guests dominate the Dornoch STR market, accounting for 58.2% of listings.
- 34.3% of properties accommodate 6+ guests, serving the market segment for larger families or group travel in Dornoch.
- On average, properties in Dornoch are equipped to host 4.7 guests.
Dornoch Airbnb Booking Patterns (2025): Available vs. Booked Days
Available Days Distribution
Booked Days Distribution
Booking Pattern Insights for Dornoch
- The most common availability pattern in Dornoch falls within the 271-366 days range, representing 44.8% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
- Approximately 88.1% of listings show high availability (181+ days open annually), indicating potential for increased bookings or specific owner usage patterns.
- For booked days, the 91-180 days range is most frequent in Dornoch (44.8%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
- A notable 11.9% of properties secure long booking periods (181+ days booked per year), highlighting successful long-term rental strategies or significant owner usage.
Dornoch Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis
Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement
1 Night
10 listings
15.4% of total
2 Nights
10 listings
15.4% of total
3 Nights
25 listings
38.5% of total
4-6 Nights
8 listings
12.3% of total
30+ Nights
12 listings
18.5% of total
Key Insights
- The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in Dornoch is 3 Nights, adopted by 38.5% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for longer commitments.
- A significant segment (18.5%) caters to monthly stays (30+ nights) in Dornoch, pointing to opportunities in the extended-stay market.
Recommendations
- Align with the market by considering a 3 Nights minimum stay, as 38.5% of Dornoch hosts use this setting.
- If feasible, allowing 1-night stays, especially midweek or during low season, could capture last-minute bookings, as only 15.4% currently do.
- Explore offering discounts for stays of 30+ nights to attract the 18.5% of the market seeking extended stays.
- Adjust minimum nights based on seasonality – potentially shorter during low season and longer during peak demand periods in Dornoch.
Dornoch Airbnb Cancellation Policy Trends Analysis (2025)
Super Strict 30 Days
1 listings
2% of total
Super Strict 60 Days
6 listings
12% of total
Flexible
5 listings
10% of total
Moderate
7 listings
14% of total
Firm
12 listings
24% of total
Strict
19 listings
38% of total
Cancellation Policy Insights for Dornoch
- The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in Dornoch is Strict, used by 38% of listings.
- A majority (62.0%) of hosts in Dornoch utilize Firm or Strict policies, indicating a market where hosts prioritize booking security.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Consider adopting a Strict policy to align with the 38% market standard in Dornoch.
- With 38% using Strict terms, this is a viable option in Dornoch, particularly for high-value properties or during peak demand periods.
- Regularly review your cancellation policy against competitors and market demand shifts in Dornoch.
Dornoch STR Booking Lead Time Analysis (2025)
Average Booking Lead Time by Month
Booking Lead Time Insights for Dornoch
- The overall average booking lead time for vacation rentals in Dornoch is 86 days.
- Guests book furthest in advance for stays during July (average 159 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
- The shortest booking windows occur for stays in February (average 17 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
- Seasonally, Summer (131 days avg.) sees the longest lead times, while Winter (58 days avg.) has the shortest, reflecting typical travel planning cycles.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Use the overall average lead time (86 days) as a baseline for your pricing and availability strategy in Dornoch.
- For July stays, consider implementing length-of-stay discounts or slightly higher rates for bookings made less than 159 days out to capitalize on advance planning.
- Target marketing efforts for the Summer season well in advance (at least 131 days) to capture early planners.
- Monitor your own booking lead times against these Dornoch averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.
Popular & Essential Airbnb Amenities in Dornoch (2025)
Amenity Prevalence
Amenity Insights for Dornoch
- Essential amenities in Dornoch that guests expect include: Smoke alarm, TV, Wifi, Kitchen. Lacking these (any) could significantly impact bookings.
- Popular amenities like Heating, Hangers, Free parking on premises are common but not universal. Offering these can provide a competitive edge.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Ensure your listing includes all essential amenities for Dornoch: Smoke alarm, TV, Wifi, Kitchen.
- Prioritize adding missing essentials: Smoke alarm, TV, Wifi, Kitchen.
- Consider adding popular differentiators like Heating or Hangers to increase appeal.
- Highlight unique or less common amenities you offer (e.g., hot tub, dedicated workspace, EV charger) in your listing description and photos.
- Regularly check competitor amenities in Dornoch to stay competitive.
Dornoch Airbnb Guest Demographics & Profile Analysis (2025)
Guest Profile Summary for Dornoch
- The typical guest profile for Airbnb in Dornoch consists of a mix of domestic (60%) and international guests, often arriving from nearby Scotland, typically belonging to the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group (50%), primarily speaking English or French.
- Domestic travelers account for 59.8% of guests.
- Key international markets include United Kingdom (59.8%) and United States (18.4%).
- Top languages spoken are English (66%) followed by French (8.3%).
- A significant demographic segment is the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group, representing 50% of guests.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Balance marketing efforts between domestic and international channels based on the guest mix.
- Tailor amenities and listing descriptions to appeal to the dominant Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) demographic (e.g., highlight fast WiFi, smart home features, local guides).
- Highlight unique local experiences or amenities relevant to the primary guest profile.
- Consider seasonal promotions aligned with peak travel times for key origin markets.
Nearby Short-Term Rental Market Comparison
How does the Dornoch Airbnb market stack up against its neighbors? Compare key performance metrics like average monthly revenue, ADR, and occupancy rates in surrounding areas to understand the broader regional STR landscape.
| Market | Active Properties | Monthly Revenue | Daily Rate | Avg. Occupancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fearnan | 19 | $6,440 | $421.92 | 53% |
| Bridge of Cally | 16 | $5,839 | $566.24 | 50% |
| Kirkhill | 10 | $5,719 | $700.26 | 44% |
| Glenachulish | 33 | $5,609 | $424.51 | 46% |
| North Kessock | 10 | $5,421 | $380.62 | 58% |
| Foyers | 14 | $5,076 | $274.52 | 64% |
| Arrochar | 33 | $5,045 | $339.11 | 56% |
| Whitebridge | 10 | $4,907 | $417.35 | 42% |
| Acharn | 10 | $4,813 | $278.43 | 57% |
| Camuscross | 11 | $4,649 | $300.59 | 61% |