Scottish Borders Airbnb Market Analysis 2025: Short Term Rental Data & Vacation Rental Statistics in Scotland, United Kingdom

Source: AirROI
Last updated: 2025-03-31

Is Airbnb profitable in Scottish Borders in 2025? Explore comprehensive Airbnb analytics for Scottish Borders, Scotland, United Kingdom to uncover income potential. This 2025 STR market report for Scottish Borders, based on AirROI data from April 2024 to March 2025, reveals key trends in the niche market of 65 active listings.

Whether you're considering an Airbnb investment in Scottish Borders, optimizing your existing vacation rental, or exploring rental arbitrage opportunities, understanding the Scottish Borders Airbnb data is crucial. Understanding the local regulations is key to maximizing your short term rental income potential. Let's dive into the specifics.

Key Scottish Borders Airbnb Performance Metrics Overview

Avg. Daily Rate (ADR)(?)
$245
The average rental revenue earned for an occupied room per day in Scottish Borders.
Occupancy Rate(?)
42.4%
Moderate demand with booking opportunities.
Median Annual Revenue(?)
$27,420
Typical annual income for an Airbnb listing in Scottish Borders. Factors like property type, size, and location influence actual earnings.
Revenue Growth YoY(?)
-7.2%
Slight decrease (-7.2%) vs. last year.
Peak Revenue Month(?)
May
The month with the highest average earnings, indicating peak season in Scottish Borders.
Lowest Revenue Month(?)
March
The month with the lowest average earnings, indicating the low season in Scottish Borders.
STR Regulation Level(?)
Moderate
Regulation details vary. Check local government sources.
Active Airbnb Listings(?)
65
Total number of active short-term rentals listed.

Monthly Airbnb Revenue Variations & Income Potential in Scottish Borders (2025)

Understanding the monthly revenue variations for Airbnb listings in Scottish Borders 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 Scottish Borders is typically May, while March often presents the lowest earnings, highlighting opportunities for strategic pricing adjustments during shoulder and low seasons. Explore the typical Airbnb income in Scottish Borders across different performance tiers:

  • Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve $6,187+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
  • Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $4,198 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
  • Typical properties (Median) generate around $2,572 per month, representing the average market performance.
  • Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $1,183, often with potential for optimization.

Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in Scottish Borders

Scottish Borders Airbnb Occupancy Rate Trends (2025)

Maximize your bookings by understanding the Scottish Borders STR occupancy trends. Seasonal demand shifts significantly influence how often properties are booked. Typically, Augustsees the highest demand (peak season occupancy), while March 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 Scottish Borders:

  • Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve 83%+ occupancy, indicating high desirability and potentially optimized availability.
  • Strong performing properties (Top 25%) maintain 65% or higher occupancy, suggesting good market fit and guest satisfaction.
  • Typical properties (Median) have an occupancy rate around 42%.
  • Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) average 19% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.

Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in Scottish Borders

Average Daily Rate (ADR) Airbnb Trends in Scottish Borders (2025)

Effective short term rental pricing strategy in Scottish Borders involves understanding monthly ADR fluctuations. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Scottish Borders 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 $387+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
  • Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $257 or more.
  • Typical properties (Median) charge around $167 per night.
  • Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $120 per night.

Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in Scottish Borders

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Airbnb Seasonality Analysis & Trends in Scottish Borders (2025)

Peak Season (May, August, July)
  • Revenue averages $4,192 per month
  • Occupancy rates average 56.7%
  • Daily rates average $239
Shoulder Season
  • Revenue averages $3,216 per month
  • Occupancy maintains around 44.0%
  • Daily rates hold near $236
Low Season (January, February, March)
  • Revenue drops to average $2,339 per month
  • Occupancy decreases to average 31.4%
  • Daily rates adjust to average $235

Seasonality Insights for Scottish Borders

  • The Airbnb seasonality in Scottish Borders 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 Scottish Borders's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues capable of climbing to $4,307, occupancy reaching a high of 58.8%, and ADRs peaking at $246.
  • 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 $1,976, occupancy could drop to 26.0%, and ADRs may adjust down to $228.
  • 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 Scottish Borders.

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 Scottish Borders seasonality benchmarks and adjust your pricing and availability strategy accordingly.

Best Areas for Airbnb Investment in Scottish Borders (2025)

Exploring the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Scottish Borders? 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 / AreaWhy Host Here? (Target Guests & Appeal)Key Attractions & Landmarks
Melrose
A historic town famed for its beautiful abbey and stunning countryside, making it a popular destination for tourists and hikers alike.
Melrose Abbey, Scott's View, The Eildon Hills, River Tweed, Dryburgh Abbey
Peebles
A charming town located on the banks of the River Tweed, known for its outdoor activities and vibrant local culture, appealing to families and nature lovers.
Tweed Valley Forest Park, Neidpath Castle, Peebles Hydro Spa, Peebles Golf Club, River Tweed walks
Kelso
Renowned for its impressive architecture and historical sites, this market town draws visitors interested in history and charming small-town life.
Kelso Abbey, Floors Castle, Teviot and Tweed Rivers, Kelso Racecourse, The Cross
Jedburgh
A picturesque town with a rich historical background, Jedburgh attracts those interested in history and heritage tourism.
Jedburgh Abbey, Mary Queen of Scots House, Jedburgh Castle Jail, Cistercian Abbey, The Abbeys Trail
Galashiels
A town on the River Gala, known for its textile industry history and as a gateway to the scenic Borders, attracting visitors for shopping and nature.
The Old Gala House, Galashiels Abbey, The River Gala Walk, Tweedbank, The Borders Railway
Hawick
Famous for its textile and woolen industry, Hawick appeals to tourists looking for unique shopping experiences and outdoor activities.
Hawick Museum, Wilton Lodge Park, Hawick Cashmere, The Borders Common Ridings, River Teviot
Selkirk
A historic market town known for its scenic landscapes and outdoor activities, a great spot for walkers and those seeking tranquility.
Abbotsford House, Selkirk Common Riding, The Haining, Riding the Borders, Yarrow Valley
Eyemouth
A coastal town offering seaside attractions, beautiful beaches, and water sports, making it a popular summer destination for tourists.
Eyemouth Harbour, St Abbs Head, Eyemouth Beach, The Gunsgreen House, Marine Conservation Society

Understanding Airbnb License Requirements & STR Laws in Scottish Borders (2025)

With 17% of listings showing registration in 2025, understanding potential Airbnb license requirements is crucial in Scottish Borders. Always verify the latest short term rental regulations and Airbnb license requirements directly with local government authorities for Scottish Borders to ensure full compliance before hosting.

(Source: AirROI data, 2025, based on 17% licensed listings)

Top Performing Airbnb Properties in Scottish Borders (2025)

Benchmark your potential! Explore examples of top-performing Airbnb properties in Scottish Bordersbased on Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) revenue. Analyze their characteristics, revenue, occupancy rate, and ADR to understand what drives success in this market.

Lochside Stable Hse

Lochside Stable Hse

Entire Place • 4 bedrooms

$143,554
Revenue
72.0%
Occupancy
$476.78
Daily Rate
Private country house with outdoor hot tub

Private country house with outdoor hot tub

Entire Place • 5 bedrooms

$107,124
Revenue
38.7%
Occupancy
$681.69
Daily Rate
Lochside Garden House - S4484

Lochside Garden House - S4484

Entire Place • 7 bedrooms

$92,649
Revenue
46.8%
Occupancy
$529.43
Daily Rate
Comfortable Family Farmhouse by St Mary's Loch

Comfortable Family Farmhouse by St Mary's Loch

Entire Place • 5 bedrooms

$79,374
Revenue
48.4%
Occupancy
$447.01
Daily Rate
Unique and secluded loch side cabin

Unique and secluded loch side cabin

Entire Place • 2 bedrooms

$67,717
Revenue
62.2%
Occupancy
$271.68
Daily Rate
Courtyard House

Courtyard House

Entire Place • 3 bedrooms

$58,607
Revenue
70.6%
Occupancy
$226.58
Daily Rate

Note: Performance varies based on location, size, amenities, seasonality, and management quality. Data reflects the past 12 months.

Top Performing Airbnb Hosts in Scottish Borders (2025)

Learn from the best! This table showcases top-performing Airbnb hosts in Scottish Borders based on the number of properties managed and estimated total revenue over the past year. Analyze their scale and performance metrics.

Host NamePropertiesGrossing RevenueStay ReviewsAvg Rating
Cottages7$346,434783.42/5.0
Kate2$112,674784.99/5.0
Olly2$111,2864164.93/5.0
Ian1$107,124304.93/5.0
Samantha1$67,717895.00/5.0
Anne2$64,4941524.91/5.0
Gail1$58,607804.93/5.0
Andria1$53,400275.00/5.0
Susan1$50,962224.95/5.0
Colin And Adele1$49,854314.97/5.0

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 Scottish Borders.

Dive Deeper: Advanced Scottish Borders STR Market Data (2025)

Ready to unlock more insights? AirROI provides access to advanced metrics and comprehensive Airbnb data for Scottish Borders. Explore detailed analytics beyond this report to refine your investment strategy, optimize pricing, and maximize your vacation rental profits.

Explore Advanced Metrics

Scottish Borders Short-Term Rental Market Composition (2025): Property & Room Types

Room Type Distribution

Property Type Distribution

Market Composition Insights for Scottish Borders

  • The Scottish Borders Airbnb market composition is heavily skewed towards Entire Home/Apt listings, which make up 84.6% of the 65 active rentals. This indicates strong guest preference for privacy and space.
  • Looking at the property type distribution in Scottish Borders, House properties are the most common (76.9%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
  • Houses represent a significant 76.9% portion, catering likely to families or larger groups.
  • Smaller segments like hotel/boutique, unique stays, apartment/condo (combined 7.6%) offer potential for unique stay experiences.

Scottish Borders Airbnb Room Capacity Analysis (2025): Bedroom Distribution

Distribution of Listings by Number of Bedrooms

Room Capacity Insights for Scottish Borders

  • The dominant room capacity in Scottish Borders is 2 bedrooms listings, making up 36.9% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for couples or solo travelers.
  • Together, 2 bedrooms and 1 bedroom properties represent 61.5% of the active Airbnb listings in Scottish Borders, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.
  • A significant 32.4% of listings offer 3+ bedrooms, catering to larger groups and families seeking more space in Scottish Borders.

Scottish Borders Vacation Rental Guest Capacity Trends (2025)

Distribution of Listings by Guest Capacity

Guest Capacity Insights for Scottish Borders

  • The most common guest capacity trend in Scottish Borders vacation rentals is listings accommodating 4 guests (26.2%). This suggests the primary traveler segment is likely small families or groups.
  • Properties designed for 4 guests and 6 guests dominate the Scottish Borders STR market, accounting for 44.7% of listings.
  • 36.9% of properties accommodate 6+ guests, serving the market segment for larger families or group travel in Scottish Borders.
  • On average, properties in Scottish Borders are equipped to host 4.3 guests.

Scottish Borders Airbnb Booking Patterns (2025): Available vs. Booked Days

Available Days Distribution

Booked Days Distribution

Booking Pattern Insights for Scottish Borders

  • The most common availability pattern in Scottish Borders falls within the 271-366 days range, representing 38.5% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
  • Approximately 70.8% 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 Scottish Borders (32.3%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
  • A notable 29.2% of properties secure long booking periods (181+ days booked per year), highlighting successful long-term rental strategies or significant owner usage.

Scottish Borders Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis

Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement

1 Night (19%)

1 Night

11 listings

19% of total

2 Nights (29.3%)

2 Nights

17 listings

29.3% of total

3 Nights (29.3%)

3 Nights

17 listings

29.3% of total

4-6 Nights (5.2%)

4-6 Nights

3 listings

5.2% of total

30+ Nights (17.2%)

30+ Nights

10 listings

17.2% of total

Key Insights

  • The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in Scottish Borders is 2 Nights, adopted by 29.3% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for shorter, flexible bookings.
  • A significant segment (17.2%) caters to monthly stays (30+ nights) in Scottish Borders, pointing to opportunities in the extended-stay market.

Recommendations

  • Align with the market by considering a 2 Nights minimum stay, as 29.3% of Scottish Borders hosts use this setting.
  • If feasible, allowing 1-night stays, especially midweek or during low season, could capture last-minute bookings, as only 19% currently do.
  • Explore offering discounts for stays of 30+ nights to attract the 17.2% of the market seeking extended stays.
  • Adjust minimum nights based on seasonality – potentially shorter during low season and longer during peak demand periods in Scottish Borders.

Scottish Borders Airbnb Cancellation Policy Trends Analysis (2025)

Super Strict 60 Days (18%)

Super Strict 60 Days

9 listings

18% of total

Flexible (22%)

Flexible

11 listings

22% of total

Moderate (10%)

Moderate

5 listings

10% of total

Firm (36%)

Firm

18 listings

36% of total

Strict (14%)

Strict

7 listings

14% of total

Cancellation Policy Insights for Scottish Borders

  • The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in Scottish Borders is Firm, used by 36% of listings.
  • There's a relatively balanced mix between guest-friendly (32.0%) and stricter (50.0%) policies, offering choices for different guest needs.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Consider adopting a Firm policy to align with the 36% market standard in Scottish Borders.
  • Using a Strict policy might deter some guests, as only 14% of listings use it. Evaluate if potential revenue protection outweighs possible lower booking rates.
  • Regularly review your cancellation policy against competitors and market demand shifts in Scottish Borders.

Scottish Borders STR Booking Lead Time Analysis (2025)

Average Booking Lead Time by Month

Booking Lead Time Insights for Scottish Borders

  • The overall average booking lead time for vacation rentals in Scottish Borders is 52 days.
  • Guests book furthest in advance for stays during May (average 84 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
  • The shortest booking windows occur for stays in January (average 49 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
  • Seasonally, Spring (73 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 (52 days) as a baseline for your pricing and availability strategy in Scottish Borders.
  • For May stays, consider implementing length-of-stay discounts or slightly higher rates for bookings made less than 84 days out to capitalize on advance planning.
  • Target marketing efforts for the Spring season well in advance (at least 73 days) to capture early planners.
  • Monitor your own booking lead times against these Scottish Borders averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.

Popular & Essential Airbnb Amenities in Scottish Borders (2025)

Amenity Prevalence

Amenity Insights for Scottish Borders

  • Essential amenities in Scottish Borders that guests expect include: Heating, Smoke alarm, Kitchen, TV, Free parking on premises. Lacking these (any) could significantly impact bookings.
  • Popular amenities like Wifi, Hot water, Essentials are common but not universal. Offering these can provide a competitive edge.
  • Warning: Wifi is not universally provided but is considered essential globally. Ensure reliable Wifi is offered.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Ensure your listing includes all essential amenities for Scottish Borders: Heating, Smoke alarm, Kitchen, TV, Free parking on premises.
  • Prioritize adding missing essentials: Heating, Smoke alarm, Kitchen, TV, Free parking on premises.
  • Consider adding popular differentiators like Wifi or Hot water 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 Scottish Borders to stay competitive.

Scottish Borders Airbnb Guest Demographics & Profile Analysis (2025)

Guest Origin: Domestic vs. International
Top 5 Cities of Origin
Top 5 Countries of Origin
Top 5 Languages Spoken
Guest Age Distribution (Birth Decade)

Guest Profile Summary for Scottish Borders

  • The typical guest profile for Airbnb in Scottish Borders consists of primarily domestic travelers (87%), often arriving from nearby England, typically belonging to the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group (50%), primarily speaking English or French.
  • Domestic travelers account for 87.1% of guests.
  • Key international markets include United Kingdom (87.1%) and United States (3.8%).
  • Top languages spoken are English (65.6%) followed by French (10%).
  • A significant demographic segment is the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group, representing 50% of guests.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Target domestic marketing efforts towards travelers from England and Edinburgh.
  • 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 Scottish Borders 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.

MarketActive PropertiesMonthly RevenueDaily RateAvg. Occupancy
Gorebridge12$6,209$493.6254%
Bridge of Cally16$5,839$566.2450%
Grinton14$5,456$365.0551%
Cartmel Fell17$4,719$331.6852%
Casterton11$4,578$300.8251%
Cark11$4,540$885.2131%
City of Edinburgh4,312$4,528$274.6761%
Kenmore10$4,507$430.3441%
Waverton16$4,358$444.2033%
Hayton13$4,333$239.5360%

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