Airbnb Market Analytics, Statistics and Data in Fort William, Scotland, United Kingdom
Last updated: 2025-01-31
Looking to make more money with hosting or rental arbitraging Airbnbs, short-term rentals, vacation rentals in Fort William? AirROI have just the data insights! Over the last twelve months from February 2024 to January 2025, we've uncovered key trends and opportunities that successful hosts are leveraging in Fort William:
How much do Airbnb hosts make on average per month in Fort William?
The short-term rental market in Fort William shows distinct revenue patterns across different property tiers. Our analysis reveals that successful properties combine strategic pricing with quality management to maximize earnings potential. Market data demonstrates clear revenue differentiation among properties:
- Typical properties (median) earn $3,245 per month
- Strong performing properties (top 25%) make $5,013 or more
- Best-in-class properties (top 10%) achieve $7,369+ monthly
- Entry-level properties (bottom 25%) typically earn around $2,016
Revenue Variations by Month
Occupancy Rates Throughout the Year in Fort William
The market in Fort William shows distinct occupancy patterns influenced by seasonal trends and local dynamics. Properties that maintain high guest satisfaction scores and implement strategic pricing consistently achieve stronger occupancy rates. Current market data shows:
- Typical properties (median) maintain 58% occupancy rates
- Strong performing properties (top 25%) achieve 75% or higher
- Best-in-class properties (top 10%) reach 87%+occupancy
- Entry-level properties (bottom 25%) average around 39%
Occupancy Variations by Month
Average Daily Rates Seasonal Trends in Fort William
Daily rates in Fort William vary based on seasonality, property quality, and market dynamics. Properties that effectively balance competitive pricing with strong amenities typically command higher rates. Market analysis shows the following rate structure:
- Typical properties (median) generate $180 per night
- Strong performing properties (top 25%) secure $250 or more
- Best-in-class properties (top 10%) pull in $355+ per night
- Entry-level properties (bottom 25%) earn around $124
Daily Rate Variations by Month
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Seasonality patterns in Fort William
Peak Season (August, July, May)
- Revenue peaks at $6336.37 per month
- Occupancy rates reach 76.86%
- Daily rates average $254.73
Shoulder Season
- Revenue averages $4070.85 per month
- Occupancy maintains 55.63%
- Daily rates hold at $217.82
Low Season (February, November, January)
- Revenue drops to $2106.69 per month
- Occupancy decreases to 31.07%
- Daily rates adjust to $191.36
Is it still profitable to do Airbnb in Fort William in 2025?
Yes! Fort William demonstrates highly seasonal trends requiring strategic adaptation, featuring a healthy occupancy rate of 56% and strong monthly revenue averaging $4071 and With 215 active listings, the market shows established demand while maintaining room for growth. There's also room for profit through rental arbitrage strategies, if you can identify competitively priced properties. To maximize your return on investment, consider employing the following strategies:
Peak Season Strategy
- Implement premium seasonal pricing strategies
- Set longer minimum stay requirements during high-demand periods
- Enforce stricter cancellation policies
Shoulder Season Strategy
- Maintain competitive market-based pricing
- Offer moderate-length stay incentives
- Target a mix of leisure and business travelers with flexible booking terms
- Focus on weekend getaway packages and mid-week business traveler promotions
Low Season Strategy
- Adjust pricing to remain competitive in the market
- Target different guest segments (business travelers, long-term stays, holiday visitors, event attendees, remote workers)
- Create targeted promotional campaigns to drive occupancy
Top Places to Start Airbnb in Fort William
| Area | Why Choose This Area | Key Attractions |
|---|---|---|
| Fort William Town Centre | The heart of Fort William, this area is bustling with shops, restaurants, and attractions. It's a prime location for tourists visiting the West Highlands, with easy access to outdoor activities and local amenities. | Ben Nevis, West Highland Museum, Eileen Donan Castle, Loch Linnhe, Steall Waterfall |
| Nevis Range | A popular destination for skiing in the winter and mountain biking in the summer, Nevis Range attracts adventure seekers year-round. Vacation rentals here cater to both winter sports enthusiasts and summer hikers. | Aonach Mhor, Mountain Gondola, Mountain Biking Trails, Ski Slopes, Scenic Walking Trails |
| Glen Nevis | Known for its stunning scenery and hiking opportunities, Glen Nevis attracts nature lovers and those looking to explore the outdoors. It's a great spot for vacation rentals aiming at hikers and trekkers. | Ben Nevis Path, Glen Nevis Visitor Centre, Steall Falls, Nevis Gorge, Walking Trails |
| Lochaber | This larger area includes Fort William and offers stunning natural landscapes and outdoor activities, making it a popular choice for Airbnb hosts looking to attract nature lovers and adventure tourists. | Loch Shiel, Loch Leven, Canoeing and Kayaking, Hiking Trails, Local Festivals |
| Spean Bridge | A scenic village located near Fort William, it's a quieter spot yet still close to attractions. Ideal for those looking for a more peaceful vacation rental experience, while being near popular sites. | Commando Memorial, River Spean, Local Shops and Cafes, Walking Trails, Historical Sites |
| Corpach | A charming coastal village just outside Fort William, offering beautiful views and proximity to both the sea and the mountains. Attracts visitors looking for a relaxed atmosphere close to adventures. | Caledonian Canal, Corpach Marina, Local Pubs, Walking Paths, Hiking Trail Access |
| Onich | Located just across the water from Fort William, Onich is a quieter location with stunning views of Loch Linnhe. Great for visitors looking for a serene environment close to adventure. | Loch Linnhe, Walking Trails, Scenic Views, Local Pubs and Eateries, Outdoor Activities |
| Inverlochy Castle | A historically significant site near Fort William, offering a unique experience for visitors looking for a luxurious stay. Attracts tourists interested in history and elegance, often drawing couples. | Inverlochy Castle, Historical Tours, Stunning Gardens, Local Artisans, Fine Dining |
Do you need a license for Airbnb in Fort William?
Most likely, Fort William requires a license for Airbnb operations. With 39% of current listings showing licensing information, we recommend checking Fort William's short-term rental regulations and starting the licensing process before listing your property.
Top Performing Airbnb Properties in Fort William
Modern 5-bedroom villa with Ben Nevis views
Entire Place • 5 bedrooms
Inverskilavulin - Frances' Sketch Pad with Hot Tub
Entire Place • N/A
4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, views, garden & parking.
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
Wild Nurture Eco Luxury Offgrid Log Cabin
Entire Place • 2 bedrooms
Aldourie, Fort William
Entire Place • 6 bedrooms
Cheviot - ukc6789
Entire Place • 1 bedroom
Top Performing Professional Hosts in Fort William
| Host Name | Properties | Grossing Revenue | Stay Reviews | Avg Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Edith | 4 | $441,595 | 482 | 4.94/5.0 |
| West | 13 | $427,743 | 628 | 4.88/5.0 |
| Kenny | 10 | $321,108 | 340 | 4.39/5.0 |
| Jonathan | 1 | $277,593 | 63 | 5.00/5.0 |
| Norma | 7 | $247,219 | 730 | 4.86/5.0 |
| Sean | 1 | $194,950 | 25 | 4.96/5.0 |
| Cottages | 3 | $181,769 | 17 | 3.26/5.0 |
| Sophie | 1 | $172,869 | 249 | 4.88/5.0 |
| Sandra | 6 | $157,704 | 2616 | 4.80/5.0 |
| 86166369 | 1 | $157,573 | 39 | 4.64/5.0 |
Additional analytics on vacation rental, real estate, short term rental data in Fort William
AirROI also have other key metrics and comprehensive data for your vacation rental, real estate needs. Go explore the advanced metrics that can help you make informed decisions:
Room Type Distribution
Property Type Distribution
Key Insights
- Market dominated by entire home listings (76.7%), with house and apartment & condo properties comprising 79.0% of inventory
- Strong specialty sector (15.4%) combining boutique hotels, unique stays, and outdoor accommodations indicates market maturity and premium opportunities
- Untapped potential in unique stays segments (0.5% combined)
Room Capacity Distribution
Analysis of 215 properties in Fort William shows that 1 bedroom properties are most prevalent, making up 34.9% of the market. The market tends to favor smaller properties, with 1 bedroom and 2 bedrooms together representing 63.7% of all listings.
Key Insights
- Most common: 1 bedroom (34.9%)
- Least common: 5+ bedrooms (1.9%)
- Market concentration: 63.7% in top 2 sizes
- Market skew: Favors smaller properties
Guest Capacity Distribution
Analysis of 215 properties in Fort William reveals that 2 guests properties dominate the market, representing 27.4% of all listings. The average property accommodates 3.2 guests, with a clear trend towards larger guest capacities. Properties accommodating 2 guests and 4 guests make up 53.0% of the market.
Key Insights
- Most common capacity: 2 guests (27.4% of market)
- Least common capacity: 1 guest (1.4% of market)
- Average guest capacity: 3.2 guests per property
- Market concentration: 53.0% in top 2 capacity sizes
- Market segmentation: Predominantly larger guest capacities
Booking and Availability Patterns
Available Days Distribution
Booked Days Distribution
Among 215 properties in Fort William, the most common availability pattern is 91-180 days (48.4% of properties). For actual bookings, properties most frequently secure bookings for 181-270 days (47.4% of properties).
Key Insights
- Most common availability window: 91-180 days (48.4%)
- Most common booking duration: 181-270 days (47.4%)
- Properties with high availability (180+ days): 42.8%
- Properties with long-term bookings (180+ days): 60.0%
Minimum Stay Distributions
1 Night
82 listings
39.6% of total
2 Nights
65 listings
31.4% of total
3 Nights
35 listings
16.9% of total
4-6 Nights
11 listings
5.3% of total
7-29 Nights
1 listings
0.5% of total
30+ Nights
13 listings
6.3% of total
Key Insights
- Short stays (1-2 nights) dominate the market at 71.0%
- Mid-length stays (4-6 nights) represent 5.3% of listings
- Monthly+ stays (6.3%) suggest a stable extended-stay market
- High market flexibility with 87.9% accepting 3 nights or less
Recommendations
- Set minimum stays between 2-3 nights to align with market standards
- Adjust minimum stays seasonally based on demand patterns
- Consider monthly stay discounts to capture the growing extended-stay market
- Implement different minimum stays for weekends vs. weekdays
Cancellation Policy Distribution
Super Strict 60 Days
2 listings
0.9% of total
Super Strict 30 Days
2 listings
0.9% of total
Flexible
48 listings
22.5% of total
Moderate
91 listings
42.7% of total
Firm
47 listings
22.1% of total
Strict
23 listings
10.8% of total
Key Insights
- Moderate is the preferred policy at 42.7% of listings
- Guest-friendly policies (Flexible & Moderate) dominate at 65.2% of the market
- Strong market consensus around Moderate policies
- Super Strict 30 Days policies are least common at 0.9% of listings
Recommendations
- Consider starting with a Moderate policy to align with market preferences
- Strong market preference for Moderate policies suggests this should be your baseline
- Consider generous cancellation terms as a competitive advantage
Booking Lead Time Trends
Key Insights
- Peak booking lead times occur in May, Jul, Jun, averaging 115 days
- Shortest booking windows are in Oct, Nov, Jan, averaging 52 days
- Summer shows the longest average booking window at 112 days, while Winter has the shortest at 59 days
Recommendations
- Implement dynamic pricing strategies for Summer bookings at least 112 days in advance
- Consider early bird discounts during Winter to encourage longer lead times
- Focus on last-minute booking promotions during Oct-Jan when lead times are shortest
Popular Airbnb Amenities in Fort William
Below is the distribution of amenities across listings in Fort William:
Traveler Demographics
Key Insights
- Domestic travelers make up 37% of total guests, indicating a moderate local market presence.
- Primary international markets: United States (27.2%) and Australia (9.8%)
- English is the top language at 67.6%, followed by French (10.7%)
- Notable demographic segment in <=1950s (Pre-1950s (Silent Gen)) at 5.3%
Recommendations
- Target marketing campaigns for England and London markets
- Develop localized content for United States and Australia
- Prioritize English and French language support
- Tailor experiences for Pre-1950s (Silent Gen) while maintaining broad age appeal
- Implement seasonal promotions aligned with key market travel patterns
Nearby Markets
Explore short-term rental performance in markets surrounding Fort William. These nearby markets offer diverse opportunities for property investors and hosts:
| Market | Properties | Monthly Revenue | Daily Rate | Occupancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Galston | 12 | $8,160 | $649.97 | 48% |
| Fearnan | 20 | $6,454 | $429.20 | 52% |
| Kirkhill | 10 | $6,308 | $723.03 | 45% |
| Glenachulish | 34 | $6,251 | $435.39 | 46% |
| Carbost | 26 | $5,933 | $369.28 | 61% |
| North Kessock | 10 | $5,361 | $361.80 | 56% |
| Port Failthe | 14 | $5,179 | $295.68 | 58% |
| Camuscross | 10 | $5,155 | $291.22 | 63% |
| Arrochar | 33 | $5,095 | $330.78 | 56% |
| Stein | 11 | $5,029 | $268.29 | 74% |
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