Orkney Airbnb Market Analysis 2025: Short Term Rental Data & Vacation Rental Statistics in Scotland, United Kingdom
Is Airbnb profitable in Orkney in 2025? Explore comprehensive Airbnb analytics for Orkney, Scotland, United Kingdom to uncover income potential. This 2025 STR market report for Orkney, based on AirROI data from August 2024 to July 2025, reveals key trends in the niche market of 25 active listings.
Whether you're considering an Airbnb investment in Orkney, optimizing your existing vacation rental, or exploring rental arbitrage opportunities, understanding the Orkney Airbnb data is crucial. Leveraging the low regulation environment is key to maximizing your short term rental income potential. Let's dive into the specifics.
Key Orkney Airbnb Performance Metrics Overview
Monthly Airbnb Revenue Variations & Income Potential in Orkney (2025)
Understanding the monthly revenue variations for Airbnb listings in Orkney 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 Orkney is typically May, while February often presents the lowest earnings, highlighting opportunities for strategic pricing adjustments during shoulder and low seasons. Explore the typical Airbnb income in Orkney across different performance tiers:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve $4,408+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $3,606 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
- Typical properties (Median) generate around $2,263 per month, representing the average market performance.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $1,303, often with potential for optimization.
Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in Orkney
Orkney Airbnb Occupancy Rate Trends (2025)
Maximize your bookings by understanding the Orkney STR occupancy trends. Seasonal demand shifts significantly influence how often properties are booked. Typically, Augustsees the highest demand (peak season occupancy), while February 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 Orkney:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve 81%+ occupancy, indicating high desirability and potentially optimized availability.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) maintain 68% or higher occupancy, suggesting good market fit and guest satisfaction.
- Typical properties (Median) have an occupancy rate around 49%.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) average 28% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.
Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in Orkney
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Airbnb Trends in Orkney (2025)
Effective short term rental pricing strategy in Orkney involves understanding monthly ADR fluctuations. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Orkney typically peaks in July and dips lowest during February. 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 $272+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $202 or more.
- Typical properties (Median) charge around $156 per night.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $118 per night.
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in Orkney
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Airbnb Seasonality Analysis & Trends in Orkney (2025)
Peak Season (May, June, July)
- Revenue averages $3,825 per month
- Occupancy rates average 64.9%
- Daily rates average $212
Shoulder Season
- Revenue averages $2,521 per month
- Occupancy maintains around 51.0%
- Daily rates hold near $166
Low Season (January, February, November)
- Revenue drops to average $1,306 per month
- Occupancy decreases to average 29.3%
- Daily rates adjust to average $154
Seasonality Insights for Orkney
- The Airbnb seasonality in Orkney 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 Orkney's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues capable of climbing to $3,898, occupancy reaching a high of 70.6%, and ADRs peaking at $219.
- 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 $1,021, occupancy could drop to 27.5%, and ADRs may adjust down to $152.
- 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 Orkney.
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 Orkney seasonality benchmarks and adjust your pricing and availability strategy accordingly.
Best Areas for Airbnb Investment in Orkney (2025)
Exploring the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Orkney? 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Kirkwall | The capital and largest town in Orkney, rich in history and culture. A prime location for visitors wanting to explore Orkney's archaeological sites, museums, and local shops. | St. Magnus Cathedral, Orkney Museum, Tankerness House, Kirkwall Harbour, Bishop's Palace |
| Stromness | A picturesque town known for its charming waterfront and historical significance. It's popular with visitors for its artistic vibe and proximity to major archaeological sites. | Stromness Museum, Museum of Whaling, Graemeshall House, Orkney Lighthouse Museum, Sutherland's Bar |
| Eday | A quieter island experience, Eday offers beautiful landscapes and abundant wildlife. Great for guests looking for a peaceful getaway and outdoor activities such as walking and birdwatching. | Eday Heritage Centre, Brough of Eday, The Eday Bird Observatory, Burgar Hill, Kirk of Eday |
| Sande, | N/A | |
| Shapinsay | Known for its tranquil setting and close-knit community, Shapinsay is popular with those seeking rural experiences. Ideal for visitors interested in local wildlife and outdoor adventures. | Shapinsay Heritage Centre, Balfour Castle, Shapinsay Lighthouse, Tingwall Valley, The Knab |
| Rousay | Rousay is known as the 'Egypt of the North' due to its many archaeological sites. This island attracts visitors interested in history and stunning landscapes. | Taversoe Tuick, Rousay Heritage Centre, Midhowe Chambered Cairn, Westness House, Rousay's Coastal Walks |
| Westray | Westray is popular for its rugged coastline, rich Viking heritage, and beautiful beaches. Ideal for adventurous visitors who enjoy coastal walks and historical exploration. | Noltland Castle, Westray Heritage Centre, Pierowall, The Castle of Noltland, Cata Sand |
| Papay | Known for its traditional crafts and serene environment, Papa Westray (Papay) attracts those looking for a unique and authentic island experience far from the hustle and bustle. | Kelp Cave, Papa Westray Village, The Egg Light House, St. Boniface Church, The Kirkyard Path |
Understanding Airbnb License Requirements & STR Laws in Orkney (2025)
While Orkney, Scotland, United Kingdom currently shows low STR regulations, specific Airbnb license requirements might still exist or change. Always verify the latest short term rental regulations and Airbnb license requirements directly with local government authorities for Orkney to ensure full compliance before hosting.
(Source: AirROI data, 2025, finding no licensed listings among those analyzed)
Top Performing Airbnb Properties in Orkney (2025)
Benchmark your potential! Explore examples of top-performing Airbnb properties in Orkneybased on Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) revenue. Analyze their characteristics, revenue, occupancy rate, and ADR to understand what drives success in this market.
A beautiful loft apartment
Entire Place • 2 bedrooms
Lochside bungalow, spectacular views and wildlife
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Private 2 Bedroom cottage located in heart of neolithic Orkney with uninterrupted views.
Entire Place • 2 bedrooms
Widefirth 2, spectacular sea views in Orkney
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Upper Instabillie
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Kirbister Mill Farm Cottage
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Note: Performance varies based on location, size, amenities, seasonality, and management quality. Data reflects the past 12 months.
Top Performing Airbnb Hosts in Orkney (2025)
Learn from the best! This table showcases top-performing Airbnb hosts in Orkney 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Robert | 5 | $99,371 | 72 | 4.66/5.0 |
| Greig | 2 | $66,230 | 18 | 5.00/5.0 |
| Karen | 2 | $59,838 | 20 | 5.00/5.0 |
| Lyndsey | 1 | $42,947 | 107 | 4.98/5.0 |
| Veronica | 1 | $41,424 | 61 | 4.98/5.0 |
| Emma | 1 | $32,964 | 20 | 4.80/5.0 |
| Amy And James | 1 | $32,256 | 139 | 5.00/5.0 |
| Rebecca | 1 | $31,786 | 31 | 4.97/5.0 |
| Melanie | 1 | $29,295 | 56 | 4.96/5.0 |
| Walter | 1 | $29,141 | 33 | 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 Orkney.
Dive Deeper: Advanced Orkney STR Market Data (2025)
Ready to unlock more insights? AirROI provides access to advanced metrics and comprehensive Airbnb data for Orkney. Explore detailed analytics beyond this report to refine your investment strategy, optimize pricing, and maximize your vacation rental profits.
Explore Advanced MetricsOrkney Short-Term Rental Market Composition (2025): Property & Room Types
Room Type Distribution
Property Type Distribution
Market Composition Insights for Orkney
- The Orkney Airbnb market composition is heavily skewed towards Entire Home/Apt listings, which make up 92% of the 25 active rentals. This indicates strong guest preference for privacy and space.
- Looking at the property type distribution in Orkney, House properties are the most common (60%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
- Houses represent a significant 60% portion, catering likely to families or larger groups.
- The presence of 8% Hotel/Boutique listings indicates integration with traditional hospitality.
Orkney Airbnb Room Capacity Analysis (2025): Bedroom Distribution
Distribution of Listings by Number of Bedrooms
Room Capacity Insights for Orkney
- The dominant room capacity in Orkney is 1 bedroom listings, making up 32% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for couples or solo travelers.
- Together, 1 bedroom and 3 bedrooms properties represent 60.0% of the active Airbnb listings in Orkney, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.
- A significant 36.0% of listings offer 3+ bedrooms, catering to larger groups and families seeking more space in Orkney.
Orkney Vacation Rental Guest Capacity Trends (2025)
Distribution of Listings by Guest Capacity
Guest Capacity Insights for Orkney
- The most common guest capacity trend in Orkney vacation rentals is listings accommodating 6 guests (28%). This suggests the primary traveler segment is likely larger groups.
- Properties designed for 6 guests and 2 guests dominate the Orkney STR market, accounting for 56.0% of listings.
- 32.0% of properties accommodate 6+ guests, serving the market segment for larger families or group travel in Orkney.
- On average, properties in Orkney are equipped to host 4.0 guests.
Orkney Airbnb Booking Patterns (2025): Available vs. Booked Days
Available Days Distribution
Booked Days Distribution
Booking Pattern Insights for Orkney
- The most common availability pattern in Orkney falls within the 181-270 days range, representing 40% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
- Approximately 64.0% 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 Orkney (36%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
- A notable 40.0% of properties secure long booking periods (181+ days booked per year), highlighting successful long-term rental strategies or significant owner usage.
Orkney Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis
Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement
1 Night
2 listings
8% of total
2 Nights
6 listings
24% of total
3 Nights
5 listings
20% of total
4-6 Nights
7 listings
28% of total
7-29 Nights
1 listings
4% of total
30+ Nights
4 listings
16% of total
Key Insights
- The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in Orkney is 4-6 Nights, adopted by 28% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for longer commitments.
- A significant segment (16%) caters to monthly stays (30+ nights) in Orkney, pointing to opportunities in the extended-stay market.
Recommendations
- Align with the market by considering a 4-6 Nights minimum stay, as 28% of Orkney hosts use this setting.
- If feasible, allowing 1-night stays, especially midweek or during low season, could capture last-minute bookings, as only 8% currently do.
- Explore offering discounts for stays of 30+ nights to attract the 16% of the market seeking extended stays.
- Adjust minimum nights based on seasonality – potentially shorter during low season and longer during peak demand periods in Orkney.
Orkney Airbnb Cancellation Policy Trends Analysis (2025)
Flexible
11 listings
44% of total
Moderate
5 listings
20% of total
Firm
7 listings
28% of total
Strict
2 listings
8% of total
Cancellation Policy Insights for Orkney
- The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in Orkney is Flexible, used by 44% of listings.
- There's a relatively balanced mix between guest-friendly (64.0%) and stricter (36.0%) policies, offering choices for different guest needs.
- Strict cancellation policies are quite rare (8%), potentially making listings with this policy less competitive unless justified by high demand or property type.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Consider adopting a Flexible policy to align with the 44% market standard in Orkney.
- Using a Strict policy might deter some guests, as only 8% 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 Orkney.
Orkney STR Booking Lead Time Analysis (2025)
Average Booking Lead Time by Month
Booking Lead Time Insights for Orkney
- The overall average booking lead time for vacation rentals in Orkney is 85 days.
- Guests book furthest in advance for stays during July (average 166 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
- The shortest booking windows occur for stays in February (average 18 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
- Seasonally, Summer (136 days avg.) sees the longest lead times, while Winter (46 days avg.) has the shortest, reflecting typical travel planning cycles.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Use the overall average lead time (85 days) as a baseline for your pricing and availability strategy in Orkney.
- For July stays, consider implementing length-of-stay discounts or slightly higher rates for bookings made less than 166 days out to capitalize on advance planning.
- Target marketing efforts for the Summer season well in advance (at least 136 days) to capture early planners.
- Monitor your own booking lead times against these Orkney averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.
Popular & Essential Airbnb Amenities in Orkney (2025)
Amenity Prevalence
Amenity Insights for Orkney
- Essential amenities in Orkney that guests expect include: Free parking on premises, Smoke alarm. Lacking these (any) could significantly impact bookings.
- Popular amenities like Heating, Washer, Kitchen 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 Orkney: Free parking on premises, Smoke alarm.
- Consider adding popular differentiators like Heating or Washer 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 Orkney to stay competitive.
Orkney Airbnb Guest Demographics & Profile Analysis (2025)
Guest Profile Summary for Orkney
- The typical guest profile for Airbnb in Orkney consists of primarily domestic travelers (66%), 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 66.2% of guests.
- Key international markets include United Kingdom (66.2%) and United States (11.4%).
- Top languages spoken are English (58.8%) followed by French (13.2%).
- 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 Scotland and England.
- 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 Orkney 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Melness | 16 | $3,227 | $227.51 | 53% |
| Keiss | 17 | $2,648 | $227.78 | 44% |
| Tongue | 10 | $2,540 | $178.01 | 56% |
| Durness | 28 | $2,330 | $263.58 | 48% |
| Brora | 19 | $2,299 | $180.15 | 53% |
| Lairg | 18 | $2,289 | $225.55 | 49% |
| Kirkwall | 125 | $2,129 | $177.72 | 53% |
| Bettyhill | 11 | $2,086 | $212.15 | 47% |
| Helmsdale | 17 | $2,039 | $176.43 | 42% |
| Stromness | 61 | $2,021 | $176.37 | 51% |