Mar

Short lets boom: Channel 4 TV show rides huge surge in Airbnb market

admin

Landlords could be tempted to invest in short-lets by witnessing the rush to book staycations and a new reality TV show where designers revamp holiday homes.

As hosts starts to welcome guests back from 12^th April, Channel 4’s Hire My Home is sparking more interest in the sector. It features two interior designers – Anna Campbell-Jones (above) and Zeena Shah (left) – who transform bland rentals into unique holiday destinations, with budgets provided by their owners, anxious to increase custom.

The end results are then judged by a panel of 100 people via the Hire My Home app, based on the pictures and listing info.

After the government announcement in February that self-contained accommodation could open up in April, searches by guests or potential guests in the UK nearly tripled, according to Airbnb.

Visits to the platform’s landing page for new hosts were also up in both January and February compared with December.

An Airbnb spokesman says: “As we prepare to be able to travel once again, where previously, our Most Wishlisted homes have been dominated by far-flung and exotic destinations, this year it’s all about the rural retreats to explore on domestic shores.”

Shomik Panda (pictured), director general of the Short Term Accommodation Association, agrees that self-contained accommodation is likely to be very popular this year because they let people comply with Government guidelines and stay safe from COVID-19.

He adds: “Staying in self-contained accommodation has the added benefit of supporting the hospitality sector and local economies in which they are located which will help them to recover some of the lost income from the last 12 months.”

Watch the first episode.

View Full Article: Short lets boom: Channel 4 TV show rides huge surge in Airbnb market