Durham, England Airbnb Market Data 2026: STR Report & Statistics
How much can you earn on Airbnb in Durham, England? Based on AirROI's 2026 dataset (April 2025 – March 2026), the short answer is $24,751 per year — at a $209 nightly rate, 43.3% occupancy, and a $84 RevPAR that reflects moderate rate-to-revenue efficiency with room to optimize.
At 107 active listings, Durham is a boutique market where moderate demand with room for well-positioned listings to outperform. Supply grew 13.8% over the past year, yet revenue and nightly rates both trended upward — a signal that traveler demand is outpacing new inventory rather than being diluted by it. For hosts, pricing power remains intact even as competition increases.
Regulation is low with minimal registration requirements, pointing to an operator-friendly environment. In a market this size, differentiated listings with strong reviews can capture outsized returns relative to the competition.
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What Are the Key Airbnb Metrics in Durham?
In Durham, the headline Airbnb metrics are $24,751 in average annual revenue,43.3% occupancy, $209 ADR, and $84 in RevPAR, and guests book about 69 days in advance.
How Much Do Airbnb Hosts Earn Monthly in Durham?
Understanding the monthly revenue variations for Airbnb listings in Durham 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 Durham is typically July, while January often presents the lowest earnings, highlighting opportunities for strategic pricing adjustments during shoulder and low seasons. Explore the typical Airbnb income in Durham across different performance tiers:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve $5,098+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $3,779 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
- Typical properties (Median) generate around $2,510 per month, representing the average market performance.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $1,395, often with potential for optimization.
Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in Durham
What Is the Monthly Airbnb Occupancy Rate in Durham?
Maximize your bookings by understanding the Durham STR occupancy trends. Seasonal demand shifts significantly influence how often properties are booked. Typically, Julysees 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 Durham:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve 81%+ occupancy, indicating high desirability and potentially optimized availability.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) maintain 67% or higher occupancy, suggesting good market fit and guest satisfaction.
- Typical properties (Median) have an occupancy rate around 45%.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) average 24% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.
Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in Durham
What Is the Average Airbnb Nightly Rate in Durham?
Effective short term rental pricing strategy in Durham involves understanding monthly ADR fluctuations. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Durham typically peaks in July 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 $329+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $249 or more.
- Typical properties (Median) charge around $182 per night.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $129 per night.
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in Durham
What Is the RevPAR for Airbnb in Durham?
RevPAR in Durham is currently $84. Because RevPAR combines nightly rates with realized occupancy, it is one of the cleanest ways to compare how efficiently listings turn demand into revenue across the market.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see $52 RevPAR.
- Typical properties (Median) generate $79 RevPAR.
- Strong performers (Top 25%) earn $111 RevPAR.
- Best-in-class (Top 10%) achieve $147 RevPAR.
Average Monthly RevPAR Trend in Durham
RevPAR Insights for Durham
- The average RevPAR in Durham is $84. This metric combines nightly rates with realized occupancy, making it one of the best single-number indicators of market efficiency.
- The gap between the top 10% ($147) and bottom 25% ($52) is $95, suggesting a relatively compressed market where operational differences yield moderate returns.
- RevPAR peaks in Jul and bottoms out in Jan, mirroring the broader seasonal demand pattern and suggesting opportunities for dynamic pricing.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Track your own RevPAR monthly against these Durham benchmarks. If your RevPAR falls below the median of $79, examine whether low occupancy or low ADR is the primary drag.
- Top-quartile listings achieve $111+ RevPAR through a combination of competitive pricing, strong reviews, and strategic amenities. Target this tier through incremental improvements.
- Use RevPAR rather than revenue alone when comparing properties of different sizes — it normalizes for available nights and gives a more accurate picture of performance.
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When Is the Peak Season for Airbnb in Durham?
Durham's peak Airbnb season falls in July, June, October, while the softest stretch is January, February, March. Overall, the market shows highly seasonal trends requiring careful strategy, which should guide pricing, minimum stays, and cash-flow planning.
Peak Season (July, June, October)
- Revenue averages $3,469 per month
- Occupancy rates average 53.2%
- Daily rates average $211
Shoulder Season
- Revenue averages $2,694 per month
- Occupancy maintains around 46.8%
- Daily rates hold near $204
Low Season (January, February, March)
- Revenue drops to average $2,108 per month
- Occupancy decreases to average 37.2%
- Daily rates adjust to average $202
Seasonality Insights for Durham
- Airbnb seasonality in Durham is pronounced. Revenue swings sharply between peak and low months, which means pricing strategy, minimum-stay settings, and cash reserves all need to account for extended slower periods.
- During the high season, the absolute peak month showcases Durham's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues climbing to $3,934, occupancy reaching 55.4%, and ADRs peaking at $217.
- Conversely, the slowest single month marks the market's lowest point — revenue may dip to $1,754, occupancy could drop to 30.8%, and ADRs may adjust to $195.
- 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 Durham.
Seasonal Strategies for Maximizing Profit
- Peak Season: Maximize revenue through premium pricing and potentially longer minimum stays. Ensure high availability and consider tightening cancellation policies to reduce last-minute gaps.
- Low Season: Offer competitive pricing, extended-stay discounts, and flexible cancellation policies. Target off-season travelers like remote workers, budget-conscious guests, and travelers with flexible schedules.
- Shoulder Seasons: Implement dynamic pricing that bridges peak and low rates. Target weekend travelers, local events, and business visitors. Slightly more flexible terms than peak season can help maintain occupancy without deep discounting.
- In a highly seasonal market like Durham, building a cash reserve during the top months is essential for covering fixed costs during the slow period. Automated pricing tools can help capture demand shifts in real time.
Do You Need a License for Airbnb in Durham?
Low regulation and minimal registration activity in Durham, England, United Kingdom point to an operator-friendly environment. That said, even low-regulation markets may have tax collection requirements, safety standards, or HOA rules that affect short-term rental operations. Always verify the latest short-term rental regulations and Airbnb license requirements directly with local government authorities for Durham to ensure full compliance before hosting.
(Source: AirROI data, 2026, finding no licensed listings among those analyzed)
What Are the Best Neighborhoods for Airbnb in Durham?
Durham is a smaller vacation rental market where a handful of neighborhoods drive most of the booking activity. Choosing the right area is especially important in boutique markets — there is less room for a mediocre location to succeed on volume alone. The areas below highlight where short-term rental demand is strongest and why.
| Neighborhood / Area | Why Host Here? (Target Guests & Appeal) | Key Attractions & Landmarks |
|---|---|---|
| City Centre | The heart of Durham, attracting visitors for its rich history and vibrant atmosphere. The vicinity offers easy access to shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions, making it a prime location for tourists. | Durham Cathedral, Durham Castle, Gala Theatre, Market Place, River Wear Path |
| Elvet | A picturesque area known for its scenic riverside views and historic buildings. Ideal for those seeking a peaceful yet accessible stay close to the university and main attractions. | Elvet Bridge, Durham University, Palace Green, Botanic Garden, Durham Market Hall |
| North Road | A key transport hub featuring a range of accommodations and dining options. Convenient for visitors arriving by train and touring the surrounding areas. | Durham Railway Station, Durham Light Infantry Museum, local pubs and restaurants, Durham Student Theatre |
| Wharton Park | A beautiful park area that offers a green escape while still being close to the city. It's mainly frequented by families and those looking for outdoor activities. | Wharton Park, Durham Observatory, children's playground, durham cricket grounds |
| Dragonville | An economical choice appealing to budget travelers and families. Close to shopping facilities and a short drive to the city center attractions. | Prince Bishops Shopping Centre, local parks, Durham City Retail Park |
| Brandon | A charming village just outside Durham, offering a quieter stay with a local feel. Great for visitors looking to explore the surrounding countryside and nearby attractions. | Brandon Carrs, Brandon Village, local walking trails, Durham countryside |
| Chester-le-Street | Located north of Durham, this area is popular with sports fans, particularly cricket enthusiasts due to its cricket ground. Good transport links to Durham and nearby towns. | Chester-le-Street Cricket Club, Riverside Park, local cafes and shops |
| Sunderland Road | A residential area with historical significance, offering visitors insights into local life. It's a great area for travelers looking for affordable accommodation close to city amenities. | Old Durham Gardens, local pubs, University Sports Complex |
With 8 distinct neighborhoods showing meaningful short-term rental activity, Durham offers diversification within a single market. Investors can tailor their strategy — from high-turnover tourist zones to quieter residential areas that attract longer stays and remote workers.
What Types of Properties Are on Airbnb in Durham?
Room Type Distribution
Property Type Distribution
Market Composition Insights for Durham
- The Durham Airbnb market composition is heavily skewed towards Entire Home/Apt listings, which make up 79.4% of the 107 active rentals. This indicates strong guest preference for privacy and space.
- Looking at the property type distribution in Durham, House properties are the most common (55.1%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
- Houses represent a significant 55.1% portion, catering likely to families or larger groups.
- The presence of 8.4% Hotel/Boutique listings indicates integration with traditional hospitality.
- Smaller segments like others (combined 3.7%) offer potential for unique stay experiences.
Durham Airbnb Room Capacity Analysis (2026): Bedroom Distribution
Distribution of Listings by Number of Bedrooms
Room Capacity Insights for Durham
- The dominant room capacity in Durham is 2 bedrooms listings, making up 36.4% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for couples or solo travelers.
- Together, 2 bedrooms and 3 bedrooms properties represent 57.0% of the active Airbnb listings in Durham, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.
- A significant 28.1% of listings offer 3+ bedrooms, catering to larger groups and families seeking more space in Durham.
Durham Vacation Rental Guest Capacity Trends (2026)
Distribution of Listings by Guest Capacity
Guest Capacity Insights for Durham
- The most common guest capacity trend in Durham vacation rentals is listings accommodating 4 guests (36.4%). This suggests the primary traveler segment is likely small families or groups.
- Properties designed for 4 guests and 2 guests dominate the Durham STR market, accounting for 50.4% of listings.
- 22.4% of properties accommodate 6+ guests, serving the market segment for larger families or group travel in Durham.
- On average, properties in Durham are equipped to host 3.8 guests.
How Do Listings in Durham Compare on Quality?
Listing quality in Durham can be approximated through presentation depth, bedroom count, and how often hosts disclose exact locations. These signals show how professionally the local supply base is merchandised.
Listing Quality Insights for Durham
- At 23 photos per listing on average, Durham hosts invest well in visual presentation. Listings with 20+ photos consistently outperform in search ranking and conversion.
- 36.4% of listings show their exact location. Lower disclosure rates can increase booking hesitation — guests want to know exactly where they are staying.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Enable exact location if possible — it removes a common source of guest uncertainty and can improve your listing's position in map-based searches.
- Use these quality indicators as a self-audit checklist. Listings that exceed the Durham averages across all three metrics are better positioned for premium pricing.
What Amenities Do Airbnb Guests Expect in Durham?
Amenity Prevalence
Amenity Insights for Durham
- Essential amenities in Durham that guests expect include: Wifi, Heating. Lacking these (any) could significantly impact bookings.
- Popular amenities like Smoke alarm, TV, Hair dryer are common but not universal. Offering these can provide a competitive edge.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Ensure your listing includes all essential amenities for Durham: Wifi, Heating.
- Prioritize adding missing essentials: Wifi, Heating.
- Consider adding popular differentiators like Smoke alarm or TV 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 Durham to stay competitive.
Which Airbnb Amenities Boost Revenue in Durham?
Not every amenity matters equally. This table focuses on the amenities most associated with higher revenue in Durham, which makes it more useful for prioritizing upgrades than a simple popularity list alone.
| Amenity | Prevalence | Revenue With | Revenue Without | Revenue Uplift |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Smoke alarm | 93.5% | $25,748 | $10,505 | 145.1% |
Kitchen | 85.0% | $26,859 | $12,760 | 110.5% |
Cooking basics | 69.2% | $29,488 | $14,129 | 108.7% |
Bed linens | 74.8% | $28,431 | $13,846 | 105.3% |
Coffee maker | 27.1% | $39,376 | $19,313 | 103.9% |
Microwave | 71.0% | $28,763 | $14,915 | 92.8% |
TV | 88.8% | $26,156 | $13,628 | 91.9% |
Oven | 62.6% | $29,862 | $16,190 | 84.4% |
Dishwasher | 42.1% | $32,365 | $19,224 | 68.4% |
Dishes and silverware | 71.0% | $27,967 | $16,866 | 65.8% |
Revenue Impact Insights for Durham
- Smoke alarm tops the revenue impact list with a 145.1% uplift — listings with this amenity earn $25,748 vs. $10,505 without it.
- Smoke alarm, Kitchen, TV — while widespread — still correlate with meaningful revenue gains, making them table stakes rather than true differentiators.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Focus your upgrade budget on amenities in the top half of this table. Below-median amenities may improve guest experience but contribute less to revenue growth.
- Highlight revenue-impacting amenities prominently in your listing title, photos, and description — guests can't value what they don't notice.
Dive Deeper: Advanced Durham STR Market Data (2026)
Ready to unlock more insights? AirROI provides access to advanced metrics and comprehensive Airbnb data for Durham. Explore detailed analytics beyond this report to refine your investment strategy, optimize pricing, and maximize your vacation rental profits.
Explore Advanced MetricsDurham Airbnb Guest Demographics & Profile Analysis (2026)
Guest Profile Summary for Durham
- The typical guest profile for Airbnb in Durham consists of primarily domestic travelers (80%), 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 79.5% of guests.
- Key international markets include United Kingdom (79.5%) and United States (5.9%).
- Top languages spoken are English (59.6%) followed by French (11.8%).
- 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 London.
- 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.
What Are Airbnb Guest Ratings in Durham?
Listings in Durham average 4.76 out of 5 overall, with about 93.8 reviews per active listing and 39.3% of listings carrying the Guest Favorite badge.
Rating Breakdown by Category
Guest Rating Insights for Durham
- An average rating of 4.76 places Durham in solid territory. Most guests leave satisfied, though there is room for hosts to push toward the top tier.
- The strongest subcategory is Accuracy (4.84), while Value (4.69) trails behind — a useful signal for hosts looking to prioritize upgrades.
- 39.3% of listings carry the Guest Favorite badge, a strong trust signal that can meaningfully lift click-through and booking rates.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Focus improvement efforts on Value — even small gains in the weakest subcategory can lift overall ratings and search ranking.
- Encourage guests to leave reviews after checkout. Listings with more reviews rank higher in search results and convert browsers into bookers more effectively.
Durham Airbnb Booking Patterns (2026): Available vs. Booked Days
Available Days Distribution
Booked Days Distribution
Booking Pattern Insights for Durham
- The most common availability pattern in Durham falls within the 271-366 days range, representing 39.3% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
- Approximately 72.9% 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 Durham (31.8%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
- A notable 29.9% of properties secure long booking periods (181+ days booked per year), highlighting successful long-term rental strategies or significant owner usage.
How Far in Advance Do Guests Book Airbnb in Durham?
Average Booking Lead Time by Month
Booking Lead Time Insights for Durham
- The overall average booking lead time for vacation rentals in Durham is 69 days.
- Guests book furthest in advance for stays during July (average 106 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
- The shortest booking windows occur for stays in February (average 34 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
- Seasonally, Summer (83 days avg.) sees the longest lead times, while Winter (48 days avg.) has the shortest, reflecting typical travel planning cycles.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Use the overall average lead time (69 days) as a baseline for your pricing and availability strategy in Durham.
- For July stays, consider implementing length-of-stay discounts or slightly higher rates for bookings made less than 106 days out to capitalize on advance planning.
- Target marketing efforts for the Summer season well in advance (at least 83 days) to capture early planners.
- Monitor your own booking lead times against these Durham averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.
What Is the Average Length of Stay for Airbnb in Durham?
Guests in Durham stay about 4.1 nights on average, generating roughly 3,269 reservations and 30.6 bookings per listing in the latest AirROI dataset. The most common check-in time is 3:00 PM and check-out is 10:00 AM.
Monthly Length of Stay in Durham
Check-in Time Distribution
Check-out Time Distribution
Stay Pattern Insights for Durham
- A mid-range stay length points to leisure-driven demand — weekend getaways and short vacations. Hosts should optimize for quick turnover efficiency while keeping the guest experience smooth.
- At 30.6 bookings per listing, the turnover rate is high. Hosts with streamlined operations (self-check-in, automated messaging, reliable cleaners) have a structural advantage.
- Stay lengths peak in Mar (6.2 nights) and shorten in Jul (2.9 nights). Adjust minimum-night requirements seasonally to match.
Recommendations for Hosts
- With shorter average stays, focus on streamlining turnover. Self-check-in, reliable cleaning crews, and pre-staged amenities can reduce per-booking operational costs.
- Set your check-in time to match or beat the market standard of 3:00 PM. Offering early check-in flexibility can be a low-cost differentiator.
- Monitor length-of-stay seasonality to adjust minimum-night requirements — longer minimums during peak periods maximize revenue while shorter minimums fill gaps in shoulder seasons.
Durham Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis
Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement
1 Night
41 listings
38.3% of total
2 Nights
20 listings
18.7% of total
3 Nights
9 listings
8.4% of total
7-29 Nights
1 listings
0.9% of total
30+ Nights
36 listings
33.6% of total
Key Insights
- The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in Durham is 1 Night, adopted by 38.3% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for shorter, flexible bookings.
- A significant segment (33.6%) caters to monthly stays (30+ nights) in Durham, pointing to opportunities in the extended-stay market.
Recommendations
- Align with the market by considering a 1 Night minimum stay, as 38.3% of Durham hosts use this setting.
- Explore offering discounts for stays of 30+ nights to attract the 33.6% of the market seeking extended stays.
- Adjust minimum nights based on seasonality – potentially shorter during low season and longer during peak demand periods in Durham.
Durham Airbnb Cancellation Policy Trends Analysis (2026)
Super Strict 60 Days
5 listings
4.7% of total
Flexible
31 listings
29% of total
Moderate
23 listings
21.5% of total
Firm
25 listings
23.4% of total
Strict
23 listings
21.5% of total
Cancellation Policy Insights for Durham
- The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in Durham is Flexible, used by 29% of listings.
- There's a relatively balanced mix between guest-friendly (50.5%) and stricter (44.9%) policies, offering choices for different guest needs.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Consider adopting a Flexible policy to align with the 29% market standard in Durham.
- Regularly review your cancellation policy against competitors and market demand shifts in Durham.
How Much Are Airbnb Cleaning Fees in Durham?
Cleaning fees in Durham are meaningful operating levers, not just pass-through charges. What matters most is how often hosts charge them, how high they run relative to market norms, and how large a share of gross revenue they consume.
Cleaning Fee Insights for Durham
- About 60.7% of Durham listings charge a cleaning fee — a mixed market where some hosts absorb the cost into nightly rates while others break it out.
- The average cleaning fee of $55 is close to the median ($37), suggesting a relatively consistent fee structure across the market.
- Cleaning fees represent 5.8% of gross revenue on average — a modest component of the overall booking price.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Price your cleaning fee competitively against the Durham median of $37. Fees significantly above market norms can deter bookings, especially for shorter stays.
- Monitor competitor cleaning fees regularly. Airbnb's search algorithm factors in total price, so a well-calibrated cleaning fee can improve your listing's ranking.
What Do the Top Airbnb Listings in Durham Look Like?
Benchmark your potential! Explore examples of top-performing Airbnb properties in Durhambased on Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) revenue. Analyze their characteristics, revenue, occupancy rate, and ADR to understand what drives success in this market.
Central Durham Riverside Retreat With Free Parking
Entire Place • 2 bedrooms
Central, luxurious two floor apartment
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Elvet Bridge View Apartment
Entire Place • 2 bedrooms
Durham city stylish town house
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
The Mayoress · Durham
Entire Place • 2 bedrooms
The Studio, Durham City.
Entire Place • N/A
Note: Performance varies based on location, size, amenities, seasonality, and management quality. Data reflects the past 12 months.
Who Are the Top Airbnb Hosts in Durham?
Learn from the best! This table showcases top-performing Airbnb hosts in Durham 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toast Stays | 15 | $408,306 | 591 | 4.63/5.0 |
| Stew | 4 | $142,220 | 1169 | 4.73/5.0 |
| John Richard | 5 | $114,569 | 31 | 4.15/5.0 |
| Lisa | 2 | $91,116 | 438 | 4.99/5.0 |
| James | 1 | $85,886 | 119 | 4.99/5.0 |
| Host & Stay | 2 | $81,398 | 61 | 4.53/5.0 |
| Irena | 2 | $81,218 | 314 | 4.97/5.0 |
| Chris | 2 | $75,446 | 138 | 4.98/5.0 |
| Jim | 1 | $73,055 | 161 | 4.78/5.0 |
| Cottages | 2 | $67,385 | 46 | 4.93/5.0 |
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 Durham.
Who Are the Airbnb Hosts in Durham?
Durham has a relatively balanced host base.
Host Profile Insights for Durham
- A 36.4% Superhost share is healthy — enough experienced operators to anchor quality without making the market impenetrable for newcomers.
- 10.3% of listings are professionally managed, reflecting a market still dominated by individual hosts.
- 4.7% of listings have Instant Book enabled. Lower Instant Book adoption means many guests must request approval, which can slow conversions.
- 82.2% of listings use Airbnb's simplified pricing (host-only fee), where the host pays the entire platform service fee and the guest sees one all-in price with no separate Airbnb service charge. High adoption signals a professional, PMS-connected host base — Airbnb mandates simplified pricing for software-connected listings.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Earning Superhost status can significantly improve search ranking and guest trust. Focus on maintaining high response rates, low cancellations, and strong reviews.
- Consider enabling Instant Book — it reduces booking friction and Airbnb's algorithm tends to favor Instant Book listings in search results.
- With 17.8% cohosted listings, there may be a growing local market for property management services.
- Benchmark your host metrics against these Durham averages regularly and adjust your hosting strategy based on what top performers do differently.
Top Professional Management Companies in Durham
These are the highest-grossing professional property management operations in Durham, ranked by total revenue across their portfolio. Their performance metrics offer a benchmark for what institutional-level hosting looks like in this market.
| Company | Listings | Revenue | ADR | Occ. | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Host & Stay | 2 | $81,398 | $191 | 56.6% | 4.53/5 |
| Cottages | 2 | $67,385 | $222 | 61.9% | 4.93/5 |
| Anne | 2 | $31,105 | $128 | 57.0% | 4.79/5 |
| Sykes | 1 | $27,120 | $648 | 23.3% | 4.92/5 |
| Host & Stay | 1 | $15,256 | $235 | 43.1% | 4.89/5 |
| William | 1 | $13,011 | $66 | 55.0% | 4.70/5 |
| Greta | 1 | $12,844 | $144 | 41.7% | 5.00/5 |
| Algane | 1 | $6,461 | $77 | 36.2% | 4.33/5 |
Management Company Insights for Durham
- The leading management company, Host & Stay, operates 2 listings with $81,398 in gross revenue — a useful benchmark for what scale looks like in Durham.
- Top managers average 1 properties each, suggesting professional management in Durham still operates at a relatively boutique scale.
- Professionally managed listings in the top tier average 4.76/5 in guest ratings — demonstrating that scale and quality can coexist.
Recommendations
- With only 10.3% of listings professionally managed, there may be an opportunity to differentiate through more structured operations and consistent guest experiences.
- Study how top management companies price, position, and maintain their portfolios — their ADR and occupancy rates reflect strategies refined across dozens of listings.
- If you're considering hiring a property manager, compare their portfolio performance against these benchmarks before committing.
How Does Durham's Airbnb Market Compare to Nearby Cities?
How does the Durham 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.
Compared with Malham, Durham has 12 percentage points lower occupancy and about $153 lower ADR. That helps frame whether this market is winning more on demand, pricing, or both.
| Market | Active Properties | Monthly Revenue | Daily Rate | Avg. Occupancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Malham | 10 | $5,723 | $362.84 | 55% |
| Stamford Bridge | 11 | $5,449 | $437.28 | 41% |
| Grinton | 10 | $5,089 | $376.56 | 49% |
| Cartmel Fell | 23 | $4,522 | $383.95 | 49% |
| Ellingham | 10 | $4,498 | $356.08 | 49% |
| Staveley-in-Cartmel | 25 | $4,373 | $382.98 | 46% |
| Burton in Lonsdale | 10 | $4,282 | $340.41 | 55% |
| Hayton | 16 | $4,272 | $274.12 | 55% |
| Tollerton | 12 | $4,208 | $316.05 | 50% |
| Bowness-on-Windermere | 353 | $4,186 | $368.01 | 44% |
Frequently Asked Questions About Airbnb in Durham
These quick answers summarize the most common investor and operator questions using AirROI's latest market data for Durham.
How much do Airbnb hosts make in Durham?
Durham hosts earn about $24,751 per year on average, with an average nightly rate of $209 and RevPAR of $84. Those figures describe the typical revenue environment for active listings in Durham, England, not the ceiling for the best operators. Source: AirROI 2026 data, Durham market, April 2025 to March 2026.
What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Durham?
The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Durham is 43.3%. July is the strongest month and January is the softest, so hosts should expect demand to move meaningfully throughout the year rather than stay flat.
What is the average Airbnb daily rate in Durham?
Listings in Durham average $209 per night. The broader pricing spread also matters: lower-performing listings cluster closer to the lower quartiles, while premium homes can price materially above the city average when demand spikes or listing quality stands out.
How many Airbnb listings are active in Durham?
Durham currently has about 107 active Airbnb listings in AirROI's market dataset. That supply count helps explain how competitive the market is, how much depth there is for benchmarking, and whether the market behaves like a niche destination or a scaled urban market.
How strict are short-term rental regulations in Durham?
AirROI currently classifies the short-term rental regulation level in Durham as Low. The dataset also shows about 0.0% of listings with registration evidence. That is a market signal, not legal advice, so hosts should still confirm current licensing and compliance rules locally before listing.
What is the RevPAR for Airbnb in Durham?
RevPAR in Durham is about $84. That metric combines pricing and occupancy into one efficiency number, so it is often a better quick benchmark than ADR alone when investors want to compare how well listings convert nightly rates into realized revenue.
Is Airbnb profitable in Durham?
At 43.3% occupancy, Durham can be profitable — but margins depend heavily on operating costs, property acquisition price, and how well hosts optimize pricing across seasons. Average annual revenue is $24,751, but individual returns depend on property type, location within the city, and the host's operating efficiency.
How far in advance do guests book Airbnb in Durham?
The average booking lead time in Durham is about 69 days — a longer planning horizon typical of destination or vacation markets where travelers book well in advance. Hosts who understand their market's booking cadence can adjust minimum stays and pricing windows accordingly.
What are the best neighborhoods for Airbnb in Durham?
Based on AirROI's analysis, some of the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Durham include City Centre, Elvet, North Road. Each area attracts different guest profiles — from business travelers to leisure visitors — so the best location depends on the property type and target audience a host is aiming for. See the full neighborhood breakdown above.
What type of property performs best on Airbnb in Durham?
entire_home listings make up 79.4% of the active supply in Durham. The most common configuration does not always mean the most profitable — operators who identify underserved property types or bedroom counts can sometimes outperform the market average by filling a gap in local supply.
How does Durham compare to nearby Airbnb markets?
Among neighboring markets, Malham posts $68,675 in average annual revenue with 54.7% occupancy, compared to Durham's $24,751 and 43.3%. Comparing nearby markets helps investors understand whether a destination's performance reflects local demand or broader regional trends.
What is the average length of stay in Durham?
The average Airbnb stay length in Durham is about 4.1 nights. That matters for turnover, cleaning operations, and pricing strategy because shorter stays increase changeovers while longer stays can smooth occupancy and reduce operational friction.
What is the average Airbnb guest rating in Durham?
Airbnb listings in Durham average 4.76 out of 5 overall. About 39.3% of listings carry the guest favorite badge, which suggests a meaningful share of inventory is competing on review quality rather than price alone.
Which amenities boost Airbnb revenue in Durham?
Smoke alarm and Kitchen are among the strongest revenue-linked amenities in Durham. In AirROI's latest dataset, listings with these amenities outperform those without on average revenue, which makes amenities analysis useful for prioritizing investment and listing upgrades.
Do Airbnb hosts charge cleaning fees in Durham?
Yes. About 60.7% of active Airbnb listings in Durham charge a cleaning fee, and the average fee is $55. The more important operating benchmark is how much of gross revenue that fee consumes, not just the absolute dollar amount.
What percentage of Airbnb hosts are Superhosts in Durham?
At 36.4%, there is a healthy mix of experienced and newer hosts — earning Superhost status can still provide a meaningful visibility boost.
About AirROI Market Data
AirROI tracks over 20 million properties across 190+ countries and maintains 15+ years of historical performance data, making it one of the deepest Airbnb and STR intelligence platforms available. The analytics pipeline aggregates listing-level data monthly — revenue, occupancy, nightly rates, RevPAR, guest demographics, booking patterns, and competitive supply — so investors and operators can benchmark any market against its own history and against neighboring destinations.
Real estate investors, property managers, financial institutions, hedge funds, tourism boards, hospitality consultants, tech platforms, and academic researchers rely on AirROI data to underwrite acquisitions, optimize pricing, model macro trends, and conduct peer-reviewed research. Data is available through in-depth market reports like this one and the Airbnb API with 22 endpoints and an Airbnb MCP Server for AI agents.
AirROI proprietary analytics as of 2026-03-31. Metrics reflect trailing twelve-month aggregates from active listings. Revenue figures are market averages, not projections. Neighborhood descriptions are AI-generated and reviewed for accuracy. For full methodology, see the data methodology page.