Fort William 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 Fort William in 2025? Explore comprehensive Airbnb analytics for Fort William, Scotland, United Kingdom to uncover income potential. This 2025 STR market report for Fort William, based on AirROI data from April 2024 to March 2025, reveals key trends in the market of 215 active listings.

Whether you're considering an Airbnb investment in Fort William, optimizing your existing vacation rental, or exploring rental arbitrage opportunities, understanding the Fort William Airbnb data is crucial. Navigating the high regulation landscape is key to maximizing your short term rental income potential. Let's dive into the specifics.

Key Fort William Airbnb Performance Metrics Overview

Avg. Daily Rate (ADR)(?)
$215
The average rental revenue earned for an occupied room per day in Fort William.
Occupancy Rate(?)
55.2%
High demand. Good booking frequency.
Median Annual Revenue(?)
$38,771
Typical annual income for an Airbnb listing in Fort William. Factors like property type, size, and location influence actual earnings.
Revenue Growth YoY(?)
1.5%
Positive growth (1.5%) vs. last year.
Peak Revenue Month(?)
August
The month with the highest average earnings, indicating peak season in Fort William.
Lowest Revenue Month(?)
February
The month with the lowest average earnings, indicating the low season in Fort William.
STR Regulation Level(?)
High
Strict regulations. Compliance is crucial (licensing, taxes, stay limits may apply).
Active Airbnb Listings(?)
215
Total number of active short-term rentals listed.

Monthly Airbnb Revenue Variations & Income Potential in Fort William (2025)

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

  • Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve $6,693+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
  • Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $4,779 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
  • Typical properties (Median) generate around $3,105 per month, representing the average market performance.
  • Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $1,946, often with potential for optimization.

Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in Fort William

Fort William Airbnb Occupancy Rate Trends (2025)

Maximize your bookings by understanding the Fort William STR occupancy trends. Seasonal demand shifts significantly influence how often properties are booked. Typically, Augustsees 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 Fort William:

  • Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve 86%+ occupancy, indicating high desirability and potentially optimized availability.
  • Strong performing properties (Top 25%) maintain 73% or higher occupancy, suggesting good market fit and guest satisfaction.
  • Typical properties (Median) have an occupancy rate around 55%.
  • Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) average 38% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.

Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in Fort William

Average Daily Rate (ADR) Airbnb Trends in Fort William (2025)

Effective short term rental pricing strategy in Fort William involves understanding monthly ADR fluctuations. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Fort William typically peaks in August 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 $330+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
  • Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $242 or more.
  • Typical properties (Median) charge around $176 per night.
  • Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $122 per night.

Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in Fort William

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Airbnb Seasonality Analysis & Trends in Fort William (2025)

Peak Season (August, July, May)
  • Revenue averages $5,938 per month
  • Occupancy rates average 75.3%
  • Daily rates average $231
Shoulder Season
  • Revenue averages $3,675 per month
  • Occupancy maintains around 53.3%
  • Daily rates hold near $212
Low Season (January, February, March)
  • Revenue drops to average $2,049 per month
  • Occupancy decreases to average 34.4%
  • Daily rates adjust to average $185

Seasonality Insights for Fort William

  • The Airbnb seasonality in Fort William 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 Fort William's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues capable of climbing to $6,180, occupancy reaching a high of 76.6%, and ADRs peaking at $235.
  • 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 $1,961, occupancy could drop to 32.0%, and ADRs may adjust down to $184.
  • 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 Fort William.

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 Fort William seasonality benchmarks and adjust your pricing and availability strategy accordingly.

Best Areas for Airbnb Investment in Fort William (2025)

Exploring the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Fort William? 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
Nevis Range
Stunning mountain resort that attracts outdoor enthusiasts year-round, offering skiing in winter and hiking in summer. Ideal for guests seeking adventure in the Highlands.
Nevis Range Mountain Resort, Ben Nevis, Mountain biking trails, Skiing and snowboarding, Scenic gondola rides
Fort William Town Centre
The bustling heart of Fort William, close to shops, restaurants, and transport links. Great for visitors who want easy access to amenities and local culture.
West Highland Museum, Local shops and boutiques, Restaurants and pubs, Fort William railway station, Historic buildings
Lochaber Geopark
Rich in geological history and natural beauty, this area is perfect for guests interested in nature and outdoor activities. Features breathtaking landscapes and hiking routes.
Ben Nevis, Mallaig and the Small Isles, Glen Nevis, Jacobite Steam Train, Highland games events
Glen Nevis
A picturesque valley and a starting point for hiking Ben Nevis. Attracts hikers and nature lovers looking to explore the Scottish countryside.
Ben Nevis hiking trail, Glen Nevis waterfall, Outdoor activities, Scenic picnic spots, Stunning views
Corpach
A quaint village located on the shores of the Caledonian Canal, ideal for guests who love water activities and scenic walks.
Caledonian Canal, Fort William to Mallaig railway, Great scenery, Kayaking opportunities, Canal side walks
Banavie
A charming village close to Fort William, offering stunning views of the mountains and easy access to outdoor activities. Popular among families and nature lovers.
Neptune's Staircase, Ben Nevis views, Local parks, Canal walks, Outdoor sports
Achintore
A peaceful residential area just outside Fort William, perfect for visitors looking for a quieter base while still being close to the town's attractions.
Lakeside walks, Friendly local atmosphere, Proximity to Fort William, Easy access to nature, Quiet setting
Kilmonivaig
A rural location with beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. Ideal for those seeking tranquility and natural beauty away from the town's hustle.
Stunning landscapes, Peaceful surroundings, Outdoor adventures, Fishing spots, Wildlife watching

Understanding Airbnb License Requirements & STR Laws in Fort William (2025)

Yes, Fort William, Scotland, United Kingdom enforces high STR regulations. Obtaining a license and ensuring compliance is almost certainly required according to current 2025 STR laws. Always verify the latest short term rental regulations and Airbnb license requirements directly with local government authorities for Fort William to ensure full compliance before hosting.

(Source: AirROI data, 2025, based on 39% licensed listings)

Top Performing Airbnb Properties in Fort William (2025)

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

Modern 5-bedroom villa with Ben Nevis views

Modern 5-bedroom villa with Ben Nevis views

Entire Place • 5 bedrooms

$286,296
Revenue
92.8%
Occupancy
$812.75
Daily Rate
Inverskilavulin - Frances' Sketch Pad with Hot Tub

Inverskilavulin - Frances' Sketch Pad with Hot Tub

Entire Place • N/A

$196,582
Revenue
80.8%
Occupancy
$659.09
Daily Rate
4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, views, garden & parking.

4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, views, garden & parking.

Entire Place • 4 bedrooms

$195,152
Revenue
80.5%
Occupancy
$680.81
Daily Rate
Wild Nurture Eco Luxury Offgrid Log Cabin

Wild Nurture Eco Luxury Offgrid Log Cabin

Entire Place • 2 bedrooms

$166,978
Revenue
62.0%
Occupancy
$688.18
Daily Rate
Aldourie, Fort William

Aldourie, Fort William

Entire Place • 6 bedrooms

$141,089
Revenue
68.7%
Occupancy
$758.76
Daily Rate
Braeside House

Braeside House

Entire Place • 4 bedrooms

$89,334
Revenue
56.4%
Occupancy
$571.47
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 Fort William (2025)

Learn from the best! This table showcases top-performing Airbnb hosts in Fort William 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
West14$405,6776594.86/5.0
Kenny10$311,4113404.39/5.0
Jonathan1$286,296635.00/5.0
Edith2$282,5983394.92/5.0
Norma6$212,4436634.87/5.0
Sean1$195,152254.96/5.0
Sophie1$166,9782494.88/5.0
Ross And Michelle3$155,36113994.81/5.0
Host #861663691$141,089394.64/5.0
Cottages2$139,350174.88/5.0

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 Fort William.

Dive Deeper: Advanced Fort William STR Market Data (2025)

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

Explore Advanced Metrics

Fort William Short-Term Rental Market Composition (2025): Property & Room Types

Room Type Distribution

Property Type Distribution

Market Composition Insights for Fort William

  • The Fort William Airbnb market composition is heavily skewed towards Entire Home/Apt listings, which make up 77.2% of the 215 active rentals. This indicates strong guest preference for privacy and space.
  • Looking at the property type distribution in Fort William, Apartment/Condo properties are the most common (41.4%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
  • Houses represent a significant 37.7% portion, catering likely to families or larger groups.
  • The presence of 8.8% Hotel/Boutique listings indicates integration with traditional hospitality.
  • Smaller segments like unique stays (combined 0.5%) offer potential for unique stay experiences.

Fort William Airbnb Room Capacity Analysis (2025): Bedroom Distribution

Distribution of Listings by Number of Bedrooms

Room Capacity Insights for Fort William

  • The dominant room capacity in Fort William is 1 bedroom listings, making up 36.3% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for couples or solo travelers.
  • Together, 1 bedroom and 2 bedrooms properties represent 65.6% of the active Airbnb listings in Fort William, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.

Fort William Vacation Rental Guest Capacity Trends (2025)

Distribution of Listings by Guest Capacity

Guest Capacity Insights for Fort William

  • The most common guest capacity trend in Fort William vacation rentals is listings accommodating 2 guests (28.8%). This suggests the primary traveler segment is likely couples or solo travelers.
  • Properties designed for 2 guests and 4 guests dominate the Fort William STR market, accounting for 55.8% of listings.
  • 14.5% of properties accommodate 6+ guests, serving the market segment for larger families or group travel in Fort William.
  • On average, properties in Fort William are equipped to host 3.2 guests.

Fort William Airbnb Booking Patterns (2025): Available vs. Booked Days

Available Days Distribution

Booked Days Distribution

Booking Pattern Insights for Fort William

  • The most common availability pattern in Fort William falls within the 91-180 days range, representing 44.7% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
  • Approximately 46.9% of listings show high availability (181+ days open annually), indicating potential for increased bookings or specific owner usage patterns.
  • For booked days, the 181-270 days range is most frequent in Fort William (44.7%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
  • A notable 53.5% of properties secure long booking periods (181+ days booked per year), highlighting successful long-term rental strategies or significant owner usage.

Fort William Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis

Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement

1 Night (38.4%)

1 Night

81 listings

38.4% of total

2 Nights (29.9%)

2 Nights

63 listings

29.9% of total

3 Nights (12.3%)

3 Nights

26 listings

12.3% of total

4-6 Nights (5.2%)

4-6 Nights

11 listings

5.2% of total

7-29 Nights (0.9%)

7-29 Nights

2 listings

0.9% of total

30+ Nights (13.3%)

30+ Nights

28 listings

13.3% of total

Key Insights

  • The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in Fort William is 1 Night, adopted by 38.4% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for shorter, flexible bookings.
  • A strong majority (68.3%) of the Fort William Airbnb data shows acceptance of very short stays (1-2 nights), indicating a dynamic, high-turnover market.
  • A significant segment (13.3%) caters to monthly stays (30+ nights) in Fort William, pointing to opportunities in the extended-stay market.

Recommendations

  • Align with the market by considering a 1 Night minimum stay, as 38.4% of Fort William hosts use this setting.
  • Explore offering discounts for stays of 30+ nights to attract the 13.3% of the market seeking extended stays.
  • Adjust minimum nights based on seasonality – potentially shorter during low season and longer during peak demand periods in Fort William.

Fort William Airbnb Cancellation Policy Trends Analysis (2025)

Super Strict 30 Days

2 listings

0.9% of total

Super Strict 60 Days

2 listings

0.9% of total

Flexible (23.2%)

Flexible

49 listings

23.2% of total

Moderate (43.1%)

Moderate

91 listings

43.1% of total

Firm (21.3%)

Firm

45 listings

21.3% of total

Strict (10.4%)

Strict

22 listings

10.4% of total

Cancellation Policy Insights for Fort William

  • The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in Fort William is Moderate, used by 43.1% of listings.
  • There's a relatively balanced mix between guest-friendly (66.3%) and stricter (31.7%) policies, offering choices for different guest needs.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Consider adopting a Moderate policy to align with the 43.1% market standard in Fort William.
  • Using a Strict policy might deter some guests, as only 10.4% 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 Fort William.

Fort William STR Booking Lead Time Analysis (2025)

Average Booking Lead Time by Month

Booking Lead Time Insights for Fort William

  • The overall average booking lead time for vacation rentals in Fort William is 77 days.
  • Guests book furthest in advance for stays during May (average 118 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
  • The shortest booking windows occur for stays in March (average 45 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
  • Seasonally, Summer (111 days avg.) sees the longest lead times, while Winter (57 days avg.) has the shortest, reflecting typical travel planning cycles.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Use the overall average lead time (77 days) as a baseline for your pricing and availability strategy in Fort William.
  • For May stays, consider implementing length-of-stay discounts or slightly higher rates for bookings made less than 118 days out to capitalize on advance planning.
  • Target marketing efforts for the Summer season well in advance (at least 111 days) to capture early planners.
  • Monitor your own booking lead times against these Fort William averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.

Popular & Essential Airbnb Amenities in Fort William (2025)

Amenity Prevalence

Amenity Insights for Fort William

  • Essential amenities in Fort William that guests expect include: Smoke alarm, Wifi, Heating. Lacking these (any) could significantly impact bookings.
  • Popular amenities like TV, Hair dryer, Essentials are common but not universal. Offering these can provide a competitive edge.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Ensure your listing includes all essential amenities for Fort William: Smoke alarm, Wifi, Heating.
  • Prioritize adding missing essentials: Smoke alarm, Wifi, Heating.
  • Consider adding popular differentiators like TV or Hair dryer 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 Fort William to stay competitive.

Fort William 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 Fort William

  • The typical guest profile for Airbnb in Fort William consists of a mix of domestic (36%) and international guests, with top international origins including United States, typically belonging to the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group (50%), primarily speaking English or French.
  • Domestic travelers account for 35.5% of guests.
  • Key international markets include United Kingdom (35.5%) and United States (20.8%).
  • Top languages spoken are English (55.3%) followed by French (8.7%).
  • A significant demographic segment is the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group, representing 50% of guests.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Focus marketing internationally, particularly towards travelers from United States.
  • 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 Fort William 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
Galston11$7,951$676.7746%
Fearnan19$6,440$421.9253%
Kirkhill10$5,719$700.2644%
Glenachulish33$5,609$424.5146%
North Kessock10$5,421$380.6258%
Carbost26$5,209$324.3162%
Foyers14$5,076$274.5264%
Arrochar33$5,045$339.1156%
Whitebridge10$4,907$417.3542%
Port Failthe14$4,832$301.1257%

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