The average central London short let takes about £78,400 a year in bookings, according to BNBCalc's central London market data, based on 12-month averages to September 2026. Larger homes earn far more: the average 4+ bedroom listing takes £130,600. Here's what central London short lets earn by size, and how that compares with renting to a tenant.
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Key takeaways
- The average central London short let takes about £78,400 a year in bookings.
- Listings are booked on about 59% of nights, at an average of £316 a night.
- 4+ bedroom homes average about £130,600 a year in bookings.
- The ONS average London rent is £2,332 a month, with the tenant paying bills.
- Compare what's left after every cost, not the headline figures.
Contents
- What does the average central London short let earn?
- What do central London short lets earn by size?
- How does that compare with renting to a tenant?
- What about the 90-night rule?
- What drives central London bookings?
- Who runs central London short lets?
- What do guests pay more for?
- Check the numbers for your home
- Frequently asked questions
What does the average central London short let earn?
BNBCalc's figures for the 12 months to September 2026:
- Average bookings of about £78,400 a year per listing, up 3% on the year before.
- Listings booked on about 59% of available nights, down 2%.
- An average nightly rate of £316, up 6%.
- Guests booking about 42 days ahead.
What do central London short lets earn by size?
| Size | Bookings a year | About a month | Average cleaning fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | £27,800 | £2,320 | £79 |
| 1 bedroom | £61,100 | £5,090 | £85 |
| 2 bedrooms | £87,900 | £7,320 | £126 |
| 3 bedrooms | £122,400 | £10,200 | £177 |
| 4+ bedrooms | £130,600 | £10,880 | £221 |
These are booking figures before platform fees, management and running costs. Source: BNBCalc central London market data.
How does that compare with renting to a tenant?
The ONS puts the average London private rent at £2,332 a month in August 2026. By size, the ONS gives £1,760 for one bedroom, two bedrooms £2,232, three bedrooms £2,643, and four or more bedrooms £3,646.
The gap looks biggest for larger homes: a 4+ bedroom short let averages about £10,880 a month in bookings, against about £3,646 in rent. But the honest comparison is what's left after costs. With a tenant, they pay the bills. With a short let, you pay management, cleaning, bills, council tax and insurance. Our short-let vs long-let calculator does the sum for your home.
What about the 90-night rule?
This matters more than any average. In London, you can let a whole home on short stays for up to 90 nights a year without planning permission. BNBCalc's figures are averages across all central London listings, including homes with permission and stays of other lengths, so they're not a forecast for a home under the 90-night limit.
As an example, 90 nights at the central London average of £316 a night comes to about £28,440 in short-stay bookings. Most owners fill the rest of the year with stays of 90 nights or more, such as work and relocation lets. Read London's 90-night rule explained and medium-term lets in London.
What drives central London bookings?
Central London draws visitors from around the world all year, with its biggest weeks around major events like the London Marathon, Wimbledon and Notting Hill Carnival. Read our London events calendar.
Who runs central London short lets?
Most are professionally run. BNBCalc's data shows Professionally managed (80%) of central London listings, with the rest run by independent hosts. Airbnb carries most listings, at 75%, with 21% on Vrbo and 4% on Booking.com.
What do guests pay more for?
BNBCalc compares what listings earn with and without certain features. In central London, listings with air conditioning earned about 47% more, and listings with a washing machine about 35% more. Bigger homes are more likely to have these features, so part of the difference comes from size, not the feature alone.
Check the numbers for your home
Our central London short-let management team will show you likely earnings after fees, based on homes like yours. Get your free valuation and see whether the numbers work for your home.
Frequently asked questions
How much can you earn on Airbnb in central London?
The average central London short let takes about £78,400 a year in bookings, according to BNBCalc's 12-month averages to September 2026.
What occupancy do central London short lets get?
About 59% of available nights, at an average of £316 a night.
How much does a 2-bed short let earn in central London?
About £87,900 a year in bookings, or roughly £7,320 a month, before fees and costs.
Is a short let better than renting in central London?
Often, for larger homes, but compare what's left after costs. The ONS average London rent is £2,332 a month.
Which platforms do central London hosts use?
Mostly Airbnb, with 75% of listings, followed by Vrbo at 21% and Booking.com at 4%.
Related guides
Sources
This is general information, not legal or tax advice. It is our own interpretation of the rules and figures as they stand on the date shown above, and they can change. Speak to a qualified solicitor or accountant before you act on anything here.