Airbnb has released new figures showing that the typical host landlord makes a modest £5,500 a year by sharing their space on the platform. 

While government, local authorities and activists have been strident in their criticism of short lets, Airbnb has consistently emphasised that in the UK its landlords typically rely on this income to help household budgets during the cost of living crisis.

The platform says the £5,500 is the equivalent to almost two months’ additional pay for the median UK household. 

Airbnb surveyed almost 4,400 landlord hosts during 2023 and found that almost a third chose to short let their properties or rooms because of the need to make ends meet. And almost 40 per cent said the income from the short letting allowed them to stay in their homes. 

Nearly a third of UK host landlords are retired, and one in five work in education, health and social care or hospitality. Over nine in 10 make recommendations to their guests of local businesses to visit. 

A recent study by economics consultancy BIGGAR found that spending by guests and Hosts on Airbnb boosted the UK economy by £2.9 billion and supported over 100,000 jobs across the UK in 2022/3.

“As living costs continue to bite, hosting on Airbnb is an economic lifeline that is helping people to pay their bills and afford the things that are important to them. When holidaymakers make the decision to book an Airbnb, it’s local families, businesses and communities that benefit. We are proud of the role our guests play in helping everyday people across the country live more comfortably” says Amanda Cupples, general manager for the UK and Northern Europe at Airbnb.