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Map shows how Airbnb properties are increasing in holiday hotspots like Suffolk as PM promises crack down on rowdy visitors





A new map reveals how a staycation boom since the pandemic has seen the number of short-term holiday lets swell in some of England's most popular tourist hotspots.

Coronavirus and subsequent travel restrictions for foreign trips led to a spike in demand for breaks closer to home - with new data now confirming the enormous growth the UK holiday rental market has endured in just three years.

Suffolk is among the places to have witnessed a surge in the number of rented holiday lets available in the county - with a leap of 16% between 2019 and 2022.

The town of Southwold viewed from the pier, in Suffolk, UK. (63312126)
The town of Southwold viewed from the pier, in Suffolk, UK. (63312126)

According to the data, which has been compiled by the short-term rental analysis firm AirDNA, Blackpool, Lincoln, the Peak District and Dorset are also among the areas to have experienced some of the biggest percentage growths that put them close to the top of the chart.

Dorset's increase has sent the number of available holiday homes it is registering into double figures for 2022 with 10,782 short-term lets.

Windsor is among a small number of areas to have witnessed a decline in available holiday homes. Image: iStock.
Windsor is among a small number of areas to have witnessed a decline in available holiday homes. Image: iStock.

Other popular locations also experiencing an increase in listings through companies including AirBnB are neighbouring Norfolk, Shropshire, Gloucester and the Lake District. AirDNA says it is also noticing 'an extension of seasonality' meaning that there is also an increase in supply and demand in the low season as well as at peak times.

Far fewer places are witnessing a decline in property numbers with London, Cambridge and Windsor among a small handful, says AirDNA to have recorded a drop in the number of holiday homes available.

Data from AirDNA shows the areas experiencing a boom in holiday homes
Data from AirDNA shows the areas experiencing a boom in holiday homes

Concerns over the potential for rowdy guests could prompt a government crackdown on short term lets, according to new anti social behaviour plans.

An action plan published by the Government on Monday aims to stop holiday properties 'importing anti-social behaviour into communities'.

Referencing noise problems, drunken behaviour and disorderly conduct, the plan promises the creation of a new registration scheme that would provide councils with the data to identify short-term lets in the local area.

Rishi Sunak has pledged to cut down on rowdy visitors in new anti-social behaviour plans
Rishi Sunak has pledged to cut down on rowdy visitors in new anti-social behaviour plans

If any short-term rental property proved 'problematic', local officials could then take action against its guests and owners.

Communities Secretary Michael Gove earlier this month expressed concerns about the impact of short-term letting on local areas, promising to make changes aimed at restricting “the way that homes can be turned into Airbnbs”, amid concerns about problems with holiday lets preventing younger workers from living and finding a job near to home.