The Rise of Airbnb-Style Lets in the Dacorum, St Albans and Luton area

Short-term rentals, like those offered on Airbnb, have become a significant part of the accommodation market in recent years, reflecting changing trends for property owners away from the standard Buy-to-Let, coupled with travel trends and an increasing demand for flexible lodging options. Between July 2023 and June 2024, local areas such as Milton Keynes, Watford, St Albans, Dacorum, and Luton collectively hosted a significant number of stays, underscoring their popularity and strategic appeal.

Local Area Insights 

According to the latest data based on the 2021 census and updated tracking, the number of short-term stays recorded in these areas during this period was substantial: 

·       Milton Keynes: 19,290

·       Luton: 15,196 stays 

·       Watford: 9,670 stays 

·       St Albans: 7,750 stays 

·       Dacorum: 7,740 stays 

These figures reflect a growing trend in England, where 6,750,970 short-term lets were recorded over the same period. This shows that these local areas are increasingly becoming hotspots for temporary visitors, outpacing many others in demand relative to their size.

Why Are These Areas So Popular? 

Several factors contribute to the rising popularity of these locations for short-term lets: 

Situated within a commutable distance to London, these towns and cities attract both leisure and business travellers who prefer a quieter, more affordable stay while remaining close to the capital. Watford and St Albans, in particular, are favourites due to their excellent rail links and charming town centres. 

Continued construction and ongoing urban development projects have made these areas more attractive. Milton Keynes, with its modern infrastructure and expanding amenities, is a prime example of a town designed for the future. 

Industrial Estates and Business Hubs, the local economy benefits from a significant number of industrial estates, attracting professionals for temporary assignments. Luton and Dacorum, for instance, are home to multiple business parks, drawing corporate travellers seeking short stays. 

The region has become a cornerstone of the UK’s burgeoning film industry. Hemel, Watford and St Albans are particularly close to major studios like Warner Bros. in Leavesden, the home of the Harry Potter series, making them ideal for crew members, actors, and other professionals working in film production. 

Last year the film industry injected £5,2m into the local economy

The rise of short-term lets in these areas reflects a broader shift in property owners view their investment and adapt to the needs of the industry. For tourists, short-term rentals provide a more personal and flexible experience compared to hotels. For business travellers, they offer convenience and cost-effectiveness. 

The local rise in popularity also brings economic benefits, supporting small businesses and driving growth in hospitality and retail sectors. However, it has also sparked debates around housing availability and affordability, with some residents expressing concerns about the impact on the rental market. 

So, what for the future?

As these areas continue to grow, their appeal as short-term rental hotspots is likely to increase further. The combination of strategic location, robust infrastructure, and diverse attractions ensures their place in a thriving market. However, it also underscores the need for balanced policies to manage the social and economic impacts of this trend. 

With England recording nearly 7 million short-stay lets in just a year, the future of travel appears firmly rooted in flexibility, community engagement, and localized experiences—qualities these local towns and cities are well-equipped to deliver.