Last updated on June 23rd, 2023
If you are looking to buy investment properties in the UK, knowing the Airbnb rules in your preferred city is the first step! In this article, we featured Airbnb regulations in Belfast along with short-term let policies, buy to let properties, things to consider in property investment, and more. Continue reading and learn more about the Airbnb rules in Belfast!
Is Airbnb legal in Belfast?
Don’t worry, Airbnb is legal in Belfast! Belfast is described as the gateway city to a land of legends. The city boasts a lively historic city center, fascinating museums, a variety of restaurants and many other top-notch attractions.
Here is a little proof! As of May 2022, there are 14,228 nights available in Belfast from Airbnb alone. Andrew manages 58 listings, Central and John operates 17 and 12 respectively.
How much can I make by running an Airbnb in Belfast?
Currently, there are 598 Airbnb listings in Belfast, with 52% of entire houses earning up to £2,193 a month. Average Occupancy Rates in Belfast is 53% and average daily rate is £104. According to vacation holiday rental data source Airbtics, a 2-bedroom apartment in Belfast can make up to £29,374 each year. Want to discover how much can you make on Airbnb? Then check out our Airbnb Calculator!
Short-term rental policy in Belfast
- The need for planning permission will depend on the extent to which the short-term holiday let changes the character of the use of the property and the degree to which it impacts its surroundings.
- All tourist accommodation providers in Northern Ireland (for example, anyone offering overnight sleeping accommodation to tourists for a fee) must receive certification by Tourism NI before they can trade.
- Under Northern Ireland’s regulations, Airbnb properties are classed as self-catering accommodation. All hosts are required to apply for a certificate that costs £40 and is valid for up to four years.
Property in Belfast
Before investing in a property in Belfast, you have to consider the major determinators for success. This includes average price, population, nearby landmarks or attractions, and rental yields to expect – among the rest. Here are some of the most recommended areas in Belfast that you can look into & consider purchasing:
| Population: 343,000 approximately | Average House Price: £145,337 |
Source: Invest in Belfast
Here are some of the most recommended areas in Belfast that you can look into & consider purchasing:
| Area | Average House Price | Average Rent Price (pcm) | Average Airbnb Revenue | Yields |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| City Centre (BT1 - BT2) | £226,814 | £912 | £2,169 | Flats in this area can offer a yield of between 2% and 3.9% according to Liveyield |
| Andersontown, Lady Brook, and Suffolk (BT11) | £167,462 | £750 | £1,607 | BT11 can offer typical yields around 5% up to as much as 9.2% |
| Falls Road, Sandy Row, and The Village (BT12) | £117,819 | £718 | £1,746 | Properties in BT12 offer a minimum yield of 3% and a maximum yield of 12.2% |
Source: Short-term rental calculator
Buy to Let in Belfast
If you are looking to start an Airbnb business in the UK, this is your go signal to do so! One of the reasons to buy to let in Belfast is its remarkable exponential growth in business industries & tourism.
Since house prices in Belfast are generally lower than in other cities in the UK, it’s also a feasible option for investors to buy-to-let properties with a strong return of investment (ROI). Using an accurate Airbnb calculator, this shouldn’t be a difficult task at all!
Rental Properties in Belfast
Buying a property in Belfast with an impressive rental yield is an excellent way to have a passive income. As a competitive and connected city, Belfast is the second-fastest growing knowledge economy in the UK with over 80% of business investments. By looking at the following property investment websites such as Propertypal Belfast and Property News Belfast, you can get a grasp of the various prices in Belfast.
Conclusion
In my personal opinion, the biggest advantage of running a short-term rental is high return! I’ve talked to hundreds of Airbnb hosts over the past years and frequently met hosts making 15 – 30% gross rental yields, and 10-20% net. It’s also fun to do!
