@Helen350 & @Helen3
There are currently 1000 + 'short term lets' advertized in London Spare Room.
From my experience I would say there is quite a lot of choice, because the vast majority who either contact me or I contact do not end up staying, let alone visit for a viewing.
.Of the ones I contact, very few even reply.
Of the ones who contact me, most ask for a viewing, though only about 20% actually visit. Some take the trouble to inform that they've decided on another place before visiting.
In any case, in the past 3-4 years, there are increasing number who rather contact via Airbnb for Spare Room type requests. It suits me well, because invariably they initially only make a few days or week request, because many don't know their precise dates due to various factors; and the initial stay predominantly gives us the opportunity to gauge compatibility.
And if we are agreeable, invariably no one wants to extend via Airbnb for obvious reason of higher rent + service fee. I then treat them as Spare Roomers.