Airbnb our main residence UK

[Amanda3424]

We  have just bought a new house which was previously an airbnb in a good rental area. (Yorkshire Dales) We are keen travellers so we are looking to airbnb the house after some redecoration etc.

As this is our residence, I have questions

1. Is there a minimum amount of weeks we need to rent to be allowed on the platform

2. As it is still our home, do we need business rates for electricity

3.If we want to come back for a few weeks, can we just book it out

4. As it will be our address still, business rates will apply and not council tax.

If you can tell me anything else I need to know. I'd appreciate it

[Mike-And-Jane0]

@Amanda3424 to answer your questions:

1) Nope - The only issue you will face is that you may not top the search listings as you will have limited availability/bookings. Or perhaps not if you travel a lot.

2) Nope

3) You can block any nights you want to spend in the house with no penalty

4) Unless you are available for 140 nights a year and rent for at least 70 (from memory) you will stay on council tax. Its harder to get on business rates these days as the VoA seems to want proof of rentals before moving to business rates (which typically work out as zero)

Other things

Airbnb will almost certainly invalidate your house insurance. Talk to an expert like JL Morris insurance brokers to find a suitable product. Do NOT rely on Aircover.

If you have a mortgage you will need their permission

How do you plan to clean between guests and/or deal with issues that arise during a guest's stay?

You may end up paying CGT on the increase in house value when you sell

Guests will expect a pretty much empty house so you will need to find a solution for your personal possessions when renting.

No insurance can cover the loss of sentimental items so be careful what you leave out

[Amanda3424]

Most helpful.

No mortgage, using a manager to run it.

[Helen3]

1. Check demand and supply for STRs for your type of property - many UK markets are oversaturated 

2. I cohost a property where an owner only lets it out during their holidays - it's much harder to get bookings for it with a limited calendar 

3. don't forget you need to comply with legislation such having a fire assessment 

4. You'll need to check out the new STR legislation for England due to come in this year. 

@Amanda3424 

[Amanda3424]

It's on the coast to coast route in a busy village.

Was previously an Airbnb, has all certificates for elec, oil boiler, fire blanket, thumb turn locks.

We rent out a property full time so aware of health and safety at current time.

We travel 5 months if year at moment but want to increase that 

[Helen3]

Presumably you got an idea of supply and demand from the previous owner  @Amanda3424 ?

As long as the previous owner had positive reviews you shouldn't have an issue starting a new listings .

you will need your own fire assessment. 

[Amanda3424]

The last owner had positive reviews  and let it out for 11 months of the year. Thank you