Durham has always been a rental hotspot. With one of the UK’s most prestigious universities at its heart, the city’s property market has traditionally thrived on student tenants. Landlords could count on a steady stream of undergraduates filling HMOs (houses in multiple occupation) and private rentals year after year.

But the landscape is shifting. Rising maintenance costs, stricter regulations around student housing, and changing tenant expectations are pushing many landlords to rethink their strategies. Increasingly, Durham property owners are finding that short-term lets—from holiday homes to Airbnb rentals—offer greater flexibility, higher yields, and fewer headaches than traditional student lets.

The Traditional Student Let Model in Durham

Durham University brings over 22,000 students into the city each year. For decades, this demand made student lets a safe bet for landlords. Students typically signed year-long contracts, paid predictable rents, and kept void periods minimal.

However, the model isn’t as straightforward as it once was. Today, landlords face:

• Rising HMO regulations: Licensing requirements, safety standards, and limits on shared occupancy have increased.

• Wear and tear: Student properties often require extensive annual maintenance.

• Fixed rental income: Rent is capped for the year, regardless of demand.

• Shift in student preferences: More students are choosing purpose-built accommodation with modern facilities, leaving traditional landlords competing on price.

While student lets still provide security, many Durham landlords are realising they may not be the most profitable—or stress-free—option.

Why Short-Term Lets Are Becoming More Attractive

Durham is no longer just a student city. It’s a tourism and business destination, drawing a wide range of visitors:

• Tourists: With Durham Cathedral, Castle, and UNESCO World Heritage status, the city welcomes millions of visitors annually.

• Families: Parents visiting students during term time prefer the comfort of short-term homes.

• Business Travellers: Durham’s growing professional sectors attract corporate bookings.

• Staycation Boom: More UK holidaymakers are choosing cultural city breaks closer to home.

This variety of guests creates strong demand for short-term lets, giving hosts a level of flexibility and profitability that student lets simply can’t match.

Student Lets vs. Short Lets: A Side-by-Side Comparison

How Durham Events Boost Short-Let Income

Short-term lets thrive thanks to seasonal peaks and events that drive demand well beyond the student calendar:

• Graduation Week – Families flock to Durham every summer, pushing occupancy and nightly rates sky-high.

• Durham Miners’ Gala – The city’s biggest annual event attracts tens of thousands of visitors.

• Lumiere Festival – A major cultural event, drawing international visitors every two years.

• Business & Academic Conferences – Year-round demand from visiting professionals.

These surges create income spikes that student lets can’t match, giving hosts an opportunity to maximise earnings at key times.

The Durham Property Advantage

Durham’s housing stock is well suited to short-term letting:

• City Centre Apartments: Perfect for business travellers and couples visiting for weekends.

• Terraced Houses Near the University: Ideal for families attending graduations or events.

• Countryside Cottages in County Durham: Appealing to staycationers who want to explore heritage sites and the North Pennines.

Well-managed, these properties can outperform student lets both financially and in terms of long-term property condition.

Why Professional Management Makes the Difference

Short-term letting can feel daunting for landlords used to annual contracts. But with a professional partner like Pass the Keys County Durham, the transition is seamless. Services include:

• Listing creation & professional photography to make your property stand out.

• Multi-platform marketing on Airbnb, Booking.com, and Vrbo.

• Dynamic pricing to capture peak-season rates while staying competitive off-season.

• Guest communication & support available 24/7.

• Cleaning & maintenance after every stay, keeping properties in top condition.

• Owner flexibility—use your property whenever you want.

This full-service approach removes the hassle, leaving hosts with the benefits of higher returns and less stress.

FAQs About Short-Term Lets in Durham

Are short-term lets riskier than student lets?
Not with the right management. Professional pricing strategies and marketing ensure strong occupancy year-round.

Will I lose guaranteed income by switching from students?
While student rents are fixed, short-lets can deliver significantly higher earnings, especially when leveraging event seasons and holiday demand.

Do I need planning permission?
Most Durham short-lets don’t require planning changes, but always check your property type and location with the council.

What about void periods?
With the right management, guest demand remains strong year-round thanks to Durham’s blend of tourism, business, and family visits.

Can I still use the property myself?
Yes—short-lets allow you to block off dates whenever you want personal use.

Final Thoughts

Durham’s property market is evolving. While student lets have long been the default, the rise of short-term stays is offering property owners more flexibility, higher returns, and better long-term property care. Whether you own a city-center flat, a townhouse near the university, or a countryside retreat, short-lets give you the chance to benefit from Durham’s thriving visitor economy.

✅ Ready to explore short-term letting in Durham? Partner with Sean and Matthew at Pass the Keys County Durham for hands-free management and maximum returns.