From its medieval streets and Viking roots to its boutique shopping and vibrant cultural scene, York is one of the UK’s most iconic and visited cities. With over 7 million visitors a year, including international tourists, students, business travellers, and staycationers, York’s short-term rental market is rich with opportunity.
But with great opportunity comes complexity—pricing strategy, compliance, guest management, and cleaning logistics all play a part in successful hosting. That’s where Pass the Keys York, led by local expert Sam March, steps in.
We take the stress out of short-letting while helping you earn significantly more than with traditional tenancies.
Hi, I’m Sam March, your dedicated Pass the Keys franchise partner in York. I’m proud to live and work in this beautiful city, and I’m passionate about helping local property owners take full advantage of the booming short-term rental market.
With a background in property and customer service, I understand what it takes to deliver a five-star experience for both guests and homeowners. From day one, I work closely with each host to provide clear communication, full transparency, and an income-maximising strategy backed by cutting-edge technology.
“My job is to make short-letting completely hands-off for you. Whether it’s a Georgian townhouse near Bootham Bar or a modern flat near the University, I treat every home as if it were my own.”
York’s rich heritage, year-round events, and growing tech and tourism sectors create an ideal environment for short-term rentals:
Average nightly rate: £139
Average annual occupancy: 67%
Top-tier listings earn £50K–£70K+ annually
Strong short-term guest demand from:
Heritage tourism (York Minster, Shambles, JORVIK Viking Centre)
Seasonal events (York Literature Festival, Christmas Market)
University visits and graduations
Business travel and conference attendees
York is less dependent on summer alone. Demand stays high from:
February half-term (JORVIK Viking Festival)
Spring and Easter breaks
University term times
December (Christmas lights, St Nicholas Fair)
This means reliable, year-round bookings—unlike coastal markets that peak only in summer.
With Sam March and the Pass the Keys platform, you get end-to-end management designed to maximise income and minimise stress.
Professional photography to make your listing stand out
Compelling copy tailored to your home’s charm and location
Listings published across Airbnb, Booking.com, Vrbo, Expedia, and more
Nightly rates adjusted based on local demand, events, and competitor data
Sam ensures pricing strategies reflect York’s event calendar and shoulder seasons
Higher occupancy and maximised earnings with real-time AI pricing tools
Pre-arrival vetting, ID verification, and deposit handling
24/7 guest communication, check-in assistance, and issue resolution
All reviews handled by our team to maintain your rating and reputation
Hotel-grade cleaning services after each stay
Quality linens and towels provided
Restocking of basic amenities (tea, coffee, toiletries)
Post-clean photos uploaded to your Host Dashboard
Emergency repairs and maintenance coordinated by Sam’s trusted local tradespeople
View your income, bookings, cleaning photos, and guest feedback in real-time
Block off personal-use dates easily
Total visibility, no hidden costs
| Property Type | Location | Nightly Rate | Occupancy | Annual Income Estimate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment | Micklegate/Centre | £100–£130 | 60–70% | £22,000–£30,000 |
| 2-bed city home | Bootham/Clifton | £140–£170 | 65–75% | £32,000–£45,000 |
| 3-bed period home | South Bank/Bishopthorpe | £180–£220 | 75–85% | £50,000–£70,000+ |
No mandatory short-let licence as of mid-2025
No nightly caps or change-of-use planning rules in place—unlike cities like London or Edinburgh
Sam will keep you informed if York City Council introduces new policies
If your property is available to rent for 140+ nights and let for at least 70, it may qualify as a Furnished Holiday Let
This may allow you to pay business rates instead of council tax, and claim small business rate relief (often 100%)
The Furnished Holiday Let regime will end in April 2025
You’ll no longer receive:
Full mortgage interest deductions
Business asset disposal relief (for capital gains)
We work with tax advisers who specialise in short-lets and can guide you through the changes
Can I use my property occasionally?
Yes! You control your calendar and can block dates whenever you want to stay.
What if a guest damages something?
We use damage deposits, guest screening, and Airbnb/Booking.com host guarantees to protect you.
How long does it take to go live?
Typically 7–10 days from signup to listing activation, including photos and portal access.
Can I exit the service if I need to?
Of course. There are no long-term contracts—just provide notice and we’ll assist with the transition.
In summer 2024, a homeowner in Clifton partnered with Sam to short-let their stylish two-bedroom property while working abroad.
Achieved 81% occupancy within the first three months
Averaged £185/night, thanks to event-based dynamic pricing
Earned over £18,000 in just one quarter
Maintained a 4.9-star guest rating
“Sam’s service was faultless—from the cleaners to the guests to the dashboard. I didn’t expect it to be this simple or lucrative.” – York homeowner
Whether you’ve got a spare flat, a holiday home, or you’re switching from long-term letting, Pass the Keys York makes short-letting seamless, safe, and seriously profitable.
👉 Book your free valuation today
📞 Speak to Sam March directly about your property and income goals
📩 Get your personalised income forecast
With Sam’s local expertise and Pass the Keys’ national infrastructure, you get the best of both worlds—high earnings, zero hassle, and full control.