Inherited a Property in Yorkshire? Here’s Why Many Owners Turn Them Into Airbnbs

Inheriting a property can be both a valuable opportunity and a difficult decision. Many people who inherit homes are unsure what the best option is — whether to sell the property, rent it out long-term, or keep it within the family.

Across West and North Yorkshire, more property owners are discovering another option: turning inherited homes into short-term rentals through Airbnb.

For properties located in popular areas such as Ilkley, Skipton, Wetherby, Knaresborough and Ripon, short-term rentals can generate strong income while allowing owners to keep the property long-term.

In this guide, we explore why many inherited properties are now being used as Airbnb investments across Yorkshire and what you should consider before getting started.

The Challenge of Deciding What to Do With an Inherited Property

When you inherit a property, there are usually three main options:

1. Sell the property

2. Rent it out long-term

3. Generate income through short-term rentals

Selling may provide a quick financial return, but many families prefer to keep inherited homes if possible.

Traditional long-term renting can provide stable income, but it also comes with challenges such as tenant management, maintenance responsibilities, and limited flexibility.

For many property owners, Airbnb offers a middle ground — allowing the property to generate income while still being available for personal use.

Why Inherited Properties Work Well as Airbnbs

Many inherited homes are particularly well suited to short-term rentals.

These properties are often located in:

• Historic towns

• Tourist destinations

• Rural areas with natural attractions

In Yorkshire, locations such as Skipton, Ilkley and Ripon attract visitors year-round, while market towns like Wetherby and Knaresborough offer charming alternatives to city stays.

This means inherited properties can often perform well as short-term rentals.

Airbnb Demand in North and West Yorkshire

Yorkshire is one of the UK’s most popular regions for domestic tourism.

Visitors are drawn to the area for its:

• Historic towns and architecture

• Countryside and walking routes

• Local markets and independent shops

• Cultural events and festivals

Towns such as Ilkley attract visitors exploring the nearby moors, while Skipton is known as the “Gateway to the Yorkshire Dales”.

Meanwhile, Knaresborough and Ripon draw tourists looking for scenic towns with historic character.

This consistent demand creates opportunities for property owners to generate income through short-term rentals.

How Much Can an Airbnb Property Earn?

The income from an Airbnb property depends on several factors, including location, property size, and guest demand.

However, many short-term rentals can generate higher income than traditional long-term renting.

Example Income Comparison

Rental Type	Estimated Monthly Income
Long-Term Rental	£1,000 – £1,300
Airbnb Short-Term Rental	£1,700 – £2,800

Properties located in popular visitor destinations such as Ilkley or Skipton can often achieve strong occupancy throughout the year.

Keeping the Property While Generating Income

One of the biggest advantages of Airbnb is flexibility.

Unlike traditional tenancies, short-term rentals allow owners to:

• Use the property themselves when needed

• Block out certain dates

• Maintain control over the property

This can be particularly appealing when the property has family or sentimental value.

Owners can keep the home within the family while still generating income to cover costs such as maintenance, insurance and utilities.

The Work Involved in Running an Airbnb

Although Airbnb can be profitable, it does require active management.

Running a successful short-term rental typically involves:

• Managing bookings and guest enquiries

• Cleaning and preparing the property between stays

• Adjusting pricing based on demand

• Handling maintenance issues

• Managing guest reviews

For many property owners, this can quickly become time consuming.

How Airbnb Management Can Help

This is where professional Airbnb management services across Yorkshire can make a significant difference.

A management company can handle the entire hosting process, including:

• Listing creation and optimisation

• Professional photography

• Dynamic pricing strategies

• Guest communication

• Cleaning and property turnover

• Maintenance coordination

This allows owners to benefit from short-term rental income without managing the property themselves.

Is Airbnb the Right Option for Your Inherited Property?

Short-term rentals are often ideal for properties that are:

• Located in desirable towns or tourist destinations

• Close to countryside attractions or historic centres

• Well suited for couples, families or groups

Many inherited homes across Ilkley, Skipton, Wetherby, Knaresborough and Ripon meet these criteria.

However, every property is different, so it’s important to understand the potential earnings before deciding on the best strategy.

Turning Your Inherited Property Into an Income

If you’ve inherited a property in West Yorkshire or North Yorkshire, Airbnb could offer an excellent opportunity to generate income while keeping the property within the family.

At Northern Retreats, we specialise in Airbnb and short-term rental management across Yorkshire, helping property owners maximise their income while removing the stress of hosting.

Our team manages everything from listing optimisation and pricing to guest communication, cleaning and full property management.

Find Out What Your Property Could Earn

If you’ve inherited a property in Ilkley, Skipton, Wetherby, Knaresborough, Ripon or anywhere across Yorkshire, we’d be happy to help you understand its short-term rental potential.

👉 Contact Northern Retreats today to learn more about professional Airbnb management across West and North Yorkshire.