Best Airbnb management London
London's Leading Property Management Company

Airbnb Management London

London’s Best Short Let Management
Transform your property in London into a thriving, hassle-free investment. Our proven track record makes us a trusted choice for property owners in London. We’ve managed more than 100,000 bookings with a 90% average occupancy rate and more.

Our Airbnb Hosting Service
Enjoy City Relay’s reliable property management service that maximises rental income and eliminates the stress in daily property operations. We take care of cleaning, communicating with guests and listing properties on various booking platforms. Our short term rental expertise will help your property reach its full earning potential.

Flexible Letting for Maximum Income
Our innovative letting model combines short, mid and long lets. It ensures higher occupancy and rental yields throughout the year. Whether you prefer short-term guests through Airbnb or long-term tenants, we’ll make your property stand out in one of the most competitive rental markets in the world.

Find Out What Your Property Can Earn
Uncover your property’s earning potential today. Use our FREE rental income calculator to reveal how much you can earn.

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Why Choose City Relay in London

property yield
£54m+

Booking Revenue

property calendar
2000+/500,000+

Properties/Nights Managed

CityRelay
25,000+

Bookings Completed

CityRelay
4.8/5

Trustpilot Rating

CityRelay
SHORT LET MANAGEMENT LONDON

Airbnb hosting in London

Airbnb hosting in London is profitable because the city is the third most visited city in the world, with 21.7 million international visitors in 2024. This could lead to as much as £3,500+ monthly income if the property has a monthly occupancy rate of 75%. (data from Short Term Lets in London Report)

City Relay can help Airbnb properties in London earn more than £3,000 per month. We combine property management expertise and smart technology to help short-term rentals enjoy a 40% increase in rental yields and up to a 95% occupancy rate.

Enjoy stress-free Airbnb hosting and short let management with City Relay. We’ve mastered optimising and listing properties to increase bookings in London. From home staging to professional photos and 3D virtual tours, we’ll create tailored property listings from scratch.

You’ll have a dedicated account manager who will coordinate everything. This makes it easier to monitor and improve your property’s performance.

See What Our Partners Have to Say About Our Services in London

The client team was incredibly helpful in coordinating some services that I needed done for my flat. They made sure that everything was scheduled quickly and efficiently, all while being mindful of my availability and working around my schedule! The communication was clear and proactive, and made what could have been a stressful process feel smooth and well-managed. Thanks again for the excellent support!

Amy, 18 May, 2025

Rented out my flat in Fulham for two years whilst travelling. Junaid was amazing and made sure any issues were resolved asap, keeping me in the loop the whole time. If I were to rent out again I would use CityRelay.

Jamal Samuels, 11 January, 2025

Effective and friendly service. I have been with CityRelay for two years and they have done a fantastic job in ensuring that, for the times when my flat was available for rent, I received a steady stream of short-medium lets with good tenants. The team is always responsive. I also appreciate the timeliness of the cleaning and maintenance services that they manage. The people at City Relay have always been a pleasure to work with.

Satisfied Landlord, 9 June, 2025

Fantastic people to deal with. We have used City Relay over a period of 2 years while trying to sell our London flat. They are super easy to work with, very responsive, helpful and professional, friendly, and every interaction with them has been a pleasure. The website is clear and easy to understand, and I could not recommend them enough. They are like the opposite of dealing with lettings agents. Really fantastic company.

Carl McClean, 6 June, 2025

I cannot recommend City Relay highly enough. Akim guided me so carefully through the whole process of preparing my flat for rental. He visited me and [the] property and took time and care in understanding what I was looking for and offering me the best possible options for my situation. He did not offer a rushed one-size-fits-all approach. I feel in very safe hands. Fantastically enabling process. Brilliant company. Highly recommended.

Consumer, 18 January, 2025

CityRelay

Fully Managed Airbnb Services in London

Our exceptional housekeeping services will elevate your guests’ satisfaction in short term rental properties. We have an in-house team that handles:

  • End-to-End Property Services: Don’t worry about the frequent turnovers. We’ll take care of the daily operations, from cleaning to maintenance and personal guest check-ins. 
  • Eco-Friendly Amenities: We provide refreshed linens and sustainable toiletries. Your property will always be ready to impress guests.

Our host team will also highlight your property’s unique features and interior design. We’ll even include a local area guide to attract the right guests. Whether it’s for Airbnb, another short let platform or City Relay’s booking site, we’ll increase your property’s visibility and occupancy rates to maximise rental yields.

Our efficient services have made us a trusted property management company in London. We have hundreds of property owners giving us positive reviews, leading to our 4.8/5 Trustpilot rating.

Top Rated Airbnb Management in London

Your property will be featured on 20+ short to long term letting channels

Airbnb management London
booking.com on city relay
rightmove on city relay
Expedia on city relay
Zoopla on city relay
Vrbo on CityRelay
CityRelay

Data Driven Revenue Optimisation for Airbnb in London

Enjoy a fully synced and automated property management experience through Opago, our smart online platform.

  • Access live data and reports
  • Stay on top of current bookings, cleaning and maintenance schedules
  • Streamline the Airbnb property management process and automatically create jobs (e.g. linen collection, drop-offs, etc.) after every booking confirmation

As the leading short-term rentals management company in London, we’ll ensure transparency and efficiency, so you enjoy peace of mind while we handle all the details.

Why Partners Choose City Relay in London

CityRelay
Maximised rental income

Get maximum rental yields through advanced pricing strategies and a flexible letting model. We help property owners earn 30% more compared to traditional agents.

CityRelay
Convenient property management

Enjoy a seamless experience as your property thrives. We’ll handle every detail - from in-person check-ins and guest communication to maintenance and housekeeping.

CityRelay
Tech-driven transparency

Maintain full visibility of your property - from bookings to cleaning and maintenance schedules. Make smart decisions based on real-time data to save time and reduce costs.

CityRelay
Proven trust

Hundreds of property owners rely on us to manage their portfolios effectively. This leads to a high rating on both Trustpilot (4.8/5) and Google (4.6/5).

CityRelay

Short let Management in London

Managing Airbnb properties comes with a unique set of time-consuming responsibilities. Working with a professional Airbnb management company in London like City Relay makes all the difference. Especially if you’re looking to host a place to stay but want to avoid property operation details. This includes tracking the cleaning fee or implementing house rules.

At City Relay, we put a whole new meaning to responsible hosting. We won’t just create a great experience to elevate guest satisfaction. Whether you have a single or multiple properties, we’ll ensure professionally cleaned properties, a profitable pricing strategy and round-the-clock communication. All these will make your Airbnb properties glow with raving reviews.

Let us help you simplify the property management process so you can focus on enjoying the rewards of your property.

How we optimise your Airbnb management revenue in London?

Neighbourhood*
Short, Long and Flexible Let

Short let

Long let

Flexible let

Short let*

£28,192**

Long Let

£50,700**

Flexible let

£66,217**

* Based on market data taken in March 2023

**This is an estimate based on the assumption that your property is a 2-bed with high quality furnishings and interior design.

*** 90 day annual limit on short let in London

CityRelay

Maximise Rental Yields through Flexible Letting

As a property management company, we go beyond short-term rental and Airbnb management services. Our flexible letting model adapts to market demands, ensuring your property remains in demand no matter the season.

You’ll enjoy the freedom to switch between:

  • Short lets (up to 89 days): ideal for peak seasons
  • Mid lets (up to 179 days): perfect for professionals or transitional stays
  • Long lets (180+ days): ensure a steady rental income

Enjoy the freedom of switching letting strategies. Meet the evolving rental property demands of modern lifestyles, leading to high-quality residents and consistent income.

CityRelay

Lease Agreements

Our experience as a property management company in London and deep understanding of the local property market allows us to tailor lease agreements to suit your portfolio goals.

Choose from:

  • Revenue Share Model to maximise your rental income
  • Guaranteed Rent Model to enjoy a stable monthly rental income without worrying about void periods or late payments

Let’s find the perfect balance between profitability and flexibility.

FAQs

How do I manage Airbnb properties in London?

Managing Airbnb properties involves key steps to ensure a successful operation.

First, create a standout listing using high-quality photos, virtual tours and competitive pricing tailored to the London market.

Second, handle guest communication and inquiries promptly, manage check-ins and checkouts and maintain the property between bookings to meet high expectations.

Third, stay compliant with local regulations, including 90-day short-let rule in London boroughs.

Fourth, monitor reviews, performance and financials to know how to optimise occupancy and revenue.

The best way to manage Airbnb properties in London is to partner with a reputable property management company like City Relay. We’ll help you to optimise your Airbnb property’s income potential and maximise occupancy rates.

How do I start an Airbnb business in London?

Start by checking local regulations, especially short-let restrictions in your borough (e.g. 90-day rule).

Then improve the interior design and use smart technology and energy-efficient appliances to meet the local sustainability standards and attract eco-conscious guests.

Once the property is ready, create an attractive listing on Airbnb. Use high-quality photos, videos and accurate descriptions. Then set a smart pricing strategy that depends on seasonal trends in London.

Provide excellent service to improve the guest experience and accumulate positive reviews.

For a hassle-free experience, work with a property management company like City Relay to manage and maintain your property. Enjoy end-to-end property management services that include guest communications, cleaning and maintenance and other Airbnb hosting tasks.

What are Airbnb property standards to succeed in London?

As an experienced Airbnb management company in London, City Relay developed an onboarding checklist that ensures your property meets the market’s expectations and provides a 5-star guest experience. Our property standards include:

  • Stylish, functional interiors and a clean, hotel-quality setup
  • A full amenities package that includes fresh linens and eco-friendly toiletries
  • Updated certificates: EICR, EPC, Gas Safety and Fire Risk Assessment

We can help bring your property up to standard if anything is missing. Let’s elevate your property and make it compliant and competitive in the London short-let market.

Is there a minimum number of Airbnb properties I need to have?

No minimum or maximum number of properties is required to be a City Relay partner. As long as the property is available for a minimum of 6 months, is not used as a primary residence and is free of personal items, it can be converted into an Airbnb property in London.

What is the minimum contract length for London properties?

We typically work with a minimum 6-month term for new partners, but we understand that every property and owner is different. In some cases, shorter agreements (e.g. 3 months) can be considered based on the property’s location, seasonality, and expected nightly rate.

Our team is happy to explore options that align with your goals – get in touch to discuss what might work best for your property.

What locations does your property management service cover?

We manage Airbnb properties across Zones 1-3 of London. This includes key areas like Clapham, Lambeth, Notting Hill, Westminster, Kensington, Camden, Acton, Chelsea, etc. As our presence grows, we continue to expand into more boroughs, even internationally in Paris.

Where do you advertise my property?

Your property in London will be listed on booking platforms with a global reach. This includes Airbnb, Booking.com, HomeAway, and Expedia. We can also advertise your property for longer lets through Rightmove and Zoopla.

We also have our own booking platform on the City Relay website. We’ll promote your property in multiple channels (social media and email) and our database of more than 20,000 previous City Relay guests.

What is flexible letting?

Flexible letting is City Relay’s unique strategy to optimise your property’s rental income by switching between short-term lets (up to 90 days per year), mid-term lets (3 to 6 months) and long-term lets (6+ months).

We use data and technology to determine the best letting strategy at any given time. Our smart proprietary platform, Opago, allows us to stay on top of different letting methods. It enables us to manage bookings that comply with property rules (e.g. 90-day limit) while maximising the income potential of your property.

How do I see my property’s performance report?

City Relay partners are assigned a dedicated Account Manager to serve as the direct point of contact. Although they will take charge of your property’s management, you can stay on top of your London property’s performance. You will also get access to the Opago platform, where you can view the booking calendar in real-time, monitor monthly income and expenses, track maintenance activity and receive performance updates.

All this information will allow you to make decisions to improve and increase your property’s income potential.

When do I get paid?

Payments are processed depending on the letting strategy used.

Shortlet payments are consolidated on a monthly basis. Earnings are transferred within the first 14 working days of the next month. 

Midlet and longlet payments are processed within 7 days of receiving rent from the tenants.

Payment processing periods are exclusive of weekends and holidays.

If you have questions, get in touch with your Account Manager and our finance team.

Is my London property covered by insurance?

You’ll need to take a landlord insurance for your Airbnb property in London.

For shortlets, we recommend our partner, Guardhog. They specialise in providing shortlet insurance.

For longlets, complete a thorough tenant referencing and choose an insurance that covers rent protection and legal expenses. We have partners we can recommend should you need one.

What is an AST?

AST is short for Assured Shorthold Tenancy. It’s the most common type of tenancy for private landlords or letting agents. This is a written agreement between the landlord and resident that details the terms and conditions of the tenancy – from rental price to maintenance responsibilities.

This applies to residents who are individuals (not a business) and should have a rental fee that doesn’t exceed £100,000 a year.

The tenancy agreement covers a fixed period wherein the landlord has every right to take the property back for as long as the resident is given at least 2 months’ notice to vacate the premises.

Know more about AST here.

Who completes viewings on my property?

Property viewings are part of City Relay’s property management services. Whether it’s to help tenants or potential buyers view your property, our in-house team of experts is quick to manage tenant inquiries and viewings, 7 days a week. This also includes prompt answers to inquiries via platforms like Rightmove and Zoopla.

Our professional team is trained to showcase your property’s best features and answer queries confidently and accurately. This helps secure the right residents willing to pay optimal rental rates.

What shortlet compliance rules do I need to meet in London?

All London Airbnb properties are required to provide a safe place for residents and guests to stay. Among the safety checks and compliance requirements are: Electrical Safety Test, Gas Safety Test, Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm Regulations Compliance, Energy Performance Certificate, Fire Risk Assessment, etc.

City Relay will ensure your property meets the high standards of rental properties in London. It allows us to maintain our reputation and ensure high occupancy rates. If you need assistance in monitoring and ensuring compliance, get in touch with our team. We’ll help you navigate the ever-changing regulations in the private rental sector in London.

Does City Relay complete reference checks and take security deposits?

Yes. We follow a thorough reference check for all tenants or guests. This includes credit, identity and social media checks. We use platform data to vet shortlet guests and collect security deposits where applicable. We also handle maintenance claims for damages beyond normal wear and tear.

Our comprehensive vetting and referencing process allows us to find the right individual who’ll take care of the property during their stay. It ensures peace of mind and protects your rental income.

What is the 90-day Airbnb rule in London?

Under the Greater London planning rules, entire properties can only be shortlet for up to 90 nights per calendar year. Platforms like Airbnb strictly enforce these rules by closing booking calendars after the property has been booked for 90 days.

If you want to book longer than 90 nights, you need to apply for planning permission. Or you can partner with City Relay so we can use flexible letting to maximise your rental income. We’ll switch to mid- or long-term letting once you reach the 90-day limit.

How profitable is Airbnb in London?

With an average of 30 million visitors each year, London is one of the most profitable Airbnb locations in the UK. Airbnb property owners can earn more than £100 daily.

City Relay has a trustworthy reputation and positive reviews to attract guests to book a stay. As a City Relay partner, we’ll turn your London property into a high-performing shortlet investment.

Learn how we optimise the yields of Airbnb properties.

How much will you charge to manage my Airbnb property in London?

City Relay charges 20% + VAT per booking for short-term letting management. This covers marketing and listing optimisation, guest communication, personalised check-ins, 24/7 guest support and in-house cleaning and maintenance.

It also gives you access to Opago, our property management platform, where you get complete visibility of your property’s calendar, performance and booking information.

How can I get someone to clean my Airbnb after a guest checks out?

We at City Relay have an in-house housekeeping team. After each guest checks out, your property is professionally cleaned, restocked with eco-friendly amenities and refreshed with clean towels and linens.

This ensures a consistent 5-star experience for your guests.

How much commission does Airbnb get from hosts?

Airbnb typically charge hosts a 3% commission under the split-fee model. There’s also an option to use a host-only fee, which deducts 14% to 16% from the payout.

VAT is added on top of these fees. Your Account Manager will guide you through the most cost-effective option for your property.

How much does Airbnb management cost London/UK?

Typical Airbnb management companies like City Relay follow a 10% to 20% commission scheme. The pricing will depend on factors like property location, services required, size and condition. Sometimes, additional fees are added for the initial setup or services like deep cleaning, etc.

City Relay offers transparent and value-driven pricing with no hidden fees.

Can I get someone to manage my Airbnb?

Yes, it’s a common practice in London for property owners to enlist the services of a property management company like City Relay.

Among the services provided are professional listing, pricing strategy, 24/7 guest communication, vetting, housekeeping and maintenance and compliance support. With City Relay, you’ll also get access to our tech platform, Opago, where you get full transparency and real-time information about your property’s performance.

City Relay offers peace of mind, higher returns and zero hassle of hosting.

What are the costs of managing Airbnb?

Managing an Airbnb in London comes with several costs. This includes furnishing the property, marketing the listing, professional cleaning, routine maintenance and covering utility bills. Guest services like 24/7 support, check-ins and other add-on offers will also incur costs.

Emergency expenses on repairs or appliance replacements can also add to the cost. This is why it’s crucial to have a system to track and manage expenses.

City Relay uses a smart platform to track and manage all Airbnb management costs to help maximise rental income and profitability.

How much time does it take to manage an Airbnb?

Running an Airbnb in London can be time-intensive, especially if you manage more than one property. You need to promptly respond to guest inquiries, manage bookings, adjust pricing strategies based on market trends and coordinate check-ins and check-outs as well as housekeeping and maintenance between bookings.

It can easily become a full-time commitment.

This is why outsourcing to property management companies like City Relay can help. We can ensure seamless operations and a quality guest experience. Our expertise will leave you with a stress-free hosting experience so you can focus on maximising your rental income.

Find out more about what we can do for you here.