Are you looking to stay ahead in the ever-evolving North Wales holiday market? After a year of resilience and shifting traveller habits, we’re excited to unveil our 2026 Market Insights Report, based on 2025 data.
Despite wider economic challenges that affected search volumes across the self-catering sector, the North Wales portfolio showed remarkable strength in 2025. In fact, average occupancy across our 900+ properties was 1% higher than the previous year.
Whether you’re an experienced owner or considering your first investment, these data-driven insights are designed to help you plan for a successful season ahead.
Carry on reading as we explore the key trends shaping the North Wales holiday let market—and find out how to make 2026 your most profitable year yet…
An Overview of the North Wales Holiday Let Market
The 2025 season was dynamic and fast-paced. While winter brought challenges such as high winds, storms, and softer search demand, the spring, summer, and autumn months delivered standout performance across the region.
During peak summer weeks, average occupancy in North Wales reached 89%, demonstrating the continued strength of domestic travel.
Consumer appetite remains high; our annual survey of 1,000 adults revealed:
✔️ 63% of Brits plan to take a UK break in the next 12 months.
✔️ 34% expect a UK stay to be their main holiday.
This strong intent, combined with an encouraging start to 2026 bookings, suggests a buoyant outlook for the season ahead.
Who is booking holidays in North Wales?
Our data suggests that couples are leading the way when it comes to booking staycations in the region.
2025 Guest Demographics
Source: Menai Holidays Market Insight Report 2026
Top-Performing North Wales Properties in 2025
The best-performing North Wales properties in 2025 achieved 50–64 bookings, with many already seeing strong numbers booked for 2026.
These results highlight the importance of a clear pricing strategy, prime location, and standout presentation in driving consistent bookings and maximising revenue.
Here are our top properties in 2025, ranked by total bookings:
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Cwrt, Dwyran – 64 bookings in 2025 (33 already secured for 2026)
2. Y Felin (The Granary), Caernarfon – 56 bookings in 2025 (28 already secured for 2026)
3. Swyn Llyr, Rhosneigr – 55 bookings in 2025 (36 already secured for 2026)
4. The Pot Loft, Benllech – 50 bookings in 2025 (27 already secured for 2026)
5. Ysgol Fach (Little School), Benllech – 50 bookings in 2025 (41 already secured for 2026)
Could your property be featured in 2027?
Get in touch with North Wales’s leading holiday letting agency today.
Maximising Your North Wales Holiday Let Yield and Bookings
To increase your holiday let income, it is vital to adapt to modern booking habits.
Here are four key areas where owners can significantly improve their holiday let yield:
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1. Smarter Pricing Strategies
Properties following our professional base pricing advice see 41% more revenue.
Those using real-time dynamic pricing earn an average of 26% higher annual revenue.
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2. Booking Flexibility
Last-minute bookings are now the norm: 32% of bookings are made within four weeks of arrival.
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3. The Power of Short Breaks
Accepting 3–5 night stays can generate 25% more revenue annually. Demand is high, with 47% of North Wales bookings currently for short breaks.
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4. Making Your Property Pet-Friendly
27% of all bookings included pets in 2025. Welcoming four-legged guests increases occupancy and can boost revenue by an average of 16% per year.
💡KEY NOTES FROM REPORT
- Lead Times vs. Property Size: Smaller properties see more last-minute interest, with 39% of one-bedroom bookings made within four weeks, compared to just 17% for larger homes.
- Income from Short Breaks: Swapping a week-long stay for two short breaks earns 148% of the weekly rate, as a single short break typically achieves 74% of a full week’s price.
Value-Adding Property Features: Top 3 Guest Searches
If you want to make your property stand out, these were the top-searched holiday let amenities in 2025:
- Pet-friendly stays
- Hot tubs
- Capacity for large groups
Adding any of these features can significantly boost your property’s appeal and earning potential.
For example, installing a hot tub can increase booking revenue by 40%!
Sustainability: A Growing Opportunity for Owners
Guests are increasingly prioritising sustainability, making it a smart investment for owners. With only 6% of properties currently offering EV charging points, there is a clear opportunity to differentiate your home while future-proofing your business.
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Exclusive Insights
Download our full report to discover all 7 value-adding features you need to stay ahead of the competition.
Emerging Trends in the UK Holiday Let Industry
The 2025 season revealed fascinating shifts in how Brits choose to holiday. Key trends include:
More Frequent UK Breaks
Almost half of UK holidaymakers now plan 2–3 domestic trips per year, prioritising flexibility and variety over one long holiday.
The Convenience Factor
- 35% of adults are now more likely to choose a UK holiday over going abroad.
- 56% say UK trips are simply easier to plan.
A New Generation of Travellers
Gen Z is leading the staycation trend, with 71% of 18–28 year-olds holidaying in the UK in 2025.
The Rise of ‘Tastecations’
Food is becoming a major travel motivator. A third of Brits have chosen a destination specifically for its local delicacies or a must-visit restaurant.
👉 Download our full report to discover even more essential trends shaping the holiday let industry.
Key Considerations When Buying a Holiday Home in North Wales
With appeal across both summer and winter months, North Wales remains a fantastic location for property investment.
In our experience, the top three features to look for are:
- A Sea View: This is one of the most common search filters on our website. Guests often use specific terms like ‘Abersoch cottages with sea view’ before they even land on our site.
- Dedicated Parking: Areas like Beaumaris, Abersoch, and Conwy have a particularly high demand for holiday homes with parking, making it a critical feature for high occupancy.
- Proximity to Local Amenities: 34% of guests prioritised distance to a beach, while others looked for proximity to shops (33%) and local pubs (25%).
Head to our Beginners Guide to Holiday Letting, for more tips on buying a holiday let in North Wales.
Ynys Faelog, Menai Bridge
Professional Marketing for Your Holiday Home
Partnering with Menai Holiday Cottages gives owners the “best of both worlds”: local expertise from our teams in Bangor and Pwllheli, combined with the £35 million marketing reach of Sykes Holiday Cottages.
In 2025, our marketing approach delivered:
- £35 million invested in nationwide marketing campaigns.
- Listings across 700+ partner sites, including Airbnb and Booking.com.
- An audience of 700,000+ social media followers.
- 65% of bookings from loyal, repeat guests.
Combined with a 4.8★ rated app and a loyalty scheme with over 160,000 members, we ensure your property reaches the widest possible audience.
As part of Sykes Holiday Cottages, we were thrilled to win our 12th consecutive accolade at the 2025 British Travel Awards 🏆
FAQs: North Wales Holiday Letting
Is North Wales a good place to invest in a holiday let?
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Yes—occupancy levels are strong and demand is consistent, making it a resilient and popular location for property investment.
How can I increase bookings for my North Wales holiday let?
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Key strategies include using dynamic pricing, accepting short breaks, allowing pets, and offering sought-after features like hot tubs.
Are short breaks more profitable than weekly bookings?
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Yes—accepting short breaks can generate up to 25% more annual revenue than sticking strictly to week-long bookings.
How far in advance do guests book UK holidays?
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The booking window is shortening; many bookings now occur within four weeks of arrival, with a growing number of same-day bookings.
Should I accept pets in my holiday let?
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Absolutely. Over a quarter of all bookings now include pets. Properties that allow dogs consistently see a boost in both occupancy and overall revenue.
Which North Wales locations are most popular?
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In 2025, the locations with the highest search demand were Abersoch, Llandudno, Barmouth, and Conwy, with Porthmadog also showing a notable increase in interest.
Why are travellers moving away from Airbnb?
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Guests are increasingly seeking transparent pricing, dedicated customer support, and trustworthy experiences. Our multi-platform approach ensures your property is visible on Airbnb and Booking.com, but with the added security and professional management of Menai Holidays.
Ready to Make 2026 Your Best Year Yet?
The North Wales holiday let market is evolving—but with the right strategy, it’s full of opportunity.
Download the full 2026 North Wales Market Insights Report to:
- Explore deeper data and trends
- Identify new opportunities
- Plan for a more profitable year ahead
With over 40 years of experience, Menai Holidays is your trusted partner for holiday letting. We handle every aspect of the process so you can relax and enjoy the rewards of owning a holiday home in beautiful North Wales.
If you’re looking for more useful owner blogs, read our owner advice guides. Concerned about regulations? Check out our guide to Navigating the New Holiday Let Rules in Wales.
