Shepton Mallet has so far avoided the Airbnb explosion sweeping other parts of Somerset — with fewer than 1% of homes in the town being used as short-term holiday lets, new figures show.

Data reveals 30 entire homes and 9 private rooms are currently listed in Shepton, out of around 4,600 households in the town. That equates to 39 properties — far fewer than neighbouring Glastonbury, where nearly 7% of housing stock is tied up in holiday rentals.

Despite the relatively low numbers, the income is significant. The average daily rate sits at £155, with hosts earning up to £2,443 a month during peak summer. Occupancy levels reach 52% in July, dropping to 34% in March. On average, Shepton hosts earn around £1,892 per month.

While short-term lets offer landlords a lucrative option during tourist season, most homes in Shepton are still lived in full-time or rented out on long-term agreements.

Airbnb claims only 0.17% of homes across the UK are let regularly through platforms, with most used "a few days a month." Amanda Cupples, the company's northern Europe boss, said: "Only a tiny fraction of British homes are listed on Airbnb — typically for just a few days a month — but this activity is generating billions for the UK economy and supporting tens of thousands of jobs."

But critics warn even small changes can hit smaller towns. One local support worker told Nub News: "Take 30 homes out of a small town, and that's 30 families who now have nowhere to go."

More local stories:

• Mobile phone thefts plunge in Somerset — but Shepton Mallet still leads in numbers

• Four candidates confirmed for Shepton Mallet East Ward by-election

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