Edinburgh Fringe Festival accommodation' costs soar by as much as 1,500 percent

Landlords in Edinburgh are set to rake in thousands of pounds for holiday and short-term rentals during the Fringe Festival with prices increasing up to 1,500 per cent in the month of August.

Analysis of sites such as Airbnb and Vrbo for options during festival season by Edinburgh Live showed one 'basic room' in the heart of the city would set holidaymakers back a whopping £31,000 for the month as advertised on Tuesday afternoon.

When comparing the same room in May, it costs a mere £62-a-night.

The world's biggest performance arts festival takes place between August 2 and August 26 and has gained a reputation for giving many comedians their big breaks but critics say price for accomodation are locking them out.

Another luxurious room in Edinburgh's New Town would set tourists back £7,948 for the month - with guests getting a 15 per cent monthly discount.

It costs £300 anight in August and this drops to £158 throughout the rest of the year. That is a 90 per cent increase for any tourist or artist looking to perform at the Fringe.

A statement from a spokesperson for Airbnb said: "These listings are not booked and are not representative of prices on Airbnb.

"The average nightly price for booked accommodation on Airbnb during the Edinburgh Fringe is £281, giving locals an opportunity to earn much-needed additional income at a time when accommodation is in high demand. The implementation of short-term let regulations in Scotland is also disrupting the price and availability of accommodations across the board, including a notable increase in hotel prices.”

It's not use Airbnb were prices rocket, tourists and performers also claim hotels are also out-pricing people during. While on holiday let siteVrbo (Vacation Rental By Owner), there was an increase in prices for renting in August too.

A three-bedroom flat in Stockbridge is listed at £836 for three nights in November. In August, it increases by 157 per cent to £2,199 for three nights.

While beautiful two bedroom flat near the Meadows - and three minutes walk to The National Museum of Scotland, is listed as costing £680 for two nights in October. But in August, that rises to £1,577 for two nights - an increase of 132 per cent.

Edinburgh actress and model Gail Porter recently complained on social media platform X. She said: "Was so excited to go the @edfringe this year. But I have been priced out by the soaring costs of B&Bs. My home town. I feel so sorry for new young performers that won’t be able to afford accommodation. I’m gutted Edinburgh has done this. Greed is awful."

Comedian Jason Manford also took to X to rant about the soaring prices in Edinburgh and posted: "Edinburgh Festival prices especially for accommodation are an absolute joke! No idea how anyone starting out is managing to get up there and showcase their talents! I’ve just priced up a week up there and even if every show sells out, I’m still operating at a loss."

He went on to say: "Which obviously for me is slightly different as it’s part of a much bigger tour and at this stage of my career, but my worry is how are we getting to see new performers and hearing new voices if the only people who can do it are people with money or backing! It’s pure greed!"

The Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society campaigns for affordable housing during the festival. A spokesperson said: "Short-term accommodation costs have increased exponentially across the UK, and Edinburgh is no different. We continue to lobby local government, universities and student accommodation providers to set aside affordable rooms for our artists."

They continued: "As part of our support services for artists, we work with a range of universities and colleges across Edinburgh, to signpost affordable accommodation to artists performing at the Festival Fringe. There is an online accommodation portal which signposts availability across these organisations, and our Artist Services team are on hand throughout the year to help with any specific queries."

Vrbo has been approached for comment.

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