Kilmarnock Rising: Why Short-Term Lets Are a Smart Move in East Ayrshire
Investors are looking beyond big cities for property opportunities. With rising costs in Glasgow and Edinburgh, smaller towns are attracting attention - and Kilmarnock is leading the way.
Located just 25 miles from Glasgow, Kilmarnock combines affordable property prices with major regeneration projects and strong connectivity. For those exploring short-term lets, the town offers a compelling mix: low entry costs, community-driven growth, and increasing visitor demand.
Why Kilmarnock Stands Out
Kilmarnock is transforming. Once known for industry, it is reinventing itself through bold redevelopment, cultural investment, and sustainability projects. For investors, three factors stand out:
Affordability: Average first-time buyer homes cost around £84,000 - among the lowest in the UK.
Connectivity: Excellent transport links put Glasgow, Ayrshire’s coast, and central Scotland within easy reach.
Growth Potential: Millions in regeneration funding are reshaping the town, raising its profile and desirability.
This combination makes Kilmarnock one of Scotland’s most promising towns for property investment.
Regeneration in Action
HALO Kilmarnock
The flagship HALO Project is turning 28 acres of the old Johnnie Walker site into a hub for business, education, and leisure. With its focus on sustainability and innovation, HALO is attracting professionals and students - a steady source of short-stay demand.
New Housing Developments
Net-zero housing is a priority. Projects at Bellevue Road and Witch Road showcase energy-efficient homes designed for modern living. Larger schemes like the 101-home modular development at Bridgehousehill Road are creating thriving new neighbourhoods, boosting the local housing market and demand for flexible accommodation.
Cultural Revival
Kilmarnock is also investing in culture. The Palace Theatre and Grand Hall are being revitalised, while the Take a Bow Community Hub is emerging as a creative arts centre. These venues attract visitors, events, and festivals - all of which create demand for short-term lets.
Long-Term Confidence
Kilmarnock has secured £20 million in UK Government funding under the Long-Term Plan for Towns (East Ayrshire Council). Over the next decade, these funds will support community-led projects, sustainable neighbourhoods, and improved public spaces.
Meanwhile, the proposed Altonhill Farm development will transform 59 hectares into a mixed residential-led neighbourhood with open spaces, active travel routes, and community facilities. (Hallam Land Management)
This level of investment signals one thing: long-term confidence in Kilmarnock’s growth.
Ayrshire’s Wider Growth Story
Kilmarnock’s opportunity isn’t just local - it’s tied to Ayrshire’s regional transformation, which is pulling in billions of pounds of investment.
Irvine’s AI Pathfinder Hub
In nearby Irvine, North Ayrshire Council has welcomed a £15 billion commitment to develop a 1 GW AI infrastructure hub at the i3 site. The project, known as AI Pathfinder, will position the region at the forefront of AI and digital infrastructure.
The spillover for Kilmarnock? Highly skilled workers, consultants, and visiting specialists who need flexible accommodation within reach of the site.
Whitelee Wind Farm & Green Hydrogen
To the north, Whitelee Wind Farm already generates enough electricity to power over 350,000 homes and is the UK’s largest onshore wind farm. Now, it’s evolving: ScottishPower, with Black & Veatch, is advancing the Whitelee Green Hydrogen Project, starting with a 10 MW electrolyser powered by renewable energy (ChemAnalyst). The UK Government has backed the project with £9.4 million in funding (Solar Power Portal).
This is a flagship clean energy initiative, and it will draw engineers, researchers, and contractors - another pipeline of demand for short-stay accommodation in nearby towns like Kilmarnock.
Hunterston & Industrial Engineering
The Ayrshire coast has long been associated with major industrial projects. The Hunterston Strategic Development Area is being repositioned as a hub for offshore wind, energy, and advanced engineering. Similarly, firms like Moorfield Engineering continue to provide a skilled industrial base in the region. Together, these projects reinforce Ayrshire as a centre for energy and infrastructure - all of which create movement, contracts, and temporary housing needs.
Why Short-Term Lets Work in Kilmarnock
Affordable Entry, High Yield
With property prices far below the Scottish average, investors can purchase in Kilmarnock at a relatively low cost. Pair that with competitive nightly rates across Ayrshire, and the potential yields look very attractive.
Donnini are seeing the results first hand, since 2024 we’ve seen an average occupancy level of 86% across our Kilmarnock properties.
A Broad Guest Base
Demand for short-term lets in Kilmarnock won’t come from one source - it will be spread across multiple visitor groups:
Business travellers linked to HALO, AI Pathfinder, or Hunterston.
Engineers and contractors tied to Whitelee and wider energy projects.
Cultural visitors attending theatre, concerts, or festivals.
Tourists exploring Ayrshire’s coastline, golf courses, and whisky trails.
Students and families linked to the college and new housing developments.
That diversity helps stabilise demand throughout the year.
Community and Sustainability
Guests today want authentic, sustainable experiences. Kilmarnock’s community-driven regeneration, cultural revival, and net-zero housing developments give it a strong story to tell - one that resonates with modern travellers.
Timing the Opportunity
The best time to invest in a rising market is before it peaks. Kilmarnock is affordable today, but with major regeneration already underway and billions being invested in Ayrshire’s wider infrastructure, demand is only going one way: up.
Investors who move now can secure properties at today’s prices while positioning themselves for stronger yields and growth in the years ahead.
Conclusion
Kilmarnock is no longer just an affordable town outside Glasgow - it’s becoming a case study in regeneration, sustainability, and regional growth. With low entry costs, ambitious cultural and housing projects, and the momentum of Ayrshire’s AI, hydrogen, and renewable energy revolution, it’s one of Scotland’s most promising areas for short-term lets.
For hosts, it means meeting a growing wave of demand. For investors, it means combining affordability with long-term upside.
Kilmarnock is rising. The only question is: will you rise with it?