There’s been a 56 per cent increase in the number of homes advertised for short term let on Airbnb in Waterford since last year.

There are 245 properties in Waterford on the site, up 88 on last year.

The new figures show 5,855 entire homes were available for hire in Galway, Dublin, Cork, Limerick and Waterford on December 11th , up 1,015 on the same month last year.

According to figures in the Irish Independent, some homeowners, mainly in Dublin, have earned more than 200 thousand euro over the past 12 months.

Average daily rates have also risen in Galway, Limerick, Cork and Waterford, with increases ranging from €6 to €24 a night.

The figures come ahead of new laws which are set to be introduced this summer cracking down on short term lettings.