Curious about Perth’s short-term rentals? Like to know more about Airbnb in Perth? We have you covered. Read on.
AIRBNB BASICS
What does Airbnb stand for?
Airbnb stands for ‘air bed and breakfast’. While the ‘bed-and-breakfast’ phrase may be self-explanatory, ‘air’ is a nod to the company’s humble beginnings, when the founders rented out air mattresses in their apartments to local conference attendees.
Is Airbnb legal in Perth?
Yes. Airbnb is legal in Perth.
How does Airbnb work?
Airbnb is an online short-term rental platform that allows property owners to rent out spaces to travellers needing accommodation. They can rent part (just a bedroom) or all of their property. Operating since 2008, the platform allows you to synchronise your content, rates and availability in one listing.
How much/what percentage does Airbnb charge in Western Australia?
When a traveller makes the booking, the host is charged a 3% commission by the company. All travellers are charged under 14.2% of the booking subtotal.
Does Airbnb provide bedding?
No, Airbnb does not provide bedding or laundry. Maintaining everything inside your property is your responsibility. However, suppose you have your property managed by an Airbnb property manager such as Cloudbnb. In that case, we provide all linen and towels for you — in addition to cleaning and all hosting responsibilities. Read more about our Perth Airbnb management service here.
AIRBNB & PERTH
How many Airbnb listings are there in Perth now?
As of February 2024, there are over 1000 listings available in the Perth metro area, according to the Airbnb website.
Is Airbnb worth it in Perth?
Airbnbing your home or investment property in Perth can be extremely profitable. Occupancy rate estimates for the whole of Perth are around 67%; however, currently (February 2024), occupancy rates for Perth are 90%, while Fremantle is sitting at 93% with an average yearly income of just under $60,000, according to Airbtics.
Where are the Airbnb hotspots in Perth?
Airbnb properties are popular all over Perth. However, hot favourite locations include Scarborough, Fremantle, Cottesloe, Northbridge, Subiaco and South Perth.
What brings travellers to Perth?
- Year-round opportunities – Compared to many other parts of the world, Perth boasts favourable weather conditions throughout the year.
- Geo attractions – Cottesloe Beach, Scarborough Beach, Kings Park, Rottnest Island and Fremantle are popular attractions. At the same time, Margaret River and the wine regions, just three hours south, are also strong tourist attractions.
- Sporting and events – Perth hosts numerous sporting and cultural events throughout the year, with enthusiasts all needing a place to stay.
- Business – Perth has seen the largest growth in incoming international business travellers over the past year to July 2023, partly due to Perth’s booming construction and mining industry, according to Corporate Traveller.
- Family – Many travellers visit Perth to catch up with relatives staying here for study or business, or permanently residing here.
Do locals use Airbnb for Perth stays?
Yes. With Australia’s rising interest rates, many locals are feeling the pinch and choosing to say local rather than venturing interstate or overseas. Consequently, quick Perth Airbnb getaways are increasingly popular with locals.
Inspire me. What are some of the best Airbnb fit-outs in WA?
If you need a little Airbnb-inspo to help you refurbish your home or investment property for the short-term rental market, check out these little WA beauties:
- The Shipwrights Mistress – Augusta – Proving that you don’t need millions to make a breathtaking holiday escape, this classic vintage shack is a home decorator’s dream.
- Treetops – Denmark – Nestled quietly between tall karri trees, this A-framed home looks like something straight out of an enchanted childhood fairytale.
- River Blue – Margaret River – Highlighting (again) the importance of featuring an outdoor bath (if you haven’t one already and can add one to your property — do!) This stunning holiday home also features beautiful contemporary interiors with polished concrete floors and bespoke timber cabinetry. And — a view to die for.
- Storytellers’ Rest – Bridgetown – This is one exceptionally curated home with no detail spared. Featuring stunning paintwork, beautiful wallpapers and exceptional decor throughout, this home is a must for any Airbnb host needing decor inspiration. (It also looks like a fabulous place to stay!)
- River’s End Retreat – Kalgan River – Tiny but luxe, this super-inspiring shipping container home is proof that a good eye for design and decor can do far more than dollars alone.
- Kangaroo Valley Homestead – Perth Hills – A swimming pool lovers’ delight, this massive, rustic, character-filled estate is nestled quietly in the Perth Hills. It features beautifully maintained gardens, an enchanting waterfall flowing onto the pool, two (yes, two) outdoor baths, wonderfully spacious dining areas, beautiful bedrooms and a hot pink pool table. What’s not to love?
RULES, REGULATIONS & TAXATION
Proposed changes to Western Australia’s short-term rental accommodation (STRA) scene are rolling out this year (2024) and next (2025). Importantly, these changes will NOT cap the number of nights you can lease your property on the short-term market. Read more about these proposed STRA rules here.
Do I have to register or let the council know before I Airbnb my Perth property?
Before you rent your Perth property short-term, you must contact your local council. Each local council has its bylaws to follow, with some having bylaws specific to short-term rental and holiday accommodation. For further information, see:
- ABLIS: Registration of Short-term Accommodation – Western Australia
- City of Fremantle – STRA Registration
- City of Perth – STRA Registration
NB: Read more about WA’s STRA changes here.
Do I need an ABN to Airbnb my WA home or property?
If you rent out your home or investment property short-term, your income is treated as residential rental income, so no ABN is required. Similarly, GST is not applied. However, if you are running a commercial enterprise through Airbnb and charge GST, you must register for an ABN. See the ATO for more info.
Do I have to disclose my Airbnb rental earnings on my tax return?
The ATO has made their rulings on ATO obvious — income from your home or investment property is treated like more traditional rental properties. In short, you must disclose your income in your tax return. However, there are a few exceptions, such as if you offer your property at a rate below the market rate.
What can I claim as an expense on my tax return with my Airbnb?
You can claim many expenses for Airbnb on your tax return. For example, you can claim:
- fees or commissions charged by Airbnb, STAYZ or any other booking platform
- interest on a loan for the property
- council rates
- property insurance
- gas, electricity and water
- cleaning and maintenance
- groceries and supplies for guests
- repairs and refurbishments
AIRBNB IN AUSTRALIA
How does Western Australia fare in Australia’s Airbnb market?
Western Australia sits in fourth place, under NSW, VIC AND QLD, holding 12.5K active listings in 2023, according to Pricelabs.
How does Australia rank in Airbnb listings?
Due to its rapidly increasing growth (25% increase in listings compared to the previous year as of June 2023), Australia ranked 10th in the number of listings globally.
What is the Australian version of Airbnb?
SYAYZ is Australia’s leading vacation rental platform (now a part of the Expedia Group, along with Vrbo. Founded in 2001, it runs similarly to Airbnb and advertises over 40,000 holiday homes in 2000 locations across Australia.
How many Airbnbs are there in Australia?
According to Pricelabs, over the past 18 months, Airbnb supply has grown significantly across Australia’s major markets. Specifically, Airbnb has seen a 25% increase in listings compared to the previous year, with 156,000 listings as of June 2023.
BONUS FUN FACT
Airbnb is HUGE! The global company operates in 97.95% of the world. In other words, Airbnb is in every part of the globe with the exception of North Korea, Iran, Sudan, and Syria!
Ready to start earning more income?
If you’re ready to generate more income from your rental, get in touch today.
