Turn your Gold Coast property into a high-earning asset with proven strategies, local insights, and expert management tips for Australia's most profitable short-term rental market.
Key market statistics and insights for property investors
December and January see the highest occupancy rates, often exceeding 90%. Properties can command 50-100% premium pricing during this period and major events like the Gold Coast 500.
Majority of guests are domestic travellers from Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne seeking beach holidays, theme park visits, and family getaways.
Gold Coast ranks in the top quarter nationally for occupancy and revenue performance. The combination of year-round tourism, major attractions (theme parks, beaches, events), and supportive regulations creates exceptional investment conditions.
Professionally managed Airbnbs consistently outperform traditional long-term rentals by 20-40% annually. Smart pricing, year-round demand, and premium tourist positioning deliver superior returns for Gold Coast property owners.
Year-round sunshine, world-class attractions, and millions of annual visitors create the perfect conditions for maximising your Airbnb investment.
Unlike seasonal destinations, the Gold Coast maintains strong visitor numbers throughout the year. Winter brings domestic tourists escaping southern cold, while summer attracts international visitors and families. Major events like the Gold Coast 500, marathons, and music festivals create consistent booking spikes.
The Gold Coast consistently ranks in the top 15% of Australian markets for rental revenue and top 9% for occupancy rates. With average occupancy around 80% (versus the national average of 55-60%) and nightly rates averaging $310, Gold Coast properties deliver exceptional returns on investment.
Compared to stricter regulations in Sydney, Melbourne, and Byron Bay, the Gold Coast offers a more supportive framework for short-term rentals. Learn more about Gold Coast regulations and how to ensure compliance.
Market Insight: Recent data shows the Gold Coast achieved an 11% growth in short-term rental listings last year, demonstrating increasing investor confidence. However, this also means competition is rising—success requires professional presentation, smart pricing, and excellent guest service to stand out in the market.
Switching to short-term rentals unlocks significantly higher returns and greater flexibility for Gold Coast property owners.
Short-term rentals consistently outperform traditional leases on the Gold Coast. A 2-bedroom apartment in Surfers Paradise that might rent for $800 per week long-term can fetch $220-$350 per night on Airbnb.
Example Comparison:
Long-term lease: $800/week = $41,600/year
Airbnb (80% occupancy @ $280/night): $81,760/year
Difference: +$40,160 (96% increase)
Unlike a 12-month lease that locks out the owner, Airbnb hosting lets you block off weeks for personal beach holidays or family visits. You earn income when you're not using the property, but maintain the freedom to access it whenever you want. This hybrid investment and lifestyle model is particularly appealing for Gold Coast owners who want to enjoy their slice of paradise while generating strong returns.
With Airbnb, your property gets professionally cleaned and inspected multiple times per week during busy periods. Minor issues like leaky taps or wall scuffs are spotted and fixed early, preventing small problems from becoming major expenses. Long-term rentals might only receive quarterly inspections, allowing damage or maintenance issues to compound. Many hosts find that short-term guests cause less wear and tear since they stay briefly and treat the space like a hotel.
Short-term rental hosts can often claim higher depreciation on furnishings and fittings, plus fully deduct expenses like professional cleaning, linens, professional photography, and smart home technology. If you personally use the property part of the year, expenses can be apportioned accordingly. Many Gold Coast Airbnb owners report more generous tax deductions compared to traditional landlords—always consult a property-savvy accountant to maximise your position.
Discover what your property could earn with professional Airbnb management across the Gold Coast.
Explore Gold Coast ManagementNot all Gold Coast locations perform equally. Choose strategically to maximise your returns and occupancy rates.
The iconic heart of the Gold Coast, Surfers Paradise remains the best-known suburb for tourists. High-rise apartments and beachfront units here attract constant demand from holidaymakers seeking central location, nightlife, shopping, and of course the famous beach.
Upmarket and convenient, Broadbeach attracts families, conference attendees, and casino-goers. The area is known for its dining precinct, The Star Casino, and the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre, which drive strong mid-week business travel alongside weekend holiday stays.
Burleigh has exploded in popularity thanks to its blend of laid-back surf culture and upscale cafes and boutiques. Hugely popular with couples, surfers, and young families, these areas often see longer average stays (one to two weeks) as guests settle into the local lifestyle.
These southern beach suburbs are fast-growing Airbnb areas offering beautiful beaches, local vibes, and larger homes that suit families or groups. Many properties here are classic Queenslander houses or modern townhomes with yards—perfect for pet-friendly listings.
In the northern end, these areas attract medical visitors, university students, corporate travellers, and longer stays. Apartments near Gold Coast University Hospital or Griffith University see bookings for several weeks. Lower peak rates but very solid occupancy.
Universal Success Factors: Regardless of suburb, properties with ocean views, balconies, pool access, secure parking, and walkability to beaches consistently outperform. Showcase these features prominently in your listing title, description, and professional photos.
Location is half the battle—professional presentation and smart management deliver the other half. Here's how to maximise your listing's appeal and profitability.
Invest in quality furnishings and cohesive coastal-themed décor. Premium bedding and linens boost reviews significantly—guests always appreciate a good night's sleep. Ensure the kitchen is fully equipped for cooking, even though many dine out.
Aim for a modern, neutral design with Gold Coast flair (skyline artwork, beachy accents). An "Instagram-worthy" interior helps your listing photos pop and justifies premium nightly rates. Well-styled homes attract more bookings and command higher prices.
In the competitive Gold Coast market, first impressions online are everything. Hire a professional photographer to capture bright, wide-angle shots of each space and those amazing ocean views.
Craft compelling, keyword-rich listing titles and descriptions. Mention key amenities and location perks: "Walk to Broadbeach restaurants," "Ocean-view balcony," "Resort pool and gym." Optimised listing content boosts search rank and click-through rates—many self-managing hosts skip this step and lose thousands in potential bookings.
Pricing can't be "set and forget," especially in a seasonal tourist market. Leverage dynamic pricing tools like Beyond Pricing or Airbnb's Smart Pricing to automatically adjust rates based on demand, season, and local events.
Event-Based Pricing Examples:
• Gold Coast 500 race weekend: Increase rates by 50-100%
• December-January summer holidays: Premium pricing
• February-March quieter months: Competitive rates with longer-stay discounts
Be proactive and data-driven with your rates to maximise revenue. Hosts using daily dynamic pricing achieve higher occupancy and average daily rates compared to those with static pricing.
Stock high-quality basics: fast WiFi, air conditioning (essential in Queensland summers), ample toiletries, coffee/tea, and beach towels. Go further with smart TVs with Netflix, a local guidebook to favourite cafes, or even surfboards and beach chairs.
Little surprises earn rave reviews and repeat bookings. Smart home features signal a professionally managed, modern property that today's travellers appreciate for convenience and safety.
The fastest way to tank your Airbnb rating is skimp on cleaning. Gold Coast guests expect hotel-level cleanliness. Hire reliable professional cleaners who understand quick turnarounds—after every checkout, the property should be thoroughly cleaned, linens changed, and essentials restocked.
Regular maintenance is crucial: fix dripping taps promptly, service air conditioning, keep pools sparkling. Attending to upkeep prevents minor issues from becoming major expenses and keeps your property in five-star condition. Great reviews create a virtuous cycle of higher search visibility and increased bookings.
Professional setup and management can increase your returns while removing the daily hassles.
Explore Professional ManagementStrategic pricing throughout the year is essential for maximising income. Here's how to optimise your rates for Gold Coast demand patterns.
Monitor local event calendars religiously. Major events bring thousands of extra visitors and justify premium pricing:
Balance occupancy and turnover by varying minimum nights. In peak season (December-January), require 4-7 night minimums to reduce frequent changeovers and secure high-value bookings. In quieter periods, drop to 1-2 nights to fill gaps. Consider offering monthly discounts in shoulder seasons to attract digital nomads and extended stays—the fastest-growing trip category globally.
Fewer than one-third of Australian hosts use dynamic pricing daily, but those who do achieve higher occupancy and average daily rates on average. Treat your Airbnb like the hospitality business it is—adjust rates as hotels do based on supply and demand. Be flexible and data-informed rather than setting flat rates year-round.
Five-star reviews don't happen by accident. Here's how to consistently delight guests and earn the ratings that drive bookings.
From inquiry to checkout, aim to be approachable and responsive. Guests often ask questions at odd hours—"Can I get early check-in?" "Does the WiFi support Zoom calls?"—and responding within an hour (ideally 24/7) can make the difference between a great stay or potential cancellation.
Airbnb Measures Your Performance:
Many Gold Coast visitors arrive on evening flights or drive up from Brisbane after work, so flexible, hassle-free check-in is essential. The best solution is a keyless entry system (smart lock or lockbox) allowing guests to let themselves in at any hour.
Smart Lock Benefits:
A $150 smart lock eliminates key handovers, narrow check-in windows, and lockout emergencies. Change codes between guests remotely and have a backup entry method for tech glitches. When guests find it effortless to access your place, it sets a positive tone from the start.
The fastest way to tank your rating is skimping on cleaning. Gold Coast guests expect hotel-level standards. Hire reliable professional cleaners who understand quick turnarounds—after every checkout, thorough cleaning, fresh linens, and restocked essentials are mandatory.
Professional Cleaning Checklist:
Provide plenty of basics: extra towels, spare blankets, toilet paper, soap/shampoo, and kitchen staples (salt, cooking oil, coffee). Include clear instructions for appliances and electronics in a welcome binder or digital guide.
For international guests, universal power adapters are a nice touch. If your property has building facilities (pool, gym), leave clear instructions and access details. Remove friction points—anything that could prompt confusion should be pre-answered. The goal is a seamless stay where everything "just works."
Despite best preparation, issues arise—guests can't find parking, air conditioning stops cooling, or neighbours make noise. Have a plan for common scenarios with trusted tradespeople on call who can respond quickly.
The Golden Rule:
How you handle a problem often matters more than the problem itself. A fast apology and solution (or appropriate compensation like a small refund) will turn many potential three-star reviews into five-star ones, because guests see you care.
Small touches that delight guests and lead to glowing reviews:
High ratings boost your Airbnb search ranking, creating a virtuous cycle of more bookings. Many Gold Coast hosts maintain Superhost status as it signals top quality to potential guests. Focus on hospitality and consistency, and you'll build a strong market reputation.
Good news: the Gold Coast offers one of Australia's most welcoming environments for short-term rentals. Here's a straightforward overview of what you need to know.
Unlike Sydney's 180-day caps, Melbourne's registration systems, or Byron Bay's strict limitations, the Gold Coast doesn't impose citywide restrictions on short-term rentals. There's no night limit, no mandatory licensing system, and full-time holiday letting is generally welcomed in tourist areas. The requirements that do exist are straightforward and manageable—let's walk through them.
The main administrative step is updating your property's rating category with the City of Gold Coast. When you start hosting, simply notify council to reclassify from standard residential to "short-term accommodation" rates.
Getting Started: Contact City of Gold Coast when you're ready to begin hosting. Many professional management companies handle this step for you as part of their service.
Your property's zoning determines whether short-term accommodation is automatically permitted or may require additional approval. The good news? Most tourist-oriented areas on the Gold Coast welcome short-term rentals.
Tourist zones like Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach, Main Beach, and beachfront areas typically have existing use rights for short-term accommodation
Some low-density residential areas may require a development application, though many existing properties are already approved
Simple to Check: Use the council's free PD Online tool to verify your property's zoning status. Most hosts find their properties are already in approved zones, making this a non-issue.
If you own an apartment or unit, it's worth reviewing your building's by-laws regarding short-term stays. Many Gold Coast buildings actively welcome Airbnb hosts, while others may have specific guidelines to follow.
Queensland law provides reasonable protections for hosts. Body corporates can set conduct rules (noise, parking, building amenity use) but generally can't outright ban lawful residential use that's permitted under planning regulations.
Many tourist-zone buildings have multiple successful Airbnb properties operating smoothly. The key is being a considerate host—ensuring guests respect building rules and maintaining good neighbour relations.
Best Practice: Review your building's by-laws before listing and have a friendly chat with your body corporate committee. Most issues can be prevented through good communication and responsible hosting practices.
Standard property safety requirements apply to short-term rentals, most of which you'll already have in place if your property is up to current residential standards.
Standard home insurance typically doesn't cover short-term rental activity, so you'll want to arrange specialist landlord insurance or Airbnb-specific coverage. This protects you with public liability and property damage cover—most hosts find it comparable to standard landlord insurance pricing.
Compared to many Australian cities, the Gold Coast makes short-term rental hosting accessible and practical. The requirements that exist are reasonable safeguards that most property owners can easily satisfy. Thousands of Gold Coast hosts are operating successfully—you can too.
Professional management companies can help navigate compliance requirements as part of their service, making the process even simpler.
Your roadmap to maximising returns in Australia's most profitable short-term rental market.
Choose high-demand suburbs wisely. Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach, and Burleigh Heads lead in performance, but each serves different guest demographics.
Professional photos, hotel-grade cleaning, and premium furnishings aren't optional—they're essential for standing out in a competitive market.
Use data-driven pricing tools and adjust for seasons and events. Static rates leave thousands on the table annually.
Five-star experiences create virtuous cycles. Fast communication, seamless check-in, and small touches convert guests into advocates.
Register with council, verify zoning, respect body corporate rules, and maintain safety standards. Compliance is manageable and protects your investment.
Self-manage if you're hands-on and local. Hire professionals if you want passive income and superior performance.
Earnings vary significantly by location, property type, and management quality. A well-managed 2-bedroom apartment in Surfers Paradise or Broadbeach can gross $60,000-$90,000 annually, while properties in Burleigh Heads or beachfront locations can exceed $100,000. This is typically 20-40% higher than equivalent long-term rental income. The Gold Coast's 80% average occupancy and $310 average nightly rates create exceptional earning potential compared to other Australian markets.
You must register your property with the City of Gold Coast to reclassify it from residential to "short-term accommodation" for rates purposes—this is mandatory. Depending on your property's zoning, you may also need development approval. Tourist zones generally allow short-term rentals automatically, but residential suburbs may require a Material Change of Use application. Check the Gold Coast City Plan or consult a town planner. For complete details, see our comprehensive regulations guide.
It depends on your goals and property type. Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach offer the highest nightly rates ($220-$400) and strong year-round tourist demand, ideal for apartments with ocean views. Burleigh Heads attracts premium prices ($250-$450) with longer average stays from domestic tourists seeking lifestyle experiences. Palm Beach and Currumbin suit larger family homes with backyards. Main Beach and Southport excel for extended stays near hospitals and universities. Each suburb serves different guest demographics—choose based on your property's strengths.
Self-managing is often described as a part-time job, becoming full-time during peak season. You'll handle 24/7 guest communication, coordinate cleanings and maintenance, manage pricing adjustments, restock supplies, respond to emergencies, and perform regular property inspections. Expect 10-20 hours weekly during moderate periods, increasing to 30+ hours during busy summer and school holiday periods. If you live nearby, have flexible availability, and enjoy hospitality work, it can be rewarding. Otherwise, professional management might be worth the 15-25% fee for truly passive income.
The Gold Coast has two main peak periods: December-January (summer holidays with domestic and international tourists) and July-September (winter escape season as southern Australians flee cold weather). School holiday weeks throughout the year also see demand spikes. Major events like the Gold Coast 500 race (October), marathons, and music festivals create premium pricing opportunities. The shoulder periods are February-March and May-June, which are ideal for targeting longer stays with competitive rates. Unlike many markets, the Gold Coast maintains strong year-round demand.
Under Queensland law, a body corporate generally cannot prevent a lot from being used for lawful residential purposes if allowed under council planning rules. However, they can enforce codes of conduct on noise, parking, guest behaviour, and building amenity use. Some buildings have by-laws restricting rentals under 30 days, but these can be challenged if you have proper planning approval. It's wise to review your building's by-laws and engage with the committee before starting. Being a good neighbour—ensuring guests follow rules and don't cause disturbances—helps maintain positive relationships.
Professional Airbnb management on the Gold Coast typically costs 15-25% of gross booking revenue, with 18-20% being most common. This usually includes listing creation with professional photography, multi-platform advertising, 24/7 guest communication, dynamic pricing optimisation, cleaning coordination, maintenance arrangements, amenity restocking, and compliance assistance. Some companies charge additional setup fees or cleaning fees separately. The value proposition is that good managers increase occupancy and rates enough to more than offset their fees while providing truly passive income—often netting owners more than self-management despite the commission.
Standard homeowner's insurance doesn't cover commercial short-term rental activity. You need specialist landlord insurance or Airbnb-specific coverage that includes public liability (in case guests are injured), property damage from guests, loss of income protection, and contents cover for furnishings. Airbnb's Host Guarantee provides some coverage but isn't a substitute for proper insurance. Expect to pay slightly higher premiums than standard home insurance, but it's essential protection. Consult insurance brokers familiar with short-term rentals to ensure adequate coverage for your Gold Coast property.
The Gold Coast offers Australia's most profitable short-term rental market—and you now have the complete roadmap to capitalise on this opportunity.
Whether you choose to self-manage or work with professionals, treating your Airbnb as a hospitality business with strategic location selection, quality presentation, smart pricing, and exceptional guest service will deliver the superior returns this market promises.
Here's to your hosting success on the beautiful Gold Coast.
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