Best Brisbane Suburbs to Invest in for Airbnb in 2025
Explore Brisbane's best suburbs for Airbnb in 2025. See net returns, council rules, and why areas like South Brisbane & Fortitude Valley stand out.
Explore Brisbane's best suburbs for Airbnb in 2025. See net returns, council rules, and why areas like South Brisbane & Fortitude Valley stand out.
If you’re thinking about investing in a short-term rental in Brisbane, now’s a smart time to act. With international travel back in full swing, the 2032 Olympics on the horizon, and solid year-round demand from business and leisure travellers, Brisbane’s Airbnb market is running hot.
From culture-packed inner-city neighbourhoods like South Brisbane to nightlife hubs like Fortitude Valley — and growth zones like Bowen Hills and Woolloongabba — Brisbane offers a range of suburbs that deliver strong occupancy and returns.
But not every postcode is equal. Some suburbs are seeing significantly better short-stay performance thanks to better zoning, walkability, and infrastructure. And with council regulations under review, picking the right location matters more than ever.
In this guide, we’ll break down the best Brisbane suburbs for Airbnb in 2025 — including what makes them attractive, how much you could earn, and how to stay compliant with short-stay rules.
Brisbane has quietly become one of Australia’s most profitable short-stay markets — and it’s not just about the sunshine.
The city attracts a reliable mix of guests all year round. From families on holiday to corporate travellers flying in midweek, short-term demand stays strong across Brisbane’s inner suburbs. And with the 2032 Olympics on the horizon, that demand is only set to grow.
Winning the Olympic bid has kicked off billions in investment. Key upgrades include:
Suburbs near these projects are already seeing increased interest from investors, with long-term price growth expected through to 2032 and beyond.
Top-performing Airbnb properties in Brisbane’s inner city are achieving 80–90% occupancy with average nightly rates between $220 and $350, depending on suburb, layout, and property quality. When managed well, short-stay income often outpaces long-term rentals by 30–50% annually.
Brisbane has the competitive advantage of corporate travellers keeping occupancy consistent year-round, avoiding the peaks and troughs that high-density tourist areas typically offer. As a result, landlords are given the consistency that have come to appreciate with long term rentals whilst doubling their yield.
While council is reviewing regulations in low-density residential areas, suburbs like Fortitude Valley, South Brisbane, Newstead, and the CBD remain investor-friendly. Apartments in high-density or mixed-use zones generally don’t require special permits, making them ideal for hands-off Airbnb ownership.
If you're using a full-service Airbnb management company, these numbers reflect your estimated net income after Airbnb fees, cleaning, and management costs — assuming a well-presented, 2-bedroom property in a high-performing building.
South Brisbane
Fortitude Valley
Newstead
New Farm
Brisbane CBD
Bowen Hills
Spring Hill
Woolloongabba
Estimates are based on current short-stay performance in 2025 and assume professional property setup, strong reviews, and effective pricing management.
Not all Brisbane suburbs perform equally when it comes to short-term rentals. Some areas offer consistently high occupancy and nightly rates, while others are better positioned for long-term capital growth driven by infrastructure, lifestyle, or events like the 2032 Olympics.
Below are the top-performing and most promising suburbs for Airbnb investment in Brisbane, each with its own strengths depending on your strategy.
One of the most reliable performers in Brisbane’s Airbnb market, South Brisbane attracts a broad mix of guests: business travellers during the week and holidaymakers on weekends. With major drawcards like QPAC, the Convention Centre, South Bank, and nearby hospitals and universities, the area rarely has a quiet period.
With a vibrant mix of bars, restaurants, music venues, and boutique hotels, Fortitude Valley is one of Brisbane’s most sought-after short-stay locations. It's popular with young travellers, event-goers, and even midweek corporate guests thanks to its proximity to the CBD.
Newstead blends modern apartments, upscale dining, and riverfront walkways. It appeals to couples, digital nomads, and business travellers looking for something a little more refined. Properties here tend to command slightly higher nightly rates, especially 2-bed listings with secure parking and views.
New Farm offers leafy streets, art galleries, riverfront parks, and premium homes — making it ideal for guests looking for a more relaxed, upscale stay. It performs particularly well with longer short-stay bookings (3+ nights), especially among families and older travellers.
The CBD continues to perform solidly thanks to strong midweek demand from business travellers, conference attendees, and international guests. Smaller apartments (1-bed or studio) tend to do best here, especially those close to Queen Street Mall, Eagle Street, or Central Station.
Both Spring Hill and Bowen Hills are positioned to benefit from Brisbane’s long-term infrastructure pipeline in the lead-up to the 2032 Olympics.
Spring Hill sits right next to the CBD and borders Victoria Park, the future site of Brisbane’s new Olympic Stadium. This makes it a strong candidate for long-term growth — and short-stay demand is already steady thanks to nearby hospitals, universities, and corporate offices.
Bowen Hills, meanwhile, is home to the RNA Showgrounds and is set to gain a Cross River Rail station, opening it up to faster CBD access and future residential development.
Woolloongabba is undergoing massive change. While The Gabba stadium will host Olympic events in 2032, the long-term opportunity lies in what comes next: the stadium is set to be demolished after the Games, with the surrounding precinct earmarked for new residential, retail, and transport infrastructure.
Add in the Woolloongabba Cross River Rail station and direct links to the CBD, and this suburb is set to become one of Brisbane’s most connected locations.
Kangaroo Point offers some of the best skyline views in Brisbane, perched right across the river from the CBD. With ferry terminals, walking paths, and quick access to South Bank and the Gabba precinct, it attracts a steady stream of both business travellers and holidaymakers.
It’s also one of the few inner-city suburbs that mixes residential peace with proximity to major landmarks — ideal for couples and families wanting a quieter short-stay base.
Teneriffe is Brisbane’s most exclusive inner suburb, known for its heritage wool stores, riverwalks, and polished warehouse conversions. It has limited housing supply and consistently high demand from guests seeking a premium, boutique experience.
While price points are higher for investors, Teneriffe’s short-stay guests tend to book longer, spend more per night, and expect quality — making it ideal for stylish, high-end listings.
Brisbane doesn’t currently have a formal permit system for most short-term rentals — but that doesn’t mean every building allows it. The simplest way to invest safely is to focus on properties in buildings that already operate as short-stay accommodation or serviced apartments.
These are typically:
If other owners in the building are already running Airbnbs, or if there’s a front desk offering short stays, chances are you’ll be able to do the same — either independently or through a short-term rental manager.
Still, it’s always smart to double-check with a local expert or property manager before you buy.
Some buildings offer onsite management for short-stay rentals — and while it might seem convenient, it often comes with trade-offs.
Here’s why many owners choose a dedicated short-term property manager instead:
Onsite hotel-style managers often charge 25–40%+ of your revenue, sometimes with hidden extras. Independent Airbnb managers in Brisbane usually offer full-service packages between 15–20%, including guest messaging, pricing optimisation, cleaning, and maintenance coordination.
When you use the onsite team, you’re one of many listings — and you have little say over how your property is priced or prioritised. Independent managers focus solely on your property’s performance, using dynamic pricing and regular reporting to maximise bookings.
Most onsite hotel managers are GST-registered, which means they’re required to charge 10% GST on your nightly rates — potentially making your listing less competitive. Independent property managers usually aren’t required to register for GST, so you avoid passing that extra cost on to guests.
Not every property in a great suburb will perform well on Airbnb. To maximise your return and avoid issues down the track, it’s important to focus on the right type of property in the right building.
Here’s what matters most:
The easiest way to avoid future headaches is to stick with buildings that already allow Airbnb or are operating as serviced apartments.
Look for:
If others in the building are doing it successfully, chances are you can too.
Walkability and proximity to key destinations make a big difference in occupancy. The best-performing properties are close to:
Even a one-block difference can impact returns.
In Brisbane’s inner city, all layouts can work — as long as they’re in demand and well-presented.
There’s no “bad” layout — just bad presentation or poor building choice.
Airbnb guests compare listings visually. To stand out and earn more, aim for:
Well-styled properties don’t just get more bookings — they also get better reviews and higher nightly rates.
Do I need a permit to run an Airbnb in Brisbane?
Not always. In most high-rise apartment buildings that already allow short-stay use or operate as serviced accommodation, you can list on Airbnb without a special council permit. It’s still important to check body corporate rules before buying.
What suburbs in Brisbane make the most from Airbnb?
South Brisbane, Fortitude Valley, Newstead, and New Farm consistently rank among the top-performing suburbs for occupancy and nightly rates. Each has different strengths — from weekday business demand to weekend leisure bookings.
Is Airbnb more profitable than a long-term rental in Brisbane?
Yes — in most inner-city areas, professionally managed Airbnbs earn 30–50% more per year (net) than traditional long-term leases. Some studio and 2-bedroom properties outperform even more due to high occupancy and flexibility.
Should I use the building’s onsite management or my own property manager?
Independent Airbnb managers typically offer lower fees, better reporting, and more control. They can also avoid charging GST on bookings — something many onsite hotel managers are required to do, making your listing more competitive.
Will the Olympics boost Airbnb demand?
Yes — and not just in 2032. Suburbs like Bowen Hills, Spring Hill, and Woolloongabba are already seeing growth due to Cross River Rail, stadium projects, and long-term infrastructure upgrades. That demand is expected to keep rising well beyond the Games.
Brisbane has cemented itself as one of the most promising short-stay markets in Australia — and the suburbs that perform best today are likely to keep leading into 2032 and beyond.
Suburbs like South Brisbane, Fortitude Valley, Newstead, and New Farm offer the strongest returns right now, thanks to high occupancy, strong ADRs, and guest-friendly locations. Areas like Bowen Hills, Spring Hill, and Woolloongabba offer a smart longer-term play, with infrastructure upgrades already underway.
The key is to buy in a building that already supports short-stay use and pair it with the right setup — good presentation, great reviews, and a professional manager who knows the local market.
With the right approach, Airbnb in Brisbane can deliver higher returns, more flexibility, and stronger long-term capital growth than traditional rentals.
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