The Gold Coast is booming — and for property owners, that means one thing: opportunity. With its year-round sunshine, world-famous beaches, and a steady influx of tourists, the region has become one of Australia's most profitable short-term rental markets.
But in 2025, succeeding on Airbnb takes more than just a nice view and a few good reviews. From changing council rules to shifting guest expectations and rising competition, hosts need to be strategic to maximise income and avoid costly mistakes.
This guide covers everything you need to know about Airbnb management on the Gold Coast — including which suburbs perform best, how to stay compliant, what professional managers actually do, and whether self-managing is worth it.
Whether you’re a first-time host or a seasoned property investor, this is your go-to 2025 roadmap for turning your Gold Coast property into a high-earning, low-stress short-term rental.
Short-term rentals on the Gold Coast aren’t just booming — they’re outperforming traditional long-term leases in both income and flexibility. As domestic tourism stays strong and remote work gives travellers more freedom, more property owners are turning to Airbnb to unlock the full potential of their investment.
The Gold Coast draws millions of visitors each year — from families escaping winter in Sydney to digital nomads chasing the surf. With major events, theme parks, nightlife, and one of the best beach cultures in the country, there’s year-round demand for well-located, comfortable short-stay accommodation.
This means fewer seasonal dips in income and more consistent bookings compared to other regional markets.
A 2-bedroom apartment in Surfers Paradise might rent for $750–$850 per week long-term, but it can easily earn $220–$350 per night on Airbnb — especially when professionally managed and styled.
Even with a few vacant nights each month, most short-term rentals outperform long-term rentals by 20–40% annually. And during peak times (like school holidays or the Gold Coast 500), rates can surge dramatically.
Airbnb properties are professionally cleaned after each stay, meaning the property is checked multiple times a week. This regular turnover often results in better maintenance, less wear and tear, and fewer large repair bills compared to long-term leases, where issues can go unnoticed for months.
Many owners love the ability to block off time for personal stays — whether it’s a weekend getaway or a few weeks over summer. Unlike long-term rentals, Airbnb gives you access to your own property when you want it, without needing to end a lease.
The Gold Coast is a diverse region, and when it comes to short-term rentals, not all suburbs perform equally. Some areas attract higher nightly rates, while others deliver strong occupancy and appeal to longer-stay guests. Choosing the right location (or knowing how to optimise your current one) can make a big difference to your returns.
Here’s a suburb-by-suburb breakdown of some of the top-performing areas in 2025:
Who it suits: Inner-city apartments, beachside units, city-view studios
Why it performs: Still the most recognised Gold Coast suburb for holidaymakers. Central location, nightlife, and beachfront towers attract short stays and tourists.
Typical nightly rates: $180–$350
Watch out for: High competition and stricter building regulations in some towers.
Who it suits: Luxury apartments, couples and business travellers
Why it performs: Popular for its walkability, restaurants, The Star Casino, and convention centre. Strong midweek and weekend demand.
Typical nightly rates: $220–$400
Watch out for: Parking restrictions and strata rules in newer buildings.
Who it suits: Trendy beach houses, stylish apartments, family-friendly homes
Why it performs: Popular with couples, surfers, and longer-stay guests. The Burleigh lifestyle — cafes, markets, and beaches — drives high occupancy.
Typical nightly rates: $250–$450
Watch out for: Seasonal fluctuations if not priced dynamically.
Who it suits: Family homes, relaxed units, pet-friendly stays
Why it performs: One of the fastest-growing Airbnb suburbs due to its mix of beach and local charm. Great for group bookings.
Typical nightly rates: $220–$400
Watch out for: Older properties may need upgrades to compete.
Who it suits: Apartments near hospitals, Griffith Uni, and business travellers
Why it performs: Strong weekday and longer-stay bookings. Appeals to people visiting for work, treatment, or family.
Typical nightly rates: $170–$300
Watch out for: Less appeal for leisure travellers, so marketing needs to be tailored.
📌 Pro Tip: Walkability to the beach, cafes, and public transport adds significant value. Properties with a view, balcony, pool access, or secure parking consistently outperform similar listings without them.
If you're weighing up whether to list your property on Airbnb or stick with a long-term lease, you're not alone. It’s one of the most common decisions Gold Coast owners face — especially with rental demand still strong in 2025.
But when you break down the numbers, the flexibility, and the tax advantages, short-term often comes out ahead — especially in the right suburb.
Let’s take a typical 2-bedroom apartment in Broadbeach:
Even with vacancies and management fees, many owners see 20–50% higher annual income from short-term letting.
Short-term rentals often come with better tax outcomes:
Speak with a property-focused accountant, but many Airbnb owners report more generous deductions than those leasing long-term.
Unlike a long-term rental that may only be inspected every few months, Airbnbs are cleaned and checked multiple times a week. That means:
With Airbnb, you’re not locked into a fixed lease. That means you can:
This flexibility is especially valuable for those considering future lifestyle moves or part-time relocation.
Bottom line?
If your property is in a desirable location and you're open to short-stay guests, Airbnb can significantly outperform long-term rent in both income and control — particularly when managed professionally.
Plenty of Gold Coast owners start out thinking they’ll self-manage their Airbnb to save on fees. And while it’s possible, many quickly realise just how much time and energy it really takes — especially if you want consistent bookings, great reviews, and stress-free operations.
Here’s what’s actually involved in managing a short-term rental yourself in 2025:
Success on Airbnb starts with visibility — and that means:
Many self-managers skip this — and lose thousands in missed bookings as a result.
Guests reach out with questions at all hours:
You’ll need to respond quickly (within an hour ideally), resolve complaints, and manage reviews — every day of the week. Slow replies = fewer bookings and lower ratings.
Every guest changeover requires:
Even with a cleaner, you’re the one scheduling them, checking quality, and handling last-minute issues like early arrivals or forgotten keys.
What if a guest can’t get in at midnight? Or the dishwasher breaks?
If you're self-managing, you’re the one they’ll call. That means having trusted trades on standby and being ready to act — even when you're away or busy.
Yes — but it’s not hands-off income. Self-managing an Airbnb is more like a part-time job (or full-time during peak periods). It suits hands-on owners who live nearby and have time to spare.
But if you want to avoid late-night guest calls, calendar juggling, and endless cleaning coordination, a professional manager is often the smarter (and more profitable) choice.
If managing your own Airbnb sounds like a lot of work — that’s because it is. From pricing and guest messages to coordinating cleaners and dealing with late check-ins, it can quickly become a full-time side hustle.
This is where a professional Airbnb manager steps in: to maximise your income and handle everything for you, so your property runs like a business (without you having to run it).
Here’s what most Gold Coast Airbnb managers include in their service:
Some companies (like Lane Property) offer full end-to-end management with no hidden costs, while others charge extras for cleaning or linen services — so it’s important to compare.
On the Gold Coast in 2025, Airbnb management fees typically range from:
For many owners, the cost is easily offset by higher occupancy, better pricing, and improved guest experience — all of which drive more income.
Let’s say you have a 2BR apartment in Burleigh:
A manager is likely a smart move if you:
In short: if your time is limited or you want to treat your Airbnb as a hands-off investment, a trusted property manager can help you earn more while doing less.
As we've covered throughout The Ultimate 2025 Guide to Airbnb Management on the Gold Coast, short-term letting can be one of the most rewarding ways to generate income from your property — especially in a high-demand region like the Gold Coast.
From beachfront apartments in Surfers Paradise to trendy homes in Burleigh and family-friendly spots in Palm Beach, this market continues to deliver strong returns when managed well. But in 2025, success comes down to doing it properly — with smart pricing, great guest experiences, and full compliance with evolving local rules.
For most owners, the key takeaway from this guide is simple: if you have a well-located property and value your time, partnering with a local Airbnb manager can dramatically increase your returns while reducing day-to-day involvement.
Curious how much your Gold Coast property could earn on Airbnb?
Reach out for a free revenue estimate or speak to a local expert who can help you get started — the right way.
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