Melbourne, Victoria Airbnb Market Data 2026: STR Report & Statistics

Source: AirROIReviewed by Jun Zhou, Founder @ AirROI
Updated:

How much can you earn on Airbnb in Melbourne, Victoria? Based on AirROI's 2026 dataset (April 2025 – March 2026), the short answer is $25,064 per year — at a $221 nightly rate, 42.6% occupancy, and a $87 RevPAR that reflects moderate rate-to-revenue efficiency with room to optimize.

Melbourne's 16,229 active listings and moderate demand with room for well-positioned listings to outperform make it a major short-term rental market. Supply grew 62.9% over the past year, yet revenue and nightly rates both trended upward — a signal that traveler demand is outpacing new inventory rather than being diluted by it. For hosts, pricing power remains intact even as competition increases.

Regulation is low with minimal registration requirements, pointing to an operator-friendly environment. The data points to a market where fundamentals reward execution — the right property, priced well, in the right neighborhood still outperforms.

What Are the Key Airbnb Metrics in Melbourne?

In Melbourne, the headline Airbnb metrics are $25,064 in average annual revenue,42.6% occupancy, $221 ADR, and $87 in RevPAR, and guests book about 50 days in advance.

Avg. Daily Rate (ADR)(?)
$221
The average rental revenue earned for an occupied room per day in Melbourne.
Occupancy Rate(?)
42.6%
Moderate demand with booking opportunities.
Avg. Annual Revenue(?)
$25,064
Average annual income for an Airbnb listing in Melbourne. Factors like property type, size, and location influence actual earnings.
RevPAR(?)
$87
Revenue per available rental night, combining occupancy and ADR into one efficiency metric.
Revenue Growth YoY(?)
5.5%
Positive growth (5.5%) vs. last year.
Active Airbnb Listings(?)
16,229
Total number of active short-term rentals listed.
Avg. Booking Lead Time(?)
50 days
How far in advance guests typically book in Melbourne. Longer lead times indicate planned travel; shorter ones suggest last-minute demand.
STR Regulation Level(?)
Low
Fewer regulations, offering more operational flexibility.
Peak Revenue Month(?)
January
The month with the highest average earnings, indicating peak season in Melbourne.
Lowest Revenue Month(?)
May
The month with the lowest average earnings, indicating the low season in Melbourne.
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How Much Do Airbnb Hosts Earn Monthly in Melbourne?

Understanding the monthly revenue variations for Airbnb listings in Melbourne is key to maximizing your short term rental income potential. Seasonality significantly impacts earnings. Our analysis, based on data from the past 12 months, shows that the peak revenue month for STRs in Melbourne is typically January, while May often presents the lowest earnings, highlighting opportunities for strategic pricing adjustments during shoulder and low seasons. Explore the typical Airbnb income in Melbourne across different performance tiers:

  • Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve $5,689+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
  • Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $3,810 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
  • Typical properties (Median) generate around $2,319 per month, representing the average market performance.
  • Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $1,135, often with potential for optimization.

Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in Melbourne

What Is the Monthly Airbnb Occupancy Rate in Melbourne?

Maximize your bookings by understanding the Melbourne STR occupancy trends. Seasonal demand shifts significantly influence how often properties are booked. Typically, Decembersees the highest demand (peak season occupancy), while June experiences the lowest (low season). Effective strategies, like adjusting minimum stays or offering promotions, can boost occupancy during slower periods. Here's how different property tiers perform in Melbourne:

  • Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve 86%+ occupancy, indicating high desirability and potentially optimized availability.
  • Strong performing properties (Top 25%) maintain 69% or higher occupancy, suggesting good market fit and guest satisfaction.
  • Typical properties (Median) have an occupancy rate around 46%.
  • Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) average 22% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.

Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in Melbourne

What Is the Average Airbnb Nightly Rate in Melbourne?

Effective short term rental pricing strategy in Melbourne involves understanding monthly ADR fluctuations. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Melbourne typically peaks in January and dips lowest during May. Leveraging Airbnb dynamic pricing tools or strategies based on this seasonality can significantly boost revenue. Here's a look at the typical nightly rates achieved:

  • Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) command rates of $417+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
  • Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $255 or more.
  • Typical properties (Median) charge around $165 per night.
  • Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $110 per night.

Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in Melbourne

What Is the RevPAR for Airbnb in Melbourne?

RevPAR in Melbourne is currently $87. Because RevPAR combines nightly rates with realized occupancy, it is one of the cleanest ways to compare how efficiently listings turn demand into revenue across the market.

  • Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see $40 RevPAR.
  • Typical properties (Median) generate $73 RevPAR.
  • Strong performers (Top 25%) earn $111 RevPAR.
  • Best-in-class (Top 10%) achieve $162 RevPAR.

Average Monthly RevPAR Trend in Melbourne

RevPAR Insights for Melbourne

  • The average RevPAR in Melbourne is $87. This metric combines nightly rates with realized occupancy, making it one of the best single-number indicators of market efficiency.
  • The gap between the top 10% ($162) and bottom 25% ($40) is $121, indicating significant performance disparity driven by property quality, pricing strategy, and location.
  • RevPAR peaks in Jan and bottoms out in May, mirroring the broader seasonal demand pattern and suggesting opportunities for dynamic pricing.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Track your own RevPAR monthly against these Melbourne benchmarks. If your RevPAR falls below the median of $73, examine whether low occupancy or low ADR is the primary drag.
  • Top-quartile listings achieve $111+ RevPAR through a combination of competitive pricing, strong reviews, and strategic amenities. Target this tier through incremental improvements.
  • Use RevPAR rather than revenue alone when comparing properties of different sizes — it normalizes for available nights and gives a more accurate picture of performance.

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When Is the Peak Season for Airbnb in Melbourne?

Melbourne's peak Airbnb season falls in January, December, November, while the softest stretch is May, June, September. Overall, the market shows moderate seasonality with distinct peak and low periods, which should guide pricing, minimum stays, and cash-flow planning.

Peak Season (January, December, November)
  • Revenue averages $3,774 per month
  • Occupancy rates average 51.5%
  • Daily rates average $243
Shoulder Season
  • Revenue averages $2,755 per month
  • Occupancy maintains around 46.3%
  • Daily rates hold near $217
Low Season (May, June, September)
  • Revenue drops to average $2,294 per month
  • Occupancy decreases to average 41.5%
  • Daily rates adjust to average $204

Seasonality Insights for Melbourne

  • The Airbnb seasonality pattern in Melbourne shows moderate seasonality with distinct peak and low periods. While the sections above show seasonal averages, it is also insightful to look at the extremes:
  • During the high season, the absolute peak month showcases Melbourne's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues climbing to $4,122, occupancy reaching 52.4%, and ADRs peaking at $252.
  • Conversely, the slowest single month marks the market's lowest point — revenue may dip to $2,222, occupancy could drop to 40.1%, and ADRs may adjust to $198.
  • Understanding both the seasonal averages and these monthly peaks and troughs in revenue, occupancy, and ADR is crucial for maximizing your Airbnb profit potential in Melbourne.

Seasonal Strategies for Maximizing Profit

  • Peak Season: Maximize revenue through premium pricing and potentially longer minimum stays. Ensure high availability and consider tightening cancellation policies to reduce last-minute gaps.
  • Low Season: Offer competitive pricing, extended-stay discounts, and flexible cancellation policies. Target off-season travelers like remote workers, budget-conscious guests, and travelers with flexible schedules.
  • Shoulder Seasons: Implement dynamic pricing that bridges peak and low rates. Target weekend travelers, local events, and business visitors. Slightly more flexible terms than peak season can help maintain occupancy without deep discounting.
  • Regularly analyze your own performance against these Melbourne seasonality benchmarks and adjust your pricing and availability strategy accordingly.

Do You Need a License for Airbnb in Melbourne?

Melbourne, Victoria, Australia currently shows a low regulation profile despite having 16,229 active listings. Larger markets with light regulation can attract new supply quickly, but that also means regulatory frameworks may evolve as local governments respond to growth — staying informed protects your investment. Always verify the latest short-term rental regulations and Airbnb license requirements directly with local government authorities for Melbourne to ensure full compliance before hosting.

(Source: AirROI data, 2026, based on 0% licensed listings)

What Are the Best Neighborhoods for Airbnb in Melbourne?

Melbourne is a large short-term rental market, and performance varies significantly by location within the city. The neighborhoods below are among the most active areas for Airbnb hosts — each with distinct guest demographics, demand drivers, and local attractions. Use this as a starting point for neighborhood-level investment analysis in Melbourne, Victoria.

Best neighborhoods for Airbnb in Melbourne
Neighborhood / AreaWhy Host Here? (Target Guests & Appeal)Key Attractions & Landmarks
Fitzroy
Trendy neighborhood known for its vibrant arts scene, eclectic shops, and diverse dining options. Popular with young professionals and creatives, making it a great location for short-term rentals.
Brunswick Street, Fitzroy Gardens, Smith Street, Street Art Murals, The Rose Street Artist Market
South Yarra
Upscale neighborhood famous for its shopping, dining, and nightlife. Close to the city center and the Yarra River, it's a preferred destination for both tourists and business travelers.
Chapel Street, Como Centre, Royal Botanic Gardens, Prahran Market, Yarra River Trails
St Kilda
Iconic beachside suburb known for its vibrant beach culture, nightlife, and the famous St Kilda Foreshore. Attracts tourists seeking relaxation and entertainment by the water.
St Kilda Beach, Luna Park, Acland Street, St Kilda Pier, Esplanade Market
North Melbourne
Emerging area with a mix of history and modernity. It's close to the city center and has a growing number of cafes, restaurants, and parks, appealing to both tourists and locals.
Queen Victoria Market, Melbourne Zoo, Royal Park, Victoria Street eateries, North Melbourne Arts House
Carlton
Home to the University of Melbourne and diverse cultural attractions. Draws in students and academics, as well as tourists interested in cultural experiences and food.
Lygon Street (Little Italy), Carlton Gardens, Melbourne Museum, Royal Exhibition Building, University of Melbourne
Docklands
Modern waterfront district with a mix of residential, commercial, and leisure spaces. Popular for events and shopping, making it appealing for short-term rentals.
DFO Docklands, Marvel Stadium, Victoria Harbour, The Melbourne Star Observation Wheel, Harbour Town Shopping Centre
Collingwood
A hip suburb known for its art scene, boutiques, and nightlife. It's becoming increasingly popular among tourists looking for trendy and vibrant neighborhoods.
Smith Street, Collingwood Children's Farm, Glastonbury Gardens, Fitzroy Football Club, Street Art
Southbank
Close to the city center and known for its cultural attractions, including the Arts Centre and Crown Casino. Popular for both leisure and business travelers due to its convenience.
Southbank Promenade, National Gallery of Victoria, Crown Casino, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, Eureka Skydeck

With 8 distinct neighborhoods showing meaningful short-term rental activity, Melbourne offers diversification within a single market. Investors can tailor their strategy — from high-turnover tourist zones to quieter residential areas that attract longer stays and remote workers.

What Types of Properties Are on Airbnb in Melbourne?

Room Type Distribution

Property Type Distribution

Market Composition Insights for Melbourne

  • The Melbourne Airbnb market composition is heavily skewed towards Entire Home/Apt listings, which make up 86.6% of the 16,229 active rentals. This indicates strong guest preference for privacy and space.
  • Looking at the property type distribution in Melbourne, Apartment/Condo properties are the most common (50.8%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
  • Houses represent a significant 41.4% portion, catering likely to families or larger groups.
  • Smaller segments like hotel/boutique, others, outdoor/unique, unique stays (combined 7.7%) offer potential for unique stay experiences.

Melbourne Airbnb Room Capacity Analysis (2026): Bedroom Distribution

Distribution of Listings by Number of Bedrooms

Room Capacity Insights for Melbourne

  • The dominant room capacity in Melbourne is 2 bedrooms listings, making up 29.2% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for couples or solo travelers.
  • Together, 2 bedrooms and 1 bedroom properties represent 57.6% of the active Airbnb listings in Melbourne, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.
  • A significant 30.6% of listings offer 3+ bedrooms, catering to larger groups and families seeking more space in Melbourne.

Melbourne Vacation Rental Guest Capacity Trends (2026)

Distribution of Listings by Guest Capacity

Guest Capacity Insights for Melbourne

  • The most common guest capacity trend in Melbourne vacation rentals is listings accommodating 2 guests (22.8%). This suggests the primary traveler segment is likely couples or solo travelers.
  • Properties designed for 2 guests and 4 guests dominate the Melbourne STR market, accounting for 45.3% of listings.
  • 34.3% of properties accommodate 6+ guests, serving the market segment for larger families or group travel in Melbourne.
  • On average, properties in Melbourne are equipped to host 4.2 guests.

How Do Listings in Melbourne Compare on Quality?

Listing quality in Melbourne can be approximated through presentation depth, bedroom count, and how often hosts disclose exact locations. These signals show how professionally the local supply base is merchandised.

Average Photos per Listing(?)
25
More photos correlate with higher conversion rates.
Average Beds per Listing(?)
2.9
Reflects the capacity profile of the local supply.
Exact Location Enabled(?)
26.1%
Builds guest trust and improves booking confidence.

Listing Quality Insights for Melbourne

  • At 25 photos per listing on average, Melbourne hosts invest well in visual presentation. Listings with 20+ photos consistently outperform in search ranking and conversion.
  • 26.1% of listings show their exact location. Lower disclosure rates can increase booking hesitation — guests want to know exactly where they are staying.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Enable exact location if possible — it removes a common source of guest uncertainty and can improve your listing's position in map-based searches.
  • Use these quality indicators as a self-audit checklist. Listings that exceed the Melbourne averages across all three metrics are better positioned for premium pricing.

What Amenities Do Airbnb Guests Expect in Melbourne?

Amenity Prevalence

Amenity Insights for Melbourne

  • Essential amenities in Melbourne that guests expect include: Wifi, TV, Heating, Air conditioning, Smoke alarm, Kitchen. Lacking these (any) could significantly impact bookings.
  • Popular amenities like Hot water, Washer, Dishes and silverware are common but not universal. Offering these can provide a competitive edge.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Ensure your listing includes all essential amenities for Melbourne: Wifi, TV, Heating, Air conditioning, Smoke alarm, Kitchen.
  • Prioritize adding missing essentials: Wifi, TV, Heating, Air conditioning, Smoke alarm, Kitchen.
  • Consider adding popular differentiators like Hot water or Washer to increase appeal.
  • Highlight unique or less common amenities you offer (e.g., hot tub, dedicated workspace, EV charger) in your listing description and photos.
  • Regularly check competitor amenities in Melbourne to stay competitive.

Which Airbnb Amenities Boost Revenue in Melbourne?

Not every amenity matters equally. This table focuses on the amenities most associated with higher revenue in Melbourne, which makes it more useful for prioritizing upgrades than a simple popularity list alone.

AmenityPrevalenceRevenue WithRevenue WithoutRevenue Uplift
Kitchen
95.0%$25,985$7,509246.1%
Ski-in/Ski-outHigh opportunity
0.1%$75,986$25,004203.9%
Hockey rinkHigh opportunity
0.0%$53,946$25,055115.3%
Dishwasher
67.8%$29,565$15,60289.5%
Pool table
3.1%$44,881$24,43083.7%
Refrigerator
86.2%$26,744$14,57683.5%
Oven
76.5%$28,032$15,39682.1%
Dishes and silverware
88.5%$26,393$14,80778.2%
Cooking basics
83.3%$27,009$15,34476.0%
Hair dryer
86.1%$26,621$15,40772.8%

Revenue Impact Insights for Melbourne

  • Kitchen tops the revenue impact list with a 246.1% uplift — listings with this amenity earn $25,985 vs. $7,509 without it.
  • High-opportunity amenities — Ski-in/Ski-out, Hockey rink — combine revenue uplift above 100% with prevalence under 10%, meaning most competitors haven't adopted them yet.
  • Kitchen, Refrigerator, Dishes and silverware, Cooking basics, Hair dryer — while widespread — still correlate with meaningful revenue gains, making them table stakes rather than true differentiators.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Prioritize adding Ski-in/Ski-out — it has the best combination of high revenue impact and low market saturation in Melbourne.
  • Focus your upgrade budget on amenities in the top half of this table. Below-median amenities may improve guest experience but contribute less to revenue growth.
  • Highlight revenue-impacting amenities prominently in your listing title, photos, and description — guests can't value what they don't notice.

Dive Deeper: Advanced Melbourne STR Market Data (2026)

Ready to unlock more insights? AirROI provides access to advanced metrics and comprehensive Airbnb data for Melbourne. Explore detailed analytics beyond this report to refine your investment strategy, optimize pricing, and maximize your vacation rental profits.

Explore Advanced Metrics

Melbourne Airbnb Guest Demographics & Profile Analysis (2026)

Guest Origin: Domestic vs. International
Top 5 Cities of Origin
Top 5 Countries of Origin
Top 5 Languages Spoken
Guest Age Distribution (Birth Decade)

Guest Profile Summary for Melbourne

  • The typical guest profile for Airbnb in Melbourne consists of primarily domestic travelers (72%), often arriving from nearby Melbourne, typically belonging to the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group (50%), primarily speaking English or Chinese.
  • Domestic travelers account for 72.2% of guests.
  • Key international markets include Australia (72.2%) and United Kingdom (5.6%).
  • Top languages spoken are English (63.8%) followed by Chinese (6.7%).
  • A significant demographic segment is the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group, representing 50% of guests.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Target domestic marketing efforts towards travelers from Melbourne and Victoria.
  • Tailor amenities and listing descriptions to appeal to the dominant Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) demographic (e.g., highlight fast WiFi, smart home features, local guides).
  • Highlight unique local experiences or amenities relevant to the primary guest profile.
  • Consider seasonal promotions aligned with peak travel times for key origin markets.

What Are Airbnb Guest Ratings in Melbourne?

Listings in Melbourne average 4.76 out of 5 overall, with about 71.2 reviews per active listing and 31.9% of listings carrying the Guest Favorite badge.

Rating Breakdown by Category

Guest Rating Insights for Melbourne

  • An average rating of 4.76 places Melbourne in solid territory. Most guests leave satisfied, though there is room for hosts to push toward the top tier.
  • The strongest subcategory is Communication (4.86), while Value (4.68) trails behind — a useful signal for hosts looking to prioritize upgrades.
  • 31.9% of listings carry the Guest Favorite badge, a strong trust signal that can meaningfully lift click-through and booking rates.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Focus improvement efforts on Value — even small gains in the weakest subcategory can lift overall ratings and search ranking.
  • Encourage guests to leave reviews after checkout. Listings with more reviews rank higher in search results and convert browsers into bookers more effectively.

Melbourne Airbnb Booking Patterns (2026): Available vs. Booked Days

Available Days Distribution

Booked Days Distribution

Booking Pattern Insights for Melbourne

  • The most common availability pattern in Melbourne falls within the 271-366 days range, representing 44.1% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
  • Approximately 71.3% of listings show high availability (181+ days open annually), indicating potential for increased bookings or specific owner usage patterns.
  • For booked days, the 91-180 days range is most frequent in Melbourne (27.4%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
  • A notable 29.6% of properties secure long booking periods (181+ days booked per year), highlighting successful long-term rental strategies or significant owner usage.

How Far in Advance Do Guests Book Airbnb in Melbourne?

Average Booking Lead Time by Month

Booking Lead Time Insights for Melbourne

  • The overall average booking lead time for vacation rentals in Melbourne is 50 days.
  • Guests book furthest in advance for stays during December (average 77 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
  • The shortest booking windows occur for stays in June (average 31 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
  • Seasonally, Winter (62 days avg.) sees the longest lead times, while Summer (35 days avg.) has the shortest, reflecting typical travel planning cycles.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Use the overall average lead time (50 days) as a baseline for your pricing and availability strategy in Melbourne.
  • For December stays, consider implementing length-of-stay discounts or slightly higher rates for bookings made less than 77 days out to capitalize on advance planning.
  • Target marketing efforts for the Winter season well in advance (at least 62 days) to capture early planners.
  • Monitor your own booking lead times against these Melbourne averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.

What Is the Average Length of Stay for Airbnb in Melbourne?

Guests in Melbourne stay about 5.6 nights on average, generating roughly 390,998 reservations and 24.2 bookings per listing in the latest AirROI dataset. The most common check-in time is 3:00 PM and check-out is 10:00 AM.

Monthly Length of Stay in Melbourne

Check-in Time Distribution

Check-out Time Distribution

Stay Pattern Insights for Melbourne

  • A mid-range stay length points to leisure-driven demand — weekend getaways and short vacations. Hosts should optimize for quick turnover efficiency while keeping the guest experience smooth.
  • At 24.2 bookings per listing, the turnover rate is high. Hosts with streamlined operations (self-check-in, automated messaging, reliable cleaners) have a structural advantage.
  • Stay lengths peak in Jan (5.6 nights) and shorten in Mar (4.5 nights). Adjust minimum-night requirements seasonally to match.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Leverage the longer-stay pattern by offering weekly discounts — even 5-10% off can convert browsing into bookings for guests considering an extended stay.
  • Set your check-in time to match or beat the market standard of 3:00 PM. Offering early check-in flexibility can be a low-cost differentiator.
  • Monitor length-of-stay seasonality to adjust minimum-night requirements — longer minimums during peak periods maximize revenue while shorter minimums fill gaps in shoulder seasons.

Melbourne Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis

Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement

1 Night (20%)

1 Night

3249 listings

20% of total

2 Nights (22.5%)

2 Nights

3651 listings

22.5% of total

3 Nights (5.4%)

3 Nights

871 listings

5.4% of total

4-6 Nights (6.7%)

4-6 Nights

1080 listings

6.7% of total

7-29 Nights (5.1%)

7-29 Nights

821 listings

5.1% of total

30+ Nights (40.4%)

30+ Nights

6552 listings

40.4% of total

Key Insights

  • The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in Melbourne is 30+ Nights, adopted by 40.4% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for longer commitments.
  • A significant segment (40.4%) caters to monthly stays (30+ nights) in Melbourne, pointing to opportunities in the extended-stay market.

Recommendations

  • Align with the market by considering a 30+ Nights minimum stay, as 40.4% of Melbourne hosts use this setting.
  • If feasible, allowing 1-night stays, especially midweek or during low season, could capture last-minute bookings, as only 20% currently do.
  • Explore offering discounts for stays of 30+ nights to attract the 40.4% of the market seeking extended stays.
  • Adjust minimum nights based on seasonality – potentially shorter during low season and longer during peak demand periods in Melbourne.

Melbourne Airbnb Cancellation Policy Trends Analysis (2026)

Super Strict 60 Days

261 listings

1.6% of total

Limited

363 listings

2.2% of total

Super Strict 30 Days

376 listings

2.3% of total

Flexible (15.6%)

Flexible

2523 listings

15.6% of total

Moderate (31.3%)

Moderate

5075 listings

31.3% of total

Firm (35.2%)

Firm

5700 listings

35.2% of total

Strict (11.8%)

Strict

1914 listings

11.8% of total

Cancellation Policy Insights for Melbourne

  • The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in Melbourne is Firm, used by 35.2% of listings.
  • There's a relatively balanced mix between guest-friendly (46.9%) and stricter (47.0%) policies, offering choices for different guest needs.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Consider adopting a Firm policy to align with the 35.2% market standard in Melbourne.
  • Using a Strict policy might deter some guests, as only 11.8% of listings use it. Evaluate if potential revenue protection outweighs possible lower booking rates.
  • Regularly review your cancellation policy against competitors and market demand shifts in Melbourne.

How Much Are Airbnb Cleaning Fees in Melbourne?

Cleaning fees in Melbourne are meaningful operating levers, not just pass-through charges. What matters most is how often hosts charge them, how high they run relative to market norms, and how large a share of gross revenue they consume.

Average Cleaning Fee
$158
Median Cleaning Fee
$98
Listings Charging a Fee
79.8%
Fee as Revenue Share
10.2%

Cleaning Fee Insights for Melbourne

  • 79.8% of listings charge a cleaning fee, making it standard practice in Melbourne. Guests expect it and factor it into their booking decisions.
  • The gap between the average ($158) and median ($98) cleaning fee indicates some high-end properties are pulling the average up considerably.
  • Cleaning fees represent 10.2% of gross revenue on average — a significant line item that impacts total guest cost and competitiveness.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Price your cleaning fee competitively against the Melbourne median of $98. Fees significantly above market norms can deter bookings, especially for shorter stays.
  • Consider whether bundling the cleaning fee into a slightly higher nightly rate might improve conversion, since many guests filter by total price and separate fees can feel punitive.
  • Monitor competitor cleaning fees regularly. Airbnb's search algorithm factors in total price, so a well-calibrated cleaning fee can improve your listing's ranking.

What Do the Top Airbnb Listings in Melbourne Look Like?

Benchmark your potential! Explore examples of top-performing Airbnb properties in Melbournebased on Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) revenue. Analyze their characteristics, revenue, occupancy rate, and ADR to understand what drives success in this market.

Bay Views From Drury Lane

Bay Views From Drury Lane

Entire Place • 9 bedrooms

$528,003
Revenue
49.5%
Occupancy
$2852.47
Daily Rate
The Cape Retreat

The Cape Retreat

Entire Place • 12 bedrooms

$444,715
Revenue
29.5%
Occupancy
$4080.74
Daily Rate
Atlas Retreat

Atlas Retreat

Entire Place • 6 bedrooms

$354,914
Revenue
31.9%
Occupancy
$2956.73
Daily Rate
Pepper Paddocks - Warehouse meets Farm

Pepper Paddocks - Warehouse meets Farm

Entire Place • 9 bedrooms

$322,524
Revenue
39.6%
Occupancy
$2259.48
Daily Rate
Indoor Heated Pool & Spa-The Pomegranate

Indoor Heated Pool & Spa-The Pomegranate

Entire Place • 5 bedrooms

$264,374
Revenue
69.2%
Occupancy
$1002.67
Daily Rate
Quiet location. Magical views

Quiet location. Magical views

Entire Place • 4 bedrooms

$261,779
Revenue
65.4%
Occupancy
$1085.98
Daily Rate

Note: Performance varies based on location, size, amenities, seasonality, and management quality. Data reflects the past 12 months.

Who Are the Top Airbnb Hosts in Melbourne?

Learn from the best! This table showcases top-performing Airbnb hosts in Melbourne based on the number of properties managed and estimated total revenue over the past year. Analyze their scale and performance metrics.

Top Airbnb hosts in Melbourne by revenue
Host NamePropertiesGrossing RevenueStay ReviewsAvg Rating
Property Mums120$10,234,02751084.84/5.0
Paul & Dan94$5,365,386215554.83/5.0
Lively Properties33$3,821,34726534.92/5.0
Lee44$3,727,999124214.95/5.0
Advante Homes108$3,455,43932164.27/5.0
Bedspoke Melbourne123$3,443,53958804.67/5.0
Vincent38$3,403,54078904.88/5.0
Eduardo79$3,303,55368374.69/5.0
Jellis Craig Short Stays98$3,244,9847274.73/5.0
Sam66$2,983,910135434.85/5.0

Analyzing the strategies of top hosts, such as their property selection, pricing, and guest communication, can offer valuable lessons for optimizing your own Airbnb operations in Melbourne.

Who Are the Airbnb Hosts in Melbourne?

Melbourne has a relatively balanced host base.

Superhosts
46.5%
Professional Management
12.2%
Cohosted Listings
35.3%
Instant Book Enabled
3.6%
Simplified Pricing
70.9%

Host Profile Insights for Melbourne

  • A 46.5% Superhost share is healthy — enough experienced operators to anchor quality without making the market impenetrable for newcomers.
  • 12.2% of listings are professionally managed, reflecting a market still dominated by individual hosts.
  • 3.6% of listings have Instant Book enabled. Lower Instant Book adoption means many guests must request approval, which can slow conversions.
  • 70.9% of listings use Airbnb's simplified pricing (host-only fee), where the host pays the entire platform service fee and the guest sees one all-in price with no separate Airbnb service charge. High adoption signals a professional, PMS-connected host base — Airbnb mandates simplified pricing for software-connected listings.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Earning Superhost status can significantly improve search ranking and guest trust. Focus on maintaining high response rates, low cancellations, and strong reviews.
  • Consider enabling Instant Book — it reduces booking friction and Airbnb's algorithm tends to favor Instant Book listings in search results.
  • With 35.3% cohosted listings, there may be a growing local market for property management services.
  • Benchmark your host metrics against these Melbourne averages regularly and adjust your hosting strategy based on what top performers do differently.

Top Professional Management Companies in Melbourne

These are the highest-grossing professional property management operations in Melbourne, ranked by total revenue across their portfolio. Their performance metrics offer a benchmark for what institutional-level hosting looks like in this market.

Top Airbnb management companies in Melbourne
CompanyListingsRevenueADROcc.Rating
Property Mums120$10,234,027$81035.6%4.84/5
Paul & Dan94$5,365,386$20680.3%4.83/5
Lively Properties33$3,821,347$70450.6%4.92/5
Advante Homes108$3,455,439$22446.9%4.27/5
Eduardo79$3,303,553$22060.2%4.69/5
Jellis Craig Short Stays98$3,244,984$53121.4%4.73/5
MadeComfy148$2,900,475$19240.5%4.39/5
Adji82$2,592,917$15463.5%4.72/5
Alix And Taj46$2,408,646$24960.5%4.88/5
Ji36$2,222,250$22677.6%4.85/5

Management Company Insights for Melbourne

  • The leading management company, Property Mums, operates 120 listings with $10,234,027 in gross revenue — a useful benchmark for what scale looks like in Melbourne.
  • Top managers average 84 properties each, pointing to a market where portfolio scale is a meaningful competitive factor.
  • Professionally managed listings in the top tier average 4.71/5 in guest ratings — demonstrating that scale and quality can coexist.

Recommendations

  • With only 12.2% of listings professionally managed, there may be an opportunity to differentiate through more structured operations and consistent guest experiences.
  • Study how top management companies price, position, and maintain their portfolios — their ADR and occupancy rates reflect strategies refined across dozens of listings.
  • If you're considering hiring a property manager, compare their portfolio performance against these benchmarks before committing.

How Does Melbourne's Airbnb Market Compare to Nearby Cities?

How does the Melbourne Airbnb market stack up against its neighbors? Compare key performance metrics like average monthly revenue, ADR, and occupancy rates in surrounding areas to understand the broader regional STR landscape.

Compared with Port Melbourne, Melbourne has 12 percentage points lower occupancy and about $123 lower ADR. That helps frame whether this market is winning more on demand, pricing, or both.

Airbnb markets near Melbourne — performance comparison
MarketActive PropertiesMonthly RevenueDaily RateAvg. Occupancy
Port Melbourne10$5,471$344.2655%
Mount Martha15$4,800$579.8532%
Macedon10$4,192$479.1838%
Leopold12$3,083$449.2335%
Blairgowrie19$3,017$345.3838%
Lancefield19$2,935$231.1438%
Daylesford436$2,909$294.5236%
Sorrento17$2,884$358.5231%
Shire of Strathbogie38$2,879$341.4235%
Kinglake13$2,863$287.6741%

Frequently Asked Questions About Airbnb in Melbourne

These quick answers summarize the most common investor and operator questions using AirROI's latest market data for Melbourne.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Melbourne?

Melbourne hosts earn about $25,064 per year on average, with an average nightly rate of $221 and RevPAR of $87. Those figures describe the typical revenue environment for active listings in Melbourne, Victoria, not the ceiling for the best operators. Source: AirROI 2026 data, Melbourne market, April 2025 to March 2026.

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Melbourne?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Melbourne is 42.6%. January is the strongest month and May is the softest, so hosts should expect demand to move meaningfully throughout the year rather than stay flat.

What is the average Airbnb daily rate in Melbourne?

Listings in Melbourne average $221 per night. The broader pricing spread also matters: lower-performing listings cluster closer to the lower quartiles, while premium homes can price materially above the city average when demand spikes or listing quality stands out.

How many Airbnb listings are active in Melbourne?

Melbourne currently has about 16,229 active Airbnb listings in AirROI's market dataset. That supply count helps explain how competitive the market is, how much depth there is for benchmarking, and whether the market behaves like a niche destination or a scaled urban market.

How strict are short-term rental regulations in Melbourne?

AirROI currently classifies the short-term rental regulation level in Melbourne as Low. The dataset also shows about 0.2% of listings with registration evidence. That is a market signal, not legal advice, so hosts should still confirm current licensing and compliance rules locally before listing.

What is the RevPAR for Airbnb in Melbourne?

RevPAR in Melbourne is about $87. That metric combines pricing and occupancy into one efficiency number, so it is often a better quick benchmark than ADR alone when investors want to compare how well listings convert nightly rates into realized revenue.

Is Airbnb profitable in Melbourne?

At 42.6% occupancy, Melbourne can be profitable — but margins depend heavily on operating costs, property acquisition price, and how well hosts optimize pricing across seasons. Average annual revenue is $25,064, but individual returns depend on property type, location within the city, and the host's operating efficiency.

How far in advance do guests book Airbnb in Melbourne?

The average booking lead time in Melbourne is about 50 days — a longer planning horizon typical of destination or vacation markets where travelers book well in advance. Hosts who understand their market's booking cadence can adjust minimum stays and pricing windows accordingly.

What are the best neighborhoods for Airbnb in Melbourne?

Based on AirROI's analysis, some of the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Melbourne include Fitzroy, South Yarra, St Kilda. Each area attracts different guest profiles — from business travelers to leisure visitors — so the best location depends on the property type and target audience a host is aiming for. See the full neighborhood breakdown above.

What type of property performs best on Airbnb in Melbourne?

entire_home listings make up 86.6% of the active supply in Melbourne. The most common configuration does not always mean the most profitable — operators who identify underserved property types or bedroom counts can sometimes outperform the market average by filling a gap in local supply.

How does Melbourne compare to nearby Airbnb markets?

Among neighboring markets, Port Melbourne posts $65,656 in average annual revenue with 55.3% occupancy, compared to Melbourne's $25,064 and 42.6%. Comparing nearby markets helps investors understand whether a destination's performance reflects local demand or broader regional trends.

What is the average length of stay in Melbourne?

The average Airbnb stay length in Melbourne is about 5.6 nights. That matters for turnover, cleaning operations, and pricing strategy because shorter stays increase changeovers while longer stays can smooth occupancy and reduce operational friction.

What is the average Airbnb guest rating in Melbourne?

Airbnb listings in Melbourne average 4.76 out of 5 overall. About 31.9% of listings carry the guest favorite badge, which suggests a meaningful share of inventory is competing on review quality rather than price alone.

Which amenities boost Airbnb revenue in Melbourne?

Kitchen and Ski-in/Ski-out are among the strongest revenue-linked amenities in Melbourne. In AirROI's latest dataset, listings with these amenities outperform those without on average revenue, which makes amenities analysis useful for prioritizing investment and listing upgrades.

Do Airbnb hosts charge cleaning fees in Melbourne?

Yes. About 79.8% of active Airbnb listings in Melbourne charge a cleaning fee, and the average fee is $158. The more important operating benchmark is how much of gross revenue that fee consumes, not just the absolute dollar amount.

What percentage of Airbnb hosts are Superhosts in Melbourne?

A 46.5% Superhost rate signals a highly competitive market where review quality and responsiveness are table stakes, not differentiators.

About AirROI Market Data

AirROI tracks over 20 million properties across 190+ countries and maintains 15+ years of historical performance data, making it one of the deepest Airbnb and STR intelligence platforms available. The analytics pipeline aggregates listing-level data monthly — revenue, occupancy, nightly rates, RevPAR, guest demographics, booking patterns, and competitive supply — so investors and operators can benchmark any market against its own history and against neighboring destinations.

Real estate investors, property managers, financial institutions, hedge funds, tourism boards, hospitality consultants, tech platforms, and academic researchers rely on AirROI data to underwrite acquisitions, optimize pricing, model macro trends, and conduct peer-reviewed research. Data is available through in-depth market reports like this one and the Airbnb API with 22 endpoints and an Airbnb MCP Server for AI agents.

AirROI proprietary analytics as of 2026-03-31. Metrics reflect trailing twelve-month aggregates from active listings. Revenue figures are market averages, not projections. Neighborhood descriptions are AI-generated and reviewed for accuracy. For full methodology, see the data methodology page.

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