Butterworth Airbnb Market Analysis 2025: Short Term Rental Data & Vacation Rental Statistics in Penang, Malaysia

Source: AirROI
Last updated: 2025-03-31

Is Airbnb profitable in Butterworth in 2025? Explore comprehensive Airbnb analytics for Butterworth, Penang, Malaysia to uncover income potential. This 2025 STR market report for Butterworth, based on AirROI data from April 2024 to March 2025, reveals key trends in the niche market of 102 active listings.

Whether you're considering an Airbnb investment in Butterworth, optimizing your existing vacation rental, or exploring rental arbitrage opportunities, understanding the Butterworth Airbnb data is crucial. Leveraging the low regulation environment is key to maximizing your short term rental income potential. Let's dive into the specifics.

Key Butterworth Airbnb Performance Metrics Overview

Avg. Daily Rate (ADR)(?)
$58
The average rental revenue earned for an occupied room per day in Butterworth.
Occupancy Rate(?)
32.1%
Moderate demand with booking opportunities.
Median Annual Revenue(?)
$5,994
Typical annual income for an Airbnb listing in Butterworth. Factors like property type, size, and location influence actual earnings.
Revenue Growth YoY(?)
-15.2%
Significant decrease (-15.2%) vs. last year.
Peak Revenue Month(?)
June
The month with the highest average earnings, indicating peak season in Butterworth.
Lowest Revenue Month(?)
August
The month with the lowest average earnings, indicating the low season in Butterworth.
STR Regulation Level(?)
Low
Fewer regulations, offering more operational flexibility.
Active Airbnb Listings(?)
102
Total number of active short-term rentals listed.

Monthly Airbnb Revenue Variations & Income Potential in Butterworth (2025)

Understanding the monthly revenue variations for Airbnb listings in Butterworth 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 Butterworth is typically June, while August often presents the lowest earnings, highlighting opportunities for strategic pricing adjustments during shoulder and low seasons. Explore the typical Airbnb income in Butterworth across different performance tiers:

  • Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve $1,357+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
  • Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $693 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
  • Typical properties (Median) generate around $421 per month, representing the average market performance.
  • Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $249, often with potential for optimization.

Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in Butterworth

Butterworth Airbnb Occupancy Rate Trends (2025)

Maximize your bookings by understanding the Butterworth STR occupancy trends. Seasonal demand shifts significantly influence how often properties are booked. Typically, Decembersees the highest demand (peak season occupancy), while March 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 Butterworth:

  • Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve 68%+ occupancy, indicating high desirability and potentially optimized availability.
  • Strong performing properties (Top 25%) maintain 49% or higher occupancy, suggesting good market fit and guest satisfaction.
  • Typical properties (Median) have an occupancy rate around 32%.
  • Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) average 16% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.

Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in Butterworth

Average Daily Rate (ADR) Airbnb Trends in Butterworth (2025)

Effective short term rental pricing strategy in Butterworth involves understanding monthly ADR fluctuations. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Butterworth typically peaks in January and dips lowest during August. 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 $111+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
  • Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $73 or more.
  • Typical properties (Median) charge around $45 per night.
  • Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $29 per night.

Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in Butterworth

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Airbnb Seasonality Analysis & Trends in Butterworth (2025)

Peak Season (June, May, April)
  • Revenue averages $866 per month
  • Occupancy rates average 35.6%
  • Daily rates average $54
Shoulder Season
  • Revenue averages $563 per month
  • Occupancy maintains around 35.7%
  • Daily rates hold near $58
Low Season (March, July, August)
  • Revenue drops to average $468 per month
  • Occupancy decreases to average 31.2%
  • Daily rates adjust to average $55

Seasonality Insights for Butterworth

  • The Airbnb seasonality in Butterworth shows highly seasonal trends requiring careful strategy. While the sections above show seasonal averages, it's also insightful to look at the extremes:
  • During the high season, the absolute peak month showcases Butterworth's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues capable of climbing to $926, occupancy reaching a high of 41.5%, and ADRs peaking at $60.
  • Conversely, the slowest single month of the year, typically falling within the low season, marks the market's lowest point. In this month, revenue might dip to $437, occupancy could drop to 31.1%, and ADRs may adjust down to $53.
  • 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 Butterworth.

Seasonal Strategies for Maximizing Profit

  • Peak Season: Maximize revenue through premium pricing and potentially longer minimum stays. Ensure high availability.
  • Low Season: Offer competitive pricing, special promotions (e.g., extended stay discounts), and flexible cancellation policies. Target off-season travelers like remote workers or budget-conscious guests.
  • Shoulder Seasons: Implement dynamic pricing that balances peak and low rates. Target weekend travelers or specific events. Offer slightly more flexible terms than peak season.
  • Regularly analyze your own performance against these Butterworth seasonality benchmarks and adjust your pricing and availability strategy accordingly.

Best Areas for Airbnb Investment in Butterworth (2025)

Exploring the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Butterworth? This section highlights key areas, outlining why they are attractive for hosts and guests, along with notable local attractions. Consider these locations based on your target guest profile and investment strategy.

Neighborhood / AreaWhy Host Here? (Target Guests & Appeal)Key Attractions & Landmarks
Penang Street
A vibrant area known for its historical architecture and street art. Popular among tourists looking to experience the local culture and cuisine.
Street Art murals, Kapitan Keling Mosque, Little India, Leong San Thong Temple, Wonderfood Museum
Batu Ferringhi
A coastal area famous for its beautiful beaches and resort-style accommodations. Ideal for families and travelers seeking relaxation and water sports.
Batu Ferringhi Beach, Teluk Bahang National Park, Jungle Adventure Park, Water Sports at the Beach, Night Market
George Town
A UNESCO World Heritage site with colonial architecture, rich history, and diverse food options. It draws tourists interested in heritage and local experiences.
Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, Penang Peranakan Mansion, Fort Cornwallis, Penang Hill, Prangin Mall
Tanjung Bungah
Known for its beaches and resort developments, this area is a great choice for tourists looking for leisure and scenic views.
Tanjung Bungah Beach, Penang Floating Mosque, Gem Beach Resort, Tropical Spice Garden, War Museum
Gurney Drive
A popular seafront promenade known for its dining options and vibrant nightlife. This area attracts food lovers and those seeking entertainment.
Gurney Plaza, Gurney Paragon Mall, Food stalls along the promenade, Chinese temples, Gurney Drive Hawker Centre
KOMTAR
The tallest building in Penang, a central business district with shopping and dining options. Great for business travelers and urban explorers.
KOMTAR Tower, 1st Avenue Mall, Penang Times Square, New World Park, Street Art nearby
Pantai Jerejak
A more serene location, ideal for eco-tourism and nature lovers. Attracts guests looking for relaxation and scenic natural landscapes.
Jerejak Island, Tropical Plantation, Eco-Tourism activities, Nature trails, Private villas
Bukit Dumbar
A quieter neighborhood with a local vibe, ideal for long-term stays and travelers looking for a residential experience.
Dumbar Hill, Local food spots, Bukit Dumbar Park, Nearby shopping centers, Community events

Understanding Airbnb License Requirements & STR Laws in Butterworth (2025)

While Butterworth, Penang, Malaysia currently shows low STR regulations, specific Airbnb license requirements might still exist or change. Always verify the latest short term rental regulations and Airbnb license requirements directly with local government authorities for Butterworth to ensure full compliance before hosting.

(Source: AirROI data, 2025, finding no licensed listings among those analyzed)

Top Performing Airbnb Properties in Butterworth (2025)

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

Hidden 5BR Cottage House Retreats (Free Parking)

Hidden 5BR Cottage House Retreats (Free Parking)

Entire Place • 5 bedrooms

$37,545
Revenue
76.3%
Occupancy
$125.00
Daily Rate
Peace Casa - Homely & Cosy

Peace Casa - Homely & Cosy

Entire Place • 7 bedrooms

$23,590
Revenue
26.7%
Occupancy
$152.52
Daily Rate
RAJA UDA White House Semi D 6Room 12Pax

RAJA UDA White House Semi D 6Room 12Pax

Entire Place • 6 bedrooms

$23,341
Revenue
26.6%
Occupancy
$144.25
Daily Rate
Home in Butterwoth, Penang

Home in Butterwoth, Penang

Entire Place • 4 bedrooms

$20,166
Revenue
41.0%
Occupancy
$115.85
Daily Rate
M&Y cozy homestay(Raja Uda)

M&Y cozy homestay(Raja Uda)

Entire Place • 5 bedrooms

$16,321
Revenue
29.9%
Occupancy
$135.43
Daily Rate
Hb Homestay cozy 16+pax raja uda

Hb Homestay cozy 16+pax raja uda

Entire Place • 4 bedrooms

$16,317
Revenue
39.4%
Occupancy
$101.03
Daily Rate

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

Top Performing Airbnb Hosts in Butterworth (2025)

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

Host NamePropertiesGrossing RevenueStay ReviewsAvg Rating
Peddey10$104,2062214.42/5.0
Micheal18$89,78819444.59/5.0
Cj3$37,273764.87/5.0
Bk4$35,183683.62/5.0
Carmen2$25,419514.97/5.0
Tan4$25,1423304.64/5.0
Alvin1$23,59044.50/5.0
Daydream3$18,4383134.57/5.0
Khaw1$16,321224.64/5.0
Hong1$16,317154.87/5.0

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 Butterworth.

Dive Deeper: Advanced Butterworth STR Market Data (2025)

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

Explore Advanced Metrics

Butterworth Short-Term Rental Market Composition (2025): Property & Room Types

Room Type Distribution

Property Type Distribution

Market Composition Insights for Butterworth

  • The Butterworth Airbnb market composition is heavily skewed towards Entire Home/Apt listings, which make up 87.3% of the 102 active rentals. This indicates strong guest preference for privacy and space.
  • Looking at the property type distribution in Butterworth, Apartment/Condo properties are the most common (50%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
  • Houses represent a significant 41.2% portion, catering likely to families or larger groups.
  • The presence of 8.8% Hotel/Boutique listings indicates integration with traditional hospitality.

Butterworth Airbnb Room Capacity Analysis (2025): Bedroom Distribution

Distribution of Listings by Number of Bedrooms

Room Capacity Insights for Butterworth

  • The dominant room capacity in Butterworth is 2 bedrooms listings, making up 35.3% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for couples or solo travelers.
  • Together, 2 bedrooms and 4 bedrooms properties represent 54.9% of the active Airbnb listings in Butterworth, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.
  • A significant 43.1% of listings offer 3+ bedrooms, catering to larger groups and families seeking more space in Butterworth.

Butterworth Vacation Rental Guest Capacity Trends (2025)

Distribution of Listings by Guest Capacity

Guest Capacity Insights for Butterworth

  • The most common guest capacity trend in Butterworth vacation rentals is listings accommodating 8+ guests (29.4%). This suggests the primary traveler segment is likely larger groups.
  • Properties designed for 8+ guests and 6 guests dominate the Butterworth STR market, accounting for 53.9% of listings.
  • 59.8% of properties accommodate 6+ guests, serving the market segment for larger families or group travel in Butterworth.
  • On average, properties in Butterworth are equipped to host 5.6 guests.

Butterworth Airbnb Booking Patterns (2025): Available vs. Booked Days

Available Days Distribution

Booked Days Distribution

Booking Pattern Insights for Butterworth

  • The most common availability pattern in Butterworth falls within the 271-366 days range, representing 44.1% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
  • Approximately 81.4% 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 Butterworth (37.3%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
  • A notable 18.6% of properties secure long booking periods (181+ days booked per year), highlighting successful long-term rental strategies or significant owner usage.

Butterworth Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis

Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement

1 Night (86.1%)

1 Night

87 listings

86.1% of total

2 Nights (5.9%)

2 Nights

6 listings

5.9% of total

3 Nights (3%)

3 Nights

3 listings

3% of total

7-29 Nights (1%)

7-29 Nights

1 listings

1% of total

30+ Nights (4%)

30+ Nights

4 listings

4% of total

Key Insights

  • The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in Butterworth is 1 Night, adopted by 86.1% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for shorter, flexible bookings.
  • A strong majority (92.0%) of the Butterworth Airbnb data shows acceptance of very short stays (1-2 nights), indicating a dynamic, high-turnover market.

Recommendations

  • Align with the market by considering a 1 Night minimum stay, as 86.1% of Butterworth hosts use this setting.
  • Adjust minimum nights based on seasonality – potentially shorter during low season and longer during peak demand periods in Butterworth.

Butterworth Airbnb Cancellation Policy Trends Analysis (2025)

Flexible (16.9%)

Flexible

15 listings

16.9% of total

Moderate (32.6%)

Moderate

29 listings

32.6% of total

Firm (6.7%)

Firm

6 listings

6.7% of total

Strict (43.8%)

Strict

39 listings

43.8% of total

Cancellation Policy Insights for Butterworth

  • The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in Butterworth is Strict, used by 43.8% of listings.
  • A majority (50.5%) of hosts in Butterworth utilize Firm or Strict policies, indicating a market where hosts prioritize booking security.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Consider adopting a Strict policy to align with the 43.8% market standard in Butterworth.
  • With 43.8% using Strict terms, this is a viable option in Butterworth, particularly for high-value properties or during peak demand periods.
  • Regularly review your cancellation policy against competitors and market demand shifts in Butterworth.

Butterworth STR Booking Lead Time Analysis (2025)

Average Booking Lead Time by Month

Booking Lead Time Insights for Butterworth

  • The overall average booking lead time for vacation rentals in Butterworth is 29 days.
  • Guests book furthest in advance for stays during April (average 70 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
  • The shortest booking windows occur for stays in August (average 14 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
  • Seasonally, Spring (48 days avg.) sees the longest lead times, while Summer (19 days avg.) has the shortest, reflecting typical travel planning cycles.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Use the overall average lead time (29 days) as a baseline for your pricing and availability strategy in Butterworth.
  • For April stays, consider implementing length-of-stay discounts or slightly higher rates for bookings made less than 70 days out to capitalize on advance planning.
  • During August, focus on last-minute booking availability and promotions, as guests book with very short notice (14 days avg.).
  • Target marketing efforts for the Spring season well in advance (at least 48 days) to capture early planners.
  • Monitor your own booking lead times against these Butterworth averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.

Popular & Essential Airbnb Amenities in Butterworth (2025)

Amenity Prevalence

Amenity Insights for Butterworth

  • Essential amenities in Butterworth that guests expect include: Air conditioning, TV. Lacking these (any) could significantly impact bookings.
  • Popular amenities like Free parking on premises, Wifi, Hair dryer are common but not universal. Offering these can provide a competitive edge.
  • Warning: Wifi is not universally provided but is considered essential globally. Ensure reliable Wifi is offered.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Ensure your listing includes all essential amenities for Butterworth: Air conditioning, TV.
  • Prioritize adding missing essentials: TV.
  • Consider adding popular differentiators like Free parking on premises or Wifi 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 Butterworth to stay competitive.

Butterworth Airbnb Guest Demographics & Profile Analysis (2025)

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 Butterworth

  • The typical guest profile for Airbnb in Butterworth consists of primarily domestic travelers (86%), often arriving from nearby Kuala Lumpur, typically belonging to the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group (50%), primarily speaking English or Malay.
  • Domestic travelers account for 86.3% of guests.
  • Key international markets include Malaysia (86.3%) and Singapore (5%).
  • Top languages spoken are English (46.1%) followed by Malay (31.7%).
  • 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 Kuala Lumpur and Selangor.
  • 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.

Nearby Short-Term Rental Market Comparison

How does the Butterworth 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.

MarketActive PropertiesMonthly RevenueDaily RateAvg. Occupancy
Kuala Teriang13$2,554$193.8632%
Tengah Island60$1,585$166.0732%
Langkawi129$1,149$126.0334%
Chemor10$857$127.4426%
George Town3,423$753$76.3237%
Kampung Padang Gaong43$720$91.8530%
Kuala Muda Village38$660$81.5131%
Paya Mempelam Village70$646$115.6828%
Kuah262$618$68.5131%
Ban Ko Li Pe67$598$146.8433%

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