Lahad Datu Airbnb Market Analysis 2025: Short Term Rental Data & Vacation Rental Statistics in Sabah, Malaysia
Is Airbnb profitable in Lahad Datu in 2025? Explore comprehensive Airbnb analytics for Lahad Datu, Sabah, Malaysia to uncover income potential. This 2025 STR market report for Lahad Datu, based on AirROI data from December 2024 to November 2025, reveals key trends in the niche market of 21 active listings.
Whether you're considering an Airbnb investment in Lahad Datu, optimizing your existing vacation rental, or exploring rental arbitrage opportunities, understanding the Lahad Datu 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 Lahad Datu Airbnb Performance Metrics Overview
Monthly Airbnb Revenue Variations & Income Potential in Lahad Datu (2025)
Understanding the monthly revenue variations for Airbnb listings in Lahad Datu 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 Lahad Datu is typically December, while October often presents the lowest earnings, highlighting opportunities for strategic pricing adjustments during shoulder and low seasons. Explore the typical Airbnb income in Lahad Datu across different performance tiers:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve $879+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $575 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
- Typical properties (Median) generate around $342 per month, representing the average market performance.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $179, often with potential for optimization.
Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in Lahad Datu
Lahad Datu Airbnb Occupancy Rate Trends (2025)
Maximize your bookings by understanding the Lahad Datu STR occupancy trends. Seasonal demand shifts significantly influence how often properties are booked. Typically, Decembersees the highest demand (peak season occupancy), while October 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 Lahad Datu:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve 46%+ occupancy, indicating high desirability and potentially optimized availability.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) maintain 33% or higher occupancy, suggesting good market fit and guest satisfaction.
- Typical properties (Median) have an occupancy rate around 19%.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) average 11% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.
Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in Lahad Datu
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Airbnb Trends in Lahad Datu (2025)
Effective short term rental pricing strategy in Lahad Datu involves understanding monthly ADR fluctuations. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Lahad Datu typically peaks in November and dips lowest during April. 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 $80+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $66 or more.
- Typical properties (Median) charge around $59 per night.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $48 per night.
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in Lahad Datu
Get Live Lahad Datu Market Intelligence 👇
Explore Real-time Analytics
Airbnb Seasonality Analysis & Trends in Lahad Datu (2025)
Peak Season (December, April, June)
- Revenue averages $587 per month
- Occupancy rates average 31.8%
- Daily rates average $55
Shoulder Season
- Revenue averages $429 per month
- Occupancy maintains around 24.2%
- Daily rates hold near $56
Low Season (August, October, November)
- Revenue drops to average $274 per month
- Occupancy decreases to average 15.7%
- Daily rates adjust to average $56
Seasonality Insights for Lahad Datu
- The Airbnb seasonality in Lahad Datu 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 Lahad Datu's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues capable of climbing to $689, occupancy reaching a high of 35.8%, and ADRs peaking at $57.
- 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 $194, occupancy could drop to 11.4%, and ADRs may adjust down to $55.
- 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 Lahad Datu.
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 Lahad Datu seasonality benchmarks and adjust your pricing and availability strategy accordingly.
Best Areas for Airbnb Investment in Lahad Datu (2025)
Exploring the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Lahad Datu? 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 / Area | Why Host Here? (Target Guests & Appeal) | Key Attractions & Landmarks |
|---|---|---|
| Danum Valley | A pristine rainforest and a biodiversity hotspot, perfect for eco-tourists and nature lovers seeking adventure and wildlife experiences. | Danum Valley Conservation Area, Borneo Rainforest Lodge, Birdwatching, Canopy Walkway, Hiking Trails |
| Lahad Datu Town | The main urban area with essential amenities and services, attractive to business travelers and those exploring the region. | Lahad Datu Mosque, Taman Sedia, Lahad Datu Heritage Museum, Local Markets, Restaurants |
| Silam | Known for its natural beauty and outdoor activities, ideal for travelers looking for a relaxing retreat with scenic views. | Silam Peak, Nature Trails, Local Coffee Shops, Wildlife Watching |
| Tawau Hills Park | A beautiful park offering outdoor activities and nature experiences, appealing to families and nature enthusiasts. | Hiking Trails, Waterfalls, Birdwatching, Camping Areas |
| Tabin Wildlife Reserve | A popular spot for wildlife enthusiasts seeking to see endangered species in their natural habitat, great for eco-tourism. | Wildlife Safari, Nature Trails, Birdwatching, Night Tours |
| Kawag River | A scenic river area ideal for fishing and relaxation, attracting those looking for a peaceful getaway. | Fishing Spots, Canoeing, Picnic Areas, Scenic Views |
| Bukit Garam | A quiet village area known for its local culture and community feel, suitable for those wanting a unique local experience. | Local Farmers' Markets, Cultural Experiences, Nature Walks |
| Deramakot Forest Reserve | An area of rich biodiversity, appealing to eco-tourists and researchers interested in conservation and nature studies. | Wildlife Sightings, Guided Nature Tours, Forest Trails |
Understanding Airbnb License Requirements & STR Laws in Lahad Datu (2025)
While Lahad Datu, Sabah, 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 Lahad Datu to ensure full compliance before hosting.
(Source: AirROI data, 2025, finding no licensed listings among those analyzed)
Top Performing Airbnb Properties in Lahad Datu (2025)
Benchmark your potential! Explore examples of top-performing Airbnb properties in Lahad Datubased on Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) revenue. Analyze their characteristics, revenue, occupancy rate, and ADR to understand what drives success in this market.
ML Homestay
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
TarHOMESTAY palm garden LD
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
The DreamHouse Homestay, Condo
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Royal Homestay Palm Garden
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Life HomeStay
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
SDC Suite Home
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Note: Performance varies based on location, size, amenities, seasonality, and management quality. Data reflects the past 12 months.
Top Performing Airbnb Hosts in Lahad Datu (2025)
Learn from the best! This table showcases top-performing Airbnb hosts in Lahad Datu based on the number of properties managed and estimated total revenue over the past year. Analyze their scale and performance metrics.
| Host Name | Properties | Grossing Revenue | Stay Reviews | Avg Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Audrey | 5 | $17,257 | 26 | 4.83/5.0 |
| Nume | 2 | $10,294 | 4 | 4.67/5.0 |
| Fer Wah | 1 | $6,670 | 2 | Not Rated |
| Mah | 2 | $6,098 | 8 | 4.50/5.0 |
| Eunice | 1 | $6,021 | 30 | 4.83/5.0 |
| Liswansah | 1 | $5,210 | 6 | 4.83/5.0 |
| Paul | 1 | $4,931 | 10 | 4.70/5.0 |
| Rasiah | 1 | $3,963 | 1 | Not Rated |
| Natalea | 1 | $2,893 | 3 | 5.00/5.0 |
| Nurul | 1 | $2,540 | 5 | 4.40/5.0 |
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 Lahad Datu.
Dive Deeper: Advanced Lahad Datu STR Market Data (2025)
Ready to unlock more insights? AirROI provides access to advanced metrics and comprehensive Airbnb data for Lahad Datu. Explore detailed analytics beyond this report to refine your investment strategy, optimize pricing, and maximize your vacation rental profits.
Explore Advanced MetricsLahad Datu Short-Term Rental Market Composition (2025): Property & Room Types
Room Type Distribution
Property Type Distribution
Market Composition Insights for Lahad Datu
- The Lahad Datu Airbnb market composition is heavily skewed towards Entire Home/Apt listings, which make up 85.7% of the 21 active rentals. This indicates strong guest preference for privacy and space.
- Looking at the property type distribution in Lahad Datu, Apartment/Condo properties are the most common (57.1%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
- Houses represent a significant 38.1% portion, catering likely to families or larger groups.
- Smaller segments like hotel/boutique (combined 4.8%) offer potential for unique stay experiences.
Lahad Datu Airbnb Room Capacity Analysis (2025): Bedroom Distribution
Distribution of Listings by Number of Bedrooms
Room Capacity Insights for Lahad Datu
- The dominant room capacity in Lahad Datu is 3 bedrooms listings, making up 66.7% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for families or small groups.
- Together, 3 bedrooms and 4 bedrooms properties represent 76.2% of the active Airbnb listings in Lahad Datu, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.
- A significant 76.2% of listings offer 3+ bedrooms, catering to larger groups and families seeking more space in Lahad Datu.
Lahad Datu Vacation Rental Guest Capacity Trends (2025)
Distribution of Listings by Guest Capacity
Guest Capacity Insights for Lahad Datu
- The most common guest capacity trend in Lahad Datu vacation rentals is listings accommodating 8+ guests (47.6%). This suggests the primary traveler segment is likely larger groups.
- Properties designed for 8+ guests and 6 guests dominate the Lahad Datu STR market, accounting for 80.9% of listings.
- 80.9% of properties accommodate 6+ guests, serving the market segment for larger families or group travel in Lahad Datu.
- On average, properties in Lahad Datu are equipped to host 6.1 guests.
Lahad Datu Airbnb Booking Patterns (2025): Available vs. Booked Days
Available Days Distribution
Booked Days Distribution
Booking Pattern Insights for Lahad Datu
- The most common availability pattern in Lahad Datu falls within the 271-366 days range, representing 85.7% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
- Approximately 100.0% of listings show high availability (181+ days open annually), indicating potential for increased bookings or specific owner usage patterns.
- For booked days, the 31-90 days range is most frequent in Lahad Datu (81%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
Lahad Datu Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis
Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement
1 Night
21 listings
100% of total
Key Insights
- The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in Lahad Datu is 1 Night, adopted by 100% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for shorter, flexible bookings.
- A strong majority (100.0%) of the Lahad Datu 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 100% of Lahad Datu hosts use this setting.
- Adjust minimum nights based on seasonality – potentially shorter during low season and longer during peak demand periods in Lahad Datu.
Lahad Datu Airbnb Cancellation Policy Trends Analysis (2025)
Flexible
14 listings
66.7% of total
Moderate
4 listings
19% of total
Firm
3 listings
14.3% of total
Cancellation Policy Insights for Lahad Datu
- The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in Lahad Datu is Flexible, used by 66.7% of listings.
- The market strongly favors guest-friendly terms, with 85.7% of listings offering Flexible or Moderate policies. This suggests guests in Lahad Datu may expect booking flexibility.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Consider adopting a Flexible policy to align with the 66.7% market standard in Lahad Datu.
- Given the high prevalence of Flexible policies (66.7%), offering this can enhance booking appeal, especially during shoulder seasons.
- Regularly review your cancellation policy against competitors and market demand shifts in Lahad Datu.
Lahad Datu STR Booking Lead Time Analysis (2025)
Average Booking Lead Time by Month
Booking Lead Time Insights for Lahad Datu
- The overall average booking lead time for vacation rentals in Lahad Datu is 18 days.
- Guests book furthest in advance for stays during March (average 29 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
- The shortest booking windows occur for stays in June (average 11 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
- Seasonally, Fall (21 days avg.) sees the longest lead times, while Winter (14 days avg.) has the shortest, reflecting typical travel planning cycles.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Use the overall average lead time (18 days) as a baseline for your pricing and availability strategy in Lahad Datu.
- For March stays, consider implementing length-of-stay discounts or slightly higher rates for bookings made less than 29 days out to capitalize on advance planning.
- Target marketing efforts for the Fall season well in advance (at least 21 days) to capture early planners.
- Monitor your own booking lead times against these Lahad Datu averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.
Popular & Essential Airbnb Amenities in Lahad Datu (2025)
Amenity Prevalence
Amenity Insights for Lahad Datu
- Essential amenities in Lahad Datu that guests expect include: Air conditioning, Free parking on premises, Wifi. Lacking these (any) could significantly impact bookings.
- Popular amenities like TV, Kitchen, Washer are common but not universal. Offering these can provide a competitive edge.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Ensure your listing includes all essential amenities for Lahad Datu: Air conditioning, Free parking on premises, Wifi.
- Prioritize adding missing essentials: Wifi.
- Consider adding popular differentiators like TV or Kitchen 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 Lahad Datu to stay competitive.
Lahad Datu Airbnb Guest Demographics & Profile Analysis (2025)
Guest Profile Summary for Lahad Datu
- The typical guest profile for Airbnb in Lahad Datu consists of a mix of domestic (57%) and international guests, often arriving from nearby Kota Kinabalu, typically belonging to the 1990s (Older Gen Z) group (50%), primarily speaking English or Malay.
- Domestic travelers account for 57.1% of guests.
- Key international markets include Malaysia (57.1%) and United Kingdom (7.1%).
- Top languages spoken are English (38.9%) followed by Malay (33.3%).
- A significant demographic segment is the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group, representing 50% of guests.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Balance marketing efforts between domestic and international channels based on the guest mix.
- Tailor amenities and listing descriptions to appeal to the dominant 1990s (Older Gen Z) 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 Lahad Datu 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.