The geographic spread of WA's short term rental accommodation has been made available for the first time, with the launch of a publicly available interactive heatmap.
- WA's first searchable STRA register reveals distribution of short stay accommodation.
- Interactive heatmap provides insight into STRA by location.
- Long-term rental market expands by 487 properties through STRA Incentive Scheme
The geographic spread of WA's short term rental accommodation (STRA) has been made available for the first time, with the launch of a publicly available interactive heatmap.
Since registrations of STRA properties became mandatory on 1 January 2025, the Consumer Protection-operated STRA Register lists 11,556 properties across WA. 46 per cent of registered STRA are in Perth's metropolitan area, 27 per cent are in the South West and 6.7 per cent are in the Peel region. A table listing the number of registered STRA properties in the major regions of WA is now publicly available and updated each month.
The STRA Register is supported by a search function allowing the public to check property addresses to see whether they are registered as STRA and guests can verify that registration numbers are valid. An interactive heatmap illustrates the concentration of STRA properties within general localities.
Local governments are also informed of all new STRA registrations within their jurisdictions, enabling them to check and verify the compliance of properties with local requirements. Where appropriate, they can refer matters to Consumer Protection to consider suspending or cancelling a registration in various circumstances.
Currently, STRA owners must comply with all existing local planning laws, which may include needing development approval. A 90-night exemption in the Perth metro region caters for property owners who wish to let out their residence for unhosted STRA on a temporary basis (such as when they are on holidays) without needing development (planning) approval, however registration is still required.
Commissioner for Consumer Protection Trish Blake said the STRA Register gives local communities much-needed certainty.
"The expansion of the STRA sector has created unintended consequences for communities and it has been very difficult to undertake meaningful analysis due to the lack of clear data, she said.
"Now, with the STRA register, residents can now easily see the presence and density of STRA properties in their neighbourhood, fostering transparency and accountability.
"Local governments can also access data on STRA properties in their area meaning they can make informed decisions to manage how they operate in local communities."
Owners are increasingly utilising the STRA Incentive Scheme, with 487 short-stay properties added to the long-term rental market. This initiative offers $10,000 grants to owners who secure new tenants with minimum 12-month leases, and applications remain open until 31 December 2025.
Further details are available on the WA Government website: https://www.wa.gov.au/organisation/department-of-local-government-industry-regulation-and-safety/short-term-rental-accommodation-incentive-scheme
Published STRA registration data and the interactive heatmap can be found: https://www.wa.gov.au/organisation/department-of-local-government-industry-regulation-and-safety/short-term-rental-accommodation-registration-data-and-heat-map
