Key Facts:
● New research has found the overwhelming majority of Australian Airbnb hosts surveyed (88 percent) would not offer their homes on the long-term rental market if night caps were introduced or lowered
● The majority of respondents who wouldn't rent their home long-term in response to a night cap said it was because it was their primary residence, holiday home or it was not suitable for long-term use
● Only 12 percent of Australian Airbnb hosts surveyed said they would likely put their home on the long-term rental market if night caps were introduced or lowered
6 August, 2025: New analysis by YouGov[1] has found introducing harsh restrictions such as night caps on the short-term rental accommodation (STRA) sector would have a limited effect on the long-term rental market.
The YouGov survey, commissioned by Airbnb, reveals only one in eight people would put their home on the long-term rental market if night caps were introduced or lowered.
Two-thirds of those respondents who wouldn't rent their home long-term in response to a night cap said it was because their property wasn't suitable or available for long-term use.
This was because it was their primary residence, it wasn't suitable for long-term rental use, it was their second home and/or it was used as the family holiday home.
Paul Smith, YouGov, Director for Public Data said, "YouGov's poll found that the most likely response to night caps for the majority of Airbnb hosts would not be to put their homes on the long-term rental market, which defeats the intended effect of night caps."
Of those surveyed, 63 percent of hosts were female, compared to 33 percent of hosts who were male.
This data aligns with a 2025 study from the University of Canberra into short-term rentals in Australia which found it is uncommon for property owners to switch between short-term and long-term rental models for a number of reasons, which includes the home being used by the owner for the part of the year.[2]
This further supports the findings of independent research firm Urbis which revealed the short-term rental accommodation sector has no consistent impact on housing affordability and accounts for only 1 to 2 percent of the total housing stock across the country.
Michael Crosby, Airbnb Head of Public Policy, Australia and New Zealand, said, "The research clearly demonstrates harsh restrictions like night caps are not effective in solving our housing issues and simply hurt those trying to earn some extra money to offset the cost of living.
"This analysis adds to a growing body of evidence that draconian measures such as caps or bans don't work. In New York, where short-term rentals are effectively banned, rental and housing affordability has not improved and the cost of accommodation for travellers has increased.
"Hosting is an economic lifeline for many, with respondents reinforcing the fact that most short-term rentals have never been part of the long-term rental market and some were not built for that use.
"Homes would be far more likely to sit empty than become a long term rental because they are people's primary home, a holiday home they use with family or can't cater for long term renters.
"Cities and towns across Australia rely on short-term stays to help support major events such as the Sydney Marathon, AFL Grand Final and the Ashes.
"We understand governments continue to navigate unique, complex challenges when it comes to housing. We want to play a role in working with policymakers to introduce straightforward regulations that balance the benefits of home sharing with the needs of the wider community."
The YouGov survey also found levies on the short-term rental sector were ineffective at encouraging property owners to place their home on the long-term rental market. Only five percent of survey participants indicated they would convert their property to long-term tenancy.
More than 60 percent of respondents said they would continue using their home as a short-term rental, citing reasons like their reliance on the income from hosting to help pay their bills, as well as a growing need for affordable and family-friendly accommodation offered by short-term rentals.
YouGov Research
- Only 12 percent of Australian Airbnb hosts surveyed said they would put their home on the long-term rental market if night caps were introduced or lowered
- The overwhelming majority of Australian Airbnb hosts surveyed (88 percent) would not offer their homes on the long-term rental market if night caps were introduced or lowered[3]
- Of these respondents 43 percent said they would most likely list their home on the short-term rental market for the maximum number of nights and then leave it empty
- Two-thirds of those who wouldn't list their home on the long-term rental market in response to a night cap said it was because it was their primary residence, it wasn't suitable, it was their second home and/or it was used as the family holiday home
- Other reasons included loss of control over the home and financial impracticalities
- 77 percent of respondents listed just one whole home property
- Of those surveyed 63 percent of hosts were female, compared to 33 percent of hosts who were male
[1] All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov. The total sample size was 1012 Australian-based Airbnb hosts. Fieldwork was undertaken between 28 April and 3 June 2025. The survey was carried out online. Australian-based Airbnb hosts had to have at least one property listed on Airbnb that was active in the past three months and accepted at least one reservation/booking, have 1 to 5 properties listed on Airbnb, and listed a whole home or an un-hosted accommodation on Airbnb with 77 percent of respondents listing just one whole home property.
[2] Short-term rentals in Australia: A qualitative exploration of regulatory impacts in 18 Local Government areas. https://www.canberra.edu.au/about-uc/faculties/busgovlaw/research/short-term-rentals-in-australia. See page 9
[3] Hosts surveyed were asked what their most likely action would be in response to night caps being introduced or lowered, with 88 percent responding that they would do something other than offer their property on the long-term rental market.
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