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Ultimate Guide to Start Airbnb in South Africa. Rules, Startup Cost, Profitability and Statistics.

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Quick Airbnb Statistics and Facts


All statistics below is collected and processed from Airbtics, unless specified otherwise. The observation period is between 2023 October to 2024 September.



  • There are 90,575 active listings in South Africa.
  • The city with the most number of Airbnb Listings in South Africa is Cape Town with 18,264.
  • The average occupancy rate of an Airbnb listing in South Africa is 53%.
  • A typical listing charges ZAR1,270 per night excluding service charge and cleaning fees.
  • The average income of Airbnb host is ZAR241,680 per listing per year.
  • Startup cost: It costs around ZAR26,352 to start an Airbnb listing. The major costs are to furnish bedrooms and living room.


How to start an Airbnb in South Africa?



Short-term rental rules & regulations in South Africa


For regulations, refer to Responsible Airbnb Hosting in South Africa.



How much does it cost to start an Airbnb in South Africa?


Bedroom 1


In order for you to furnish a room like below, it'll cost you around ZAR26,352 per bedroom.


bedroom
Mattress and bedframe Bedroom ZAR3,738
Wardrobe Bedroom ZAR2,990
Desk Bedroom ZAR747
Desk chair Bedroom ZAR373
Lighting Bedroom ZAR747
Decorative Bedroom ZAR747
Curtains Bedroom ZAR373
Total Bedroom ZAR9,718


Living room


For living room, it'll cost you around ZAR37,080 and this'll include dining table set for 4 people.


livingroom
Sofa Living room ZAR3,738
Dining table and chairs Living room ZAR2,242
Coffee table Living room ZAR373
Coffee machine Living room ZAR747
Microwave Living room ZAR747
Laundry Living room ZAR3,738
Total Living room ZAR11,587


Other costs


For living room, it'll cost you around ZAR26,352 and this'll include dining table set for 4 people.


Finally, you need to budget for various supplies like towels. You may also need smart lock for self-checkin. This'll add another ZAR5,046.

Towels Other ZAR747
Pillows Other ZAR747
Blankets Other ZAR747
Smart lock Other ZAR1,121
Security camera Other ZAR747
Labour cost Other ZAR934
Total Other ZAR5,046


Total startup cost for 1, 2 and 3 bedrooms


Number of Bedrooms Total Furnishing Cost
1 Bd Startup Cost ZAR26,352
2 Bd Startup Cost ZAR37,080
3 Bd Startup Cost ZAR46,799


Is it profitable to start an Airbnb in South Africa?


The average host in the UK earns ZAR241,680 per year. Here are the 3 cities with the most number of Airbnb listings. See the full list of 5 cities here.


Cape town


  • Market Score: 5
  • Revenue: ZAR359,128
  • Average Daily Rate: ZAR1,439
  • Occupancy Rate: 71%
  • Regulations: Lenient


Sandton


  • Market Score: 4
  • Revenue: ZAR173,611
  • Average Daily Rate: ZAR934
  • Occupancy Rate: 51%
  • Regulations: Lenient


Pretoria


  • Market Score: 3
  • Revenue: ZAR140,623
  • Average Daily Rate: ZAR841
  • Occupancy Rate: 47%
  • Regulations: Lenient




Useful resources


Here are some of the useful resources for you to get started.


Complete list of on-going host expenses: https://airbtics.com/complete-list-of-airbnb-host-expenses/