A piece of the pie: Airbnb popularity in South Africa as per guest bookings.[/caption]
South African cities, like many others across the globe, have started to feel the crunch effect Airbnb can have on the property market, including how it affects supply and prices. Many international cities have clamped down on short-term rentals through online sites because of a throttled property supply. As healthy as a competitive market may be, it also has its cons. A good example of this would be Cape Town's beachside properties. Because of Airbnb, the locals are being priced out of the market as more competitive short-term rentals are bought up.
But why not? There must be a reason why so many homeowners and prospective buyers are snatching up properties left, right and centre. There have been unsolicited stories of Airbnb hosts tripling their rental income per month by replacing their tenants with guests who book these properties for short periods of time. Some have gone so far as to renovate their domains to fit current trends in order to increase their Airbnb ratings.
But before you chop and change your three-bedroomed apartment into a temporary living space for Euro-swinging Europeans (who make up 42% of international guests visiting South Africa), you need to make sure that you locate your Airbnb in the right area. There is no point in taking out a bond on an apartment in Krugersdorp and kitting it out with the coolest gadgets and comfiest couches. The chances of getting bookings so far out from popular points of interest are slim. Some of the more popular Airbnb areas in Johannesburg are places such as Melville, Northcliff and Sandton, to name a few. Another spot in the country that has shown a recent spike in guest bookings is Pretoria, where rentals start from as little as R250 per night per person.
Though this rental market looks promising from an owner's point of view, it has its downside. "As a means to address the problem," economics journo Lynley Donnelly writes, "city authorities in places such as Berlin, New York and Reykjavik have taken steps to regulate how hosts let out their properties on Airbnb." For instance, the city of Berlin does not allow residents to rent out more than half of their property, which they must occupy themselves, without a permit from the city council.
For more information on how to find a place to rent or on how to become an Airbnb host, go check out their official website.
By Shawn Greyling
What are your thoughts on Airbnb? Let us know in the comments section below. Sharing is caring, so throw this on to social media for us. Solid. The Ins And Outs Of Airbnb In South Africa
Joburg Admin / June 21, 2017
A piece of the pie: Airbnb popularity in South Africa as per guest bookings.[/caption]
South African cities, like many others across the globe, have started to feel the crunch effect Airbnb can have on the property market, including how it affects supply and prices. Many international cities have clamped down on short-term rentals through online sites because of a throttled property supply. As healthy as a competitive market may be, it also has its cons. A good example of this would be Cape Town's beachside properties. Because of Airbnb, the locals are being priced out of the market as more competitive short-term rentals are bought up.
But why not? There must be a reason why so many homeowners and prospective buyers are snatching up properties left, right and centre. There have been unsolicited stories of Airbnb hosts tripling their rental income per month by replacing their tenants with guests who book these properties for short periods of time. Some have gone so far as to renovate their domains to fit current trends in order to increase their Airbnb ratings.
But before you chop and change your three-bedroomed apartment into a temporary living space for Euro-swinging Europeans (who make up 42% of international guests visiting South Africa), you need to make sure that you locate your Airbnb in the right area. There is no point in taking out a bond on an apartment in Krugersdorp and kitting it out with the coolest gadgets and comfiest couches. The chances of getting bookings so far out from popular points of interest are slim. Some of the more popular Airbnb areas in Johannesburg are places such as Melville, Northcliff and Sandton, to name a few. Another spot in the country that has shown a recent spike in guest bookings is Pretoria, where rentals start from as little as R250 per night per person.
Though this rental market looks promising from an owner's point of view, it has its downside. "As a means to address the problem," economics journo Lynley Donnelly writes, "city authorities in places such as Berlin, New York and Reykjavik have taken steps to regulate how hosts let out their properties on Airbnb." For instance, the city of Berlin does not allow residents to rent out more than half of their property, which they must occupy themselves, without a permit from the city council.
For more information on how to find a place to rent or on how to become an Airbnb host, go check out their official website.
By Shawn Greyling
What are your thoughts on Airbnb? Let us know in the comments section below. Sharing is caring, so throw this on to social media for us. Solid. You might be interested in
A Black Aesthetic: A View Of South African Artists 1970-1990
22 Mar 2019
The Standard Bank Gallery invites you to their latest exhibition which explores the work of African artists from 1970 - 1990. Join one of their guided tours before the exhibition closes on 12 April 2019.
Read moreNIROX Picnic
11 Apr 2018
Expect a picnic experience like no other, there will be a yoga session just for your relaxation and beautiful art to feast your eyes.
Read moreTaking A Closer Look At 1 Discovery Place
13 Feb 2018
We take a closer look at Discovery\'s new global head office, 1 Discovery Place, Sandton. \r\n\r\n
Read moreMams Arts Festival 2019
30 Oct 2019
Experience different elements of art through music, lifestyle, art and culture at this year\'s Mams Arts Festival 2019. It\'s going to be epic.
Read moreDelicious & Tasty Brunch Spots In Benoni
20 Dec 2019
The summer holidays are upon us. Spend your lazy summer days enjoying a day out at these top brunch spots in Benoni.\r\n\r\n
Read moreDiscover CIRCA Gallery in Rosebank: A Contemporary Art Gem
17 Feb 2025
CIRCA Gallery in Rosebank is a must-visit destination for art lovers in Johannesburg. Known for its striking architecture and thought-provoking exhibitions at the Everad Gallery, this contemporary gallery is a space where creativity thrives. Whether you'r
Read more





