Best investment suburbs for Airbnb in Brisbane
Brisbane has always been the top of the tourism drawcard in Australia. With its warm weather, proximity to areas like the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast, plus its own inner city tourist hubs- it is a global city with a reputation for a good time. Along with a thriving tourism sector- there is also a dynamic business sector and a thriving economy. There is no wonder Brisbane has become an ideal city for Airbnb property investment.
Key Takeaways
● Best for High Occupancy & Business Travel: South Brisbane, Fortitude Valley, Newstead, CBD.
● Best for Luxury Stays & Premium Rates: New Farm, Bulimba, Hamilton.
● Best for Event & Short-Stay Demand: Woolloongabba, Fortitude Valley.
● There is currently no permit system in place for short term rentals in Brisbane.
● Brisbane has a thriving market due to high business and tourism demand
● Brisbane is one of Australia’s fast growing cities
If you are considering stepping into investing in an Airbnb property in Brisbane or even just are looking for some sound advice, be sure to work with a trusted Airbnb management and co-host service like Hacienda BnB Management.
Take the first step today toward easy Airbnb investment!
Why is Brisbane the ideal city for Airbnb investment?
Along with the normal tourist waves, events like the upcoming Brisbane Olympics in 2032 will boost the demand even more.
Tourists and workers will flock to the city to experience the games and contribute to infrastructure projects and events both for the games and in the lead-up.
So for Airbnb property owners- this creates a lucrative opportunity not just on the tourist front.
There will also be a growing need for short-term accommodation for construction workers building new stadiums and infrastructure.
This is why we are seeing Brisbane’s property market thriving. With high occupancy rates and competitive nightly rates for Airbnb listings- Brisbane offers a lucrative return for investors.
Brisbane has always been the top of the tourism drawcard in Australia. With its warm weather, proximity to areas like the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast, plus its own inner city tourist hubs- it is a global city with a reputation for a good time.
Along with a thriving tourism sector- there is also a dynamic business sector and a thriving economy. There is no wonder Brisbane has become an ideal city for Airbnb property investment.
What About Zoning & Long-Term Airbnb Viability?
If you are serious about Airbnb property investment in Brisbane- you may have heard the Brisbane City Council was previously considering introducing a short-term accommodation permit system.
This idea seems to have fallen by the wayside, so currently there are no plans to introduce any permits.
This means you can use your property for short-term accommodation without council approval, but approval is required from the body corporate for apartments in certain buildings.
This is why it is recommended if possible, to seek out investments in high-rise apartments or areas with mixed-use zoning- where short-term rental laws are more flexible and have properties already approved for this purpose.
A word of warning. Suburbs with predominantly residential zoning, like Bulimba and Highgate Hill, may face stricter regulations in the future.
That is why investing in properties that can be rented long-term if needed, is also a wise strategy- giving you more flexibility in your investment.
Always visit Brisbane City Council’s zoning map to check a properties zoning and consult a town planner.
What Type of Airbnb Property is Best in Brisbane?
It all depends on who you want to cater to and where you are looking at investing, the best type of property is subjective- so weigh up your options:
● Inner-City Apartments: Best for business travellers, tourists and weekend stays. These properties are also unlikely to be affected by future zoning regulations and offer reliable returns.
● Larger Homes in Suburban Areas: Think families, group stays and longer bookings. These properties typically perform well during school holidays and festive seasons.
● Riverside & Luxury Homes: These properties may command high nightly rates, attracting premium travellers and families looking for a unique experience.
So Where Should You Invest?
As visitors to Brisbane are as diverse as the suburbs across the city- from tourists and business travellers to families and luxury seekers- depending on who you are planning to cater to will have an impact on where you should invest.
That is why below we’ve made it a little easier to weigh up your options when it comes to finding the best places to own an Airbnb in Brisbane.
So here are the top suburbs we recommend for Airbnb investment- plus the occupancy and average daily rates (figures are accurate at the time of writing).
1. New Farm
● Occupancy: 67%
● Average Daily Rate: $312.90
New Farm is an affluent suburb that attracts high-end travellers, families, and professionals.
It is located near the Howard Smith Wharves, Riverwalk, and Brisbane Powerhouse making it ideal for 1-2 bedroom apartments or luxury homes.
There are some downsides though, as there is a potential for future restrictions due to its mixed-use or high-density zoning. This could affect short-term rentals.
2. Newstead
● Occupancy: 72%
● Average Daily Rate: $292.40
Now Newstead is trendy. It is a riverside neighbourhood with a vibrant dining scene and proximity to the Brisbane CBD, making it a popular choice for both tourists and business travellers.
Here, modern apartments are in high demand.
A positive is that many apartment blocks in Newstead are already designated for short-term rentals which makes it a more secure investment.
3. South Brisbane
● Occupancy: 76%
● Average Daily Rate: $253.90
When it comes to the major attractions, South Brisbane is the place to be.
Home to major attractions like South Bank Parklands, QPAC, and the Brisbane Convention Centre, it’s a hub for both tourists and corporate travellers attending events.
High-rise apartments perform the best here, making it an ideal choice for a long-term Airbnb investment.
4. Fortitude Valley
● Occupancy: 70%
● Average Daily Rate: $264.90
Fortitude Valley, or “The Valley” is where nightlife is booming in Brisbane.
A hotspot for young travellers and music lovers, there is no shortage of events and parties here. The suburb's vibrant atmosphere also attracts business visitors.
Mixed-use and high-density zoning make Fortitude Valley an excellent option for long-term Airbnb investments, especially for 1-2 bedroom apartments.
5. Brisbane CBD
● Occupancy: 66%
● Average Daily Rate: $278.99
Being the heart of Brisbane, the CBD will attract both business travellers and tourists.
Its central location, along with easy access to shopping, dining and major attractions, ensures consistent demand for short-term rentals.
It is a smart place to invest, as high-density zoning supports Airbnb investments- especially when it comes to corporate-style stays and one-bedroom apartments.
6. Toowong
● Occupancy: 71%
● Average Daily Rate: $210.60
Toowong’s proximity to the University of Queensland- meaning it is a hot spot for student stays.
The riverside location also connects well to the CBD, making it a strategic area for short-term rentals.
There is also less competition in this area so properties in Toowong can maintain high occupancy rates.
7. Highgate Hill
● Occupancy: 71%
● Average Daily Rate: $263.80
Highgate Hill is a peaceful suburb. Close to South Bank and West End, it is ideal for families and longer stays.
Best suited for large homes or boutique apartments.
Be wary of the lower-density zoning as it may affect Airbnb opportunities in the future.
8. Bulimba
● Occupancy: 68%
● Average Daily Rate: $315.70
Bulimba offers a luxury riverside lifestyle and attracts wealthy travellers.
Its village-like atmosphere makes it an alluring choice for long-stay corporate guests.
With restrictive zoning in place, it’s crucial to keep zoning considerations in mind, but luxury homes and premium apartments can still perform well here.
9. Woolloongabba
● Occupancy: 70%
● Average Daily Rate: $263.20
Home to The Gabba stadium, Woolloongabba is an attractive location for sports fans and event-goers.
The growing transportation network, including the new Cross City River Rail, increases its appeal.
Short stays in 1-2 bedroom apartments are popular and the investment being put into the area’s development ensures good long-term potential.
10. Hamilton
● Occupancy: 66%
● Average Daily Rate: $226.80
Hamilton is well-connected to Brisbane Airport and cruise terminals, making it an ideal location for transit guests.
You will find that it is also popular among business travellers and luxury holidaymakers.
Think of serviced apartments or waterfront properties when it comes to the optimal investment opportunities.
When it comes to Airbnb management and co-hosting in Brisbane, Hacienda BnB Management make the perfect Brisbane Airbnb cohost- handling everything from guest communication to property cleaning. That way you can maximize your income while minimizing any of the hassle.