Short term rental accommodation: models, impacts and policy responses

There is widespread concern about the housing market and neighbourhood impacts of short term rental accommodation (STRA) platforms such as Airbnb. This project will chart a national typology of STRA, quantifying housing impacts across metropolitan and regional case studies. 

The research will address the following questions:

1. What is leading international practice in managing STRA across different metropolitan and regional settings?
2. What is the range and spatial distribution of STRA across Australia (hosted/unhosted; permanent residences/holiday homes) and corresponding provider types and business models (single/multiple properties; owner/commercially managed; financing/taxation considerations)?
3. What are the impacts of these models for local housing markets and communities? Is there evidence that STRAs are serving demand beyond the tourism sector?
4. Which regulatory responses best resolve competing demands for residential accommodation across different metropolitan and regional settings, within a wider housing policy framework?

Leveraging international experience and stakeholder engagement, this project will yield new insights on short term rentals within the wider housing system, informing effective policy and regulation.

Lead Researcher: Professor Nicole Gurran, The University of Sydney

Project Number:  73335