Is Airbnb Legal in Perth in 2026? And How Much Can You Really Earn?

Perth, WA

Is Airbnb Legal in Perth in 2026? And How Much Can You Really Earn?

More and more Perth property owners are asking the same question: can I legally rent my home on Airbnb, and is it actually worth it financially? The short answer to both is yes. Here's everything you need to know.

Is Airbnb Legal in Perth?

Yes, short-term rental is legal in Perth, but it comes with rules you need to understand before listing your property!

Start with your strata by-laws

If your property is part of a strata scheme, the very first thing to check is your strata by-laws. Even if Western Australian law allows short-term rental, your strata corporation may have voted to prohibit or restrict it. This applies to apartments, units, and townhouses. If your strata by-laws say no, no other rule can override that, so always check this first.

For freestanding houses, this doesn't apply and you can move straight to the council and registration steps below.

STRA Registration with DMIRS

In Western Australia, all short-term rental properties must be registered with the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS) under the Short-Term Rental Accommodation framework. Registration is straightforward and costs around $250. Without it, you are not legally allowed to host guests on Airbnb or any other platform.

The 90-night rule

Once registered, most residential properties can be used for short-term rental for up to 90 nights per year without requiring any additional planning approval. This is the simplest and most common scenario for Perth property owners.

Beyond 90 nights: Change of Use and Development Application

If you want to rent your property for more than 90 nights per year, you will need to lodge a Development Application (DA) or Change of Use request with your local council. This process typically costs between $250 and $300 in application fees, though timelines and requirements vary by council. The approval is not guaranteed and depends on your property's location and zoning.

Each council has its own rules

While the 90-night framework applies across Western Australia, each local council can have additional requirements depending on your property's specific location, for example proximity to major roads, residential zones, or tourist precincts. It is always worth checking with your council directly or working with a manager who knows the local landscape.

How Much Can You Earn on Airbnb in Perth in 2026?

Perth's short-term rental market has grown significantly, and the city's combination of a strong events calendar, tourism, and FIFO worker demand makes it one of Australia's most consistent Airbnb markets outside of Sydney and Melbourne.

Earnings vary based on property size, location, photo quality, pricing strategy, and how well the listing is optimised, but here are realistic benchmarks based on current market data:

Property Type	Average Nightly Rate	Estimated Occupancy
Studio / 1 bedroom	$120 to $180	75% to 85%
2 bedroom apartment	$220 to $300	75% to 85%
3-4 bedroom house	$200 to $400	65% to 80%
Premium beachfront home	$400 to $800	60% to 80%

To put this in perspective, a 2-bedroom apartment achieving $250 per night at 80% occupancy generates around $6,000 per month, compared to a typical long-term rental of $2,800 to $3,500 per month for a similar property in Perth. That's a significant difference, and it explains why more and more investors are making the switch.

Where does Airbnb perform best in Perth?

Beachside suburbs like Cottesloe, Scarborough, and Fremantle consistently perform at the top of the market. The CBD and inner suburbs such as Northbridge, Leederville, and South Perth also generate strong year-round demand. Properties close to the beach, public transport, cafés, and major event venues tend to achieve both higher nightly rates and stronger occupancy.

Is It Worth It?

For most Perth property owners, the answer is yes, provided the property is well set up, correctly priced, and actively managed. The difference between a well-managed Airbnb and a poorly managed one can easily be $1,500 to $2,000 per month in lost revenue.

The properties that underperform are almost always those with outdated photos, static pricing, slow guest communication, or inconsistent cleaning standards. These are fixable problems.

Wondering how much your specific property could earn?

We offer a free rental income assessment for Perth property owners, no obligation, just a clear picture of your property's potential and whether short-term rental makes sense for your situation.

👉 Get your free estimate by filling the form on main page or simply contact us today!