Durban, KwaZulu-Natal Airbnb Market Data 2026: STR Report & Statistics
How much can you earn on Airbnb in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal? Based on AirROI's 2026 dataset (April 2025 – March 2026), the short answer is $6,924 per year — at a $91 nightly rate, 30.2% occupancy, and a $26 RevPAR that reflects a wider gap between nightly rates and realized revenue that rewards occupancy-focused strategies.
Durban's 653 active listings and selective demand that rewards strong listing quality and pricing strategy position it as a midsize vacation rental market. Supply grew 44.5% over the past year, yet revenue and nightly rates both trended upward — a signal that traveler demand is outpacing new inventory rather than being diluted by it. For hosts, pricing power remains intact even as competition increases.
Regulation is low with minimal registration requirements, pointing to an operator-friendly environment. The data points to a market where fundamentals reward execution — the right property, priced well, in the right neighborhood still outperforms.
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What Are the Key Airbnb Metrics in Durban?
In Durban, the headline Airbnb metrics are $6,924 in average annual revenue,30.2% occupancy, $91 ADR, and $26 in RevPAR, and guests book about 43 days in advance.
How Much Do Airbnb Hosts Earn Monthly in Durban?
Understanding the monthly revenue variations for Airbnb listings in Durban is key to maximizing your short term rental income potential. Seasonality significantly impacts earnings. Our analysis, based on data from the past 12 months, shows that the peak revenue month for STRs in Durban is typically December, while February often presents the lowest earnings, highlighting opportunities for strategic pricing adjustments during shoulder and low seasons. Explore the typical Airbnb income in Durban across different performance tiers:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve $1,790+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $1,145 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
- Typical properties (Median) generate around $620 per month, representing the average market performance.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $307, often with potential for optimization.
Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in Durban
What Is the Monthly Airbnb Occupancy Rate in Durban?
Maximize your bookings by understanding the Durban STR occupancy trends. Seasonal demand shifts significantly influence how often properties are booked. Typically, Decembersees the highest demand (peak season occupancy), while January experiences the lowest (low season). Effective strategies, like adjusting minimum stays or offering promotions, can boost occupancy during slower periods. Here's how different property tiers perform in Durban:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve 68%+ occupancy, indicating high desirability and potentially optimized availability.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) maintain 48% or higher occupancy, suggesting good market fit and guest satisfaction.
- Typical properties (Median) have an occupancy rate around 29%.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) average 14% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.
Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in Durban
What Is the Average Airbnb Nightly Rate in Durban?
Effective short term rental pricing strategy in Durban involves understanding monthly ADR fluctuations. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Durban typically peaks in December and dips lowest during August. Leveraging Airbnb dynamic pricing tools or strategies based on this seasonality can significantly boost revenue. Here's a look at the typical nightly rates achieved:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) command rates of $183+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $113 or more.
- Typical properties (Median) charge around $68 per night.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $44 per night.
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in Durban
What Is the RevPAR for Airbnb in Durban?
RevPAR in Durban is currently $26. Because RevPAR combines nightly rates with realized occupancy, it is one of the cleanest ways to compare how efficiently listings turn demand into revenue across the market.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see $11 RevPAR.
- Typical properties (Median) generate $20 RevPAR.
- Strong performers (Top 25%) earn $34 RevPAR.
- Best-in-class (Top 10%) achieve $51 RevPAR.
Average Monthly RevPAR Trend in Durban
RevPAR Insights for Durban
- The average RevPAR in Durban is $26. This metric combines nightly rates with realized occupancy, making it one of the best single-number indicators of market efficiency.
- The gap between the top 10% ($51) and bottom 25% ($11) is $40, suggesting a relatively compressed market where operational differences yield moderate returns.
- RevPAR peaks in Dec and bottoms out in Feb, mirroring the broader seasonal demand pattern and suggesting opportunities for dynamic pricing.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Track your own RevPAR monthly against these Durban benchmarks. If your RevPAR falls below the median of $20, examine whether low occupancy or low ADR is the primary drag.
- Top-quartile listings achieve $34+ RevPAR through a combination of competitive pricing, strong reviews, and strategic amenities. Target this tier through incremental improvements.
- Use RevPAR rather than revenue alone when comparing properties of different sizes — it normalizes for available nights and gives a more accurate picture of performance.
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When Is the Peak Season for Airbnb in Durban?
Durban's peak Airbnb season falls in December, October, July, while the softest stretch is February, May, June. Overall, the market shows highly seasonal trends requiring careful strategy, which should guide pricing, minimum stays, and cash-flow planning.
Peak Season (December, October, July)
- Revenue averages $1,093 per month
- Occupancy rates average 39.0%
- Daily rates average $94
Shoulder Season
- Revenue averages $798 per month
- Occupancy maintains around 32.0%
- Daily rates hold near $90
Low Season (February, May, June)
- Revenue drops to average $721 per month
- Occupancy decreases to average 31.1%
- Daily rates adjust to average $89
Seasonality Insights for Durban
- Airbnb seasonality in Durban is pronounced. Revenue swings sharply between peak and low months, which means pricing strategy, minimum-stay settings, and cash reserves all need to account for extended slower periods.
- During the high season, the absolute peak month showcases Durban's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues climbing to $1,447, occupancy reaching 45.0%, and ADRs peaking at $106.
- Conversely, the slowest single month marks the market's lowest point — revenue may dip to $661, occupancy could drop to 28.5%, and ADRs may adjust to $85.
- Lower occupancy paired with meaningful seasonality means hosts in Durban need to maximize every peak-season booking and seriously consider whether off-season pricing adjustments or minimum-stay changes can capture incremental revenue.
Seasonal Strategies for Maximizing Profit
- Peak Season: Maximize revenue through premium pricing and potentially longer minimum stays. Ensure high availability and consider tightening cancellation policies to reduce last-minute gaps.
- Low Season: Offer competitive pricing, extended-stay discounts, and flexible cancellation policies. Target off-season travelers like remote workers, budget-conscious guests, and travelers with flexible schedules.
- Shoulder Seasons: Implement dynamic pricing that bridges peak and low rates. Target weekend travelers, local events, and business visitors. Slightly more flexible terms than peak season can help maintain occupancy without deep discounting.
- In a highly seasonal market like Durban, building a cash reserve during the top months is essential for covering fixed costs during the slow period. Automated pricing tools can help capture demand shifts in real time.
Do You Need a License for Airbnb in Durban?
Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa currently shows a low regulation profile despite having 653 active listings. Larger markets with light regulation can attract new supply quickly, but that also means regulatory frameworks may evolve as local governments respond to growth — staying informed protects your investment. Always verify the latest short-term rental regulations and Airbnb license requirements directly with local government authorities for Durban to ensure full compliance before hosting.
(Source: AirROI data, 2026, based on 0% licensed listings)
What Are the Best Neighborhoods for Airbnb in Durban?
Location within Durban matters. Even in a midsize market, the difference between neighborhoods can mean a material gap in occupancy, nightly rate, and overall Airbnb revenue. Below are 8 areas where short-term rental activity and guest interest are concentrated — along with the reasons each neighborhood appeals to travelers.
| Neighborhood / Area | Why Host Here? (Target Guests & Appeal) | Key Attractions & Landmarks |
|---|---|---|
| Ushaka Marine World | One of Durban's top attractions, known for its aquarium, water park, and beach activities. It's a hub for family entertainment and adventure, making it ideal for vacation rentals. | Ushaka Marine World Aquarium, Water Park, Golden Mile, beachfront activities, restaurants and shops |
| Durban North | A residential suburb that offers a quiet escape while being close to the city's amenities and beaches. Popular with families and longer stays. | Durban North beaches, Umgeni River Bird Park, Restaurants and cafes, Shopping centers, Local markets |
| Umhlanga Rocks | An affluent coastal suburb famous for its beautiful beaches and luxurious resorts. It's a hotspot for tourists and corporate travelers alike. | Umhlanga Main Beach, Umhlanga Lighthouse, Gateway Theatre of Shopping, Restaurants and bars, Ocean activities |
| Point Waterfront | An up-and-coming area near the harbor with modern developments and close to the beach. It's ideal for tourists looking for a trendy area. | Durban Point Waterfront, V&A Waterfront-style amenities, Restaurants and cafes, Nearby beaches, Cruise ship terminal |
| Morningside | A vibrant neighborhood known for its mix of cultural influences, trendy eateries, and proximity to the city center. Attracts a diverse crowd. | Florida Road restaurants, Art galleries, Cultural events, Nature parks, Proximity to city life |
| South Beach | A lively and popular beach area known for its sunny weather, entertainment options, and close proximity to local attractions, perfect for beach lovers. | Golden Mile Beach, Durban beachfront promenade, Entertainment venues, Local markets, Restaurants |
| Hillcrest | Located in the scenic Valley of a Thousand Hills, Hillcrest is a tranquil suburb that offers a mix of rural charm and urban convenience, appealing to families and nature lovers. | Hillcrest Village, Nature reserves, Local farms, Shopping malls, Scenic views |
| Kloof | Another beautiful suburb in the Valley of a Thousand Hills, Kloof is known for its natural beauty, large homes, and community atmosphere, attracting families and nature enthusiasts. | Kranskloof Nature Reserve, Kloof Country Club, Shopping centers, Arts and crafts shops, Hiking trails |
With 8 distinct neighborhoods showing meaningful short-term rental activity, Durban offers diversification within a single market. Investors can tailor their strategy — from high-turnover tourist zones to quieter residential areas that attract longer stays and remote workers.
What Types of Properties Are on Airbnb in Durban?
Room Type Distribution
Property Type Distribution
Market Composition Insights for Durban
- The Durban Airbnb market composition is heavily skewed towards Entire Home/Apt listings, which make up 81.8% of the 653 active rentals. This indicates strong guest preference for privacy and space.
- Looking at the property type distribution in Durban, Apartment/Condo properties are the most common (57.6%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
- Houses represent a significant 17.8% portion, catering likely to families or larger groups.
- The presence of 18.4% Hotel/Boutique listings indicates integration with traditional hospitality.
- Smaller segments like outdoor/unique, unique stays (combined 0.6%) offer potential for unique stay experiences.
Durban Airbnb Room Capacity Analysis (2026): Bedroom Distribution
Distribution of Listings by Number of Bedrooms
Room Capacity Insights for Durban
- The dominant room capacity in Durban is 1 bedroom listings, making up 42.9% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for couples or solo travelers.
- Together, 1 bedroom and 2 bedrooms properties represent 67.2% of the active Airbnb listings in Durban, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.
- A significant 22.1% of listings offer 3+ bedrooms, catering to larger groups and families seeking more space in Durban.
Durban Vacation Rental Guest Capacity Trends (2026)
Distribution of Listings by Guest Capacity
Guest Capacity Insights for Durban
- The most common guest capacity trend in Durban vacation rentals is listings accommodating 2 guests (35.8%). This suggests the primary traveler segment is likely couples or solo travelers.
- Properties designed for 2 guests and 4 guests dominate the Durban STR market, accounting for 60.0% of listings.
- 23.5% of properties accommodate 6+ guests, serving the market segment for larger families or group travel in Durban.
- On average, properties in Durban are equipped to host 3.6 guests.
How Do Listings in Durban Compare on Quality?
Listing quality in Durban can be approximated through presentation depth, bedroom count, and how often hosts disclose exact locations. These signals show how professionally the local supply base is merchandised.
Listing Quality Insights for Durban
- At 23 photos per listing on average, Durban hosts invest well in visual presentation. Listings with 20+ photos consistently outperform in search ranking and conversion.
- 22.5% of listings show their exact location. Lower disclosure rates can increase booking hesitation — guests want to know exactly where they are staying.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Enable exact location if possible — it removes a common source of guest uncertainty and can improve your listing's position in map-based searches.
- Use these quality indicators as a self-audit checklist. Listings that exceed the Durban averages across all three metrics are better positioned for premium pricing.
What Amenities Do Airbnb Guests Expect in Durban?
Amenity Prevalence
Amenity Insights for Durban
- Essential amenities in Durban that guests expect include: Wifi, TV. Lacking these (any) could significantly impact bookings.
- Popular amenities like Kitchen, Free parking on premises, Iron are common but not universal. Offering these can provide a competitive edge.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Ensure your listing includes all essential amenities for Durban: Wifi, TV.
- Prioritize adding missing essentials: Wifi, TV.
- Consider adding popular differentiators like Kitchen or Free parking on premises to increase appeal.
- Highlight unique or less common amenities you offer (e.g., hot tub, dedicated workspace, EV charger) in your listing description and photos.
- Regularly check competitor amenities in Durban to stay competitive.
Which Airbnb Amenities Boost Revenue in Durban?
Not every amenity matters equally. This table focuses on the amenities most associated with higher revenue in Durban, which makes it more useful for prioritizing upgrades than a simple popularity list alone.
| Amenity | Prevalence | Revenue With | Revenue Without | Revenue Uplift |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Babysitter recommendationsHigh opportunity | 1.7% | $14,756 | $6,790 | 117.3% |
Dishwasher | 13.6% | $12,934 | $5,975 | 116.5% |
Oven | 50.7% | $9,270 | $4,512 | 105.4% |
Dining table | 39.1% | $9,911 | $5,010 | 97.8% |
Toaster | 45.5% | $9,423 | $4,839 | 94.7% |
Elevator | 28.0% | $10,471 | $5,543 | 88.9% |
Hot water kettle | 56.5% | $8,582 | $4,769 | 80.0% |
Stove | 58.7% | $8,460 | $4,745 | 78.3% |
Clothing storage | 53.6% | $8,691 | $4,883 | 78.0% |
Waterfront | 14.4% | $11,037 | $6,232 | 77.1% |
Revenue Impact Insights for Durban
- Babysitter recommendations tops the revenue impact list with a 117.3% uplift — listings with this amenity earn $14,756 vs. $6,790 without it.
- High-opportunity amenities — Babysitter recommendations — combine revenue uplift above 100% with prevalence under 10%, meaning most competitors haven't adopted them yet.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Prioritize adding Babysitter recommendations — it has the best combination of high revenue impact and low market saturation in Durban.
- Focus your upgrade budget on amenities in the top half of this table. Below-median amenities may improve guest experience but contribute less to revenue growth.
- Highlight revenue-impacting amenities prominently in your listing title, photos, and description — guests can't value what they don't notice.
Dive Deeper: Advanced Durban STR Market Data (2026)
Ready to unlock more insights? AirROI provides access to advanced metrics and comprehensive Airbnb data for Durban. Explore detailed analytics beyond this report to refine your investment strategy, optimize pricing, and maximize your vacation rental profits.
Explore Advanced MetricsDurban Airbnb Guest Demographics & Profile Analysis (2026)
Guest Profile Summary for Durban
- The typical guest profile for Airbnb in Durban consists of primarily domestic travelers (82%), often arriving from nearby Johannesburg, typically belonging to the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group (50%), primarily speaking English or Zulu.
- Domestic travelers account for 82.4% of guests.
- Key international markets include South Africa (82.4%) and United States (3.7%).
- Top languages spoken are English (58.4%) followed by Zulu (15.7%).
- A significant demographic segment is the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group, representing 50% of guests.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Target domestic marketing efforts towards travelers from Johannesburg and Durban.
- Tailor amenities and listing descriptions to appeal to the dominant Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) demographic (e.g., highlight fast WiFi, smart home features, local guides).
- Highlight unique local experiences or amenities relevant to the primary guest profile.
- Consider seasonal promotions aligned with peak travel times for key origin markets.
What Are Airbnb Guest Ratings in Durban?
Listings in Durban average 4.66 out of 5 overall, with about 53.8 reviews per active listing and 20.5% of listings carrying the Guest Favorite badge.
Rating Breakdown by Category
Guest Rating Insights for Durban
- An average rating of 4.66 places Durban in solid territory. Most guests leave satisfied, though there is room for hosts to push toward the top tier.
- The strongest subcategory is Communication (4.77), while Value (4.66) trails behind — a useful signal for hosts looking to prioritize upgrades.
- 20.5% of listings carry the Guest Favorite badge, a strong trust signal that can meaningfully lift click-through and booking rates.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Focus improvement efforts on Value — even small gains in the weakest subcategory can lift overall ratings and search ranking.
- Encourage guests to leave reviews after checkout. Listings with more reviews rank higher in search results and convert browsers into bookers more effectively.
- With only 20.5% of listings earning Guest Favorite status, hosts who consistently exceed expectations have a clear competitive advantage.
Durban Airbnb Booking Patterns (2026): Available vs. Booked Days
Available Days Distribution
Booked Days Distribution
Booking Pattern Insights for Durban
- The most common availability pattern in Durban falls within the 271-366 days range, representing 60.8% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
- Approximately 89.7% of listings show high availability (181+ days open annually), indicating potential for increased bookings or specific owner usage patterns.
- For booked days, the 31-90 days range is most frequent in Durban (29.9%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
- A notable 11.5% of properties secure long booking periods (181+ days booked per year), highlighting successful long-term rental strategies or significant owner usage.
How Far in Advance Do Guests Book Airbnb in Durban?
Average Booking Lead Time by Month
Booking Lead Time Insights for Durban
- The overall average booking lead time for vacation rentals in Durban is 43 days.
- Guests book furthest in advance for stays during December (average 61 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
- The shortest booking windows occur for stays in May (average 24 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
- Seasonally, Fall (48 days avg.) sees the longest lead times, while Spring (28 days avg.) has the shortest, reflecting typical travel planning cycles.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Use the overall average lead time (43 days) as a baseline for your pricing and availability strategy in Durban.
- For December stays, consider implementing length-of-stay discounts or slightly higher rates for bookings made less than 61 days out to capitalize on advance planning.
- Target marketing efforts for the Fall season well in advance (at least 48 days) to capture early planners.
- Monitor your own booking lead times against these Durban averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.
What Is the Average Length of Stay for Airbnb in Durban?
Guests in Durban stay about 4.3 nights on average, generating roughly 12,559 reservations and 19.3 bookings per listing in the latest AirROI dataset. The most common check-in time is 2:00 PM and check-out is 10:00 AM.
Monthly Length of Stay in Durban
Check-in Time Distribution
Check-out Time Distribution
Stay Pattern Insights for Durban
- A mid-range stay length points to leisure-driven demand — weekend getaways and short vacations. Hosts should optimize for quick turnover efficiency while keeping the guest experience smooth.
- 19.3 bookings per listing is a manageable pace that balances revenue with operational overhead.
- Stay lengths peak in Jan (4.2 nights) and shorten in May (3.2 nights). Adjust minimum-night requirements seasonally to match.
Recommendations for Hosts
- With shorter average stays, focus on streamlining turnover. Self-check-in, reliable cleaning crews, and pre-staged amenities can reduce per-booking operational costs.
- Set your check-in time to match or beat the market standard of 2:00 PM. Offering early check-in flexibility can be a low-cost differentiator.
- Monitor length-of-stay seasonality to adjust minimum-night requirements — longer minimums during peak periods maximize revenue while shorter minimums fill gaps in shoulder seasons.
Durban Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis
Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement
1 Night
274 listings
42% of total
2 Nights
155 listings
23.7% of total
3 Nights
19 listings
2.9% of total
4-6 Nights
21 listings
3.2% of total
7-29 Nights
8 listings
1.2% of total
30+ Nights
176 listings
27% of total
Key Insights
- The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in Durban is 1 Night, adopted by 42% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for shorter, flexible bookings.
- A strong majority (65.7%) of the Durban Airbnb data shows acceptance of very short stays (1-2 nights), indicating a dynamic, high-turnover market.
- A significant segment (27%) caters to monthly stays (30+ nights) in Durban, pointing to opportunities in the extended-stay market.
Recommendations
- Align with the market by considering a 1 Night minimum stay, as 42% of Durban hosts use this setting.
- Explore offering discounts for stays of 30+ nights to attract the 27% of the market seeking extended stays.
- Adjust minimum nights based on seasonality – potentially shorter during low season and longer during peak demand periods in Durban.
Durban Airbnb Cancellation Policy Trends Analysis (2026)
Refundable
15 listings
2.3% of total
Non-refundable
18 listings
2.8% of total
Limited
24 listings
3.7% of total
Super Strict 30 Days
21 listings
3.2% of total
Flexible
156 listings
24% of total
Moderate
119 listings
18.3% of total
Firm
235 listings
36.1% of total
Strict
63 listings
9.7% of total
Cancellation Policy Insights for Durban
- The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in Durban is Firm, used by 36.1% of listings.
- There's a relatively balanced mix between guest-friendly (42.3%) and stricter (45.8%) policies, offering choices for different guest needs.
- Strict cancellation policies are quite rare (9.7%), potentially making listings with this policy less competitive unless justified by high demand or property type.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Consider adopting a Firm policy to align with the 36.1% market standard in Durban.
- Using a Strict policy might deter some guests, as only 9.7% of listings use it. Evaluate if potential revenue protection outweighs possible lower booking rates.
- Regularly review your cancellation policy against competitors and market demand shifts in Durban.
How Much Are Airbnb Cleaning Fees in Durban?
Cleaning fees in Durban are meaningful operating levers, not just pass-through charges. What matters most is how often hosts charge them, how high they run relative to market norms, and how large a share of gross revenue they consume.
Cleaning Fee Insights for Durban
- About 48.7% of Durban listings charge a cleaning fee — a mixed market where some hosts absorb the cost into nightly rates while others break it out.
- The average cleaning fee of $21 is close to the median ($18), suggesting a relatively consistent fee structure across the market.
- Cleaning fees represent 5.0% of gross revenue on average — a modest component of the overall booking price.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Price your cleaning fee competitively against the Durban median of $18. Fees significantly above market norms can deter bookings, especially for shorter stays.
- Monitor competitor cleaning fees regularly. Airbnb's search algorithm factors in total price, so a well-calibrated cleaning fee can improve your listing's ranking.
What Do the Top Airbnb Listings in Durban Look Like?
Benchmark your potential! Explore examples of top-performing Airbnb properties in Durbanbased on Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) revenue. Analyze their characteristics, revenue, occupancy rate, and ADR to understand what drives success in this market.
Spectacular Sea view Durban Presidential Penthouse
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
One Two Five on Penzance
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Stay at the Point - Peaceful Plentiful Penthouse
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
Stay at the Point -Prestigious Prominent Penthouse
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
House of the Rising Sun - Main House
Entire Place • 5 bedrooms
704 Oyster Quays - by Stay in Umhlanga
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Note: Performance varies based on location, size, amenities, seasonality, and management quality. Data reflects the past 12 months.
Who Are the Top Airbnb Hosts in Durban?
Learn from the best! This table showcases top-performing Airbnb hosts in Durban based on the number of properties managed and estimated total revenue over the past year. Analyze their scale and performance metrics.
| Host Name | Properties | Grossing Revenue | Stay Reviews | Avg Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kale | 48 | $535,294 | 1545 | 4.71/5.0 |
| Jason | 23 | $356,730 | 2814 | 4.47/5.0 |
| Jack | 6 | $152,171 | 28 | 5.00/5.0 |
| Dustin | 5 | $108,584 | 338 | 4.58/5.0 |
| Keshav And Nishthal | 8 | $92,727 | 754 | 4.90/5.0 |
| Maria | 6 | $88,555 | 1288 | 4.75/5.0 |
| Joeleen | 8 | $72,298 | 102 | 4.46/5.0 |
| Sylvia Janet | 3 | $57,717 | 300 | 4.80/5.0 |
| Nondu | 7 | $55,772 | 104 | 4.84/5.0 |
| Philippa- Happy Host Airbnb Ma | 6 | $54,748 | 273 | 4.66/5.0 |
Analyzing the strategies of top hosts, such as their property selection, pricing, and guest communication, can offer valuable lessons for optimizing your own Airbnb operations in Durban.
Who Are the Airbnb Hosts in Durban?
Durban has a relatively balanced host base.
Host Profile Insights for Durban
- Only 28.2% of hosts hold Superhost status, suggesting a relatively young or casual market where quality improvements can pay outsized dividends.
- 3.7% of listings are professionally managed, reflecting a market still dominated by individual hosts.
- 4.3% of listings have Instant Book enabled. Lower Instant Book adoption means many guests must request approval, which can slow conversions.
- 59.1% of listings use Airbnb's simplified pricing (host-only fee), where the host pays the entire platform service fee and the guest sees one all-in price with no separate Airbnb service charge. High adoption signals a professional, PMS-connected host base — Airbnb mandates simplified pricing for software-connected listings.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Earning Superhost status can significantly improve search ranking and guest trust. Focus on maintaining high response rates, low cancellations, and strong reviews.
- Consider enabling Instant Book — it reduces booking friction and Airbnb's algorithm tends to favor Instant Book listings in search results.
- With 19.4% cohosted listings, there may be a growing local market for property management services.
- Benchmark your host metrics against these Durban averages regularly and adjust your hosting strategy based on what top performers do differently.
Top Professional Management Companies in Durban
These are the highest-grossing professional property management operations in Durban, ranked by total revenue across their portfolio. Their performance metrics offer a benchmark for what institutional-level hosting looks like in this market.
| Company | Listings | Revenue | ADR | Occ. | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kale | 48 | $535,294 | $109 | 31.1% | 4.71/5 |
| Jack | 6 | $152,171 | $215 | 39.6% | 5.00/5 |
| Keshav And Nishthal | 8 | $92,727 | $62 | 48.2% | 4.90/5 |
| Joeleen | 8 | $72,298 | $108 | 30.1% | 4.46/5 |
| Nondu | 7 | $55,772 | $83 | 26.0% | 4.84/5 |
| Host Agents | 4 | $41,629 | $91 | 33.1% | 4.61/5 |
| Joan | 4 | $33,097 | $270 | 15.5% | 5.00/5 |
| Jacques | 2 | $19,538 | $163 | 23.4% | 4.62/5 |
| Thobile | 3 | $6,935 | $63 | 16.6% | N/A |
| Nadine | 1 | $6,361 | $145 | 18.3% | N/A |
Management Company Insights for Durban
- The leading management company, Kale, operates 48 listings with $535,294 in gross revenue — a useful benchmark for what scale looks like in Durban.
- Top managers average 9 properties each, suggesting professional management in Durban still operates at a relatively boutique scale.
- Professionally managed listings in the top tier average 4.77/5 in guest ratings — demonstrating that scale and quality can coexist.
Recommendations
- With only 3.7% of listings professionally managed, there may be an opportunity to differentiate through more structured operations and consistent guest experiences.
- Study how top management companies price, position, and maintain their portfolios — their ADR and occupancy rates reflect strategies refined across dozens of listings.
- If you're considering hiring a property manager, compare their portfolio performance against these benchmarks before committing.
How Does Durban's Airbnb Market Compare to Nearby Cities?
How does the Durban Airbnb market stack up against its neighbors? Compare key performance metrics like average monthly revenue, ADR, and occupancy rates in surrounding areas to understand the broader regional STR landscape.
Compared with eMdloti, Durban has 5 percentage points lower occupancy and about $43 lower ADR. That helps frame whether this market is winning more on demand, pricing, or both.
| Market | Active Properties | Monthly Revenue | Daily Rate | Avg. Occupancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Westbrook | 37 | $1,940 | $206.45 | 32% |
| KwaDukuza Local Municipality | 1,480 | $1,277 | $194.80 | 30% |
| Ballito | 123 | $1,183 | $164.24 | 31% |
| eMdloti | 14 | $1,160 | $133.80 | 35% |
| Umhlanga Rocks | 739 | $1,055 | $146.77 | 32% |
| Umdloti / eMdloti | 315 | $1,028 | $131.87 | 34% |
| uMgeni Local Municipality | 383 | $942 | $111.15 | 32% |
| Umkomaas | 12 | $910 | $82.75 | 35% |
| uMhlanga | 50 | $847 | $120.09 | 30% |
| La Mercy | 24 | $795 | $111.15 | 25% |
Frequently Asked Questions About Airbnb in Durban
These quick answers summarize the most common investor and operator questions using AirROI's latest market data for Durban.
How much do Airbnb hosts make in Durban?
Durban hosts earn about $6,924 per year on average, with an average nightly rate of $91 and RevPAR of $26. Those figures describe the typical revenue environment for active listings in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, not the ceiling for the best operators. Source: AirROI 2026 data, Durban market, April 2025 to March 2026.
What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Durban?
The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Durban is 30.2%. December is the strongest month and February is the softest, so hosts should expect demand to move meaningfully throughout the year rather than stay flat.
What is the average Airbnb daily rate in Durban?
Listings in Durban average $91 per night. The broader pricing spread also matters: lower-performing listings cluster closer to the lower quartiles, while premium homes can price materially above the city average when demand spikes or listing quality stands out.
How many Airbnb listings are active in Durban?
Durban currently has about 653 active Airbnb listings in AirROI's market dataset. That supply count helps explain how competitive the market is, how much depth there is for benchmarking, and whether the market behaves like a niche destination or a scaled urban market.
How strict are short-term rental regulations in Durban?
AirROI currently classifies the short-term rental regulation level in Durban as Low. The dataset also shows about 0.2% of listings with registration evidence. That is a market signal, not legal advice, so hosts should still confirm current licensing and compliance rules locally before listing.
What is the RevPAR for Airbnb in Durban?
RevPAR in Durban is about $26. That metric combines pricing and occupancy into one efficiency number, so it is often a better quick benchmark than ADR alone when investors want to compare how well listings convert nightly rates into realized revenue.
Is Airbnb profitable in Durban?
Occupancy of 30.2% means Durban is a more selective market. Profitability is achievable but requires careful cost management, premium positioning, or targeting longer stays to reduce turnover. Average annual revenue is $6,924, but individual returns depend on property type, location within the city, and the host's operating efficiency.
How far in advance do guests book Airbnb in Durban?
The average booking lead time in Durban is about 43 days — a moderate lead time that gives hosts planning visibility while still benefiting from last-minute bookings. Hosts who understand their market's booking cadence can adjust minimum stays and pricing windows accordingly.
What are the best neighborhoods for Airbnb in Durban?
Based on AirROI's analysis, some of the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Durban include Ushaka Marine World, Durban North, Umhlanga Rocks. Each area attracts different guest profiles — from business travelers to leisure visitors — so the best location depends on the property type and target audience a host is aiming for. See the full neighborhood breakdown above.
What type of property performs best on Airbnb in Durban?
entire_home listings make up 81.8% of the active supply in Durban. The most common configuration does not always mean the most profitable — operators who identify underserved property types or bedroom counts can sometimes outperform the market average by filling a gap in local supply.
How does Durban compare to nearby Airbnb markets?
Among neighboring markets, Westbrook posts $23,277 in average annual revenue with 31.9% occupancy, compared to Durban's $6,924 and 30.2%. Comparing nearby markets helps investors understand whether a destination's performance reflects local demand or broader regional trends.
What is the average length of stay in Durban?
The average Airbnb stay length in Durban is about 4.3 nights. That matters for turnover, cleaning operations, and pricing strategy because shorter stays increase changeovers while longer stays can smooth occupancy and reduce operational friction.
What is the average Airbnb guest rating in Durban?
Airbnb listings in Durban average 4.66 out of 5 overall. About 20.5% of listings carry the guest favorite badge, which suggests a meaningful share of inventory is competing on review quality rather than price alone.
Which amenities boost Airbnb revenue in Durban?
Babysitter recommendations and Dishwasher are among the strongest revenue-linked amenities in Durban. In AirROI's latest dataset, listings with these amenities outperform those without on average revenue, which makes amenities analysis useful for prioritizing investment and listing upgrades.
Do Airbnb hosts charge cleaning fees in Durban?
Yes. About 48.7% of active Airbnb listings in Durban charge a cleaning fee, and the average fee is $21. The more important operating benchmark is how much of gross revenue that fee consumes, not just the absolute dollar amount.
What percentage of Airbnb hosts are Superhosts in Durban?
At 28.2%, there is a healthy mix of experienced and newer hosts — earning Superhost status can still provide a meaningful visibility boost.
About AirROI Market Data
AirROI tracks over 20 million properties across 190+ countries and maintains 15+ years of historical performance data, making it one of the deepest Airbnb and STR intelligence platforms available. The analytics pipeline aggregates listing-level data monthly — revenue, occupancy, nightly rates, RevPAR, guest demographics, booking patterns, and competitive supply — so investors and operators can benchmark any market against its own history and against neighboring destinations.
Real estate investors, property managers, financial institutions, hedge funds, tourism boards, hospitality consultants, tech platforms, and academic researchers rely on AirROI data to underwrite acquisitions, optimize pricing, model macro trends, and conduct peer-reviewed research. Data is available through in-depth market reports like this one and the Airbnb API with 22 endpoints and an Airbnb MCP Server for AI agents.
AirROI proprietary analytics as of 2026-03-31. Metrics reflect trailing twelve-month aggregates from active listings. Revenue figures are market averages, not projections. Neighborhood descriptions are AI-generated and reviewed for accuracy. For full methodology, see the data methodology page.