Forest Hills, KwaZulu-Natal Airbnb Market Data 2026: STR Report & Statistics
How much can you earn on Airbnb in Forest Hills, KwaZulu-Natal? Based on AirROI's 2026 dataset (April 2025 – March 2026), the short answer is $5,287 per year — at a $61 nightly rate, 33.7% occupancy, and a $22 RevPAR that reflects moderate rate-to-revenue efficiency with room to optimize.
With just 36 active listings, Forest Hills is a micro-market where selective demand that rewards strong listing quality and pricing strategy. Supply grew 89.5% and nightly rates have risen, creating an environment where the most bookable listings stand to capture outsized share. Hosts who pair competitive pricing with strong guest experience are well-positioned to convert the growing traveler base into consistent bookings.
Regulation is low with minimal registration requirements, pointing to an operator-friendly environment. In a market this size, differentiated listings with strong reviews can capture outsized returns relative to the competition.
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What Are the Key Airbnb Metrics in Forest Hills?
In Forest Hills, the headline Airbnb metrics are $5,287 in average annual revenue,33.7% occupancy, $61 ADR, and $22 in RevPAR, and guests book about 37 days in advance.
How Much Do Airbnb Hosts Earn Monthly in Forest Hills?
Understanding the monthly revenue variations for Airbnb listings in Forest Hills 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 Forest Hills is typically December, while July often presents the lowest earnings, highlighting opportunities for strategic pricing adjustments during shoulder and low seasons. Explore the typical Airbnb income in Forest Hills across different performance tiers:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve $1,472+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $809 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
- Typical properties (Median) generate around $385 per month, representing the average market performance.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $209, often with potential for optimization.
Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in Forest Hills
What Is the Monthly Airbnb Occupancy Rate in Forest Hills?
Maximize your bookings by understanding the Forest Hills STR occupancy trends. Seasonal demand shifts significantly influence how often properties are booked. Typically, Decembersees the highest demand (peak season occupancy), while November 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 Forest Hills:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve 69%+ occupancy, indicating high desirability and potentially optimized availability.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) maintain 49% or higher occupancy, suggesting good market fit and guest satisfaction.
- Typical properties (Median) have an occupancy rate around 26%.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) average 16% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.
Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in Forest Hills
What Is the Average Airbnb Nightly Rate in Forest Hills?
Effective short term rental pricing strategy in Forest Hills involves understanding monthly ADR fluctuations. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Forest Hills typically peaks in March and dips lowest during April. 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 $141+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $59 or more.
- Typical properties (Median) charge around $42 per night.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $32 per night.
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in Forest Hills
What Is the RevPAR for Airbnb in Forest Hills?
RevPAR in Forest Hills is currently $22. 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 $8 RevPAR.
- Typical properties (Median) generate $12 RevPAR.
- Strong performers (Top 25%) earn $29 RevPAR.
- Best-in-class (Top 10%) achieve $37 RevPAR.
Average Monthly RevPAR Trend in Forest Hills
RevPAR Insights for Forest Hills
- The average RevPAR in Forest Hills is $22. 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% ($37) and bottom 25% ($8) is $29, suggesting a relatively compressed market where operational differences yield moderate returns.
- RevPAR peaks in Dec and bottoms out in Jul, mirroring the broader seasonal demand pattern and suggesting opportunities for dynamic pricing.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Track your own RevPAR monthly against these Forest Hills benchmarks. If your RevPAR falls below the median of $12, examine whether low occupancy or low ADR is the primary drag.
- Top-quartile listings achieve $29+ 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 Forest Hills?
Forest Hills's peak Airbnb season falls in December, June, October, while the softest stretch is July, August, November. Overall, the market shows moderate seasonality with distinct peak and low periods, which should guide pricing, minimum stays, and cash-flow planning.
Peak Season (December, June, October)
- Revenue averages $785 per month
- Occupancy rates average 37.8%
- Daily rates average $62
Shoulder Season
- Revenue averages $631 per month
- Occupancy maintains around 33.7%
- Daily rates hold near $62
Low Season (July, August, November)
- Revenue drops to average $532 per month
- Occupancy decreases to average 28.6%
- Daily rates adjust to average $61
Seasonality Insights for Forest Hills
- The Airbnb seasonality pattern in Forest Hills shows moderate seasonality with distinct peak and low periods. While the sections above show seasonal averages, it is also insightful to look at the extremes:
- During the high season, the absolute peak month showcases Forest Hills's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues climbing to $948, occupancy reaching 40.3%, and ADRs peaking at $65.
- Conversely, the slowest single month marks the market's lowest point — revenue may dip to $517, occupancy could drop to 24.5%, and ADRs may adjust to $58.
- Lower occupancy paired with meaningful seasonality means hosts in Forest Hills 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.
- Regularly analyze your own performance against these Forest Hills seasonality benchmarks and adjust your pricing and availability strategy accordingly.
Do You Need a License for Airbnb in Forest Hills?
Low regulation and minimal registration activity in Forest Hills, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa point to an operator-friendly environment. That said, even low-regulation markets may have tax collection requirements, safety standards, or HOA rules that affect short-term rental operations. Always verify the latest short-term rental regulations and Airbnb license requirements directly with local government authorities for Forest Hills to ensure full compliance before hosting.
(Source: AirROI data, 2026, finding no licensed listings among those analyzed)
What Are the Best Neighborhoods for Airbnb in Forest Hills?
With a compact short-term rental market, Forest Hills gives early-mover hosts an advantage in the right neighborhoods. The areas listed below are where guest demand and local attractions converge — a useful lens for investors evaluating whether to enter this market and where to position their listing.
| Neighborhood / Area | Why Host Here? (Target Guests & Appeal) | Key Attractions & Landmarks |
|---|---|---|
| Forest Hills | A sought-after suburban area known for its peaceful environment and family-friendly atmosphere. Ideal for travelers looking for a calm getaway close to nature yet accessible to urban amenities. | Forest Hills Park, Hiking trails in the nearby Drakensberg, Local markets, Family-friendly activities, Nearby beaches |
| Berea | A vibrant suburb known for its good mix of culture, education, and business. It attracts visitors to its historical sites and local cuisine. | University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban Botanical Gardens, Berea Market, Local art galleries, Restaurants and cafes |
| Umhlanga Rocks | One of the most popular tourist destinations in Durban, known for its stunning beaches and modern attractions. Perfect for beachgoers and holidaymakers. | Umhlanga Lighthouse, Gateway Theatre of Shopping, Umhlanga Main Beach, Oceans Mall, Local restaurants |
| Durban North | A family-friendly area with easy access to beaches. An attractive option for visitors looking for local flavor combined with coastal experiences. | Durban North Beach, Local parks, Shark Net Beach, Golden Mile, Restaurants with coastal views |
| Pinetown | A suburban area that offers a mix of local life and proximity to Durban’s attractions, making it a practical choice for visits and stays. | Pinetown Country Club, Shopping centers, Parks and recreation areas, Historic landmarks, Garden routes |
| Ballito | A popular coastal town known for its pristine beaches, excellent waves, and family-friendly atmosphere, making it a perfect vacation choice. | Ballito Bay Beach, Willard Beach, Shopping malls, Restaurants, Adventure activities |
| Stanger | An emerging area with a growing number of attractions and points of interest, appealing to a different demographic of travelers. | Dolphin Coast, Local culture and heritage sites, Emerging shopping areas, Restaurants, Nature parks |
| Margate | A beach town that's part of the South Coast, known for its lively atmosphere, making it ideal for beach lovers and people looking for a vibrant scene. | Margate Main Beach, Margate Beach Club, Local entertainment areas, Fishing spots, Lively nightlife |
With 8 distinct neighborhoods showing meaningful short-term rental activity, Forest Hills 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 Forest Hills?
Room Type Distribution
Property Type Distribution
Market Composition Insights for Forest Hills
- The Forest Hills Airbnb market composition is heavily skewed towards Entire Home/Apt listings, which make up 75% of the 36 active rentals. This indicates strong guest preference for privacy and space.
- Looking at the property type distribution in Forest Hills, House properties are the most common (36.1%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
- Houses represent a significant 36.1% portion, catering likely to families or larger groups.
- The presence of 33.3% Hotel/Boutique listings indicates integration with traditional hospitality.
- Smaller segments like outdoor/unique (combined 2.8%) offer potential for unique stay experiences.
Forest Hills Airbnb Room Capacity Analysis (2026): Bedroom Distribution
Distribution of Listings by Number of Bedrooms
Room Capacity Insights for Forest Hills
- The dominant room capacity in Forest Hills is 1 bedroom listings, making up 58.3% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for couples or solo travelers.
- Together, 1 bedroom and 2 bedrooms properties represent 72.2% of the active Airbnb listings in Forest Hills, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.
- With over half the market (58.3%) consisting of studios or 1-bedroom units, Forest Hills is particularly well-suited for individuals or couples.
Forest Hills Vacation Rental Guest Capacity Trends (2026)
Distribution of Listings by Guest Capacity
Guest Capacity Insights for Forest Hills
- The most common guest capacity trend in Forest Hills vacation rentals is listings accommodating 2 guests (55.6%). This suggests the primary traveler segment is likely couples or solo travelers.
- Properties designed for 2 guests and 6 guests dominate the Forest Hills STR market, accounting for 72.3% of listings.
- A significant 55.6% of listings cater specifically to 1-2 guests, highlighting strong demand from couples and solo travelers in Forest Hills.
- 19.5% of properties accommodate 6+ guests, serving the market segment for larger families or group travel in Forest Hills.
- On average, properties in Forest Hills are equipped to host 3.1 guests.
How Do Listings in Forest Hills Compare on Quality?
Listing quality in Forest Hills 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 Forest Hills
- At 25.9 photos per listing on average, Forest Hills hosts invest well in visual presentation. Listings with 20+ photos consistently outperform in search ranking and conversion.
- 13.9% 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 Forest Hills averages across all three metrics are better positioned for premium pricing.
What Amenities Do Airbnb Guests Expect in Forest Hills?
Amenity Prevalence
Amenity Insights for Forest Hills
- Essential amenities in Forest Hills that guests expect include: Free parking on premises, Wifi. Lacking these (any) could significantly impact bookings.
- Popular amenities like Iron, TV, Hangers are common but not universal. Offering these can provide a competitive edge.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Ensure your listing includes all essential amenities for Forest Hills: Free parking on premises, Wifi.
- Prioritize adding missing essentials: Wifi.
- Consider adding popular differentiators like Iron or TV 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 Forest Hills to stay competitive.
Which Airbnb Amenities Boost Revenue in Forest Hills?
Not every amenity matters equally. This table focuses on the amenities most associated with higher revenue in Forest Hills, which makes it more useful for prioritizing upgrades than a simple popularity list alone.
| Amenity | Prevalence | Revenue With | Revenue Without | Revenue Uplift |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Heating | 52.8% | $8,859 | $1,296 | 583.6% |
Air conditioning | 38.9% | $9,918 | $2,341 | 323.7% |
Indoor fireplace | 22.2% | $12,509 | $3,224 | 288.0% |
Coffee maker | 27.8% | $10,856 | $3,146 | 245.1% |
Refrigerator | 72.2% | $6,441 | $2,286 | 181.7% |
Stove | 58.3% | $7,220 | $2,582 | 179.6% |
BBQ grill | 63.9% | $6,882 | $2,465 | 179.2% |
Cooking basics | 69.4% | $6,530 | $2,462 | 165.2% |
Dryer | 22.2% | $10,152 | $3,897 | 160.5% |
Freezer | 33.3% | $8,944 | $3,459 | 158.6% |
Revenue Impact Insights for Forest Hills
- Heating tops the revenue impact list with a 583.6% uplift — listings with this amenity earn $8,859 vs. $1,296 without it.
Recommendations for Hosts
- 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 Forest Hills STR Market Data (2026)
Ready to unlock more insights? AirROI provides access to advanced metrics and comprehensive Airbnb data for Forest Hills. Explore detailed analytics beyond this report to refine your investment strategy, optimize pricing, and maximize your vacation rental profits.
Explore Advanced MetricsForest Hills Airbnb Guest Demographics & Profile Analysis (2026)
Guest Profile Summary for Forest Hills
- The typical guest profile for Airbnb in Forest Hills consists of primarily domestic travelers (79%), often arriving from nearby Durban, typically belonging to the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group (50%), primarily speaking English or Zulu.
- Domestic travelers account for 78.9% of guests.
- Key international markets include South Africa (78.9%) and United States (8.3%).
- Top languages spoken are English (56.7%) followed by Zulu (14.2%).
- 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 Durban and KwaZulu-Natal.
- 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 Forest Hills?
Listings in Forest Hills average 4.85 out of 5 overall, with about 45.8 reviews per active listing and 41.7% of listings carrying the Guest Favorite badge.
Rating Breakdown by Category
Guest Rating Insights for Forest Hills
- With an overall rating of 4.85, Forest Hills listings meet an exceptionally high bar. Guests consistently report strong satisfaction, which drives repeat bookings and referral traffic.
- The strongest subcategory is Communication (4.91), while Accuracy (4.87) trails behind — a useful signal for hosts looking to prioritize upgrades.
- 41.7% 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 Accuracy — 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.
Forest Hills Airbnb Booking Patterns (2026): Available vs. Booked Days
Available Days Distribution
Booked Days Distribution
Booking Pattern Insights for Forest Hills
- The most common availability pattern in Forest Hills falls within the 271-366 days range, representing 66.7% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
- Approximately 91.7% 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 Forest Hills (44.4%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
- A notable 8.3% 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 Forest Hills?
Average Booking Lead Time by Month
Booking Lead Time Insights for Forest Hills
- The overall average booking lead time for vacation rentals in Forest Hills is 37 days.
- Guests book furthest in advance for stays during December (average 71 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
- The shortest booking windows occur for stays in February (average 10 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
- Seasonally, Winter (43 days avg.) sees the longest lead times, while Spring (21 days avg.) has the shortest, reflecting typical travel planning cycles.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Use the overall average lead time (37 days) as a baseline for your pricing and availability strategy in Forest Hills.
- For December stays, consider implementing length-of-stay discounts or slightly higher rates for bookings made less than 71 days out to capitalize on advance planning.
- During February, focus on last-minute booking availability and promotions, as guests book with very short notice (10 days avg.).
- Target marketing efforts for the Winter season well in advance (at least 43 days) to capture early planners.
- Monitor your own booking lead times against these Forest Hills averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.
What Is the Average Length of Stay for Airbnb in Forest Hills?
Guests in Forest Hills stay about 5.2 nights on average, generating roughly 597 reservations and 16.6 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 Forest Hills
Check-in Time Distribution
Check-out Time Distribution
Stay Pattern Insights for Forest Hills
- 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.
- 16.6 bookings per listing is a manageable pace that balances revenue with operational overhead.
- Stay lengths peak in Mar (6.1 nights) and shorten in Aug (2.5 nights). Adjust minimum-night requirements seasonally to match.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Leverage the longer-stay pattern by offering weekly discounts — even 5-10% off can convert browsing into bookings for guests considering an extended stay.
- 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.
Forest Hills Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis
Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement
1 Night
16 listings
44.4% of total
2 Nights
11 listings
30.6% of total
3 Nights
2 listings
5.6% of total
7-29 Nights
1 listings
2.8% of total
30+ Nights
6 listings
16.7% of total
Key Insights
- The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in Forest Hills is 1 Night, adopted by 44.4% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for shorter, flexible bookings.
- A strong majority (75.0%) of the Forest Hills Airbnb data shows acceptance of very short stays (1-2 nights), indicating a dynamic, high-turnover market.
- A significant segment (16.7%) caters to monthly stays (30+ nights) in Forest Hills, pointing to opportunities in the extended-stay market.
Recommendations
- Align with the market by considering a 1 Night minimum stay, as 44.4% of Forest Hills hosts use this setting.
- Explore offering discounts for stays of 30+ nights to attract the 16.7% of the market seeking extended stays.
- Adjust minimum nights based on seasonality – potentially shorter during low season and longer during peak demand periods in Forest Hills.
Forest Hills Airbnb Cancellation Policy Trends Analysis (2026)
Super Strict 60 Days
2 listings
5.6% of total
Full Refundable Until 72 Hours Before Check-in
1 listings
2.8% of total
Full Refundable Until 24 Hours Before Check-in
1 listings
2.8% of total
Non-refundable
1 listings
2.8% of total
Flexible
15 listings
41.7% of total
Moderate
8 listings
22.2% of total
Firm
7 listings
19.4% of total
Strict
1 listings
2.8% of total
Cancellation Policy Insights for Forest Hills
- The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in Forest Hills is Flexible, used by 41.7% of listings.
- There's a relatively balanced mix between guest-friendly (63.9%) and stricter (22.2%) policies, offering choices for different guest needs.
- Strict cancellation policies are quite rare (2.8%), potentially making listings with this policy less competitive unless justified by high demand or property type.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Consider adopting a Flexible policy to align with the 41.7% market standard in Forest Hills.
- Using a Strict policy might deter some guests, as only 2.8% 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 Forest Hills.
How Much Are Airbnb Cleaning Fees in Forest Hills?
Cleaning fees in Forest Hills 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 Forest Hills
- About 55.6% of Forest Hills 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 $11 is close to the median ($10), suggesting a relatively consistent fee structure across the market.
- Cleaning fees represent 3.6% of gross revenue on average — a modest component of the overall booking price.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Price your cleaning fee competitively against the Forest Hills median of $10. 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 Forest Hills Look Like?
Benchmark your potential! Explore examples of top-performing Airbnb properties in Forest Hillsbased on Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) revenue. Analyze their characteristics, revenue, occupancy rate, and ADR to understand what drives success in this market.
Le Chemin 6 sleeper Guesthouse
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Alegria Barn Self-catering house -Solar Power
Entire Place • 2 bedrooms
MacLeod House Guest Cottage-Nature lovers' getaway
Entire Place • N/A
Cottage in secure estate near Le Domaine & Curro
Entire Place • 1 bedroom
Rustic Eco Cottage within Waterfall Retreat Centre
Entire Place • 1 bedroom
Sinoza Corporate Zone
Entire Place • 4 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 Forest Hills?
Learn from the best! This table showcases top-performing Airbnb hosts in Forest Hills 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gwynne | 3 | $37,444 | 280 | 4.95/5.0 |
| Yolande | 1 | $24,981 | 105 | 4.96/5.0 |
| Lyn | 1 | $13,500 | 53 | 4.94/5.0 |
| Dudu | 5 | $12,998 | 324 | 4.81/5.0 |
| Sandra | 1 | $11,667 | 76 | 4.95/5.0 |
| Kerri | 1 | $11,361 | 46 | 4.87/5.0 |
| Gugu | 1 | $8,686 | 5 | 4.60/5.0 |
| Joss | 3 | $8,123 | 51 | 4.95/5.0 |
| Antonia | 1 | $7,643 | 6 | 4.67/5.0 |
| Leigh | 3 | $7,267 | 4 | Not Rated |
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 Forest Hills.
Who Are the Airbnb Hosts in Forest Hills?
Forest Hills has a relatively balanced host base.
Host Profile Insights for Forest Hills
- A 33.3% Superhost share is healthy — enough experienced operators to anchor quality without making the market impenetrable for newcomers.
- 0.0% of listings have Instant Book enabled. Lower Instant Book adoption means many guests must request approval, which can slow conversions.
- 63.9% 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 22.2% cohosted listings, there may be a growing local market for property management services.
- Benchmark your host metrics against these Forest Hills averages regularly and adjust your hosting strategy based on what top performers do differently.
How Does Forest Hills's Airbnb Market Compare to Nearby Cities?
How does the Forest Hills 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, Forest Hills has 1 percentage points lower occupancy and about $73 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% |
| Impendle Local Municipality | 18 | $1,125 | $141.07 | 30% |
| Umhlanga Rocks | 739 | $1,055 | $146.77 | 32% |
| Umdloti / eMdloti | 315 | $1,028 | $131.87 | 34% |
| Okhahlamba Local Municipality | 169 | $1,001 | $146.68 | 31% |
| uMgeni Local Municipality | 383 | $942 | $111.15 | 32% |
| Umkomaas | 12 | $910 | $82.75 | 35% |
Frequently Asked Questions About Airbnb in Forest Hills
These quick answers summarize the most common investor and operator questions using AirROI's latest market data for Forest Hills.
How much do Airbnb hosts make in Forest Hills?
Forest Hills hosts earn about $5,287 per year on average, with an average nightly rate of $61 and RevPAR of $22. Those figures describe the typical revenue environment for active listings in Forest Hills, KwaZulu-Natal, not the ceiling for the best operators. Source: AirROI 2026 data, Forest Hills market, April 2025 to March 2026.
What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Forest Hills?
The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Forest Hills is 33.7%. December is the strongest month and July 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 Forest Hills?
Listings in Forest Hills average $61 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 Forest Hills?
Forest Hills currently has about 36 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 Forest Hills?
AirROI currently classifies the short-term rental regulation level in Forest Hills as Low. The dataset also shows about 0.0% 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 Forest Hills?
RevPAR in Forest Hills is about $22. 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 Forest Hills?
Occupancy of 33.7% means Forest Hills 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 $5,287, 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 Forest Hills?
The average booking lead time in Forest Hills is about 37 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 Forest Hills?
Based on AirROI's analysis, some of the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Forest Hills include Forest Hills, Berea, 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 Forest Hills?
entire_home listings make up 75.0% of the active supply in Forest Hills. 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 Forest Hills compare to nearby Airbnb markets?
Among neighboring markets, Westbrook posts $23,277 in average annual revenue with 31.9% occupancy, compared to Forest Hills's $5,287 and 33.7%. 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 Forest Hills?
The average Airbnb stay length in Forest Hills is about 5.2 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 Forest Hills?
Airbnb listings in Forest Hills average 4.85 out of 5 overall. About 41.7% 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 Forest Hills?
Heating and Air conditioning are among the strongest revenue-linked amenities in Forest Hills. 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 Forest Hills?
Yes. About 55.6% of active Airbnb listings in Forest Hills charge a cleaning fee, and the average fee is $11. 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 Forest Hills?
At 33.3%, 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.