Cape Town, Western Cape Airbnb Market Data 2026: STR Report & Statistics

Source: AirROIReviewed by Jun Zhou, Founder @ AirROI
Updated:

How much can you earn on Airbnb in Cape Town, Western Cape? Based on AirROI's 2026 dataset (April 2025 – March 2026), the short answer is $20,317 per year — at a $188 nightly rate, 42.3% occupancy, and a $79 RevPAR that reflects moderate rate-to-revenue efficiency with room to optimize.

Cape Town's 12,490 active listings and moderate demand with room for well-positioned listings to outperform make it a major short-term rental market. Supply grew 65.8% 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.

What Are the Key Airbnb Metrics in Cape Town?

In Cape Town, the headline Airbnb metrics are $20,317 in average annual revenue,42.3% occupancy, $188 ADR, and $79 in RevPAR, and guests book about 53 days in advance.

Avg. Daily Rate (ADR)(?)
$188
The average rental revenue earned for an occupied room per day in Cape Town.
Occupancy Rate(?)
42.3%
Moderate demand with booking opportunities.
Avg. Annual Revenue(?)
$20,317
Average annual income for an Airbnb listing in Cape Town. Factors like property type, size, and location influence actual earnings.
RevPAR(?)
$79
Revenue per available rental night, combining occupancy and ADR into one efficiency metric.
Revenue Growth YoY(?)
1.6%
Positive growth (1.6%) vs. last year.
Active Airbnb Listings(?)
12,490
Total number of active short-term rentals listed.
Avg. Booking Lead Time(?)
53 days
How far in advance guests typically book in Cape Town. Longer lead times indicate planned travel; shorter ones suggest last-minute demand.
STR Regulation Level(?)
Low
Fewer regulations, offering more operational flexibility.
Peak Revenue Month(?)
December
The month with the highest average earnings, indicating peak season in Cape Town.
Lowest Revenue Month(?)
June
The month with the lowest average earnings, indicating the low season in Cape Town.
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How Much Do Airbnb Hosts Earn Monthly in Cape Town?

Understanding the monthly revenue variations for Airbnb listings in Cape Town 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 Cape Town is typically December, while June often presents the lowest earnings, highlighting opportunities for strategic pricing adjustments during shoulder and low seasons. Explore the typical Airbnb income in Cape Town across different performance tiers:

  • Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve $5,324+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
  • Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $2,797 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
  • Typical properties (Median) generate around $1,461 per month, representing the average market performance.
  • Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $663, often with potential for optimization.

Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in Cape Town

What Is the Monthly Airbnb Occupancy Rate in Cape Town?

Maximize your bookings by understanding the Cape Town STR occupancy trends. Seasonal demand shifts significantly influence how often properties are booked. Typically, Februarysees the highest demand (peak season occupancy), while June 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 Cape Town:

  • Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve 86%+ occupancy, indicating high desirability and potentially optimized availability.
  • Strong performing properties (Top 25%) maintain 71% or higher occupancy, suggesting good market fit and guest satisfaction.
  • Typical properties (Median) have an occupancy rate around 45%.
  • Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) average 20% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.

Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in Cape Town

What Is the Average Airbnb Nightly Rate in Cape Town?

Effective short term rental pricing strategy in Cape Town involves understanding monthly ADR fluctuations. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Cape Town typically peaks in December and dips lowest during July. 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 $387+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
  • Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $194 or more.
  • Typical properties (Median) charge around $107 per night.
  • Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $69 per night.

Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in Cape Town

What Is the RevPAR for Airbnb in Cape Town?

RevPAR in Cape Town is currently $79. 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 $25 RevPAR.
  • Typical properties (Median) generate $47 RevPAR.
  • Strong performers (Top 25%) earn $87 RevPAR.
  • Best-in-class (Top 10%) achieve $166 RevPAR.

Average Monthly RevPAR Trend in Cape Town

RevPAR Insights for Cape Town

  • The average RevPAR in Cape Town is $79. 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% ($166) and bottom 25% ($25) is $141, indicating significant performance disparity driven by property quality, pricing strategy, and location.
  • RevPAR peaks in Feb and bottoms out in Jun, mirroring the broader seasonal demand pattern and suggesting opportunities for dynamic pricing.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Track your own RevPAR monthly against these Cape Town benchmarks. If your RevPAR falls below the median of $47, examine whether low occupancy or low ADR is the primary drag.
  • Top-quartile listings achieve $87+ 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 Cape Town?

Cape Town's peak Airbnb season falls in December, January, February, while the softest stretch is May, June, September. Overall, the market shows highly seasonal trends requiring careful strategy, which should guide pricing, minimum stays, and cash-flow planning.

Peak Season (December, January, February)
  • Revenue averages $3,692 per month
  • Occupancy rates average 55.7%
  • Daily rates average $222
Shoulder Season
  • Revenue averages $2,347 per month
  • Occupancy maintains around 45.5%
  • Daily rates hold near $181
Low Season (May, June, September)
  • Revenue drops to average $1,539 per month
  • Occupancy decreases to average 36.8%
  • Daily rates adjust to average $165

Seasonality Insights for Cape Town

  • Airbnb seasonality in Cape Town 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 Cape Town's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues climbing to $3,801, occupancy reaching 58.6%, and ADRs peaking at $226.
  • Conversely, the slowest single month marks the market's lowest point — revenue may dip to $1,398, occupancy could drop to 34.0%, and ADRs may adjust to $162.
  • Understanding both the seasonal averages and these monthly peaks and troughs in revenue, occupancy, and ADR is crucial for maximizing your Airbnb profit potential in Cape Town.

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 Cape Town, 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 Cape Town?

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa currently shows a low regulation profile despite having 12,490 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 Cape Town to ensure full compliance before hosting.

(Source: AirROI data, 2026, based on 1% licensed listings)

What Are the Best Neighborhoods for Airbnb in Cape Town?

Cape Town is a large short-term rental market, and performance varies significantly by location within the city. The neighborhoods below are among the most active areas for Airbnb hosts — each with distinct guest demographics, demand drivers, and local attractions. Use this as a starting point for neighborhood-level investment analysis in Cape Town, Western Cape.

Best neighborhoods for Airbnb in Cape Town
Neighborhood / AreaWhy Host Here? (Target Guests & Appeal)Key Attractions & Landmarks
V&A Waterfront
The V&A Waterfront is a vibrant mixed-use area with shopping, dining, and entertainment options. It attracts tourists looking for leisure and scenic views of Table Mountain and the harbor.
Two Oceans Aquarium, Table Mountain Aerial Cableway, V&A Waterfront Shopping Mall, Zeitz MOCAA Museum, Waterfront Ferries
Camps Bay
Famous for its beautiful beaches and stunning sunset views, Camps Bay is the perfect destination for tourists wanting a beach holiday combined with upscale dining and nightlife.
Camps Bay Beach, Table Mountain National Park, The Promenade, Topless Tour, Camps Bay Theatre
Bo-Kaap
Known for its brightly colored houses and rich cultural heritage, Bo-Kaap offers a unique experience rich in history and is popular among tourists wishing to explore Cape Malay culture.
Bo-Kaap Museum, Cape Malay Cooking Class, Historic walking tours, Contact with locals, Colorful houses of Bo-Kaap
Clifton
Clifton features some of the most exclusive beaches in Cape Town, appealing to upscale tourists and those looking for a quiet retreat right by the ocean.
Clifton Beaches, Glen Beach, Clifton 4th Beach, Hiking trails, Stunning views of the ocean
Green Point
A trendy neighborhood known for its park and proximity to the Waterfront, Green Point attracts tourists who want a lively area close to attractions and nightlife.
Green Point Park, Cape Town Stadium, The Promenade, Restaurants and Cafes, Art galleries
Constantia
Famed for its wine estates and lush countryside, Constantia offers a peaceful retreat and is attractive to wine lovers and those seeking some nature in the city.
Constantia Wine Route, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, Horse riding trails, Hiking in Constantia Greenbelt, Fine dining restaurants
Sea Point
A popular coastal suburb that offers a scenic promenade and vibrant atmosphere, Sea Point attracts families and tourists looking for easy access to the beach and local amenities.
Sea Point Promenade, Rock Pool, Mocha Restaurant, Sea Point Pavilion, Art deco architecture
Hout Bay
A picturesque fishing village surrounded by mountains, Hout Bay provides a laid-back atmosphere with access to nature and maritime activities, appealing to adventure seekers and families alike.
Hout Bay Beach, Seal Island, Hout Bay Harbour, Chapman's Peak Drive, Markets and eateries

With 8 distinct neighborhoods showing meaningful short-term rental activity, Cape Town 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 Cape Town?

Room Type Distribution

Property Type Distribution

Market Composition Insights for Cape Town

  • The Cape Town Airbnb market composition is heavily skewed towards Entire Home/Apt listings, which make up 89.6% of the 12,490 active rentals. This indicates strong guest preference for privacy and space.
  • Looking at the property type distribution in Cape Town, Apartment/Condo properties are the most common (62.4%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
  • Houses represent a significant 27.5% portion, catering likely to families or larger groups.
  • The presence of 5.1% Hotel/Boutique listings indicates integration with traditional hospitality.
  • Smaller segments like others, outdoor/unique, unique stays (combined 5.0%) offer potential for unique stay experiences.

Cape Town Airbnb Room Capacity Analysis (2026): Bedroom Distribution

Distribution of Listings by Number of Bedrooms

Room Capacity Insights for Cape Town

  • The dominant room capacity in Cape Town is 1 bedroom listings, making up 41.6% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for couples or solo travelers.
  • Together, 1 bedroom and 2 bedrooms properties represent 67.1% of the active Airbnb listings in Cape Town, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.
  • A significant 21.2% of listings offer 3+ bedrooms, catering to larger groups and families seeking more space in Cape Town.

Cape Town Vacation Rental Guest Capacity Trends (2026)

Distribution of Listings by Guest Capacity

Guest Capacity Insights for Cape Town

  • The most common guest capacity trend in Cape Town vacation rentals is listings accommodating 2 guests (43.5%). This suggests the primary traveler segment is likely couples or solo travelers.
  • Properties designed for 2 guests and 4 guests dominate the Cape Town STR market, accounting for 67.7% of listings.
  • A significant 44.1% of listings cater specifically to 1-2 guests, highlighting strong demand from couples and solo travelers in Cape Town.
  • 19.6% of properties accommodate 6+ guests, serving the market segment for larger families or group travel in Cape Town.
  • On average, properties in Cape Town are equipped to host 3.4 guests.

How Do Listings in Cape Town Compare on Quality?

Listing quality in Cape Town 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.

Average Photos per Listing(?)
29.8
More photos correlate with higher conversion rates.
Average Beds per Listing(?)
2.2
Reflects the capacity profile of the local supply.
Exact Location Enabled(?)
30.0%
Builds guest trust and improves booking confidence.

Listing Quality Insights for Cape Town

  • At 29.8 photos per listing on average, Cape Town hosts invest well in visual presentation. Listings with 20+ photos consistently outperform in search ranking and conversion.
  • 30.0% 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 Cape Town averages across all three metrics are better positioned for premium pricing.

What Amenities Do Airbnb Guests Expect in Cape Town?

Amenity Prevalence

Amenity Insights for Cape Town

  • Essential amenities in Cape Town that guests expect include: Wifi, TV, Kitchen. Lacking these (any) could significantly impact bookings.
  • Popular amenities like Hot water, Hangers, Dishes and silverware are common but not universal. Offering these can provide a competitive edge.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Ensure your listing includes all essential amenities for Cape Town: Wifi, TV, Kitchen.
  • Prioritize adding missing essentials: Wifi, TV, Kitchen.
  • Consider adding popular differentiators like Hot water or Hangers 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 Cape Town to stay competitive.

Which Airbnb Amenities Boost Revenue in Cape Town?

Not every amenity matters equally. This table focuses on the amenities most associated with higher revenue in Cape Town, which makes it more useful for prioritizing upgrades than a simple popularity list alone.

AmenityPrevalenceRevenue WithRevenue WithoutRevenue Uplift
Washer
75.6%$24,331$7,860209.5%
Dishwasher
42.9%$32,228$11,384183.1%
Cooking basics
82.1%$22,854$8,649164.2%
SaunaHigh opportunity
0.7%$52,847$20,092163.0%
Hair dryer
79.0%$23,257$9,248151.5%
Movie theaterHigh opportunity
0.5%$50,455$20,155150.3%
Baby safety gatesHigh opportunity
1.6%$49,640$19,847150.1%
BidetHigh opportunity
2.9%$48,524$19,461149.3%
Air conditioning
47.1%$29,745$11,933149.3%
Sun loungers
15.9%$40,150$16,563142.4%

Revenue Impact Insights for Cape Town

  • Washer tops the revenue impact list with a 209.5% uplift — listings with this amenity earn $24,331 vs. $7,860 without it.
  • High-opportunity amenities — Sauna, Movie theater, Baby safety gates — combine revenue uplift above 100% with prevalence under 10%, meaning most competitors haven't adopted them yet.
  • Cooking basics — while widespread — still correlate with meaningful revenue gains, making it table stakes rather than true differentiators.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Prioritize adding Sauna — it has the best combination of high revenue impact and low market saturation in Cape Town.
  • 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 Cape Town STR Market Data (2026)

Ready to unlock more insights? AirROI provides access to advanced metrics and comprehensive Airbnb data for Cape Town. Explore detailed analytics beyond this report to refine your investment strategy, optimize pricing, and maximize your vacation rental profits.

Explore Advanced Metrics

Cape Town Airbnb Guest Demographics & Profile Analysis (2026)

Guest Origin: Domestic vs. International
Top 5 Cities of Origin
Top 5 Countries of Origin
Top 5 Languages Spoken
Guest Age Distribution (Birth Decade)

Guest Profile Summary for Cape Town

  • The typical guest profile for Airbnb in Cape Town consists of a mix of domestic (37%) and international guests, with top international origins including United Kingdom, typically belonging to the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group (50%), primarily speaking English or German.
  • Domestic travelers account for 37.3% of guests.
  • Key international markets include South Africa (37.3%) and United Kingdom (13.8%).
  • Top languages spoken are English (52.3%) followed by German (10%).
  • A significant demographic segment is the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group, representing 50% of guests.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Focus marketing internationally, particularly towards travelers from United Kingdom.
  • 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 Cape Town?

Listings in Cape Town average 4.78 out of 5 overall, with about 46.4 reviews per active listing and 32.7% of listings carrying the Guest Favorite badge.

Rating Breakdown by Category

Guest Rating Insights for Cape Town

  • An average rating of 4.78 places Cape Town in solid territory. Most guests leave satisfied, though there is room for hosts to push toward the top tier.
  • The strongest subcategory is Communication (4.85), while Value (4.74) trails behind — a useful signal for hosts looking to prioritize upgrades.
  • 32.7% 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 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.

Cape Town Airbnb Booking Patterns (2026): Available vs. Booked Days

Available Days Distribution

Booked Days Distribution

Booking Pattern Insights for Cape Town

  • The most common availability pattern in Cape Town falls within the 271-366 days range, representing 47.2% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
  • Approximately 75.9% of listings show high availability (181+ days open annually), indicating potential for increased bookings or specific owner usage patterns.
  • For booked days, the 91-180 days range is most frequent in Cape Town (28.9%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
  • A notable 25.4% 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 Cape Town?

Average Booking Lead Time by Month

Booking Lead Time Insights for Cape Town

  • The overall average booking lead time for vacation rentals in Cape Town is 53 days.
  • Guests book furthest in advance for stays during December (average 74 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
  • The shortest booking windows occur for stays in June (average 21 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
  • Seasonally, Winter (69 days avg.) sees the longest lead times, while Summer (28 days avg.) has the shortest, reflecting typical travel planning cycles.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Use the overall average lead time (53 days) as a baseline for your pricing and availability strategy in Cape Town.
  • For December stays, consider implementing length-of-stay discounts or slightly higher rates for bookings made less than 74 days out to capitalize on advance planning.
  • Target marketing efforts for the Winter season well in advance (at least 69 days) to capture early planners.
  • Monitor your own booking lead times against these Cape Town averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.

What Is the Average Length of Stay for Airbnb in Cape Town?

Guests in Cape Town stay about 6.9 nights on average, generating roughly 227,098 reservations and 18.3 bookings per listing in the latest AirROI dataset. The most common check-in time is 3:00 PM and check-out is 10:00 AM.

Monthly Length of Stay in Cape Town

Check-in Time Distribution

Check-out Time Distribution

Stay Pattern Insights for Cape Town

  • 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.
  • 18.3 bookings per listing is a manageable pace that balances revenue with operational overhead.
  • Stay lengths peak in Jan (7.9 nights) and shorten in Apr (5.3 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 3:00 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.

Cape Town Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis

Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement

1 Night (12.1%)

1 Night

1509 listings

12.1% of total

2 Nights (23.5%)

2 Nights

2931 listings

23.5% of total

3 Nights (8.1%)

3 Nights

1017 listings

8.1% of total

4-6 Nights (10.7%)

4-6 Nights

1339 listings

10.7% of total

7-29 Nights (5.4%)

7-29 Nights

673 listings

5.4% of total

30+ Nights (40.2%)

30+ Nights

5020 listings

40.2% of total

Key Insights

  • The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in Cape Town is 30+ Nights, adopted by 40.2% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for longer commitments.
  • A significant segment (40.2%) caters to monthly stays (30+ nights) in Cape Town, pointing to opportunities in the extended-stay market.

Recommendations

  • Align with the market by considering a 30+ Nights minimum stay, as 40.2% of Cape Town hosts use this setting.
  • If feasible, allowing 1-night stays, especially midweek or during low season, could capture last-minute bookings, as only 12.1% currently do.
  • Explore offering discounts for stays of 30+ nights to attract the 40.2% of the market seeking extended stays.
  • Adjust minimum nights based on seasonality – potentially shorter during low season and longer during peak demand periods in Cape Town.

Cape Town Airbnb Cancellation Policy Trends Analysis (2026)

Full Refundable Until Check-in

1 listings

0% of total

Limited

616 listings

4.9% of total

Full Refundable Until 24 Hours Before Check-in

1 listings

0% of total

Super Strict 60 Days

55 listings

0.4% of total

Non-refundable

99 listings

0.8% of total

Refundable

96 listings

0.8% of total

Super Strict 30 Days

406 listings

3.3% of total

Flexible (12.9%)

Flexible

1614 listings

12.9% of total

Moderate (21.1%)

Moderate

2630 listings

21.1% of total

Firm (45.6%)

Firm

5686 listings

45.6% of total

Strict (10.2%)

Strict

1273 listings

10.2% of total

Cancellation Policy Insights for Cape Town

  • The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in Cape Town is Firm, used by 45.6% of listings.
  • A majority (55.8%) of hosts in Cape Town utilize Firm or Strict policies, indicating a market where hosts prioritize booking security.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Consider adopting a Firm policy to align with the 45.6% market standard in Cape Town.
  • Using a Strict policy might deter some guests, as only 10.2% 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 Cape Town.

How Much Are Airbnb Cleaning Fees in Cape Town?

Cleaning fees in Cape Town 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.

Average Cleaning Fee
$68
Median Cleaning Fee
$30
Listings Charging a Fee
73.7%
Fee as Revenue Share
4.5%

Cleaning Fee Insights for Cape Town

  • 73.7% of listings charge a cleaning fee, making it standard practice in Cape Town. Guests expect it and factor it into their booking decisions.
  • The gap between the average ($68) and median ($30) cleaning fee indicates some high-end properties are pulling the average up considerably.
  • Cleaning fees represent 4.5% of gross revenue on average — a modest component of the overall booking price.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Price your cleaning fee competitively against the Cape Town median of $30. 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 Cape Town Look Like?

Benchmark your potential! Explore examples of top-performing Airbnb properties in Cape Townbased on Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) revenue. Analyze their characteristics, revenue, occupancy rate, and ADR to understand what drives success in this market.

Serenity 18 Ronald Road Camps Bay (Views & Solar)

Serenity 18 Ronald Road Camps Bay (Views & Solar)

Entire Place • 6 bedrooms

$527,928
Revenue
67.4%
Occupancy
$1937.75
Daily Rate
Glen Beach Bungalow Full House

Glen Beach Bungalow Full House

Entire Place • 6 bedrooms

$423,709
Revenue
71.0%
Occupancy
$1632.10
Daily Rate
Power backup Oceanfront Residence 80m from the sea

Power backup Oceanfront Residence 80m from the sea

Entire Place • 8 bedrooms

$408,039
Revenue
50.9%
Occupancy
$2078.48
Daily Rate
22 Geneva Camps Bay -solar back up system- OWNER

22 Geneva Camps Bay -solar back up system- OWNER

Entire Place • 6 bedrooms

$402,669
Revenue
68.9%
Occupancy
$1501.88
Daily Rate
Clifton Sunset - Superhost & Guest Favorite

Clifton Sunset - Superhost & Guest Favorite

Entire Place • 4 bedrooms

$387,493
Revenue
67.8%
Occupancy
$1379.46
Daily Rate
Brand New Dream Villa with Ocean View, Sauna & Gym

Brand New Dream Villa with Ocean View, Sauna & Gym

Entire Place • 5 bedrooms

$380,336
Revenue
58.0%
Occupancy
$2192.41
Daily Rate

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 Cape Town?

Learn from the best! This table showcases top-performing Airbnb hosts in Cape Town based on the number of properties managed and estimated total revenue over the past year. Analyze their scale and performance metrics.

Top Airbnb hosts in Cape Town by revenue
Host NamePropertiesGrossing RevenueStay ReviewsAvg Rating
Nox177$10,626,94855244.72/5.0
⁨Turnkey365⁩70$6,548,98914214.72/5.0
Jayson128$4,272,332140084.82/5.0
Rest Easy64$2,614,68926094.80/5.0
Esta-Marita17$2,530,08413564.93/5.0
Bertus60$2,473,94856384.81/5.0
Janine41$2,413,82220314.92/5.0
Mandy & Dean86$2,318,07630974.71/5.0
Nicholas Sadleir35$2,263,87815234.86/5.0
Lavinia16$2,119,3903584.81/5.0

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 Cape Town.

Who Are the Airbnb Hosts in Cape Town?

Cape Town has a relatively balanced host base.

Superhosts
47.0%
Professional Management
11.3%
Cohosted Listings
38.5%
Instant Book Enabled
3.3%
Simplified Pricing
68.5%

Host Profile Insights for Cape Town

  • A 47.0% Superhost share is healthy — enough experienced operators to anchor quality without making the market impenetrable for newcomers.
  • 11.3% of listings are professionally managed, reflecting a market still dominated by individual hosts.
  • 3.3% of listings have Instant Book enabled. Lower Instant Book adoption means many guests must request approval, which can slow conversions.
  • 68.5% 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 38.5% cohosted listings, there may be a growing local market for property management services.
  • Benchmark your host metrics against these Cape Town averages regularly and adjust your hosting strategy based on what top performers do differently.

Top Professional Management Companies in Cape Town

These are the highest-grossing professional property management operations in Cape Town, ranked by total revenue across their portfolio. Their performance metrics offer a benchmark for what institutional-level hosting looks like in this market.

Top Airbnb management companies in Cape Town
CompanyListingsRevenueADROcc.Rating
Nox177$10,626,948$50249.2%4.72/5
⁨Turnkey365⁩70$6,548,989$69741.4%4.72/5
Jayson128$4,272,332$13568.6%4.82/5
Rest Easy64$2,614,689$27548.9%4.80/5
Mandy & Dean86$2,318,076$21246.6%4.71/5
Lavinia16$2,119,390$1,40735.7%4.81/5
Koos75$1,410,580$8865.7%4.55/5
Bibiana11$1,410,398$1,15938.4%4.94/5
Host Agents80$1,221,816$15635.8%4.55/5
EasyBnb38$1,056,620$15054.0%4.84/5

Management Company Insights for Cape Town

  • The leading management company, Nox, operates 177 listings with $10,626,948 in gross revenue — a useful benchmark for what scale looks like in Cape Town.
  • Top managers average 75 properties each, pointing to a market where portfolio scale is a meaningful competitive factor.
  • Professionally managed listings in the top tier average 4.75/5 in guest ratings — demonstrating that scale and quality can coexist.

Recommendations

  • With only 11.3% 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 Cape Town's Airbnb Market Compare to Nearby Cities?

How does the Cape Town 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 Franschhoek, Cape Town has 13 percentage points lower occupancy and about $32 lower ADR. That helps frame whether this market is winning more on demand, pricing, or both.

Airbnb markets near Cape Town — performance comparison
MarketActive PropertiesMonthly RevenueDaily RateAvg. Occupancy
Franschhoek11$2,577$219.6855%
Stellenbosch Local Municipality1,270$1,831$192.6641%
Hout Bay482$1,625$204.5639%
Hermanus48$1,543$214.4535%
Noordhoek218$1,517$223.3737%
Witzenberg Local Municipality257$1,403$138.0435%
Stellenbosch49$1,371$144.5141%
Sir Lowry's Pass20$1,345$171.9239%
Simon's Town264$1,335$151.4739%
Overstrand Local Municipality1,783$1,322$181.9633%

Frequently Asked Questions About Airbnb in Cape Town

These quick answers summarize the most common investor and operator questions using AirROI's latest market data for Cape Town.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Cape Town?

Cape Town hosts earn about $20,317 per year on average, with an average nightly rate of $188 and RevPAR of $79. Those figures describe the typical revenue environment for active listings in Cape Town, Western Cape, not the ceiling for the best operators. Source: AirROI 2026 data, Cape Town market, April 2025 to March 2026.

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Cape Town?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Cape Town is 42.3%. December is the strongest month and June 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 Cape Town?

Listings in Cape Town average $188 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 Cape Town?

Cape Town currently has about 12,490 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 Cape Town?

AirROI currently classifies the short-term rental regulation level in Cape Town as Low. The dataset also shows about 0.8% 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 Cape Town?

RevPAR in Cape Town is about $79. 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 Cape Town?

At 42.3% occupancy, Cape Town can be profitable — but margins depend heavily on operating costs, property acquisition price, and how well hosts optimize pricing across seasons. Average annual revenue is $20,317, 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 Cape Town?

The average booking lead time in Cape Town is about 53 days — a longer planning horizon typical of destination or vacation markets where travelers book well in advance. Hosts who understand their market's booking cadence can adjust minimum stays and pricing windows accordingly.

What are the best neighborhoods for Airbnb in Cape Town?

Based on AirROI's analysis, some of the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Cape Town include V&A Waterfront, Camps Bay, Bo-Kaap. 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 Cape Town?

entire_home listings make up 89.6% of the active supply in Cape Town. 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 Cape Town compare to nearby Airbnb markets?

Among neighboring markets, Franschhoek posts $30,918 in average annual revenue with 54.9% occupancy, compared to Cape Town's $20,317 and 42.3%. 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 Cape Town?

The average Airbnb stay length in Cape Town is about 6.9 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 Cape Town?

Airbnb listings in Cape Town average 4.78 out of 5 overall. About 32.7% 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 Cape Town?

Washer and Dishwasher are among the strongest revenue-linked amenities in Cape Town. 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 Cape Town?

Yes. About 73.7% of active Airbnb listings in Cape Town charge a cleaning fee, and the average fee is $68. 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 Cape Town?

A 47.0% Superhost rate signals a highly competitive market where review quality and responsiveness are table stakes, not differentiators.

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.

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