Airbnb Market Analytics, Statistics and Data in East London, Eastern Cape, South Africa
Last updated: 2025-01-31
Looking to make more money with hosting or rental arbitraging Airbnbs, short-term rentals, vacation rentals in East London? AirROI have just the data insights! Over the last twelve months from February 2024 to January 2025, we've uncovered key trends and opportunities that successful hosts are leveraging in East London:
How much do Airbnb hosts make on average per month in East London?
The short-term rental market in East London shows distinct revenue patterns across different property tiers. Our analysis reveals that successful properties combine strategic pricing with quality management to maximize earnings potential. Market data demonstrates clear revenue differentiation among properties:
- Typical properties (median) earn $362 per month
- Strong performing properties (top 25%) make $738 or more
- Best-in-class properties (top 10%) achieve $1,194+ monthly
- Entry-level properties (bottom 25%) typically earn around $167
Revenue Variations by Month
Occupancy Rates Throughout the Year in East London
The market in East London shows distinct occupancy patterns influenced by seasonal trends and local dynamics. Properties that maintain high guest satisfaction scores and implement strategic pricing consistently achieve stronger occupancy rates. Current market data shows:
- Typical properties (median) maintain 21% occupancy rates
- Strong performing properties (top 25%) achieve 39% or higher
- Best-in-class properties (top 10%) reach 62%+occupancy
- Entry-level properties (bottom 25%) average around 10%
Occupancy Variations by Month
Average Daily Rates Seasonal Trends in East London
Daily rates in East London vary based on seasonality, property quality, and market dynamics. Properties that effectively balance competitive pricing with strong amenities typically command higher rates. Market analysis shows the following rate structure:
- Typical properties (median) generate $46 per night
- Strong performing properties (top 25%) secure $66 or more
- Best-in-class properties (top 10%) pull in $100+ per night
- Entry-level properties (bottom 25%) earn around $35
Daily Rate Variations by Month
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Seasonality patterns in East London
Peak Season (April, March, December)
- Revenue peaks at $711.78 per month
- Occupancy rates reach 37.18%
- Daily rates average $63.46
Shoulder Season
- Revenue averages $575.85 per month
- Occupancy maintains 27.39%
- Daily rates hold at $60.57
Low Season (January, September, August)
- Revenue drops to $370.39 per month
- Occupancy decreases to 22.72%
- Daily rates adjust to $55.94
Is it still profitable to do Airbnb in East London in 2025?
Yes! East London demonstrates moderate seasonality with good off-peak opportunities, featuring a growing occupancy rate of 27% and monthly revenue averaging $576 and With 387 active listings, the market shows established demand while maintaining room for growth. There's also room for profit through rental arbitrage strategies, if you can identify competitively priced properties. To maximize your return on investment, consider employing the following strategies:
Peak Season Strategy
- Implement premium seasonal pricing strategies
- Set longer minimum stay requirements during high-demand periods
- Enforce stricter cancellation policies
Shoulder Season Strategy
- Maintain competitive market-based pricing
- Offer moderate-length stay incentives
- Target a mix of leisure and business travelers with flexible booking terms
- Focus on weekend getaway packages and mid-week business traveler promotions
Low Season Strategy
- Adjust pricing to remain competitive in the market
- Target different guest segments (business travelers, long-term stays, holiday visitors, event attendees, remote workers)
- Create targeted promotional campaigns to drive occupancy
Top Places to Start Airbnb in East London
| Area | Why Choose This Area | Key Attractions |
|---|---|---|
| Grahamstown | Known for its rich academic history and cultural events, Grahamstown is home to the annual National Arts Festival, attracting tourists and visitors throughout the year. Ideal for hosting guests during festivals and university events. | National Arts Festival, Rhodes University, Grahamstown Cathedral, Oldest Living Open Air Theatre |
| Port Alfred | A coastal gem known for its beautiful beaches and seaside activities. Port Alfred is popular among tourists looking for relaxation and adventure, making it a prime Airbnb location. | Kelly's Beach, Royal Port Alfred Golf Club, Fish River Sun Golf Course, Kowie River |
| East London City Centre | East London's bustling city center is ideal for business travelers and tourists alike, offering a variety of shopping, dining, and entertainment options. Its accessibility makes it a popular choice for short-term rentals. | East London Museum, The Boardwalk, Orient Beach, Tyson Road Shops |
| Kyber Pass | A rising area known for its scenic views and family-friendly environment. This suburb is becoming popular among families looking for a quieter stay close to attractions in East London. | Dawn Park, Local markets, Nature trails |
| Nahoon | Etherial beachfront and close proximity to various local attractions. Nahoon is a favorite among surfers and beachgoers, offering a relaxed vibe perfect for Airbnb hosting. | Nahoon Beach, Nahoon River, Local shops and restaurants |
| Beacon Bay | A family-oriented suburb with beautiful coastal views and access to local amenities. It's a great location for understanding the community life while appealing to tourists. | Beacon Bay Retail Park, Nahoon Beach, Local schools and parks |
| Buffalo City | This area encompasses both the city and its surrounding natural beauty. With a vibrant mix of urban and outdoor experiences, it attracts various visitors year-round. | Buffalo Park, East London Aquarium, Ice Cream Emporium |
| Cintsa | Known for its stunning beaches and natural beauty, Cintsa provides a perfect getaway for those seeking adventure and tranquility. It's a hidden gem for Airbnb hosts. | Cintsa Beach, Cintsa Village, Wild Coast |
Do you need a license for Airbnb in East London?
We recommend checking directly with East London's local government regarding short-term rental licensing requirements. Current market data shows limited licensing information (0% of listings), making it essential to verify current regulations before starting your Airbnb business.
Top Performing Airbnb Properties in East London
Kingfisher Guest Home in urban forest.
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
Luxury Holiday Home in Nahoon
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Homely Serenity
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
Suburban Sanctuary
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Gwivemos Beach Sanctuary @ Lotus
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
Full House Rental - 5 Rooms
Entire Place • 5 bedrooms
Top Performing Professional Hosts in East London
| Host Name | Properties | Grossing Revenue | Stay Reviews | Avg Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark | 7 | $72,756 | 640 | 4.88/5.0 |
| Pauline | 17 | $60,798 | 56 | 2.71/5.0 |
| Peter And Claire | 1 | $44,810 | 27 | 4.96/5.0 |
| Nolufefe | 1 | $42,094 | 12 | 4.58/5.0 |
| Sonja | 3 | $40,399 | 69 | 4.78/5.0 |
| Carike Gouws | 7 | $39,615 | 533 | 4.79/5.0 |
| 98487916 | 16 | $39,098 | 2 | 0.00/5.0 |
| Renee | 2 | $34,347 | 15 | 4.96/5.0 |
| Nonyameko | 3 | $33,743 | 70 | 3.27/5.0 |
| Liam | 13 | $30,550 | 103 | 3.79/5.0 |
Additional analytics on vacation rental, real estate, short term rental data in East London
AirROI also have other key metrics and comprehensive data for your vacation rental, real estate needs. Go explore the advanced metrics that can help you make informed decisions:
Room Type Distribution
Property Type Distribution
Key Insights
- Market dominated by entire home listings (54.3%), with boutique & hotels and apartment & condo properties comprising 63.0% of inventory
- Strong specialty sector (35.9%) combining boutique hotels, unique stays, and outdoor accommodations indicates market maturity and premium opportunities
- Untapped potential in outdoor & mobile, unique stays segments (2.6% combined)
Room Capacity Distribution
Analysis of 387 properties in East London shows that 1 bedroom properties are most prevalent, making up 58.4% of the market. The market tends to favor smaller properties, with 1 bedroom and 2 bedrooms together representing 72.1% of all listings.
Key Insights
- Most common: 1 bedroom (58.4%)
- Least common: 4 bedrooms (3.4%)
- Market concentration: 72.1% in top 2 sizes
- Market skew: Favors smaller properties
Guest Capacity Distribution
Analysis of 387 properties in East London reveals that 2 guests properties dominate the market, representing 51.9% of all listings. The average property accommodates 2.7 guests, with a clear trend towards smaller guest capacities. Properties accommodating 2 guests and 4 guests make up 65.4% of the market.
Key Insights
- Most common capacity: 2 guests (51.9% of market)
- Least common capacity: 1 guest (0.5% of market)
- Average guest capacity: 2.7 guests per property
- Market concentration: 65.4% in top 2 capacity sizes
- Market segmentation: Predominantly smaller guest capacities
Booking and Availability Patterns
Available Days Distribution
Booked Days Distribution
Among 387 properties in East London, the most common availability pattern is 271-366 days (75.7% of properties). For actual bookings, properties most frequently secure bookings for 1-30 days (37.2% of properties).
Key Insights
- Most common availability window: 271-366 days (75.7%)
- Most common booking duration: 1-30 days (37.2%)
- Properties with high availability (180+ days): 87.9%
- Properties with long-term bookings (180+ days): 12.7%
Minimum Stay Distributions
1 Night
256 listings
71.9% of total
2 Nights
56 listings
15.7% of total
3 Nights
10 listings
2.8% of total
4-6 Nights
2 listings
0.6% of total
7-29 Nights
4 listings
1.1% of total
30+ Nights
28 listings
7.9% of total
Key Insights
- Short stays (1-2 nights) dominate the market at 87.6%
- Mid-length stays (4-6 nights) represent 0.6% of listings
- Monthly+ stays (7.9%) suggest a stable extended-stay market
- High market flexibility with 90.4% accepting 3 nights or less
Recommendations
- Set minimum stays between 2-3 nights to align with market standards
- Adjust minimum stays seasonally based on demand patterns
- Consider monthly stay discounts to capture the growing extended-stay market
- Implement different minimum stays for weekends vs. weekdays
Cancellation Policy Distribution
Refundable
37 listings
12.7% of total
Non-refundable
25 listings
8.6% of total
Flexible
116 listings
39.7% of total
Moderate
48 listings
16.4% of total
Firm
25 listings
8.6% of total
Strict
41 listings
14% of total
Key Insights
- Flexible is the preferred policy at 39.7% of listings
- The market shows a balanced distribution between guest-friendly (56.1%) and strict (22.6%) policies
- Strong market consensus around Flexible policies
- Firm policies are least common at 8.6% of listings
Recommendations
- Market supports various policies - choose based on your property type and target guests
- Strong market preference for Flexible policies suggests this should be your baseline
- Consider generous cancellation terms as a competitive advantage
Booking Lead Time Trends
Key Insights
- Peak booking lead times occur in Dec, May, Jan, averaging 46 days
- Shortest booking windows are in Jul, Aug, Apr, averaging 26 days
- Winter shows the longest average booking window at 41 days, while Summer has the shortest at 30 days
Recommendations
- Implement dynamic pricing strategies for Winter bookings at least 41 days in advance
- Consider early bird discounts during Summer to encourage longer lead times
- Focus on last-minute booking promotions during Jul-Apr when lead times are shortest
Popular Airbnb Amenities in East London
Below is the distribution of amenities across listings in East London:
Traveler Demographics
Key Insights
- Domestic travelers make up 89.1% of total guests, indicating a dominant local market share.
- Primary international markets: United States (2.8%) and United Kingdom (2%)
- English is the top language at 59%, followed by Xhosa (17%)
- Notable demographic segment in <=1950s (Pre-1950s (Silent Gen)) at 2.8%
Recommendations
- Target marketing campaigns for Cape Town and East London markets
- Develop localized content for United States and United Kingdom
- Prioritize English and Xhosa language support
- Tailor experiences for Pre-1950s (Silent Gen) while maintaining broad age appeal
- Implement seasonal promotions aligned with key market travel patterns
Nearby Markets
Explore short-term rental performance in markets surrounding East London. These nearby markets offer diverse opportunities for property investors and hosts:
| Market | Properties | Monthly Revenue | Daily Rate | Occupancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ngqushwa Local Municipality | 16 | $759 | $185.23 | 27% |
| Ndlambe Local Municipality | 349 | $668 | $111.59 | 28% |
| Great Kei Local Municipality | 149 | $542 | $106.52 | 26% |
| Kidd's Beach | 10 | $500 | $71.12 | 27% |
| Gonubie | 98 | $467 | $74.72 | 26% |
| Makana Local Municipality | 108 | $438 | $66.21 | 30% |
| Nkonkobe Local Municipality | 87 | $419 | $68.42 | 24% |
| King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality | 66 | $263 | $53.04 | 25% |
| Elundini Local Municipality | 11 | $201 | $46.42 | 19% |
| Amahlathi Local Municipality | 10 | $165 | $46.82 | 19% |
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