Airbnb Market Analytics, Statistics and Data in Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
Last updated: 2025-01-31
Looking to make more money with hosting or rental arbitraging Airbnbs, short-term rentals, vacation rentals in Johannesburg? 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 Johannesburg:
How much do Airbnb hosts make on average per month in Johannesburg?
The short-term rental market in Johannesburg 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 $461 per month
- Strong performing properties (top 25%) make $841 or more
- Best-in-class properties (top 10%) achieve $1,288+ monthly
- Entry-level properties (bottom 25%) typically earn around $200
Revenue Variations by Month
Occupancy Rates Throughout the Year in Johannesburg
The market in Johannesburg 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 32% occupancy rates
- Strong performing properties (top 25%) achieve 57% or higher
- Best-in-class properties (top 10%) reach 79%+occupancy
- Entry-level properties (bottom 25%) average around 15%
Occupancy Variations by Month
Average Daily Rates Seasonal Trends in Johannesburg
Daily rates in Johannesburg 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 $34 per night
- Strong performing properties (top 25%) secure $51 or more
- Best-in-class properties (top 10%) pull in $88+ per night
- Entry-level properties (bottom 25%) earn around $26
Daily Rate Variations by Month
Get Live Johannesburg Market Intelligence 👇
Explore Real-time Analytics
Seasonality patterns in Johannesburg
Peak Season (May, April, December)
- Revenue peaks at $765.76 per month
- Occupancy rates reach 41.87%
- Daily rates average $54.75
Shoulder Season
- Revenue averages $650.33 per month
- Occupancy maintains 37.53%
- Daily rates hold at $51.15
Low Season (September, August, July)
- Revenue drops to $531.58 per month
- Occupancy decreases to 30.19%
- Daily rates adjust to $49.65
Is it still profitable to do Airbnb in Johannesburg in 2025?
Yes! Johannesburg demonstrates moderate seasonality with good off-peak opportunities, featuring a growing occupancy rate of 38% and monthly revenue averaging $650 and As a mature market with 1172 active listings, there's strong demand despite the competition. 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 (families on vacation, festival goers, adventure tourists, international visitors)
- Create targeted promotional campaigns to drive occupancy
Top Places to Start Airbnb in Johannesburg
| Area | Why Choose This Area | Key Attractions |
|---|---|---|
| Mandela Bridge | Iconic landmark connecting the vibrant Maboneng Precinct with Braamfontein. A cultural hub that attracts young travelers seeking art, food, and nightlife experiences. | Maboneng Precinct, Market on Main, Neighborgoods Market, Arts on Main, The Bioscope |
| Melrose Arch | Stylish mixed-use urban precinct combining hotels, shops, and restaurants. Popular with both business and leisure travelers for its modern amenities and upscale ambiance. | Melrose Arch Shopping Centre, The Zone @ Rosebank, The Theatre on the Square |
| Rosebank | Cultural and commercial hub known for its bustling markets and art galleries. Offers a blend of shopping, dining, and entertainment suitable for all types of guests. | Rosebank Mall, The Rooftop Market, African Craft Market, The Zone @ Rosebank |
| Bryanston | Affluent suburb known for its spacious homes and high-end lifestyle. Inviting for families and business travelers looking for a quieter stay with easy access to business hubs. | Bryanston Country Club, Montecasino, Sandton City Mall |
| Sandton | Central business district known as Africa's richest square mile, making it ideal for business travelers and luxury seekers. Offers numerous hotels and upscale dining options. | Sandton City, Nelson Mandela Square, Sandton Convention Centre |
| Maboneng | Revitalized urban area known for its creativity and artistry. Attracts guests looking for a unique, hip atmosphere filled with galleries and cafes. | Maboneng Precinct, Street Art, The Living Room, Arts on Main |
| Fourways | Popular suburban area known for its entertainment options including shopping and dining, appealing to families and tourists alike. | Fourways Mall, Montecasino, The Dome |
| Kensington | Historic suburb with charming homes and a diverse community. Attractive for budget travelers and those looking for a local experience. | Kensington Bird Sanctuary, Johannesburg Botanical Gardens, Kensington Market |
Do you need a license for Airbnb in Johannesburg?
We recommend checking directly with Johannesburg'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 Johannesburg
Beautiful 5 bedroom boutique guest house
Entire Place • 5 bedrooms
La Galerie, 4 ensuite exclusive guesthouse.
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
Luxury solar powered villa with pool and sauna
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Entire home to yourself with jacuzzi!
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
Kali Valley - Riverside Estate
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
Family holiday home in Northcliff w backup power
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
Top Performing Professional Hosts in Johannesburg
| Host Name | Properties | Grossing Revenue | Stay Reviews | Avg Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deb | 5 | $129,687 | 132 | 4.93/5.0 |
| Mohammed | 9 | $104,113 | 1143 | 4.77/5.0 |
| Marion & Adrian | 11 | $102,136 | 2075 | 4.96/5.0 |
| African Penthouses | 5 | $97,904 | 1443 | 4.81/5.0 |
| Queen | 5 | $81,602 | 611 | 4.81/5.0 |
| Chantal | 8 | $65,374 | 604 | 4.66/5.0 |
| Ritondeni | 12 | $62,825 | 309 | 3.78/5.0 |
| Rodney | 1 | $61,508 | 16 | 4.88/5.0 |
| Daniel And Tracy | 3 | $60,227 | 778 | 4.82/5.0 |
| Qiniso | 20 | $57,263 | 1307 | 4.58/5.0 |
Additional analytics on vacation rental, real estate, short term rental data in Johannesburg
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 (76.4%), with apartment & condo and house properties comprising 75.2% of inventory
- Strong specialty sector (16.1%) combining boutique hotels, unique stays, and outdoor accommodations indicates market maturity and premium opportunities
- Untapped potential in outdoor & mobile segments (0.1% combined)
Room Capacity Distribution
Analysis of 1,172 properties in Johannesburg shows that 1 bedroom properties are most prevalent, making up 59.2% of the market. The market tends to favor smaller properties, with 1 bedroom and 2 bedrooms together representing 72.6% of all listings.
Key Insights
- Most common: 1 bedroom (59.2%)
- Least common: 5+ bedrooms (1.9%)
- Market concentration: 72.6% in top 2 sizes
- Market skew: Favors smaller properties
Guest Capacity Distribution
Analysis of 1,172 properties in Johannesburg reveals that 2 guests properties dominate the market, representing 55.1% of all listings. The average property accommodates 2.6 guests, with a clear trend towards smaller guest capacities. Properties accommodating 2 guests and 4 guests make up 67.1% of the market.
Key Insights
- Most common capacity: 2 guests (55.1% of market)
- Least common capacity: 7 guests (0.3% of market)
- Average guest capacity: 2.6 guests per property
- Market concentration: 67.1% in top 2 capacity sizes
- Market segmentation: Predominantly smaller guest capacities
Booking and Availability Patterns
Available Days Distribution
Booked Days Distribution
Among 1,172 properties in Johannesburg, the most common availability pattern is 271-366 days (53.6% of properties). For actual bookings, properties most frequently secure bookings for 31-90 days (27% of properties).
Key Insights
- Most common availability window: 271-366 days (53.6%)
- Most common booking duration: 31-90 days (27%)
- Properties with high availability (180+ days): 78.3%
- Properties with long-term bookings (180+ days): 22.7%
Minimum Stay Distributions
1 Night
593 listings
55.8% of total
2 Nights
331 listings
31.2% of total
3 Nights
66 listings
6.2% of total
4-6 Nights
31 listings
2.9% of total
7-29 Nights
17 listings
1.6% of total
30+ Nights
24 listings
2.3% of total
Key Insights
- Short stays (1-2 nights) dominate the market at 87.0%
- Mid-length stays (4-6 nights) represent 2.9% of listings
- Monthly+ stays (2.3%) suggest a stable extended-stay market
- High market flexibility with 93.2% 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
- Implement different minimum stays for weekends vs. weekdays
Cancellation Policy Distribution
Refundable
18 listings
1.9% of total
Non-refundable
36 listings
3.8% of total
Flexible
390 listings
41% of total
Moderate
227 listings
23.8% of total
Firm
138 listings
14.5% of total
Strict
143 listings
15% of total
Key Insights
- Flexible is the preferred policy at 41.0% of listings
- Guest-friendly policies (Flexible & Moderate) dominate at 64.8% of the market
- Strong market consensus around Flexible policies
- Refundable policies are least common at 1.9% of listings
Recommendations
- Consider starting with a Flexible policy to align with market preferences
- 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 May, Jan, Apr, averaging 33 days
- Shortest booking windows are in Sep, Jul, Jun, averaging 27 days
- Winter shows the longest average booking window at 32 days, while Summer has the shortest at 27 days
Recommendations
- Implement dynamic pricing strategies for Winter bookings at least 32 days in advance
- Consider early bird discounts during Summer to encourage longer lead times
- Focus on last-minute booking promotions during Sep-Jun when lead times are shortest
Popular Airbnb Amenities in Johannesburg
Below is the distribution of amenities across listings in Johannesburg:
Traveler Demographics
Key Insights
- Domestic travelers make up 64.8% of total guests, indicating a significant local market share.
- Primary international markets: United States (9.8%) and United Kingdom (5.6%)
- English is the top language at 67.8%, followed by Zulu (10.8%)
- Notable demographic segment in <=1950s (Pre-1950s (Silent Gen)) at 5.3%
Recommendations
- Target marketing campaigns for Johannesburg and Cape Town markets
- Develop localized content for United States and United Kingdom
- Prioritize English and Zulu 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 Johannesburg. These nearby markets offer diverse opportunities for property investors and hosts:
| Market | Properties | Monthly Revenue | Daily Rate | Occupancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moses Kotane Local Municipality | 52 | $2,123 | $248.89 | 32% |
| Metsimaholo Local Municipality | 47 | $1,104 | $175.77 | 25% |
| Madibeng Local Municipality | 315 | $926 | $128.16 | 28% |
| Rosebank | 646 | $729 | $73.84 | 41% |
| Hammanskraal | 20 | $635 | $97.23 | 23% |
| Sandton | 1,258 | $633 | $70.81 | 38% |
| Ngwathe Local Municipality | 119 | $633 | $100.25 | 25% |
| Emfuleni Local Municipality | 109 | $605 | $111.00 | 23% |
| Randburg | 680 | $601 | $63.47 | 38% |
| Irene | 70 | $562 | $49.52 | 39% |
How is your STR performing?
Your vacation rental may be amazing, but is it better than your competition? Enjoy the best-in-class AI-powered analytics for free!
Discover Insights