Durban Airbnb Market Analysis 2025: Short Term Rental Data & Vacation Rental Statistics in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Is Airbnb profitable in Durban in 2025? Explore comprehensive Airbnb analytics for Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa to uncover income potential. This 2025 STR market report for Durban, based on AirROI data from June 2024 to May 2025, reveals key trends in the market of 750 active listings.
Whether you're considering an Airbnb investment in Durban, optimizing your existing vacation rental, or exploring rental arbitrage opportunities, understanding the Durban Airbnb data is crucial. Leveraging the low regulation environment is key to maximizing your short term rental income potential. Let's dive into the specifics.
Key Durban Airbnb Performance Metrics Overview
Monthly Airbnb Revenue Variations & Income Potential in Durban (2025)
Understanding the monthly revenue variations for Airbnb listings in Durban is key to maximizing your short term rental income potential. Seasonality significantly impacts earnings. Our analysis, based on data from the past 12 months, shows that the peak revenue month for STRs in Durban is typically December, while February often presents the lowest earnings, highlighting opportunities for strategic pricing adjustments during shoulder and low seasons. Explore the typical Airbnb income in Durban across different performance tiers:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve $1,696+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $1,014 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
- Typical properties (Median) generate around $544 per month, representing the average market performance.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $255, often with potential for optimization.
Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in Durban
Durban Airbnb Occupancy Rate Trends (2025)
Maximize your bookings by understanding the Durban STR occupancy trends. Seasonal demand shifts significantly influence how often properties are booked. Typically, Decembersees the highest demand (peak season occupancy), while May experiences the lowest (low season). Effective strategies, like adjusting minimum stays or offering promotions, can boost occupancy during slower periods. Here's how different property tiers perform in Durban:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve 67%+ occupancy, indicating high desirability and potentially optimized availability.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) maintain 47% or higher occupancy, suggesting good market fit and guest satisfaction.
- Typical properties (Median) have an occupancy rate around 27%.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) average 13% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.
Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in Durban
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Airbnb Trends in Durban (2025)
Effective short term rental pricing strategy in Durban involves understanding monthly ADR fluctuations. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Durban typically peaks in January and dips lowest during August. Leveraging Airbnb dynamic pricing tools or strategies based on this seasonality can significantly boost revenue. Here's a look at the typical nightly rates achieved:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) command rates of $172+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $105 or more.
- Typical properties (Median) charge around $61 per night.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $37 per night.
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in Durban
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Airbnb Seasonality Analysis & Trends in Durban (2025)
Peak Season (December, March, September)
- Revenue averages $968 per month
- Occupancy rates average 37.1%
- Daily rates average $84
Shoulder Season
- Revenue averages $751 per month
- Occupancy maintains around 30.5%
- Daily rates hold near $86
Low Season (February, June, July)
- Revenue drops to average $678 per month
- Occupancy decreases to average 31.5%
- Daily rates adjust to average $82
Seasonality Insights for Durban
- The Airbnb seasonality in Durban shows moderate seasonality with distinct peak and low periods. While the sections above show seasonal averages, it's also insightful to look at the extremes:
- During the high season, the absolute peak month showcases Durban's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues capable of climbing to $1,218, occupancy reaching a high of 41.0%, and ADRs peaking at $96.
- Conversely, the slowest single month of the year, typically falling within the low season, marks the market's lowest point. In this month, revenue might dip to $675, occupancy could drop to 28.1%, and ADRs may adjust down to $78.
- 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 Durban.
Seasonal Strategies for Maximizing Profit
- Peak Season: Maximize revenue through premium pricing and potentially longer minimum stays. Ensure high availability.
- Low Season: Offer competitive pricing, special promotions (e.g., extended stay discounts), and flexible cancellation policies. Target off-season travelers like remote workers or budget-conscious guests.
- Shoulder Seasons: Implement dynamic pricing that balances peak and low rates. Target weekend travelers or specific events. Offer slightly more flexible terms than peak season.
- Regularly analyze your own performance against these Durban seasonality benchmarks and adjust your pricing and availability strategy accordingly.
Best Areas for Airbnb Investment in Durban (2025)
Exploring the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Durban? This section highlights key areas, outlining why they are attractive for hosts and guests, along with notable local attractions. Consider these locations based on your target guest profile and investment strategy.
| Neighborhood / Area | Why Host Here? (Target Guests & Appeal) | Key Attractions & Landmarks |
|---|---|---|
| Ushaka Marine World | One of Durban's top attractions, known for its aquarium, water park, and beach activities. It's a hub for family entertainment and adventure, making it ideal for vacation rentals. | Ushaka Marine World Aquarium, Water Park, Golden Mile, beachfront activities, restaurants and shops |
| Durban North | A residential suburb that offers a quiet escape while being close to the city's amenities and beaches. Popular with families and longer stays. | Durban North beaches, Umgeni River Bird Park, Restaurants and cafes, Shopping centers, Local markets |
| Umhlanga Rocks | An affluent coastal suburb famous for its beautiful beaches and luxurious resorts. It's a hotspot for tourists and corporate travelers alike. | Umhlanga Main Beach, Umhlanga Lighthouse, Gateway Theatre of Shopping, Restaurants and bars, Ocean activities |
| Point Waterfront | An up-and-coming area near the harbor with modern developments and close to the beach. It's ideal for tourists looking for a trendy area. | Durban Point Waterfront, V&A Waterfront-style amenities, Restaurants and cafes, Nearby beaches, Cruise ship terminal |
| Morningside | A vibrant neighborhood known for its mix of cultural influences, trendy eateries, and proximity to the city center. Attracts a diverse crowd. | Florida Road restaurants, Art galleries, Cultural events, Nature parks, Proximity to city life |
| South Beach | A lively and popular beach area known for its sunny weather, entertainment options, and close proximity to local attractions, perfect for beach lovers. | Golden Mile Beach, Durban beachfront promenade, Entertainment venues, Local markets, Restaurants |
| Hillcrest | Located in the scenic Valley of a Thousand Hills, Hillcrest is a tranquil suburb that offers a mix of rural charm and urban convenience, appealing to families and nature lovers. | Hillcrest Village, Nature reserves, Local farms, Shopping malls, Scenic views |
| Kloof | Another beautiful suburb in the Valley of a Thousand Hills, Kloof is known for its natural beauty, large homes, and community atmosphere, attracting families and nature enthusiasts. | Kranskloof Nature Reserve, Kloof Country Club, Shopping centers, Arts and crafts shops, Hiking trails |
Understanding Airbnb License Requirements & STR Laws in Durban (2025)
While Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa currently shows low STR regulations, specific Airbnb license requirements might still exist or change. Always verify the latest short term rental regulations and Airbnb license requirements directly with local government authorities for Durban to ensure full compliance before hosting.
(Source: AirROI data, 2025, based on 8% licensed listings)
Top Performing Airbnb Properties in Durban (2025)
Benchmark your potential! Explore examples of top-performing Airbnb properties in Durbanbased on Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) revenue. Analyze their characteristics, revenue, occupancy rate, and ADR to understand what drives success in this market.
Spectacular Sea view Durban Presidential Penthouse
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
One Two Five on Penzance
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Stay at the Point - Peaceful Plentiful Penthouse
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
Stay at the Point -Prestigious Prominent Penthouse
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Anstey's Beach house, self-catering by the sea.
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
Stay at the Point Magnificent Magical Marvel
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Note: Performance varies based on location, size, amenities, seasonality, and management quality. Data reflects the past 12 months.
Top Performing Airbnb Hosts in Durban (2025)
Learn from the best! This table showcases top-performing Airbnb hosts in Durban based on the number of properties managed and estimated total revenue over the past year. Analyze their scale and performance metrics.
| Host Name | Properties | Grossing Revenue | Stay Reviews | Avg Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jason | 24 | $426,137 | 2199 | 4.48/5.0 |
| Kale | 36 | $383,363 | 1045 | 4.75/5.0 |
| Dustin | 6 | $173,005 | 307 | 4.58/5.0 |
| Joeleen | 13 | $98,104 | 80 | 4.37/5.0 |
| Keshav And Nishthal | 8 | $87,651 | 451 | 4.92/5.0 |
| Maria | 6 | $80,264 | 1024 | 4.75/5.0 |
| Philippa | 7 | $75,962 | 208 | 4.70/5.0 |
| Joan | 5 | $69,216 | 38 | 4.89/5.0 |
| Zama | 1 | $52,912 | 16 | 5.00/5.0 |
| Benita | 4 | $49,556 | 159 | 4.53/5.0 |
Analyzing the strategies of top hosts, such as their property selection, pricing, and guest communication, can offer valuable lessons for optimizing your own Airbnb operations in Durban.
Dive Deeper: Advanced Durban STR Market Data (2025)
Ready to unlock more insights? AirROI provides access to advanced metrics and comprehensive Airbnb data for Durban. Explore detailed analytics beyond this report to refine your investment strategy, optimize pricing, and maximize your vacation rental profits.
Explore Advanced MetricsDurban Short-Term Rental Market Composition (2025): Property & Room Types
Room Type Distribution
Property Type Distribution
Market Composition Insights for Durban
- The Durban Airbnb market composition is heavily skewed towards Entire Home/Apt listings, which make up 76.7% of the 750 active rentals. This indicates strong guest preference for privacy and space.
- Looking at the property type distribution in Durban, Apartment/Condo properties are the most common (52.7%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
- Houses represent a significant 23.5% portion, catering likely to families or larger groups.
- The presence of 17.9% Hotel/Boutique listings indicates integration with traditional hospitality.
- Smaller segments like outdoor/unique, unique stays (combined 0.8%) offer potential for unique stay experiences.
Durban Airbnb Room Capacity Analysis (2025): Bedroom Distribution
Distribution of Listings by Number of Bedrooms
Room Capacity Insights for Durban
- The dominant room capacity in Durban is 1 bedroom listings, making up 44.4% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for couples or solo travelers.
- Together, 1 bedroom and 2 bedrooms properties represent 68.5% of the active Airbnb listings in Durban, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.
- A significant 22.2% of listings offer 3+ bedrooms, catering to larger groups and families seeking more space in Durban.
Durban Vacation Rental Guest Capacity Trends (2025)
Distribution of Listings by Guest Capacity
Guest Capacity Insights for Durban
- The most common guest capacity trend in Durban vacation rentals is listings accommodating 2 guests (34.8%). This suggests the primary traveler segment is likely couples or solo travelers.
- Properties designed for 2 guests and 4 guests dominate the Durban STR market, accounting for 58.4% of listings.
- 23.9% of properties accommodate 6+ guests, serving the market segment for larger families or group travel in Durban.
- On average, properties in Durban are equipped to host 3.6 guests.
Durban Airbnb Booking Patterns (2025): Available vs. Booked Days
Available Days Distribution
Booked Days Distribution
Booking Pattern Insights for Durban
- The most common availability pattern in Durban falls within the 271-366 days range, representing 63.9% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
- Approximately 91.8% of listings show high availability (181+ days open annually), indicating potential for increased bookings or specific owner usage patterns.
- For booked days, the 31-90 days range is most frequent in Durban (31.2%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
- A notable 9.5% of properties secure long booking periods (181+ days booked per year), highlighting successful long-term rental strategies or significant owner usage.
Durban Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis
Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement
1 Night
316 listings
43.3% of total
2 Nights
171 listings
23.5% of total
3 Nights
34 listings
4.7% of total
4-6 Nights
26 listings
3.6% of total
7-29 Nights
14 listings
1.9% of total
30+ Nights
168 listings
23% of total
Key Insights
- The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in Durban is 1 Night, adopted by 43.3% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for shorter, flexible bookings.
- A strong majority (66.8%) of the Durban Airbnb data shows acceptance of very short stays (1-2 nights), indicating a dynamic, high-turnover market.
- A significant segment (23%) caters to monthly stays (30+ nights) in Durban, pointing to opportunities in the extended-stay market.
Recommendations
- Align with the market by considering a 1 Night minimum stay, as 43.3% of Durban hosts use this setting.
- Explore offering discounts for stays of 30+ nights to attract the 23% of the market seeking extended stays.
- Adjust minimum nights based on seasonality – potentially shorter during low season and longer during peak demand periods in Durban.
Durban Airbnb Cancellation Policy Trends Analysis (2025)
Non-refundable
36 listings
5.6% of total
Limited
1 listings
0.2% of total
Refundable
30 listings
4.6% of total
Super Strict 30 Days
9 listings
1.4% of total
Flexible
188 listings
29.1% of total
Moderate
105 listings
16.3% of total
Firm
100 listings
15.5% of total
Strict
177 listings
27.4% of total
Cancellation Policy Insights for Durban
- The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in Durban is Flexible, used by 29.1% of listings.
- There's a relatively balanced mix between guest-friendly (45.4%) and stricter (42.9%) policies, offering choices for different guest needs.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Consider adopting a Flexible policy to align with the 29.1% market standard in Durban.
- Regularly review your cancellation policy against competitors and market demand shifts in Durban.
Durban STR Booking Lead Time Analysis (2025)
Average Booking Lead Time by Month
Booking Lead Time Insights for Durban
- The overall average booking lead time for vacation rentals in Durban is 35 days.
- Guests book furthest in advance for stays during December (average 61 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
- The shortest booking windows occur for stays in February (average 24 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
- Seasonally, Winter (43 days avg.) sees the longest lead times, while Spring (31 days avg.) has the shortest, reflecting typical travel planning cycles.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Use the overall average lead time (35 days) as a baseline for your pricing and availability strategy in Durban.
- For December stays, consider implementing length-of-stay discounts or slightly higher rates for bookings made less than 61 days out to capitalize on advance planning.
- Target marketing efforts for the Winter season well in advance (at least 43 days) to capture early planners.
- Monitor your own booking lead times against these Durban averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.
Popular & Essential Airbnb Amenities in Durban (2025)
Amenity Prevalence
Amenity Insights for Durban
- Popular amenities like TV, Wifi, Kitchen are common but not universal. Offering these can provide a competitive edge.
- Warning: Wifi is not universally provided but is considered essential globally. Ensure reliable Wifi is offered.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Consider adding popular differentiators like TV or Wifi to increase appeal.
- Highlight unique or less common amenities you offer (e.g., hot tub, dedicated workspace, EV charger) in your listing description and photos.
- Regularly check competitor amenities in Durban to stay competitive.
Durban Airbnb Guest Demographics & Profile Analysis (2025)
Guest Profile Summary for Durban
- The typical guest profile for Airbnb in Durban consists of primarily domestic travelers (83%), often arriving from nearby Johannesburg, typically belonging to the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group (50%), primarily speaking English or Zulu.
- Domestic travelers account for 82.7% of guests.
- Key international markets include South Africa (82.7%) and United States (3.8%).
- Top languages spoken are English (55.7%) followed by Zulu (18.1%).
- A significant demographic segment is the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group, representing 50% of guests.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Target domestic marketing efforts towards travelers from Johannesburg and Durban.
- Tailor amenities and listing descriptions to appeal to the dominant Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) demographic (e.g., highlight fast WiFi, smart home features, local guides).
- Highlight unique local experiences or amenities relevant to the primary guest profile.
- Consider seasonal promotions aligned with peak travel times for key origin markets.
Nearby Short-Term Rental Market Comparison
How does the Durban Airbnb market stack up against its neighbors? Compare key performance metrics like average monthly revenue, ADR, and occupancy rates in surrounding areas to understand the broader regional STR landscape.
| Market | Active Properties | Monthly Revenue | Daily Rate | Avg. Occupancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KwaDukuza Local Municipality | 1,532 | $1,179 | $194.31 | 31% |
| Umhlanga Rocks | 747 | $1,066 | $147.21 | 34% |
| Westbrook | 36 | $989 | $162.66 | 31% |
| Umdloti / eMdloti | 340 | $965 | $132.16 | 35% |
| Gillitts | 10 | $951 | $71.78 | 35% |
| uMgeni Local Municipality | 432 | $803 | $98.91 | 30% |
| Umkomaas | 17 | $728 | $81.32 | 33% |
| uMdoni Local Municipality | 164 | $627 | $110.88 | 26% |
| Amanzimtoti | 11 | $620 | $78.72 | 34% |
| La Mercy | 26 | $607 | $106.70 | 25% |