Durban North Airbnb Market Analysis 2025: Short Term Rental Data & Vacation Rental Statistics in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Is Airbnb profitable in Durban North in 2025? Explore comprehensive Airbnb analytics for Durban North, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa to uncover income potential. This 2025 STR market report for Durban North, based on AirROI data from June 2024 to May 2025, reveals key trends in the market of 230 active listings.
Whether you're considering an Airbnb investment in Durban North, optimizing your existing vacation rental, or exploring rental arbitrage opportunities, understanding the Durban North 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 North Airbnb Performance Metrics Overview
Monthly Airbnb Revenue Variations & Income Potential in Durban North (2025)
Understanding the monthly revenue variations for Airbnb listings in Durban North 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 North is typically December, while October often presents the lowest earnings, highlighting opportunities for strategic pricing adjustments during shoulder and low seasons. Explore the typical Airbnb income in Durban North across different performance tiers:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve $1,414+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $790 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
- Typical properties (Median) generate around $462 per month, representing the average market performance.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $230, often with potential for optimization.
Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in Durban North
Durban North Airbnb Occupancy Rate Trends (2025)
Maximize your bookings by understanding the Durban North 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 North:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve 72%+ occupancy, indicating high desirability and potentially optimized availability.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) maintain 53% or higher occupancy, suggesting good market fit and guest satisfaction.
- Typical properties (Median) have an occupancy rate around 30%.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) average 15% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.
Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in Durban North
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Airbnb Trends in Durban North (2025)
Effective short term rental pricing strategy in Durban North involves understanding monthly ADR fluctuations. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Durban North typically peaks in December and dips lowest during May. 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 $208+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $97 or more.
- Typical properties (Median) charge around $49 per night.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $34 per night.
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in Durban North
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Airbnb Seasonality Analysis & Trends in Durban North (2025)
Peak Season (December, January, April)
- Revenue averages $932 per month
- Occupancy rates average 39.1%
- Daily rates average $86
Shoulder Season
- Revenue averages $661 per month
- Occupancy maintains around 35.4%
- Daily rates hold near $84
Low Season (June, October, November)
- Revenue drops to average $557 per month
- Occupancy decreases to average 34.0%
- Daily rates adjust to average $85
Seasonality Insights for Durban North
- The Airbnb seasonality in Durban North shows highly seasonal trends requiring careful strategy. 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 North's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues capable of climbing to $1,125, occupancy reaching a high of 47.1%, and ADRs peaking at $89.
- 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 $518, occupancy could drop to 29.9%, and ADRs may adjust down to $82.
- 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 North.
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 North seasonality benchmarks and adjust your pricing and availability strategy accordingly.
Best Areas for Airbnb Investment in Durban North (2025)
Exploring the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Durban North? 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Umhlanga Rocks | Upscale beachfront suburb known for its beautiful beaches, luxury accommodation, and vibrant nightlife. Popular with both local and international tourists looking for a luxurious coastal experience. | Gateway Theatre of Shopping, Umhlanga Lagoon Nature Reserve, Umhlanga Lighthouse, Bronze Beach, The Promenade |
| Durban North | Family-friendly area with a mix of residential and holiday accommodations. Close to beaches, parks, and a variety of local restaurants and shops. | Durban North Beach, Virginia Nature Reserve, The Japanese Gardens, Durban North Bowling Club, Local eateries and cafés |
| Ballito | A coastal town known for its stunning beaches and laid-back atmosphere. Popular among families and beachgoers, making it an ideal Airbnb investment area. | Ballito Beaches, Ballito Junction Mall, Willard Beach, Thompsons Bay, Holla Trails |
| La Lucia | A wealthy suburb with great views and proximity to the beach. Perfect for guests looking for a more exclusive and tranquil getaway. | La Lucia Mall, Beachfront promenade, Wildlife reserves nearby, Local restaurants, Private beaches |
| Morningside | Trendy neighborhood known for its cafes, restaurants, and cultural spots. It attracts young professionals and tourists looking for a vibrant urban experience. | Mitchell Park, Durban Botanical Gardens, Kenneth Stainbank Nature Reserve, Local art galleries, Popular restaurants and bars |
| Kloof | Situated in the hills with lush greenery, Kloof is great for nature lovers. Offers a retreat from the city while being close to the coastal attractions. | Kranskop Nature Reserve, Kloof Gorge, Local markets, Historic sites, Hiking trails |
| Westville | A suburban area with good schools and parks. Appeals to families and visitors looking for a quieter stay while having easy access to Durban's attractions. | Westville Mall, Wavecrest Park, Local heritage sites, Hiking trails, Natural parks |
| Isigekle Beach | Less crowded beach area known for its relaxed vibe. Attracts those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of more touristy spots. | Quiet beaches, Scenic coastal walks, Secluded coves, Local eateries, Nature reserves |
Understanding Airbnb License Requirements & STR Laws in Durban North (2025)
While Durban North, 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 North to ensure full compliance before hosting.
(Source: AirROI data, 2025, based on 4% licensed listings)
Top Performing Airbnb Properties in Durban North (2025)
Benchmark your potential! Explore examples of top-performing Airbnb properties in Durban Northbased on Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) revenue. Analyze their characteristics, revenue, occupancy rate, and ADR to understand what drives success in this market.
Balgownie Place
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
Burleigh Villa 7 Rooms & 6 Bathrooms
Entire Place • 7 bedrooms
Architectural gem in Durban North - sleeps 6
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Modern farmstyle living
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
House on the Beach in Glenashley
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
Our House Durban North
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 North (2025)
Learn from the best! This table showcases top-performing Airbnb hosts in Durban North 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Host #15252693 | 8 | $56,205 | 4 | N/A/5.0 |
| Penny | 9 | $48,581 | 2076 | 4.61/5.0 |
| Denis | 7 | $43,295 | 2592 | 4.57/5.0 |
| Mark | 3 | $43,037 | 98 | 4.85/5.0 |
| Kim | 1 | $37,774 | 13 | 5.00/5.0 |
| John Robert | 1 | $34,395 | 2 | N/A/5.0 |
| Philippa | 1 | $32,875 | 36 | 4.94/5.0 |
| Sam | 2 | $29,079 | 88 | 4.91/5.0 |
| Mbali | 1 | $27,303 | 9 | 5.00/5.0 |
| Ashton | 2 | $27,039 | 19 | 4.87/5.0 |
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 North.
Dive Deeper: Advanced Durban North STR Market Data (2025)
Ready to unlock more insights? AirROI provides access to advanced metrics and comprehensive Airbnb data for Durban North. Explore detailed analytics beyond this report to refine your investment strategy, optimize pricing, and maximize your vacation rental profits.
Explore Advanced MetricsDurban North Short-Term Rental Market Composition (2025): Property & Room Types
Room Type Distribution
Property Type Distribution
Market Composition Insights for Durban North
- The Durban North Airbnb market composition is heavily skewed towards Entire Home/Apt listings, which make up 63.5% of the 230 active rentals. This indicates strong guest preference for privacy and space.
- However, a notable 36.5% share for Private Rooms suggests opportunities for budget-conscious travelers or hosts renting out spare rooms.
- Looking at the property type distribution in Durban North, 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 34.3% Hotel/Boutique listings indicates integration with traditional hospitality.
- Smaller segments like outdoor/unique (combined 0.4%) offer potential for unique stay experiences.
Durban North Airbnb Room Capacity Analysis (2025): Bedroom Distribution
Distribution of Listings by Number of Bedrooms
Room Capacity Insights for Durban North
- The dominant room capacity in Durban North is 1 bedroom listings, making up 51.7% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for couples or solo travelers.
- Together, 1 bedroom and 2 bedrooms properties represent 64.7% of the active Airbnb listings in Durban North, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.
- With over half the market (51.7%) consisting of studios or 1-bedroom units, Durban North is particularly well-suited for individuals or couples.
Durban North Vacation Rental Guest Capacity Trends (2025)
Distribution of Listings by Guest Capacity
Guest Capacity Insights for Durban North
- The most common guest capacity trend in Durban North vacation rentals is listings accommodating 2 guests (39.6%). This suggests the primary traveler segment is likely couples or solo travelers.
- Properties designed for 2 guests and 4 guests dominate the Durban North STR market, accounting for 52.2% of listings.
- A significant 41.3% of listings cater specifically to 1-2 guests, highlighting strong demand from couples and solo travelers in Durban North.
- 17.8% of properties accommodate 6+ guests, serving the market segment for larger families or group travel in Durban North.
- On average, properties in Durban North are equipped to host 3.0 guests.
Durban North Airbnb Booking Patterns (2025): Available vs. Booked Days
Available Days Distribution
Booked Days Distribution
Booking Pattern Insights for Durban North
- The most common availability pattern in Durban North falls within the 271-366 days range, representing 63.5% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
- Approximately 83.9% 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 North (33.9%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
- A notable 17.4% of properties secure long booking periods (181+ days booked per year), highlighting successful long-term rental strategies or significant owner usage.
Durban North Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis
Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement
1 Night
120 listings
53.3% of total
2 Nights
56 listings
24.9% of total
3 Nights
4 listings
1.8% of total
4-6 Nights
11 listings
4.9% of total
7-29 Nights
2 listings
0.9% of total
30+ Nights
32 listings
14.2% of total
Key Insights
- The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in Durban North is 1 Night, adopted by 53.3% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for shorter, flexible bookings.
- A strong majority (78.2%) of the Durban North Airbnb data shows acceptance of very short stays (1-2 nights), indicating a dynamic, high-turnover market.
- A significant segment (14.2%) caters to monthly stays (30+ nights) in Durban North, pointing to opportunities in the extended-stay market.
Recommendations
- Align with the market by considering a 1 Night minimum stay, as 53.3% of Durban North hosts use this setting.
- Explore offering discounts for stays of 30+ nights to attract the 14.2% of the market seeking extended stays.
- Adjust minimum nights based on seasonality – potentially shorter during low season and longer during peak demand periods in Durban North.
Durban North Airbnb Cancellation Policy Trends Analysis (2025)
Super Strict 30 Days
2 listings
1% of total
Non-refundable
12 listings
5.9% of total
Refundable
8 listings
3.9% of total
Limited
1 listings
0.5% of total
Flexible
46 listings
22.5% of total
Moderate
64 listings
31.4% of total
Firm
40 listings
19.6% of total
Strict
31 listings
15.2% of total
Cancellation Policy Insights for Durban North
- The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in Durban North is Moderate, used by 31.4% of listings.
- There's a relatively balanced mix between guest-friendly (53.9%) and stricter (34.8%) policies, offering choices for different guest needs.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Consider adopting a Moderate policy to align with the 31.4% market standard in Durban North.
- Regularly review your cancellation policy against competitors and market demand shifts in Durban North.
Durban North STR Booking Lead Time Analysis (2025)
Average Booking Lead Time by Month
Booking Lead Time Insights for Durban North
- The overall average booking lead time for vacation rentals in Durban North is 29 days.
- Guests book furthest in advance for stays during December (average 49 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
- The shortest booking windows occur for stays in August (average 20 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
- Seasonally, Winter (36 days avg.) sees the longest lead times, while Spring (26 days avg.) has the shortest, reflecting typical travel planning cycles.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Use the overall average lead time (29 days) as a baseline for your pricing and availability strategy in Durban North.
- For December stays, consider implementing length-of-stay discounts or slightly higher rates for bookings made less than 49 days out to capitalize on advance planning.
- Target marketing efforts for the Winter season well in advance (at least 36 days) to capture early planners.
- Monitor your own booking lead times against these Durban North averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.
Popular & Essential Airbnb Amenities in Durban North (2025)
Amenity Prevalence
Amenity Insights for Durban North
- Essential amenities in Durban North that guests expect include: Wifi. Lacking these (this) could significantly impact bookings.
- Popular amenities like TV, Free parking on premises, Hot water are common but not universal. Offering these can provide a competitive edge.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Ensure your listing includes all essential amenities for Durban North: Wifi.
- Prioritize adding missing essentials: Wifi.
- Consider adding popular differentiators like TV or Free parking on premises 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 North to stay competitive.
Durban North Airbnb Guest Demographics & Profile Analysis (2025)
Guest Profile Summary for Durban North
- The typical guest profile for Airbnb in Durban North consists of primarily domestic travelers (86%), 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 85.9% of guests.
- Key international markets include South Africa (85.9%) and United Kingdom (3.8%).
- Top languages spoken are English (56.8%) followed by Zulu (16.1%).
- 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 Durban and Johannesburg.
- 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 North 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% |