Mtubatuba Local Municipality Airbnb Market Analysis 2025: Short Term Rental Data & Vacation Rental Statistics in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Is Airbnb profitable in Mtubatuba Local Municipality in 2025? Explore comprehensive Airbnb analytics for Mtubatuba Local Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa to uncover income potential. This 2025 STR market report for Mtubatuba Local Municipality, based on AirROI data from April 2024 to March 2025, reveals key trends in the niche market of 150 active listings.
Whether you're considering an Airbnb investment in Mtubatuba Local Municipality, optimizing your existing vacation rental, or exploring rental arbitrage opportunities, understanding the Mtubatuba Local Municipality 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 Mtubatuba Local Municipality Airbnb Performance Metrics Overview
Monthly Airbnb Revenue Variations & Income Potential in Mtubatuba Local Municipality (2025)
Understanding the monthly revenue variations for Airbnb listings in Mtubatuba Local Municipality 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 Mtubatuba Local Municipality is typically December, while May often presents the lowest earnings, highlighting opportunities for strategic pricing adjustments during shoulder and low seasons. Explore the typical Airbnb income in Mtubatuba Local Municipality across different performance tiers:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve $1,571+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $978 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
- Typical properties (Median) generate around $550 per month, representing the average market performance.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $278, often with potential for optimization.
Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in Mtubatuba Local Municipality
Mtubatuba Local Municipality Airbnb Occupancy Rate Trends (2025)
Maximize your bookings by understanding the Mtubatuba Local Municipality 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 Mtubatuba Local Municipality:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve 56%+ occupancy, indicating high desirability and potentially optimized availability.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) maintain 39% or higher occupancy, suggesting good market fit and guest satisfaction.
- Typical properties (Median) have an occupancy rate around 23%.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) average 12% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.
Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in Mtubatuba Local Municipality
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Airbnb Trends in Mtubatuba Local Municipality (2025)
Effective short term rental pricing strategy in Mtubatuba Local Municipality involves understanding monthly ADR fluctuations. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Mtubatuba Local Municipality 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 $139+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $102 or more.
- Typical properties (Median) charge around $82 per night.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $60 per night.
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in Mtubatuba Local Municipality
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Airbnb Seasonality Analysis & Trends in Mtubatuba Local Municipality (2025)
Peak Season (December, January, March)
- Revenue averages $1,007 per month
- Occupancy rates average 33.1%
- Daily rates average $98
Shoulder Season
- Revenue averages $706 per month
- Occupancy maintains around 27.7%
- Daily rates hold near $89
Low Season (April, May, October)
- Revenue drops to average $616 per month
- Occupancy decreases to average 22.6%
- Daily rates adjust to average $86
Seasonality Insights for Mtubatuba Local Municipality
- The Airbnb seasonality in Mtubatuba Local Municipality 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 Mtubatuba Local Municipality's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues capable of climbing to $1,457, occupancy reaching a high of 45.5%, and ADRs peaking at $102.
- 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 $519, occupancy could drop to 18.1%, and ADRs may adjust down to $85.
- 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 Mtubatuba Local Municipality.
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 Mtubatuba Local Municipality seasonality benchmarks and adjust your pricing and availability strategy accordingly.
Best Areas for Airbnb Investment in Mtubatuba Local Municipality (2025)
Exploring the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Mtubatuba Local Municipality? 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 |
|---|---|---|
| St. Lucia | A small town renowned for its natural beauty and proximity to the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It's popular with tourists looking for wildlife experiences, beaches, and eco-adventures. | iSimangaliso Wetland Park, St. Lucia Estuary, Cape Vidal, Whale watching, Bird watching, Hiking trails |
| Hluhluwe | Known for its rich wildlife and proximity to the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, this area attracts nature lovers and those seeking safari experiences. | Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, Big 5 safaris, The Phinda Game Reserve, Cultural experiences, Zululand Rhino Reserve |
| Kosi Bay | Famous for its stunning beaches, lagoons, and rich marine and bird life. A perfect destination for those seeking water sports, fishing, and relaxation. | Kosi Bay Mouth, Kosi Bay Nature Reserve, Maritime forests, Snorkeling and diving, Fishing opportunities |
| Sodwana Bay | A world-renowned diving location with beautiful coral reefs. It attracts divers and tourists seeking adventure and marine experiences. | Sodwana Bay National Park, Diving and snorkeling, Coral reefs, Beaches, Turtle tours |
| Zululand | Rich in Zulu culture and history, this region is a great investment area for tourists seeking cultural experiences and natural beauty. | Cultural villages, Historical sites, Game reserves, Art and craft markets |
| Mkuze | Offers an array of wildlife experiences along with beautiful landscapes, attracting eco-tourists and adventure enthusiasts. | Mkuze Game Reserve, Bird watching, Conservation initiatives, Scenic viewpoints |
| Pongola | Known for its rich biodiversity and the Pongolapoort Dam, this area is great for water sports lovers and nature enthusiasts. | Pongolapoort Dam, Zebra, giraffe, and other wildlife, Bird watching, Water sports activities |
| Mtubatuba Town | The town itself is a hub for local commerce and offers accessibility to various tourist attractions in the region, making it convenient for visitors. | Local markets, Cultural experiences, Travel hub for other attractions, Nearby nature reserves, Community interactions |
Understanding Airbnb License Requirements & STR Laws in Mtubatuba Local Municipality (2025)
While Mtubatuba Local Municipality, 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 Mtubatuba Local Municipality to ensure full compliance before hosting.
(Source: AirROI data, 2025, finding no licensed listings among those analyzed)
Top Performing Airbnb Properties in Mtubatuba Local Municipality (2025)
Benchmark your potential! Explore examples of top-performing Airbnb properties in Mtubatuba Local Municipalitybased on Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) revenue. Analyze their characteristics, revenue, occupancy rate, and ADR to understand what drives success in this market.
Little Eden: IMBONISO Sea View Top Floor Unit
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Serviced St Lucia waterside home with a view
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Pelican's Nest St Lucia Private Holiday House
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
The Bridge, Unit 25
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Newly renovated home in St Lucia
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
The Sweetest Spot (8 Sleeper Villa)
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
Note: Performance varies based on location, size, amenities, seasonality, and management quality. Data reflects the past 12 months.
Top Performing Airbnb Hosts in Mtubatuba Local Municipality (2025)
Learn from the best! This table showcases top-performing Airbnb hosts in Mtubatuba Local Municipality 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Megan | 9 | $69,371 | 60 | 2.49/5.0 |
| Mark | 2 | $47,932 | 164 | 4.87/5.0 |
| Bianca | 4 | $47,397 | 57 | 4.92/5.0 |
| Shelley | 8 | $44,234 | 26 | 0.56/5.0 |
| Anel | 6 | $43,091 | 414 | 4.87/5.0 |
| Amanda | 5 | $39,748 | 103 | 4.77/5.0 |
| Sonja | 3 | $29,408 | 248 | 4.72/5.0 |
| Madeleine | 4 | $29,099 | 23 | 4.76/5.0 |
| Bianca | 1 | $26,443 | 14 | 5.00/5.0 |
| Kelly | 1 | $26,287 | 17 | 4.88/5.0 |
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 Mtubatuba Local Municipality.
Dive Deeper: Advanced Mtubatuba Local Municipality STR Market Data (2025)
Ready to unlock more insights? AirROI provides access to advanced metrics and comprehensive Airbnb data for Mtubatuba Local Municipality. Explore detailed analytics beyond this report to refine your investment strategy, optimize pricing, and maximize your vacation rental profits.
Explore Advanced MetricsMtubatuba Local Municipality Short-Term Rental Market Composition (2025): Property & Room Types
Room Type Distribution
Property Type Distribution
Market Composition Insights for Mtubatuba Local Municipality
- The Mtubatuba Local Municipality Airbnb market composition is heavily skewed towards Entire Home/Apt listings, which make up 75.3% of the 150 active rentals. This indicates strong guest preference for privacy and space.
- Looking at the property type distribution in Mtubatuba Local Municipality, Apartment/Condo properties are the most common (59.3%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
- Houses represent a significant 27.3% portion, catering likely to families or larger groups.
- The presence of 7.3% Hotel/Boutique listings indicates integration with traditional hospitality.
- Smaller segments like outdoor/unique, others, unique stays (combined 6.0%) offer potential for unique stay experiences.
Mtubatuba Local Municipality Airbnb Room Capacity Analysis (2025): Bedroom Distribution
Distribution of Listings by Number of Bedrooms
Room Capacity Insights for Mtubatuba Local Municipality
- The dominant room capacity in Mtubatuba Local Municipality is 2 bedrooms listings, making up 38% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for couples or solo travelers.
- Together, 2 bedrooms and 3 bedrooms properties represent 63.3% of the active Airbnb listings in Mtubatuba Local Municipality, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.
- A significant 34.7% of listings offer 3+ bedrooms, catering to larger groups and families seeking more space in Mtubatuba Local Municipality.
Mtubatuba Local Municipality Vacation Rental Guest Capacity Trends (2025)
Distribution of Listings by Guest Capacity
Guest Capacity Insights for Mtubatuba Local Municipality
- The most common guest capacity trend in Mtubatuba Local Municipality vacation rentals is listings accommodating 4 guests (31.3%). This suggests the primary traveler segment is likely small families or groups.
- Properties designed for 4 guests and 6 guests dominate the Mtubatuba Local Municipality STR market, accounting for 56.0% of listings.
- 37.3% of properties accommodate 6+ guests, serving the market segment for larger families or group travel in Mtubatuba Local Municipality.
- On average, properties in Mtubatuba Local Municipality are equipped to host 4.5 guests.
Mtubatuba Local Municipality Airbnb Booking Patterns (2025): Available vs. Booked Days
Available Days Distribution
Booked Days Distribution
Booking Pattern Insights for Mtubatuba Local Municipality
- The most common availability pattern in Mtubatuba Local Municipality falls within the 271-366 days range, representing 69.3% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
- Approximately 90.0% 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 Mtubatuba Local Municipality (47.3%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
- A notable 10.0% of properties secure long booking periods (181+ days booked per year), highlighting successful long-term rental strategies or significant owner usage.
Mtubatuba Local Municipality Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis
Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement
1 Night
70 listings
50% of total
2 Nights
39 listings
27.9% of total
3 Nights
1 listings
0.7% of total
7-29 Nights
1 listings
0.7% of total
30+ Nights
29 listings
20.7% of total
Key Insights
- The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in Mtubatuba Local Municipality is 1 Night, adopted by 50% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for shorter, flexible bookings.
- A strong majority (77.9%) of the Mtubatuba Local Municipality Airbnb data shows acceptance of very short stays (1-2 nights), indicating a dynamic, high-turnover market.
- A significant segment (20.7%) caters to monthly stays (30+ nights) in Mtubatuba Local Municipality, pointing to opportunities in the extended-stay market.
Recommendations
- Align with the market by considering a 1 Night minimum stay, as 50% of Mtubatuba Local Municipality hosts use this setting.
- Explore offering discounts for stays of 30+ nights to attract the 20.7% of the market seeking extended stays.
- Adjust minimum nights based on seasonality – potentially shorter during low season and longer during peak demand periods in Mtubatuba Local Municipality.
Mtubatuba Local Municipality Airbnb Cancellation Policy Trends Analysis (2025)
Refundable
25 listings
22.1% of total
Non-refundable
13 listings
11.5% of total
Flexible
18 listings
15.9% of total
Moderate
11 listings
9.7% of total
Firm
17 listings
15% of total
Strict
29 listings
25.7% of total
Cancellation Policy Insights for Mtubatuba Local Municipality
- The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in Mtubatuba Local Municipality is Strict, used by 25.7% of listings.
- There's a relatively balanced mix between guest-friendly (25.6%) and stricter (40.7%) policies, offering choices for different guest needs.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Consider adopting a Strict policy to align with the 25.7% market standard in Mtubatuba Local Municipality.
- Regularly review your cancellation policy against competitors and market demand shifts in Mtubatuba Local Municipality.
Mtubatuba Local Municipality STR Booking Lead Time Analysis (2025)
Average Booking Lead Time by Month
Booking Lead Time Insights for Mtubatuba Local Municipality
- The overall average booking lead time for vacation rentals in Mtubatuba Local Municipality is 69 days.
- Guests book furthest in advance for stays during December (average 104 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
- The shortest booking windows occur for stays in March (average 59 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
- Seasonally, Winter (83 days avg.) sees the longest lead times, while Spring (80 days avg.) has the shortest, reflecting typical travel planning cycles.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Use the overall average lead time (69 days) as a baseline for your pricing and availability strategy in Mtubatuba Local Municipality.
- For December stays, consider implementing length-of-stay discounts or slightly higher rates for bookings made less than 104 days out to capitalize on advance planning.
- Target marketing efforts for the Winter season well in advance (at least 83 days) to capture early planners.
- Monitor your own booking lead times against these Mtubatuba Local Municipality averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.
Popular & Essential Airbnb Amenities in Mtubatuba Local Municipality (2025)
Amenity Prevalence
Amenity Insights for Mtubatuba Local Municipality
- Essential amenities in Mtubatuba Local Municipality that guests expect include: Air conditioning. Lacking these (this) could significantly impact bookings.
- Popular amenities like TV, Free parking on premises, Kitchen are common but not universal. Offering these can provide a competitive edge.
- A pool is a highly desired but not standard amenity, making it a key feature for attracting guests seeking leisure in Mtubatuba Local Municipality.
- Warning: Wifi is not universally provided but is considered essential globally. Ensure reliable Wifi is offered.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Ensure your listing includes all essential amenities for Mtubatuba Local Municipality: Air conditioning.
- Prioritize adding missing essentials: Air conditioning.
- 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 Mtubatuba Local Municipality to stay competitive.
Mtubatuba Local Municipality Airbnb Guest Demographics & Profile Analysis (2025)
Guest Profile Summary for Mtubatuba Local Municipality
- The typical guest profile for Airbnb in Mtubatuba Local Municipality consists of a mix of domestic (52%) and international guests, often arriving from nearby KwaZulu-Natal, typically belonging to the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group (50%), primarily speaking English or German.
- Domestic travelers account for 51.6% of guests.
- Key international markets include South Africa (51.6%) and Netherlands (8.6%).
- Top languages spoken are English (49.6%) followed by German (10.4%).
- A significant demographic segment is the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group, representing 50% of guests.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Balance marketing efforts between domestic and international channels based on the guest mix.
- 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 Mtubatuba Local Municipality 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 | 1,399 | $1,213 | $179.58 | 31% |
| Umhlanga Rocks | 676 | $1,167 | $136.66 | 35% |
| Westbrook | 36 | $1,067 | $153.07 | 31% |
| Umdloti / eMdloti | 315 | $995 | $115.04 | 35% |
| The Big Five False Bay Local Municipality | 47 | $874 | $109.86 | 29% |
| La Mercy | 24 | $637 | $101.32 | 25% |
| Durban | 667 | $595 | $79.59 | 32% |
| Umhlanga | 10 | $475 | $87.07 | 26% |
| Durban North | 213 | $456 | $70.17 | 33% |
| uMlalazi Local Municipality | 37 | $387 | $75.73 | 24% |