Cape Town Airbnb Market Analysis 2025: Short Term Rental Data & Vacation Rental Statistics in Western Cape, South Africa
Is Airbnb profitable in Cape Town in 2025? Explore comprehensive Airbnb analytics for Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa to uncover income potential. This 2025 STR market report for Cape Town, based on AirROI data from April 2024 to March 2025, reveals key trends in the bustling market of 11,254 active listings.
Whether you're considering an Airbnb investment in Cape Town, optimizing your existing vacation rental, or exploring rental arbitrage opportunities, understanding the Cape Town 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 Cape Town Airbnb Performance Metrics Overview
Monthly Airbnb Revenue Variations & Income Potential in Cape Town (2025)
Understanding the monthly revenue variations for Airbnb listings in Cape Town 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 Cape Town is typically January, while September often presents the lowest earnings, highlighting opportunities for strategic pricing adjustments during shoulder and low seasons. Explore the typical Airbnb income in Cape Town across different performance tiers:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve $5,222+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $2,730 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
- Typical properties (Median) generate around $1,478 per month, representing the average market performance.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $693, often with potential for optimization.
Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in Cape Town
Cape Town Airbnb Occupancy Rate Trends (2025)
Maximize your bookings by understanding the Cape Town STR occupancy trends. Seasonal demand shifts significantly influence how often properties are booked. Typically, Februarysees the highest demand (peak season occupancy), while June 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 Cape Town:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve 89%+ occupancy, indicating high desirability and potentially optimized availability.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) maintain 74% or higher occupancy, suggesting good market fit and guest satisfaction.
- Typical properties (Median) have an occupancy rate around 49%.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) average 24% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.
Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in Cape Town
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Airbnb Trends in Cape Town (2025)
Effective short term rental pricing strategy in Cape Town involves understanding monthly ADR fluctuations. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Cape Town typically peaks in December 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 $371+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $179 or more.
- Typical properties (Median) charge around $95 per night.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $57 per night.
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in Cape Town
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Airbnb Seasonality Analysis & Trends in Cape Town (2025)
Peak Season (January, December, February)
- Revenue averages $3,670 per month
- Occupancy rates average 60.1%
- Daily rates average $212
Shoulder Season
- Revenue averages $2,250 per month
- Occupancy maintains around 46.1%
- Daily rates hold near $172
Low Season (July, August, September)
- Revenue drops to average $1,650 per month
- Occupancy decreases to average 43.2%
- Daily rates adjust to average $160
Seasonality Insights for Cape Town
- The Airbnb seasonality in Cape Town 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 Cape Town's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues capable of climbing to $3,854, occupancy reaching a high of 62.5%, and ADRs peaking at $219.
- 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 $1,622, occupancy could drop to 35.5%, and ADRs may adjust down to $158.
- 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 Cape Town.
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 Cape Town seasonality benchmarks and adjust your pricing and availability strategy accordingly.
Best Areas for Airbnb Investment in Cape Town (2025)
Exploring the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Cape Town? 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 |
|---|---|---|
| V&A Waterfront | The V&A Waterfront is a vibrant mixed-use area with shopping, dining, and entertainment options. It attracts tourists looking for leisure and scenic views of Table Mountain and the harbor. | Two Oceans Aquarium, Table Mountain Aerial Cableway, V&A Waterfront Shopping Mall, Zeitz MOCAA Museum, Waterfront Ferries |
| Camps Bay | Famous for its beautiful beaches and stunning sunset views, Camps Bay is the perfect destination for tourists wanting a beach holiday combined with upscale dining and nightlife. | Camps Bay Beach, Table Mountain National Park, The Promenade, Topless Tour, Camps Bay Theatre |
| Bo-Kaap | Known for its brightly colored houses and rich cultural heritage, Bo-Kaap offers a unique experience rich in history and is popular among tourists wishing to explore Cape Malay culture. | Bo-Kaap Museum, Cape Malay Cooking Class, Historic walking tours, Contact with locals, Colorful houses of Bo-Kaap |
| Clifton | Clifton features some of the most exclusive beaches in Cape Town, appealing to upscale tourists and those looking for a quiet retreat right by the ocean. | Clifton Beaches, Glen Beach, Clifton 4th Beach, Hiking trails, Stunning views of the ocean |
| Green Point | A trendy neighborhood known for its park and proximity to the Waterfront, Green Point attracts tourists who want a lively area close to attractions and nightlife. | Green Point Park, Cape Town Stadium, The Promenade, Restaurants and Cafes, Art galleries |
| Constantia | Famed for its wine estates and lush countryside, Constantia offers a peaceful retreat and is attractive to wine lovers and those seeking some nature in the city. | Constantia Wine Route, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, Horse riding trails, Hiking in Constantia Greenbelt, Fine dining restaurants |
| Sea Point | A popular coastal suburb that offers a scenic promenade and vibrant atmosphere, Sea Point attracts families and tourists looking for easy access to the beach and local amenities. | Sea Point Promenade, Rock Pool, Mocha Restaurant, Sea Point Pavilion, Art deco architecture |
| Hout Bay | A picturesque fishing village surrounded by mountains, Hout Bay provides a laid-back atmosphere with access to nature and maritime activities, appealing to adventure seekers and families alike. | Hout Bay Beach, Seal Island, Hout Bay Harbour, Chapman's Peak Drive, Markets and eateries |
Understanding Airbnb License Requirements & STR Laws in Cape Town (2025)
While Cape Town, Western Cape, 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 Cape Town to ensure full compliance before hosting.
(Source: AirROI data, 2025, based on 0% licensed listings)
Top Performing Airbnb Properties in Cape Town (2025)
Benchmark your potential! Explore examples of top-performing Airbnb properties in Cape Townbased on Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) revenue. Analyze their characteristics, revenue, occupancy rate, and ADR to understand what drives success in this market.
Two Views - Gorgeous 8 Bedroom Villa in Camps Bay
Entire Place • 8 bedrooms
Serenity 18 Ronald Road Camps Bay (Views & Solar)
Entire Place • 6 bedrooms
Spectacular Villa with Pool & Gym
Entire Place • 9 bedrooms
Orcha Villa, Bantry Bay
Entire Place • 5 bedrooms
Hot tub! Heated pool! Fully serviced! Inverter!
Entire Place • 5 bedrooms
Breathtaking Coastal Villa Atlantic Horizons
Entire Place • 6 bedrooms
Note: Performance varies based on location, size, amenities, seasonality, and management quality. Data reflects the past 12 months.
Top Performing Airbnb Hosts in Cape Town (2025)
Learn from the best! This table showcases top-performing Airbnb hosts in Cape Town 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nox | 123 | $8,357,180 | 3798 | 4.21/5.0 |
| Turnkey365 | 51 | $5,743,698 | 924 | 4.29/5.0 |
| Jayson | 94 | $3,121,458 | 8439 | 4.85/5.0 |
| Esta-Marita | 19 | $2,908,819 | 1019 | 4.92/5.0 |
| Rest Easy | 47 | $2,315,328 | 1229 | 4.45/5.0 |
| Lavinia | 19 | $2,093,755 | 330 | 3.36/5.0 |
| Janine & Rachel | 32 | $1,864,570 | 1324 | 4.78/5.0 |
| Lance | 54 | $1,863,374 | 5114 | 4.81/5.0 |
| Albertus | 54 | $1,758,838 | 4101 | 4.82/5.0 |
| Nicholas Sadleir | 29 | $1,742,897 | 981 | 4.68/5.0 |
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 Cape Town.
Dive Deeper: Advanced Cape Town STR Market Data (2025)
Ready to unlock more insights? AirROI provides access to advanced metrics and comprehensive Airbnb data for Cape Town. Explore detailed analytics beyond this report to refine your investment strategy, optimize pricing, and maximize your vacation rental profits.
Explore Advanced MetricsCape Town Short-Term Rental Market Composition (2025): Property & Room Types
Room Type Distribution
Property Type Distribution
Market Composition Insights for Cape Town
- The Cape Town Airbnb market composition is heavily skewed towards Entire Home/Apt listings, which make up 88.3% of the 11,254 active rentals. This indicates strong guest preference for privacy and space.
- Looking at the property type distribution in Cape Town, Apartment/Condo properties are the most common (60.8%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
- Houses represent a significant 28.4% portion, catering likely to families or larger groups.
- The presence of 5.1% Hotel/Boutique listings indicates integration with traditional hospitality.
- Smaller segments like outdoor/unique, unique stays (combined 0.4%) offer potential for unique stay experiences.
Cape Town Airbnb Room Capacity Analysis (2025): Bedroom Distribution
Distribution of Listings by Number of Bedrooms
Room Capacity Insights for Cape Town
- The dominant room capacity in Cape Town is 1 bedroom listings, making up 42.5% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for couples or solo travelers.
- Together, 1 bedroom and 2 bedrooms properties represent 68.0% of the active Airbnb listings in Cape Town, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.
- A significant 21.1% of listings offer 3+ bedrooms, catering to larger groups and families seeking more space in Cape Town.
Cape Town Vacation Rental Guest Capacity Trends (2025)
Distribution of Listings by Guest Capacity
Guest Capacity Insights for Cape Town
- The most common guest capacity trend in Cape Town vacation rentals is listings accommodating 2 guests (43.3%). This suggests the primary traveler segment is likely couples or solo travelers.
- Properties designed for 2 guests and 4 guests dominate the Cape Town STR market, accounting for 67.1% of listings.
- A significant 44.5% of listings cater specifically to 1-2 guests, highlighting strong demand from couples and solo travelers in Cape Town.
- 19.6% of properties accommodate 6+ guests, serving the market segment for larger families or group travel in Cape Town.
- On average, properties in Cape Town are equipped to host 3.4 guests.
Cape Town Airbnb Booking Patterns (2025): Available vs. Booked Days
Available Days Distribution
Booked Days Distribution
Booking Pattern Insights for Cape Town
- The most common availability pattern in Cape Town falls within the 271-366 days range, representing 40.3% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
- Approximately 67.3% of listings show high availability (181+ days open annually), indicating potential for increased bookings or specific owner usage patterns.
- For booked days, the 91-180 days range is most frequent in Cape Town (27.6%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
- A notable 33.6% of properties secure long booking periods (181+ days booked per year), highlighting successful long-term rental strategies or significant owner usage.
Cape Town Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis
Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement
1 Night
1415 listings
13.4% of total
2 Nights
3164 listings
30% of total
3 Nights
1355 listings
12.8% of total
4-6 Nights
1576 listings
14.9% of total
7-29 Nights
629 listings
6% of total
30+ Nights
2413 listings
22.9% of total
Key Insights
- The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in Cape Town is 2 Nights, adopted by 30% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for shorter, flexible bookings.
- A significant segment (22.9%) caters to monthly stays (30+ nights) in Cape Town, pointing to opportunities in the extended-stay market.
Recommendations
- Align with the market by considering a 2 Nights minimum stay, as 30% of Cape Town hosts use this setting.
- If feasible, allowing 1-night stays, especially midweek or during low season, could capture last-minute bookings, as only 13.4% currently do.
- Explore offering discounts for stays of 30+ nights to attract the 22.9% of the market seeking extended stays.
- Adjust minimum nights based on seasonality – potentially shorter during low season and longer during peak demand periods in Cape Town.
Cape Town Airbnb Cancellation Policy Trends Analysis (2025)
Super Strict 60 Days
138 listings
1.4% of total
Non-refundable
212 listings
2.2% of total
Refundable
195 listings
2% of total
Super Strict 95 Days
1 listings
0% of total
Super Strict 30 Days
204 listings
2.1% of total
Flexible
1178 listings
12.3% of total
Moderate
2031 listings
21.2% of total
Firm
2609 listings
27.3% of total
Strict
2991 listings
31.3% of total
Cancellation Policy Insights for Cape Town
- The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in Cape Town is Strict, used by 31.3% of listings.
- A majority (58.6%) of hosts in Cape Town utilize Firm or Strict policies, indicating a market where hosts prioritize booking security.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Consider adopting a Strict policy to align with the 31.3% market standard in Cape Town.
- With 31.3% using Strict terms, this is a viable option in Cape Town, particularly for high-value properties or during peak demand periods.
- Regularly review your cancellation policy against competitors and market demand shifts in Cape Town.
Cape Town STR Booking Lead Time Analysis (2025)
Average Booking Lead Time by Month
Booking Lead Time Insights for Cape Town
- The overall average booking lead time for vacation rentals in Cape Town is 60 days.
- Guests book furthest in advance for stays during January (average 79 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
- The shortest booking windows occur for stays in August (average 41 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
- Seasonally, Winter (78 days avg.) sees the longest lead times, while Summer (41 days avg.) has the shortest, reflecting typical travel planning cycles.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Use the overall average lead time (60 days) as a baseline for your pricing and availability strategy in Cape Town.
- For January stays, consider implementing length-of-stay discounts or slightly higher rates for bookings made less than 79 days out to capitalize on advance planning.
- Target marketing efforts for the Winter season well in advance (at least 78 days) to capture early planners.
- Monitor your own booking lead times against these Cape Town averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.
Popular & Essential Airbnb Amenities in Cape Town (2025)
Amenity Prevalence
Amenity Insights for Cape Town
- Essential amenities in Cape Town that guests expect include: Wifi. Lacking these (this) could significantly impact bookings.
- Popular amenities like Kitchen, Hot water, TV are common but not universal. Offering these can provide a competitive edge.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Ensure your listing includes all essential amenities for Cape Town: Wifi.
- Prioritize adding missing essentials: Wifi.
- Consider adding popular differentiators like Kitchen or Hot water 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 Cape Town to stay competitive.
Cape Town Airbnb Guest Demographics & Profile Analysis (2025)
Guest Profile Summary for Cape Town
- The typical guest profile for Airbnb in Cape Town consists of a mix of domestic (42%) and international guests, with top international origins including United Kingdom, typically belonging to the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group (50%), primarily speaking English or Afrikaans.
- Domestic travelers account for 41.9% of guests.
- Key international markets include South Africa (41.9%) and United Kingdom (11.7%).
- Top languages spoken are English (53.5%) followed by Afrikaans (9.6%).
- 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 Cape Town 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stellenbosch Local Municipality | 1,172 | $1,851 | $171.81 | 45% |
| Noordhoek | 200 | $1,683 | $202.83 | 41% |
| Hout Bay | 446 | $1,681 | $183.48 | 43% |
| Witzenberg Local Municipality | 231 | $1,435 | $125.48 | 37% |
| Sir Lowry's Pass | 17 | $1,358 | $156.32 | 35% |
| Simon's Town | 260 | $1,306 | $132.53 | 41% |
| Overstrand Local Municipality | 1,797 | $1,248 | $161.29 | 34% |
| Gordons Bay | 13 | $1,227 | $109.64 | 42% |
| Pine Haven | 13 | $1,184 | $121.22 | 38% |
| Swartland Local Municipality | 383 | $1,111 | $159.62 | 29% |