Bulawayo Airbnb Market Analysis 2025: Short Term Rental Data & Vacation Rental Statistics in Bulawayo Province, Zimbabwe
Is Airbnb profitable in Bulawayo in 2025? Explore comprehensive Airbnb analytics for Bulawayo, Bulawayo Province, Zimbabwe to uncover income potential. This 2025 STR market report for Bulawayo, based on AirROI data from April 2024 to March 2025, reveals key trends in the market of 251 active listings.
Whether you're considering an Airbnb investment in Bulawayo, optimizing your existing vacation rental, or exploring rental arbitrage opportunities, understanding the Bulawayo 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 Bulawayo Airbnb Performance Metrics Overview
Monthly Airbnb Revenue Variations & Income Potential in Bulawayo (2025)
Understanding the monthly revenue variations for Airbnb listings in Bulawayo 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 Bulawayo is typically May, while March often presents the lowest earnings, highlighting opportunities for strategic pricing adjustments during shoulder and low seasons. Explore the typical Airbnb income in Bulawayo across different performance tiers:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve $1,952+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $1,200 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
- Typical properties (Median) generate around $603 per month, representing the average market performance.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $257, often with potential for optimization.
Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in Bulawayo
Bulawayo Airbnb Occupancy Rate Trends (2025)
Maximize your bookings by understanding the Bulawayo STR occupancy trends. Seasonal demand shifts significantly influence how often properties are booked. Typically, Maysees 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 Bulawayo:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve 65%+ occupancy, indicating high desirability and potentially optimized availability.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) maintain 45% or higher occupancy, suggesting good market fit and guest satisfaction.
- Typical properties (Median) have an occupancy rate around 25%.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) average 12% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.
Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in Bulawayo
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Airbnb Trends in Bulawayo (2025)
Effective short term rental pricing strategy in Bulawayo involves understanding monthly ADR fluctuations. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Bulawayo typically peaks in April and dips lowest during November. 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 $156+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $103 or more.
- Typical properties (Median) charge around $67 per night.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $43 per night.
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in Bulawayo
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Airbnb Seasonality Analysis & Trends in Bulawayo (2025)
Peak Season (May, April, December)
- Revenue averages $1,244 per month
- Occupancy rates average 39.0%
- Daily rates average $87
Shoulder Season
- Revenue averages $790 per month
- Occupancy maintains around 29.0%
- Daily rates hold near $86
Low Season (February, March, September)
- Revenue drops to average $619 per month
- Occupancy decreases to average 27.0%
- Daily rates adjust to average $86
Seasonality Insights for Bulawayo
- The Airbnb seasonality in Bulawayo 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 Bulawayo's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues capable of climbing to $1,340, occupancy reaching a high of 42.6%, 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 $563, occupancy could drop to 21.4%, 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 Bulawayo.
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 Bulawayo seasonality benchmarks and adjust your pricing and availability strategy accordingly.
Best Areas for Airbnb Investment in Bulawayo (2025)
Exploring the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Bulawayo? 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 |
|---|---|---|
| City Centre | The heart of Bulawayo, featuring historical buildings, business districts, and accessible amenities. A great location for business travelers and tourists exploring the city. | Bulawayo Railway Museum, Natural History Museum, Centenary Park, City Hall, Zimbabwe International Trade Fair |
| Suburbs | Quieter residential areas offering a local experience. Attractive to families and long-term stays with easy access to shops and parks. | Parks and recreational areas, Shopping malls, Local markets |
| Khami Ruins | A UNESCO World Heritage Site attracting tourists interested in cultural history and archaeology. Ideal for hosting guests looking to explore ancient ruins. | Khami Ruins National Monument, Historical guided tours |
| Masiyephambili | Up-and-coming residential area with local attractions and accessible amenities. Popular among locals and expatriates alike. | Local shops and restaurants, Parks, Community events |
| Entumbane | Popular residential neighborhood with a vibrant community feel. It attracts visitors wanting to experience local life and culture. | Community markets, Local eateries, Cultural festivals |
| Lobengula | A bustling area featuring a mix of residential and commercial properties. Great for nightlife and local dining experiences. | Nightclubs, Restaurants, Markets |
| Western Areas | Known for its expansive neighborhoods and access to nature, suitable for guests wanting a peaceful retreat close to the city. | Hillside Dams, Nature trails, Botanical gardens |
| Donnington | A charming neighborhood with easy access to the city center and local amenities, ideal for those seeking a balance between urban and suburban living. | Local parks, Shops and cafes, Community activities |
Understanding Airbnb License Requirements & STR Laws in Bulawayo (2025)
While Bulawayo, Bulawayo Province, Zimbabwe 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 Bulawayo to ensure full compliance before hosting.
(Source: AirROI data, 2025, finding no licensed listings among those analyzed)
Top Performing Airbnb Properties in Bulawayo (2025)
Benchmark your potential! Explore examples of top-performing Airbnb properties in Bulawayobased on Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) revenue. Analyze their characteristics, revenue, occupancy rate, and ADR to understand what drives success in this market.
Peaceful updated farm house in town
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
At home
Entire Place • 5 bedrooms
PalmPlace-3bed 3bath
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Khanya House Luxury Retreat
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Elegant four bedroom villa with a pool.
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
Beautiful 2 bedroom house with pool and AC
Entire Place • 2 bedrooms
Note: Performance varies based on location, size, amenities, seasonality, and management quality. Data reflects the past 12 months.
Top Performing Airbnb Hosts in Bulawayo (2025)
Learn from the best! This table showcases top-performing Airbnb hosts in Bulawayo 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mandy | 5 | $65,555 | 273 | 4.81/5.0 |
| Janelle | 2 | $61,667 | 269 | 4.91/5.0 |
| Shelta Tabita | 4 | $51,829 | 69 | 3.68/5.0 |
| Nomvuyo | 3 | $48,172 | 85 | 4.84/5.0 |
| Trust | 2 | $42,277 | 131 | 4.61/5.0 |
| Alice | 7 | $39,434 | 155 | 3.39/5.0 |
| Mufaro | 2 | $36,297 | 197 | 4.90/5.0 |
| Yvonne | 4 | $34,728 | 305 | 4.85/5.0 |
| Petty | 2 | $31,664 | 64 | 4.83/5.0 |
| Host #115646520 | 14 | $27,442 | 0 | 0.00/5.0 |
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 Bulawayo.
Dive Deeper: Advanced Bulawayo STR Market Data (2025)
Ready to unlock more insights? AirROI provides access to advanced metrics and comprehensive Airbnb data for Bulawayo. Explore detailed analytics beyond this report to refine your investment strategy, optimize pricing, and maximize your vacation rental profits.
Explore Advanced MetricsBulawayo Short-Term Rental Market Composition (2025): Property & Room Types
Room Type Distribution
Property Type Distribution
Market Composition Insights for Bulawayo
- The Bulawayo Airbnb market composition is heavily skewed towards Entire Home/Apt listings, which make up 73.3% of the 251 active rentals. This indicates strong guest preference for privacy and space.
- Looking at the property type distribution in Bulawayo, House properties are the most common (51.8%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
- Houses represent a significant 51.8% portion, catering likely to families or larger groups.
- The presence of 27.5% Hotel/Boutique listings indicates integration with traditional hospitality.
- Smaller segments like outdoor/unique (combined 0.4%) offer potential for unique stay experiences.
Bulawayo Airbnb Room Capacity Analysis (2025): Bedroom Distribution
Distribution of Listings by Number of Bedrooms
Room Capacity Insights for Bulawayo
- The dominant room capacity in Bulawayo is 1 bedroom listings, making up 34.7% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for couples or solo travelers.
- Together, 1 bedroom and 3 bedrooms properties represent 60.2% of the active Airbnb listings in Bulawayo, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.
- A significant 41.9% of listings offer 3+ bedrooms, catering to larger groups and families seeking more space in Bulawayo.
Bulawayo Vacation Rental Guest Capacity Trends (2025)
Distribution of Listings by Guest Capacity
Guest Capacity Insights for Bulawayo
- The most common guest capacity trend in Bulawayo vacation rentals is listings accommodating 2 guests (29.9%). This suggests the primary traveler segment is likely couples or solo travelers.
- Properties designed for 2 guests and 6 guests dominate the Bulawayo STR market, accounting for 53.8% of listings.
- 39.8% of properties accommodate 6+ guests, serving the market segment for larger families or group travel in Bulawayo.
- On average, properties in Bulawayo are equipped to host 4.2 guests.
Bulawayo Airbnb Booking Patterns (2025): Available vs. Booked Days
Available Days Distribution
Booked Days Distribution
Booking Pattern Insights for Bulawayo
- The most common availability pattern in Bulawayo falls within the 271-366 days range, representing 68.5% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
- Approximately 89.6% of listings show high availability (181+ days open annually), indicating potential for increased bookings or specific owner usage patterns.
- For booked days, the 1-30 days range is most frequent in Bulawayo (39.4%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
- A notable 10.8% of properties secure long booking periods (181+ days booked per year), highlighting successful long-term rental strategies or significant owner usage.
Bulawayo Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis
Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement
1 Night
155 listings
66% of total
2 Nights
44 listings
18.7% of total
3 Nights
9 listings
3.8% of total
4-6 Nights
2 listings
0.9% of total
7-29 Nights
1 listings
0.4% of total
30+ Nights
24 listings
10.2% of total
Key Insights
- The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in Bulawayo is 1 Night, adopted by 66% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for shorter, flexible bookings.
- A strong majority (84.7%) of the Bulawayo Airbnb data shows acceptance of very short stays (1-2 nights), indicating a dynamic, high-turnover market.
- A significant segment (10.2%) caters to monthly stays (30+ nights) in Bulawayo, pointing to opportunities in the extended-stay market.
Recommendations
- Align with the market by considering a 1 Night minimum stay, as 66% of Bulawayo hosts use this setting.
- Explore offering discounts for stays of 30+ nights to attract the 10.2% of the market seeking extended stays.
- Adjust minimum nights based on seasonality – potentially shorter during low season and longer during peak demand periods in Bulawayo.
Bulawayo Airbnb Cancellation Policy Trends Analysis (2025)
Flexible
84 listings
47.5% of total
Moderate
40 listings
22.6% of total
Firm
24 listings
13.6% of total
Strict
29 listings
16.4% of total
Cancellation Policy Insights for Bulawayo
- The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in Bulawayo is Flexible, used by 47.5% of listings.
- The market strongly favors guest-friendly terms, with 70.1% of listings offering Flexible or Moderate policies. This suggests guests in Bulawayo may expect booking flexibility.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Consider adopting a Flexible policy to align with the 47.5% market standard in Bulawayo.
- Regularly review your cancellation policy against competitors and market demand shifts in Bulawayo.
Bulawayo STR Booking Lead Time Analysis (2025)
Average Booking Lead Time by Month
Booking Lead Time Insights for Bulawayo
- The overall average booking lead time for vacation rentals in Bulawayo is 33 days.
- Guests book furthest in advance for stays during April (average 66 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
- The shortest booking windows occur for stays in February (average 25 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
- Seasonally, Spring (42 days avg.) sees the longest lead times, while Fall (31 days avg.) has the shortest, reflecting typical travel planning cycles.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Use the overall average lead time (33 days) as a baseline for your pricing and availability strategy in Bulawayo.
- For April stays, consider implementing length-of-stay discounts or slightly higher rates for bookings made less than 66 days out to capitalize on advance planning.
- Target marketing efforts for the Spring season well in advance (at least 42 days) to capture early planners.
- Monitor your own booking lead times against these Bulawayo averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.
Popular & Essential Airbnb Amenities in Bulawayo (2025)
Amenity Prevalence
Amenity Insights for Bulawayo
- Essential amenities in Bulawayo that guests expect include: Wifi. 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.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Ensure your listing includes all essential amenities for Bulawayo: 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 Bulawayo to stay competitive.
Bulawayo Airbnb Guest Demographics & Profile Analysis (2025)
Guest Profile Summary for Bulawayo
- The typical guest profile for Airbnb in Bulawayo consists of a mix of domestic (36%) 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 Zulu.
- Domestic travelers account for 35.7% of guests.
- Key international markets include Zimbabwe (35.7%) and United Kingdom (23%).
- Top languages spoken are English (68.9%) followed by Zulu (9.1%).
- A significant demographic segment is the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group, representing 50% of guests.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Focus marketing internationally, particularly towards travelers from United Kingdom.
- 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 Bulawayo 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gweru | 25 | $479 | $101.99 | 20% |
| Francistown | 13 | $292 | $61.13 | 25% |