How profitable are Airbnb rentals in Hobart? (2026)

Whether you own property in Hobart or are considering buying, understanding the short-term rental market is essential before investing.

This guide covers everything about running an Airbnb in Hobart in 2026, from legal requirements to realistic profit expectations.

We constantly update this post with fresh data on Hobart housing prices, occupancy rates, and regulatory changes.

And if you're planning to buy a property in this place, you may want to download our pack covering the real estate market in Hobart.

Who is the author of this content?

BAMBOOROUTES

A team specialized in real estate investing in APAC countries (Japan, Thailand, Indonesia, Australia, etc.).

We are a team of financial experts, legal professionals, developers, and local real estate specialists dedicated to helping people like you avoid mistakes when investing in real estate in a foreign place, particularly in Hobart. If you’d like to learn more about us, you can check our presentation page.

Can I legally run an Airbnb in Hobart in 2026?

Is short-term renting allowed in Hobart in 2026?

As of the first half of 2026, short-term rental accommodation is legal in Hobart but operates under a regulated framework.

The main legal framework is Tasmania's Planning Directive No. 6 (PD6), which sets statewide rules for visitor accommodation that all councils must follow.

The key condition is determining whether you qualify for a permit exemption through home-sharing, or need the council's planning permit process.

Additional restrictions include a strata rule preventing short-term rentals where other units in the same building are permanent residences, plus extra scrutiny in heritage areas like Battery Point.

Operating illegally can result in enforcement action, including orders to cease operations and potential fines under Tasmania's planning legislation.

For a more general view, you can read our article detailing what exactly foreigners can own and buy in Australia.

If you are an American, you might want to read our blog article detailing the property rights of US citizens in Australia.

Are there minimum-stay rules and maximum nights-per-year caps for Airbnbs in Hobart as of 2026?

As of the first half of 2026, there is no statewide minimum-stay requirement or maximum nights-per-year cap like the 90-night rules in some other Australian cities.

These rules do not differ by property type or host residency status, meaning there is no restriction on how many nights you can rent any property anywhere in Hobart.

However, Tasmania's proposed Short Stay Levy targets stays under 28 consecutive nights, an important operational detail even though it is not a minimum-stay rule.

Do I have to live there, or can I Airbnb a secondary home in Hobart right now?

There is no blanket residency requirement to operate an Airbnb in Hobart, but rules differ depending on whether it is your main home or secondary investment.

Secondary home owners can legally operate short-term rentals but generally need the council planning permit process rather than the home-sharing exemption.

For non-primary residences, hosts typically need a planning permit and must meet specific use and development standards in PD6.

Primary residence owners may be exempt if they only rent while temporarily away or host up to 4 bedrooms while still living there, whereas secondary home owners almost always need formal approval.

Can I run multiple Airbnbs under one name in Hobart right now?

There is no "one host equals one listing" rule, so you can legally operate multiple Airbnb properties under the same name.

There is no maximum number of properties one person or entity can list, as long as each property individually complies with planning requirements.

Hosts with multiple listings face no additional licensing requirements beyond ensuring each property is either permit-exempt or properly permitted.

However, the strata restriction in PD6 is a major barrier for scaling, blocking visitor accommodation in strata lots where another unit is a permanent residence.

Do I need a short-term rental license or a business registration to host in Hobart as of 2026?

As of the first half of 2026, Hobart does not have a dedicated "Airbnb license" system, but hosts typically need a planning permit unless they qualify for the home-sharing exemption.

The permit process involves submitting an application to Hobart City Council, which assesses it against PD6 standards and local planning requirements.

Documentation typically includes proof of ownership, site plans, management details, and evidence of compliance with safety and amenity standards.

Permit fees vary by development type, and hosts should budget for any required modifications plus ongoing tax registration with the Australian Taxation Office.

Are there neighborhood bans or restricted zones for Airbnb in Hobart as of 2026?

As of the first half of 2026, there are no outright neighborhood bans on Airbnb in Hobart, but certain areas face stricter planning scrutiny.

Battery Point Heritage Precinct and Sullivans Cove Planning Scheme area have specific carve-outs in PD6, meaning hosts should expect extra planning complexity.

These zones face tighter controls because they combine high heritage value with concentrated residential character, where amenity impacts receive closer examination.

We made this infographic to show you how property prices in Australia compare to other big cities across the region. It breaks down the average price per square meter in city centers, so you can see how cities stack up. It’s an easy way to spot where you might get the best value for your money. We hope you like it.

How much can an Airbnb earn in Hobart in 2026?

What's the average and median nightly price on Airbnb in Hobart in 2026?

As of the first half of 2026, the median nightly price for a Hobart Airbnb is approximately A$190 (US$120, EUR 110), while the average sits at A$215 (US$135, EUR 125) due to premium listings.

The typical price range covering 80% of Hobart listings falls between A$140 and A$280 (US$90 to US$175, EUR 80 to EUR 160).

Location has the biggest impact on pricing, with walkable inner-city properties near Salamanca commanding significantly higher rates than suburban listings.

By the way, you will find much more detailed profitability rent ranges in our property pack covering the real estate market in Hobart.

How much do nightly prices vary by neighborhood in Hobart in 2026?

As of the first half of 2026, nightly prices vary 1.6 to 2 times between premium areas like Battery Point (A$230 to A$320, US$145 to US$200, EUR 130 to EUR 185) and affordable areas like Moonah (A$140 to A$200, US$90 to US$125, EUR 80 to EUR 115).

The three highest-priced neighborhoods are Battery Point, Salamanca/Sullivans Cove, and Sandy Bay, averaging above A$250 (US$155, EUR 145).

The three lowest-priced are Lenah Valley, Mount Stuart, and Moonah at A$140 to A$180 (US$90 to US$115, EUR 80 to EUR 105), though these still attract guests wanting more space and parking.

What's the typical occupancy rate in Hobart in 2026?

As of the first half of 2026, typical occupancy for well-run entire-place Hobart Airbnbs sits at approximately 60% annually.

The realistic range covering most listings falls between 50% and 70%, depending on listing quality, pricing, and location.

Hobart's occupancy compares favorably to broader Australian regional averages, supported by year-round tourism including events like Dark Mofo.

Walkability to key attractions is the biggest factor for above-average occupancy, with listings near Salamanca and North Hobart's dining strip consistently outperforming.

What's the average monthly revenue per listing in Hobart in 2026?

As of the first half of 2026, average monthly revenue per Hobart Airbnb listing is approximately A$3,900 (US$2,450, EUR 2,250).

The realistic range covering 80% of listings falls between A$2,400 and A$5,500 (US$1,500 to US$3,450, EUR 1,400 to EUR 3,200).

Top listings achieve A$6,000 to A$8,000 (US$3,750 to US$5,000, EUR 3,500 to EUR 4,600) during peak periods. A well-located 2-bedroom in Battery Point at A$280/night with 75% occupancy generates around A$6,300 monthly.

Finally, note that we give here all the information you need to buy and rent out a property in Hobart.

What's the typical low-season vs high-season monthly revenue in Hobart in 2026?

As of the first half of 2026, high-season monthly revenue typically ranges from A$5,000 to A$8,000 (US$3,150 to US$5,000, EUR 2,900 to EUR 4,600), while low-season drops to A$2,200 to A$3,600 (US$1,400 to US$2,250, EUR 1,300 to EUR 2,100).

High season runs December through February plus major event weeks, while low season covers shoulder periods and non-event winter, though Dark Mofo in June creates an unusual winter spike.

What's a realistic Airbnb monthly expense range in Hobart in 2026?

As of the first half of 2026, monthly operating expenses range from A$1,300 to A$2,600 (US$815 to US$1,630, EUR 750 to EUR 1,500) self-managed, and A$1,900 to A$3,700 (US$1,190 to US$2,320, EUR 1,100 to EUR 2,150) professionally managed.

Cleaning and turnover costs represent the largest expense, often A$400 to A$900 (US$250 to US$565, EUR 230 to EUR 520) monthly depending on booking frequency.

Hosts should expect to spend 35% to 50% of gross revenue on operating expenses, with managed properties at the higher end due to 15% to 25% management fees.

If you want to go into more details, we also have a blog article detailing all the property taxes and fees in Hobart.

What's realistic monthly net profit and profit per available night for Airbnb in Hobart in 2026?

As of the first half of 2026, a typical Hobart Airbnb generates monthly net profit of A$1,600 to A$2,400 (US$1,000 to US$1,500, EUR 925 to EUR 1,400) self-managed, or A$55 to A$80 (US$35 to US$50, EUR 32 to EUR 46) per available night.

The realistic range spans A$900 to A$2,400 (US$565 to US$1,500, EUR 520 to EUR 1,400), with lower figures for professionally managed properties.

Net profit margins typically fall between 40% and 55% self-managed, dropping to 25% to 40% with property managers.

Break-even occupancy sits around 35% to 45%, meaning hosts need roughly 11 to 14 booked nights monthly to cover expenses.

In our property pack covering the real estate market in Hobart, we explain the best strategies to improve your cashflows.

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How competitive is Airbnb in Hobart as of 2026?

How many active Airbnb listings are in Hobart as of 2026?

As of the first half of 2026, there are approximately 1,500 active short-term rental listings in the Hobart market across platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo.

This represents steady supply compared to last year, with listing growth having moderated as regulatory clarity and market maturity set in.

Which neighborhoods are most saturated in Hobart as of 2026?

As of the first half of 2026, the most saturated Hobart neighborhoods are CBD/Sullivans Cove/Salamanca, Battery Point, Sandy Bay, and North Hobart.

These areas became saturated because they combine walkability to attractions, heritage streetscapes, and proximity to the food and arts scene driving Tasmania's short-break tourism.

Undersaturated neighborhoods offering better opportunities include Lenah Valley, Mount Stuart, South Hobart, and New Town, with lower listing density despite being close to the city.

What local events spike demand in Hobart in 2026?

As of the first half of 2026, the main demand-spiking events are Dark Mofo (June), Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race (late December), Taste of Summer (late December to early January), and summer school holidays.

During peak events, Hobart bookings increase 25% to 50%, with nightly rates rising 20% to 40% as inventory tightens.

Hosts should adjust pricing 4 to 8 weeks before major events, with Dark Mofo and Sydney to Hobart requiring earlier preparation as accommodation books quickly.

What occupancy differences exist between top and average hosts in Hobart in 2026?

As of the first half of 2026, top-performing Hobart hosts achieve 70% to 78% occupancy annually.

Average hosts achieve around 60%, meaning top performers book 3 to 5 extra nights monthly, worth A$600 to A$900 in additional revenue.

New hosts typically need 6 to 12 months to reach top-performer levels as they build reviews and learn pricing dynamics.

We give more details about the different Airbnb strategies to adopt in our property pack covering the real estate market in Hobart.

Which price points are most crowded, and where's the "white space" for new hosts in Hobart right now?

The most crowded price range sits between A$160 and A$240 per night (US$100 to US$150, EUR 95 to EUR 140), where most 1 to 2 bedroom rentals compete.

White space exists above A$280 per night (US$175, EUR 160) for larger family properties, and in the winter-comfort niche with premium cold-season amenities.

New hosts can compete by offering 3+ bedroom homes with parking in suburbs like South Hobart or New Town, or investing in excellent heating and cozy interiors.

What property works best for Airbnb demand in Hobart right now?

What bedroom count gets the most bookings in Hobart as of 2026?

As of the first half of 2026, two-bedroom entire-place listings capture the highest share of Hobart Airbnb bookings.

The booking breakdown shows 2-bedrooms leading at 40%, followed by 1-bedrooms and 3+ bedrooms each at 25%, and studios at 10%.

Two-bedroom properties perform best because Hobart's visitor mix skews toward couples and small groups traveling for weekends, festivals, and food experiences.

What property type performs best in Hobart in 2026?

As of the first half of 2026, the best-performing types are 2-bedroom apartments in walkable inner areas and heritage cottages capturing distinctive "Battery Point" character.

Occupancy rates show apartments at 58% to 65%, heritage cottages at 60% to 70%, townhouses at 55% to 62%, and houses varying 50% to 68% by location.

Heritage cottages and well-located apartments outperform because they deliver walkability, distinctive character, and the "uniquely Tasmanian" feel that drives bookings.

What amenities do nearly all competitors offer in Hobart right now?

Nearly all competitive Hobart listings offer fast Wi-Fi, full kitchen, quality heating, self check-in, laundry facilities, and either included parking or clear parking instructions.

Heating quality is particularly non-negotiable due to Hobart's cool climate, and listings without excellent heating struggle year-round.

Differentiating amenities include outdoor spaces with kunanyi/Mount Wellington views, dedicated workspaces, premium coffee setups, and bathtubs for the cozy winter-escape positioning.

What location traits boost bookings in Hobart right now?

Key booking-boosting traits are walkability to Salamanca/waterfront, access to North Hobart dining, clear parking, heritage streetscape character, and kunanyi/Mount Wellington views.

Neighborhoods combining these traits include Battery Point, Salamanca/CBD, Sandy Bay, North Hobart, West Hobart, and South Hobart.

Hillside or older properties should prioritize heating quality, as Hobart's cold winters can turn a charming location into guest complaints if the property feels drafty.

We created this infographic to give you a simple idea of how much it costs to buy property in different parts of Australia. As you can see, it breaks down price ranges and property types for popular cities in the country. We hope this makes it easier to explore your options and understand the market.

What sources have we used to write this blog article?

Whether it's in our blog articles or the market analyses included in our property pack about Hobart, we always rely on the strongest methodology we can and we don't throw out numbers at random.

We aim to be fully transparent, so below we've listed the authoritative sources we used and explained how we used them.

Source	Why It's Authoritative	How We Used It
City of Hobart - Visitor Accommodation	The local planning authority that issues and assesses permits in Hobart.	We used it to understand permit pathways and confirm Hobart's differential rating for short-stay properties.
Planning Directive No. 6 (PD6)	The state planning directive setting rules all Tasmanian councils must apply.	We used it to identify permit exemptions and extract the strata restriction and Battery Point carve-out unique to Hobart.
State Planning Office - PD6 Advice	Official government guidance explaining how PD6 is applied in practice.	We used it to translate PD6 into plain-English expectations and stay consistent with state guidance.
CBOS Tasmania	The Tasmanian government regulator covering safety for visitor accommodation.	We used it for compliance reality-checks on safety expectations and the state's audit stance.
AustLII - Land Use Planning Regulations 2024	AustLII republishes Australian legislation in a verifiable format.	We used it as a legal cross-check to corroborate Tasmania's planning framework geography references.
Tasmanian Planning Commission - Hobart LPS Direction	The state commission overseeing planning scheme processes including Hobart controls.	We used it to explain regulatory changes in motion and flag that the environment can shift via scheme updates.
Tourism Tasmania - Accommodation Report	The state tourism authority with data from STR Global and AirDNA.	We used it to quantify demand spikes including Dark Mofo and for seasonality framing.
Tourism Tasmania - Visitor Data Snapshot	Official visitor survey results with methodology from Roy Morgan and Tourism Research Australia.	We used it to anchor demand base supporting Hobart's short-stay market and avoid Airbnb-only data.
AirDNA - Hobart Market Overview	One of the most widely used short-stay datasets built from Airbnb and Vrbo platform data.	We used it for pricing, occupancy, and supply estimates, then sanity-checked revenue math for consistency.
Reserve Bank of Australia - Cash Rate	Australia's central bank and highest-authority source for the policy rate.	We used it to set the financing backdrop affecting mortgage costs and break-even occupancy.
ATO - Draft Taxation Ruling TR 2025/D1	The Australian Taxation Office's published guidance for rental income and deductions.	We used it to explain short-stay income tax reality and flag record-keeping issues hosts face.
SRO Tasmania - Land Tax Rates	The official State Revenue Office page for Tasmanian land tax rates.	We used it to build realistic holding-cost ranges and show how land tax varies by value.
SRO Tasmania - Transfer Duty Rates	The official State Revenue Office page for Tasmanian stamp duty.	We used it to remind readers acquisition costs affect true ROI even when cashflow looks good.
Cotality (CoreLogic) - Index Methodology	A major housing-data provider explaining hedonic index approach and revisions.	We used it to justify not relying only on median price anecdotes when describing the market.
Tas Treasury - Short Stay Levy Discussion Paper	The state treasury publishing policy design for a proposed levy on short stays.	We used it to flag a Hobart-specific forward risk and quantify the potential 5% levy impact.
Herald Sun - Taste of Summer Coverage	Reputable news reporting on major event attendance figures in Hobart.	We used it to document the Taste of Summer festival as a significant demand driver.