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Considering short-term rentals in Medan? You're probably wondering whether it's profitable and what the local rules look like in 2026.
This guide covers the Medan Airbnb market, from legal requirements to realistic earnings and competition.
We keep this blog post updated with the latest housing prices and rental performance data in Medan.
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 Medan.
Insights
- Top 10% of Medan Airbnb hosts achieve around 65% occupancy while the median sits at just 23%, meaning operational quality matters more than location.
- January is peak revenue month for Medan Airbnbs, driven by year-end holidays and family visits, with listings earning roughly 45% more than in slow months.
- About 69% of Medan listings allow one-night stays, signaling no city-imposed multi-night rule but higher turnover costs for hosts.
- Two-bedroom properties dominate Medan's short-term rental market at around 50% of listings, reflecting demand from small families and business travelers.
- Medan has only about 133 active Airbnb listings in January 2026, making it a small, potentially less competitive market than Bali or Jakarta.
- Realistic monthly net profit for a self-managed Medan Airbnb ranges from IDR 500,000 to IDR 4 million ($30 to $240), with many barely breaking even.
- Air conditioning is a booking gate in Medan's tropical climate, not a premium amenity.
- Building management restrictions are often stricter than city regulations in Medan, making apartment rules your real gatekeeper.
Can I legally run an Airbnb in Medan in 2026?
Is short-term renting allowed in Medan in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, short-term renting is generally allowed in Medan, though it's treated as an accommodation business rather than casual hosting.
The main legal framework comes from Indonesia's risk-based licensing under PP No. 5/2021, requiring hosts to register through the Online Single Submission (OSS) portal.
Hosts must align with OSS licensing categories, typically "Pondok Wisata" (homestay), and comply with local tax obligations under Medan's Peraturan Daerah No. 1 Tahun 2024.
Operating without registration may lead to administrative penalties and tax issues, though enforcement focuses more on tax collection than shutting down unlicensed listings.
For a more general view, you can read our article detailing what exactly foreigners can own and buy in Indonesia.
If you are an American, you might want to read our blog article detailing the property rights of US citizens in Indonesia.
Are there minimum-stay rules and maximum nights-per-year caps for Airbnbs in Medan as of 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, Medan has no official citywide minimum-stay requirement or maximum nights-per-year cap like Amsterdam or London.
These rules don't differ by property type or residency status because Medan hasn't implemented such caps, so hosts can list for any duration.
Without mandated caps, hosts don't need to track rental nights for compliance, though good records help with tax reporting and building management.
Do I have to live there, or can I Airbnb a secondary home in Medan right now?
Medan doesn't require hosts to live in the property, so both primary residences and secondary homes can be used for Airbnb.
Owners of secondary homes can legally operate short-term rentals as long as they comply with OSS licensing and local tax requirements.
No additional permits are required for non-primary residence rentals at city level, though apartment buildings often have stricter guest policies.
The main difference between renting a primary versus secondary home isn't city rules but building management policies, especially for apartments with security procedures.
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Can I run multiple Airbnbs under one name in Medan right now?
Medan allows hosts to operate multiple Airbnb listings, and the market includes hosts managing several units, particularly in apartment complexes.
There's no official maximum number of properties one person can list, though your registration and tax setup should reflect your activity scale.
Multi-listing hosts don't face special licensing requirements, but should ensure their OSS business identity covers all properties with consistent tax reporting.
Do I need a short-term rental license or a business registration to host in Medan as of 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, hosts renting properties repeatedly for profit should register through Indonesia's OSS system, typically under "Pondok Wisata."
The process involves creating an OSS account, selecting the KBLI code for homestay accommodation, and completing risk-based licensing, usually within days to two weeks.
You'll need basic ID documents, property ownership or rental proof, and willingness to comply with safety and tax requirements.
OSS registration is free, though you may incur costs for safety equipment, tax setup, or professional assistance.
Are there neighborhood bans or restricted zones for Airbnb in Medan as of 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, Medan has no publicly documented neighborhood bans or restricted zones prohibiting Airbnb operations.
Restrictions come from building-level rules in apartment complexes and informal community expectations in neighborhoods managed by local RT/RW associations.
Your building's policies and neighbor relationships matter more than any city zoning map for smooth operations in Medan.
We made this infographic to show you how property prices in Indonesia 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 Medan in 2026?
What's the average and median nightly price on Airbnb in Medan in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, the average nightly price for Medan Airbnb listings is approximately IDR 1,060,000 ($63 USD / €58 EUR), with a median of IDR 910,000 ($54 USD / €50 EUR).
Roughly 80% of listings fall between IDR 650,000 and IDR 1,600,000 per night ($39 to $95 USD / €36 to €87 EUR), with apartments near the median and larger houses higher.
Location is the biggest pricing factor, with properties near malls like Sun Plaza or in Petisah and Kesawan commanding premium rates.
By the way, you will find much more detailed profitability rent ranges in our property pack covering the real estate market in Medan.
How much do nightly prices vary by neighborhood in Medan in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, nightly prices vary by IDR 500,000 to IDR 950,000 ($30 to $57 USD / €28 to €52 EUR) between affordable areas like Medan Selayang and premium locations like Polonia or Petisah.
The highest-priced neighborhoods are Polonia, Petisah, and Kesawan (heritage district), commanding IDR 1,200,000 to IDR 1,600,000 per night ($72 to $95 USD / €66 to €87 EUR).
The lowest-priced areas are Medan Selayang, Medan Tuntungan, and outer districts at IDR 650,000 to IDR 850,000 ($39 to $51 USD / €36 to €47 EUR), still attracting budget travelers and family visitors.
What's the typical occupancy rate in Medan in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, Medan Airbnb listings average around 26% occupancy, with the median at 23%.
Most listings fall between 15% and 35% occupancy, with a significant gap between well-managed properties and average ones.
Medan's Airbnb occupancy is notably lower than hotel occupancy (around 45%), partly due to more owner-blocked days and inconsistent booking flow.
The biggest factor for above-average occupancy is operational quality: fast responses, professional photos, reliable A/C, and spotless cleaning.
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What's the average monthly revenue per listing in Medan in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, median monthly revenue per Medan Airbnb listing is approximately IDR 7,000,000 ($418 USD / €385 EUR).
Roughly 80% of listings earn between IDR 4,200,000 and IDR 12,800,000 ($250 to $763 USD / €230 to €700 EUR), reflecting wide performance variation.
Top 10% listings achieve IDR 19,100,000+ per month ($1,135+ USD / €1,045+ EUR). Sustained top performance yields roughly IDR 229 million ($13,600 USD) annually.
Finally, note that we give here all the information you need to buy and rent out a property in Medan.
What's the typical low-season vs high-season monthly revenue in Medan in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, Medan hosts earn around IDR 10,500,000 ($624 USD / €575 EUR) in high season versus IDR 7,300,000 ($436 USD / €400 EUR) in low season, a 43% difference.
High season peaks in January (year-end holidays and family visits) and around major cultural events, while low season falls in shoulder months without holiday or business travel peaks.
What's a realistic Airbnb monthly expense range in Medan in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, monthly expenses run IDR 3,000,000 to IDR 6,500,000 ($180 to $390 USD / €165 to €360 EUR) for self-managed hosts, or IDR 5,500,000 to IDR 10,500,000 ($330 to $625 USD / €300 to €575 EUR) with paid management.
Cleaning and turnover costs are typically the largest expense, especially with 69% of listings allowing one-night stays at IDR 150,000 to IDR 300,000 ($9 to $18 USD) per turnover.
Most hosts should expect 45% to 65% of gross revenue going to operating expenses.
If you want to go into more details, we also have a blog article detailing all the property taxes and fees in Medan.
What's realistic monthly net profit and profit per available night for Airbnb in Medan in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, self-managed Medan Airbnbs net IDR 500,000 to IDR 4,000,000 monthly ($30 to $240 USD / €28 to €220 EUR), with profit per available night at IDR 15,000 to IDR 130,000 ($1 to $8 USD).
Most listings range from a loss of IDR 1,500,000 to profit of IDR 4,000,000 (-$90 to +$240 USD), with managed properties often at the lower end.
Net profit margins typically run 5% to 35% of gross revenue, varying by occupancy and management approach.
Break-even occupancy sits around 18% to 22%, meaning 5 to 7 booked nights monthly just to cover expenses.
In our property pack covering the real estate market in Medan, we explain the best strategies to improve your cashflows.
We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Indonesia versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you’re planning to invest there.
How competitive is Airbnb in Medan as of 2026?
How many active Airbnb listings are in Medan as of 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, Medan has approximately 133 active Airbnb listings, a relatively small market compared to Bali or Jakarta.
This number has remained stable, reflecting Medan's niche position where demand comes from business travelers, family visits, and regional tourism rather than mass international tourism.
Which neighborhoods are most saturated in Medan as of 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, the most saturated neighborhoods are Petisah, Kesawan (Medan Barat), Medan Kota, and Medan Baru, where apartments cluster near malls and business centers.
These areas became saturated because they combine apartment buildings with guest priorities: walkable food, mall proximity, and easy ride-hailing pickup.
Undersaturated opportunities exist in Medan Selayang (budget stays), outer areas with landed houses for larger groups, and near university campuses for extended-stay demand.
What local events spike demand in Medan in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, demand spikes around New Year (January), Cap Go Meh festivities, Pekan Raya Sumatera Utara (PRSU fair), and Ramadan/Eid family travel.
During peak events, bookings increase 30% to 50% and hosts can raise rates 20% to 35% without impacting occupancy.
Smart hosts adjust pricing 4 to 6 weeks before major events, opening blocked dates and implementing dynamic pricing early.
What occupancy differences exist between top and average hosts in Medan in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, top Medan hosts achieve 65%+ occupancy, nearly three times the 23% median.
Average hosts get around 26% occupancy, meaning most struggle to fill calendars even a quarter of the time.
New hosts can reach top-performer levels within 6 to 12 months with professional photos, fast responses, competitive pricing, and excellent reviews, though many never close the gap.
We give more details about the different Airbnb strategies to adopt in our property pack covering the real estate market in Medan.
What amenities do nearly all competitors offer in Medan right now?
Air conditioning and TV are non-negotiable baseline amenities in Medan, with A/C especially critical given the tropical heat.
Strong Wi-Fi, functional kitchens, and basic safety items like smoke alarms are common across most listings.
Standing out requires execution quality: A/C that keeps rooms cool, genuinely fast internet, and spotless cleanliness earning five-star reviews.
Which price points are most crowded, and where's the "white space" for new hosts in Medan right now?
The most crowded range clusters around IDR 910,000 ($54 USD / €50 EUR), where most apartments compete directly.
White space exists at IDR 1,400,000 to IDR 2,000,000 ($83 to $119 USD) for 6+ guest properties, and in extended-stay (30+ nights) for work trips or relocations.
Success in underserved segments requires larger houses with parking and outdoor space, or well-equipped apartments with strong Wi-Fi, workspaces, and monthly discounts.
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What property works best for Airbnb demand in Medan right now?
What bedroom count gets the most bookings in Medan as of 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, two-bedroom properties get the most bookings, comprising approximately 50% of active listings.
The breakdown shows 2BR at 50%, 1BR at 27.5%, and 3BR+ at 22.5%, with studios rare in Medan.
2BR performs best because demand skews toward small families, business travelers wanting space, and couples preferring separate living areas.
What property type performs best in Medan in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, apartments and condos perform best, dominating supply with consistent bookings due to convenience, security, and amenities.
Apartments achieve reliable bookings through easier operations, while houses have variable performance but can outperform when targeting larger groups needing space and parking.
Apartments win because Medan demand comes from business travelers and short-stay visitors prioritizing location, security, and hassle-free check-in.
What location traits boost bookings in Medan right now?
Properties near major malls and business nodes get more bookings because guests prioritize easy access over scenic views.
Proximity to heritage and food corridors like Kesawan also helps, as guests appreciate walkable dining and culture.
Easy airport planning (Kualanamu International), smooth ride-hailing pickup, and walkable basics like mini-marts and ATMs contribute to positive reviews.
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 Medan, 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 our authoritative sources and how we used them.
| Source | Why It's Authoritative | How We Used It |
|---|---|---|
| AirROI Medan Market Data | Specialized STR analytics platform with transparent, consistent methodology. | We used it for all quantitative metrics: ADR, occupancy, revenue tiers, and property distribution. We cross-checked against official hotel statistics. |
| BPS Kota Medan Hotel Occupancy | Official Medan statistics office publishing local tourism indicators. | We validated STR occupancy assumptions against hotel benchmarks to confirm demand exists. |
| BPS North Sumatra Foreign Visitors | Provincial bureau reporting official arrivals and tourism trends. | We understood outside demand feeding Medan's market and shaped seasonality assumptions. |
| BPS North Sumatra Visitor Trends | Official publisher providing YoY growth figures. | We triangulated demand direction heading into 2026 to justify base case estimates. |
| BPS Kualanamu Airport Data | Official BPS release with verified airport statistics. | We used it as proxy for Medan metro travel volume validating short-stay demand. |
| PP No. 5/2021 (Risk-Based Licensing) | Official government regulation on national legal portal. | We explained Indonesia's licensing framework and why hosts need registration. |
| OSS Pondok Wisata Category | Government's official licensing portal with business classifications. | We mapped Airbnb hosting to recognized accommodation categories. |
| Medan Perda No. 1/2024 | City's official legal text on municipal documentation site. | We understood local tax obligations affecting short-term rentals. |
| BPK Medan Regulation Index | National legal portal indexing regional regulations. | We verified the Medan regulation's identity and effective date. |
| Airbnb Indonesia Compliance Guide | Airbnb's compliance resource linking official government resources. | We summarized practical compliance steps aligned with platform and local rules. |
| Airbnb Medan Listings | Primary platform where Medan STRs are listed and booked. | We verified neighborhoods and validated popular areas. |
| Wise USD/IDR Exchange Rate | Widely used currency reference with dated observations. | We converted USD metrics to IDR for local readers. |
| Bank Indonesia JISDOR | Central bank's official reference rate framework. | We validated USD/IDR conversions against official sources. |
| Bank Indonesia Property Price Survey | Central bank's official survey on residential price trends. | We grounded property cost understanding and kept ROI claims realistic. |
| BPS Property Price Index | Official BPS publication on property price methodology. | We cross-checked price trends against a second independent source. |
| USU PRSU Guide | Credible institutional source from Medan's major university. | We verified PRSU as a legitimate demand-driving event. |
| IDN Times Cap Go Meh Coverage | Mainstream regional news covering major Medan cultural events. | We confirmed Cap Go Meh as a significant demand event for seasonal planning. |
We created this infographic to give you a simple idea of how much it costs to buy property in different parts of Indonesia. 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.
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