Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Australia Property Pack
Yes, the analysis of Tasmania's property market is included in our pack
Running an Airbnb in Tasmania in 2026 can be a solid investment, but the returns depend heavily on where your property sits and how well you manage the seasonal swings.
Tasmania's short-term rental market shows strong occupancy rates around 68% to 72% annually, with nightly prices averaging A$165 to A$185 across the state.
This blog post breaks down the legal requirements, realistic earnings, expenses, and competition you should expect when hosting in Tasmania right now.
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 Tasmania.
Insights
- Tasmania's Airbnb occupancy sits at roughly 69% in late 2025, which is notably higher than many Australian regional markets and suggests consistent year-round demand for short-term rentals.
- Hobart listings earn an average daily rate of around A$178, while Launceston sits closer to A$158, meaning your location choice can shift revenue by 10% to 15% before you even optimize.
- The home-sharing exemption in Tasmania only applies to your primary residence, so secondary homes typically need a planning permit or must meet specific "permitted" standards under Planning Directive No. 6.
- Battery Point in Hobart faces tighter short-term rental restrictions due to heritage precinct rules, making it harder to get approval compared to other inner-city neighborhoods.
- Top-performing hosts in Tasmania achieve occupancy rates of 78% to 88%, running about 10 to 20 percentage points higher than the market average through dynamic pricing and better listing presentation.
- One-bedroom and two-bedroom properties dominate Tasmania's Airbnb supply, but three-bedroom homes often deliver more stable year-round income because they attract both couples and families.
- Land tax applies to investment properties used for short-term rentals in Tasmania, and Hobart specifically charges differential council rates once you hold a visitor accommodation permit.
- Tasmania's high season runs from late December through February, when monthly Airbnb revenue can reach A$4,800 to A$8,000, roughly double what hosts earn in the slower winter months.
- Self-managed Airbnb hosts in Tasmania typically keep A$1,600 to A$3,400 per month in net operating profit, while professionally managed properties often see that drop to A$800 to A$2,600.
- The state estimates between 9,000 and 13,000 active short-term rental listings across Tasmania, with Hobart holding about 1,500 and Launceston around 800 of those.
Can I legally run an Airbnb in Tasmania in 2026?
Is short-term renting allowed in Tasmania in 2026?
As of early 2026, short-term renting is generally allowed in Tasmania, but you need to either qualify for an exemption or obtain planning approval depending on your situation.
The main legal framework governing Airbnb-style hosting in Tasmania is Planning Directive No. 6, which sets statewide rules for "visitor accommodation" and determines when you need a planning permit versus when you are exempt.
The single most important condition is that if you want to skip the permit process entirely, the property must be your primary residence and you can only rent out up to four bedrooms while you live there, or rent the whole place only when you are temporarily away.
Beyond that, hosts in certain residential zones must now report their permit or exemption status to booking platforms under the Short Stay Accommodation Act, which increases compliance pressure even if it does not directly cap your rental nights.
Operating without proper planning approval can result in enforcement action from your local council, including orders to cease the activity and potential fines, though the exact penalties vary by municipality.
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 Tasmania as of 2026?
As of early 2026, Tasmania does not impose a statewide minimum-stay requirement or a maximum nights-per-year cap for short-term rentals in the way some other jurisdictions do.
The rules do not fundamentally change based on property type or residency status; what matters is whether you qualify for the home-sharing exemption or whether your use is "permitted" or requires a planning permit under the local planning scheme.
Hosts track compliance mainly by ensuring their planning status is correct and by providing that status to booking platforms in specified zones, rather than by counting rental nights against a fixed annual limit.
If you operate without proper approval, councils can issue enforcement notices requiring you to stop hosting, and repeated non-compliance could lead to fines or legal action.
Do I have to live there, or can I Airbnb a secondary home in Tasmania right now?
You do not have to live in the property to run an Airbnb in Tasmania, but living there is what makes you most likely to qualify for the home-sharing exemption that lets you skip the planning permit process.
Owners of secondary homes and investment properties can legally operate short-term rentals, but they typically need to ensure their use is either "permitted" under planning standards or approved through a formal planning permit application.
For non-primary residence rentals, you generally need to verify your zoning allows visitor accommodation, meet the standards in Planning Directive No. 6 (such as using existing habitable buildings), and in covered zones provide your permit or exemption status to booking platforms.
The main difference is straightforward: primary residence hosts often get an automatic exemption for up to four bedrooms, while secondary home owners must navigate the planning approval pathway, which adds time and sometimes costs.
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Buying real estate is a significant investment. Don't rely solely on your intuition. Gather the right information to make the best decision.
Can I run multiple Airbnbs under one name in Tasmania right now?
There is no statewide rule in Tasmania that limits you to operating just one Airbnb listing, so running multiple properties under your name is legally possible.
Tasmania does not set a maximum number of properties one person or entity can list for short-term rental; the binding requirement is that each property must have the correct planning status, whether that is exempt, permitted, or approved via permit.
When you scale to multiple listings, you face more documentation requirements for each property's planning status, and you will likely need a more formal business setup including an ABN for tax purposes and potentially GST registration if your turnover exceeds A$75,000.
Do I need a short-term rental license or a business registration to host in Tasmania as of 2026?
As of early 2026, Tasmania does not have a single "short-term rental license" that every host must obtain; instead, compliance works across three separate layers covering planning, building safety, and tax obligations.
The planning layer is the main hurdle: you either qualify for the home-sharing exemption or you verify your property meets the "permitted" standards or you apply for a planning permit through your local council, which can take several weeks to a few months depending on complexity.
For building compliance, some setups require a building self-assessment form, and larger or more complex properties may need a building surveyor to certify safety standards before you can host guests.
On the business side, you must declare your rental income to the ATO, you may want an ABN for invoicing and credibility, and you must register for GST if your annual turnover reaches the threshold of A$75,000.
Are there neighborhood bans or restricted zones for Airbnb in Tasmania as of 2026?
As of early 2026, Tasmania does have restricted zones and heritage precincts where short-term rental approvals are harder to obtain, though there are no outright statewide bans on Airbnb.
The most notable restricted area is Battery Point Heritage Precinct in Hobart, which is explicitly carved out from parts of the standard "permitted" pathway in Planning Directive No. 6, meaning applications there face more discretionary assessment and are more likely to be refused or conditioned.
Heritage protection is the main reason Battery Point and similar precincts face tighter rules: councils want to preserve neighborhood character and limit the impact of transient visitors on historically significant residential areas.
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 Tasmania in 2026?
What's the average and median nightly price on Airbnb in Tasmania in 2026?
As of early 2026, the average nightly price for an Airbnb listing in Tasmania sits around A$165 to A$185 (approximately US$105 to US$120 or €95 to €110), while the median nightly price falls slightly lower at roughly A$140 to A$160 (US$90 to US$105 or €80 to €95).
The typical nightly price range covering about 80% of Tasmania Airbnb listings runs from around A$100 to A$280 (US$65 to US$180 or €60 to €165), with budget-friendly options at the low end and well-appointed entire homes at the top.
The single biggest factor affecting nightly pricing in Tasmania is location, specifically whether your property sits in a high-demand area like inner Hobart or a popular East Coast town versus a more remote or less walkable neighborhood.
By the way, you will find much more detailed profitability rent ranges in our property pack covering the real estate market in Tasmania.
How much do nightly prices vary by neighborhood in Tasmania in 2026?
As of early 2026, nightly Airbnb prices in Tasmania can vary by 50% or more between premium and budget neighborhoods, with Battery Point and Sandy Bay in Hobart often commanding A$200 to A$280 per night (US$130 to US$180 or €120 to €165) while outer suburbs might average A$120 to A$150 (US$75 to US$95 or €70 to €90).
The three neighborhoods in Tasmania with the highest average nightly prices are Battery Point, Sandy Bay, and North Hobart in greater Hobart, where walkability, heritage charm, and proximity to restaurants and attractions push rates 20% to 35% above the city median.
The more affordable neighborhoods include areas like Glenorchy, Moonah, and outer Launceston suburbs, where nightly rates average A$100 to A$130 (US$65 to US$85 or €60 to €75), and while demand is lower, budget-conscious travelers and longer-stay guests still book these listings regularly.
What's the typical occupancy rate in Tasmania in 2026?
As of early 2026, the typical annualized occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Tasmania sits around 68% to 72%, which is considered strong for a regional Australian market.
Most listings in Tasmania realistically achieve occupancy rates between 55% and 78%, with the lower end reflecting properties in less popular locations or with limited amenities and the higher end representing well-optimized listings in prime areas.
Tasmania's occupancy rates compare favorably to the broader Australian regional average, partly because the state attracts steady tourism year-round thanks to events like Dark Mofo in winter and road-trip traffic along the East Coast in summer.
The single biggest factor for achieving above-average occupancy in Tasmania is offering reliable heating and genuine comfort during the cooler months, since many travelers visit outside peak summer and cold, drafty properties get poor reviews.
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What's the average monthly revenue per listing in Tasmania in 2026?
As of early 2026, the average monthly gross revenue for an entire-place Airbnb listing in Tasmania falls between A$3,200 and A$4,800 (approximately US$2,050 to US$3,100 or €1,900 to €2,850), with the median sitting slightly lower at around A$2,600 to A$3,900 (US$1,650 to US$2,500 or €1,550 to €2,300).
The realistic monthly revenue range covering about 80% of Tasmania Airbnb listings runs from roughly A$1,800 to A$5,500 (US$1,150 to US$3,550 or €1,050 to €3,250), depending on location, property size, and how actively the host manages pricing and availability.
Top-performing Airbnb listings in Tasmania, particularly well-located three-bedroom homes in Hobart or popular East Coast towns, can achieve monthly revenues of A$6,000 to A$9,000 (US$3,850 to US$5,800 or €3,550 to €5,350) during peak periods. That works out to roughly A$200 to A$300 per night at 75% to 85% occupancy over 30 days.
Finally, note that we give here all the information you need to buy and rent out a property in Tasmania.
What's the typical low-season vs high-season monthly revenue in Tasmania in 2026?
As of early 2026, a typical entire-place Airbnb in Tasmania earns around A$2,000 to A$3,200 (US$1,300 to US$2,050 or €1,200 to €1,900) during low-season months, while high-season months can bring in A$4,800 to A$8,000 (US$3,100 to US$5,150 or €2,850 to €4,750).
Low season in Tasmania generally runs from May through September (excluding event periods like Dark Mofo), while high season peaks from late December through February when school holidays, the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, and summer festivals drive strong demand.
What's a realistic Airbnb monthly expense range in Tasmania in 2026?
As of early 2026, a realistic monthly expense range for operating an Airbnb in Tasmania runs from A$900 to A$1,900 (US$580 to US$1,220 or €530 to €1,130) for self-managed properties, and A$1,600 to A$3,200 (US$1,030 to US$2,060 or €950 to €1,900) if you use a professional property manager.
The single largest expense category for most Tasmania Airbnb hosts is cleaning and linen turnover, which can run A$80 to A$150 per changeover and adds up quickly during busy periods with frequent short stays.
Hosts in Tasmania should typically expect to spend 25% to 45% of gross revenue on operating expenses, with self-managed properties at the lower end and professionally managed listings at the higher end of that range.
If you want to go into more details, we also have a blog article detailing all the property taxes and fees in Tasmania.
What's realistic monthly net profit and profit per available night for Airbnb in Tasmania in 2026?
As of early 2026, a realistic monthly net profit for an Airbnb in Tasmania ranges from A$1,600 to A$3,400 (US$1,030 to US$2,190 or €950 to €2,020) for self-managed properties, translating to roughly A$55 to A$115 (US$35 to US$75 or €33 to €68) profit per available night.
The realistic monthly net profit range covering most Tasmania Airbnb listings runs from about A$800 to A$3,400 (US$515 to US$2,190 or €475 to €2,020), with professionally managed properties typically landing in the A$800 to A$2,600 range due to higher management fees.
Most hosts in Tasmania achieve net profit margins between 35% and 55% of gross revenue after accounting for all operating expenses but before personal income tax, which varies based on individual circumstances.
The break-even occupancy rate for a typical Airbnb listing in Tasmania sits around 35% to 45%, meaning you need roughly 11 to 14 booked nights per month just to cover your operating costs before seeing any profit.
In our property pack covering the real estate market in Tasmania, 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 Australia 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 Tasmania as of 2026?
How many active Airbnb listings are in Tasmania as of 2026?
As of early 2026, Tasmania has an estimated 9,000 to 13,000 active short-term rental listings across all platforms, with Hobart accounting for roughly 1,500 listings and Launceston around 800.
This number has grown steadily over the past few years as property owners responded to strong tourism demand, though growth has moderated somewhat as regulatory compliance requirements became clearer and more enforced across the state.
Which neighborhoods are most saturated in Tasmania as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the most saturated neighborhoods for Airbnb in Tasmania include Hobart CBD, Salamanca, Battery Point, North Hobart, Sandy Bay, and along the East Coast in towns like Coles Bay, Bicheno, and St Helens.
These areas became saturated because they combine walkability, heritage charm, or proximity to iconic experiences (like Freycinet National Park or Hobart's waterfront) with consistent tourism traffic, making them the obvious first choice for new hosts entering the market.
Relatively undersaturated neighborhoods that may offer better opportunities include suburban Hobart areas like Bellerive, Rosny, and West Hobart, as well as gateway towns to lesser-known attractions like the Huon Valley, Tasman Peninsula, and parts of the North West coast around Devonport.
What local events spike demand in Tasmania in 2026?
As of early 2026, the main events that spike Airbnb demand in Tasmania include the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race finish (late December), Taste of Summer waterfront festival (December to January), Dark Mofo (winter, usually June), and school holiday periods along the East Coast.
During major events like the Sydney to Hobart finish and Taste of Summer, hosts in Hobart typically see booking demand jump 30% to 60% and nightly rates rise 20% to 40% above normal levels, with the best-located properties often selling out weeks in advance.
Smart hosts in Tasmania should adjust their pricing and minimum-stay settings at least four to six weeks before major events, and for predictable annual events like Dark Mofo, savvy operators block premium rates into their calendars up to a year ahead.
What occupancy differences exist between top and average hosts in Tasmania in 2026?
As of early 2026, top-performing Airbnb hosts in Tasmania achieve annualized occupancy rates of 78% to 88%, significantly outpacing the market.
By comparison, average hosts in Tasmania typically land at 60% to 70% occupancy, meaning top performers run about 10 to 20 percentage points higher through better pricing strategies, superior listing photos, instant booking, and faster response times.
New hosts in Tasmania usually need 6 to 12 months of consistent operation, positive reviews, and pricing optimization before reaching top-performer occupancy levels, with the learning curve shorter for those who invest in professional photography and dynamic pricing tools from the start.
We give more details about the different Airbnb strategies to adopt in our property pack covering the real estate market in Tasmania.
Which price points are most crowded, and where's the "white space" for new hosts in Tasmania right now?
The most crowded price range in Tasmania's Airbnb market sits between A$130 and A$200 per night (US$85 to US$130 or €75 to €120), where the majority of two-bedroom apartments and modest entire homes compete heavily for the same family and couple travelers.
White space opportunities for new hosts exist at both ends: the budget tier below A$100 per night (US$65 or €60) for simple, clean studios and one-bedrooms that serve cost-conscious travelers, and the premium tier above A$250 per night (US$160 or €150) for genuinely distinctive properties with exceptional comfort, views, or unique character.
To succeed in the underserved premium segment, new hosts should offer properties with standout features like genuine heritage charm, panoramic water or mountain views, hot tubs, or work-from-anywhere setups with fast internet and dedicated desks, since Tasmania's market rewards distinctive experiences more than generic hotel-style amenities.
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What property works best for Airbnb demand in Tasmania right now?
What bedroom count gets the most bookings in Tasmania as of 2026?
As of early 2026, one-bedroom and two-bedroom properties get the highest total number of bookings in Tasmania, though two-bedroom and three-bedroom listings often generate more stable annual revenue.
The estimated booking breakdown by bedroom count in Tasmania shows one-bedroom units capturing roughly 35% of bookings, two-bedrooms around 40%, three-bedrooms about 18%, and studios plus four-bedroom-plus properties sharing the remaining 7%.
One-bedroom and two-bedroom properties perform well in Tasmania because the state attracts a large proportion of couples and small groups on road trips who want affordable, well-located bases rather than large family homes, especially during shoulder seasons.
What property type performs best in Tasmania in 2026?
As of early 2026, the best-performing property types for Airbnb in Tasmania are character cottages, heritage-style homes, and well-located apartments, which consistently achieve higher occupancy and stronger guest reviews than generic modern builds.
Occupancy rates across property types in Tasmania show entire homes and cottages averaging 65% to 75%, apartments in inner Hobart and Launceston hitting 60% to 72%, and unique stays (like converted barns or waterfront shacks) achieving anywhere from 55% to 80% depending heavily on location and presentation.
Character properties outperform in Tasmania because so many visitors come specifically for the state's heritage charm, cool climate coziness, and "escape" atmosphere, meaning a weatherboard cottage with good heating and local character genuinely adds to the trip experience in ways a standard apartment cannot match.
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 Tasmania, we always rely on the strongest methodology we can … and we don't throw out numbers at random.
We also aim to be fully transparent, so below we've listed the authoritative sources we used, and explained how we used them and the methods behind our estimates.
| Source | Why it's authoritative | How we used it |
|---|---|---|
| Tourism Tasmania Accommodation Reports | It's the state tourism body publishing regular, method-noted accommodation metrics using STR Global and AirDNA data. | We used it to anchor Tasmania's short-stay demand and occupancy by region. We treat it as the ground truth for statewide seasonality patterns. |
| Tourism Tasmania September 2025 Report | It's an official report with definitions, region splits, and stated data sources from the state tourism authority. | We extracted short-stay listing nights booked and occupancy rates to model typical versus seasonal months for 2026. We also used the report's definitions of what "short-stay" includes. |
| Planning Directive No. 6 | It's a Minister-issued directive that sets statewide planning rules for visitor accommodation in Tasmania. | We used it to explain when a planning permit is exempt versus required and the permitted standards. We also used it to flag special treatment for heritage precincts like Battery Point. |
| State Planning Office SSA Factsheet | It's a government factsheet describing the Short Stay Accommodation Act and compliance duties for hosts. | We used it to describe platform reporting requirements in specified zones. We also used its zone definitions and explanation of "short stay premises provider." |
| City of Hobart Visitor Accommodation Page | It's the local council explaining how state planning rules are applied in Hobart specifically. | We used it to translate statewide rules into practical steps for Hobart hosts. We also used it to flag Hobart's differential rating for short-stay properties. |
| PlanBuild Tasmania | It's the official portal used to check zones and lodge planning applications in Tasmania. | We used it as the practical step for verifying zoning and permit status. We recommend it for readers to confirm restricted areas and existing permits. |
| AirDNA Hobart Market Overview | It's a widely used STR analytics provider with consistent, comparable metrics across markets. | We used it for Hobart's active listings, ADR, occupancy, RevPAR, and bedroom mix. We cross-checked directionally against Tourism Tasmania's AirDNA-based reporting. |
| AirDNA Launceston Market Overview | It provides consistent STR metrics for Tasmania's second-largest city using the same methodology as Hobart data. | We used it to represent Northern Tasmania pricing and occupancy. We treat Launceston as the second anchor market for metro-style demand. |
| AirDNA Devonport City Overview | It provides STR metrics for the North West region using consistent AirDNA methodology. | We used it to represent North West coastal city performance and to sanity-check regional city revenue expectations. |
| AirDNA Tasmania Market Directory | It's AirDNA's official index of Tasmanian local government areas and short-term rental markets. | We used it to ensure we're not overfitting to just Hobart data. We also used it to confirm the breadth of STR activity across councils and regions. |
| ABLIS Tasmania Requirements | It's a government-backed licence and obligation directory for businesses operating in Australia. | We used it to confirm the practical compliance checklist covering planning permits and building assessments. We treat it as a reliable overview of what hosts must do. |
| ATO Income and Deductions Guide | It's Australia's tax authority describing how rental and hosting income is treated for tax purposes. | We used it to explain what income is taxable and the kinds of deductions that apply for Airbnb-style renting. We also used it to frame net profit as before personal tax. |
| ATO GST Registration Guide | It's the primary source on GST registration thresholds and rules from Australia's tax authority. | We used it to set the GST decision point for hosts scaling to multiple properties. We also used it to explain that GST registration is separate from planning approvals. |
| State Revenue Office Tasmania Land Tax | It's Tasmania's official tax office providing current land tax rates and thresholds. | We used it to build a realistic holding-cost band for non-owner-occupied short-term rentals. We treat land tax as a must-include cost line in profitability calculations. |
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.
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