Quick answer
NSW STRA register mandatory for all properties. Non-hosted lets in Greater Sydney capped at 180 nights/year. Hosted (owner present) is unlimited. Strata schemes can ban STR by majority vote.
Worst-case scenario
Strata by-laws can outright prohibit STR in apartment buildings — confirm building rules before purchase.
How Sydney's rules shape the market
There are currently 13,211 active short-term-rental listings operating in Sydney (of 18,608 total). Median occupancy across those is 32%. The median nightly rate is $137.28. With the 180-night cap, that limits unlicensed annual revenue.
FAQ
Do I need a license to run an Airbnb in Sydney?
Sydney does not require a license, but hosts must register their short-term rental with the city.
How many nights can I rent my Airbnb in Sydney?
Sydney caps short-term rentals at 180 nights per year for entire homes.
What is the average Airbnb occupancy in Sydney?
Active Airbnb listings in Sydney run at ~32% occupancy (up 9 points year over year). Source: Inside Airbnb.
What is the median daily rate for an Airbnb in Sydney?
The median Airbnb daily rate (ADR) in Sydney is approximately $137.28, up 3% year over year. Based on listings with at least one review in the last 12 months.
How many active Airbnb listings are in Sydney?
There are approximately 13,211 active short-term rental listings in Sydney (listings with at least one booking in the last 12 months).
Is Airbnb income growing or shrinking in Sydney?
Compared to a year ago, Sydney short-term rental performance has shifted: occupancy +9 pts, daily rate +3%. Underlying data comes from the latest Inside Airbnb snapshot vs the closest archive ~12 months prior.
Beyond the rules
See Sydney's income, occupancy, and neighborhood data
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Try HostPal free for 7 days →Source: https://www.nsw.gov.au/housing-and-construction/short-term-rental-accommodation · Last verified July 2026