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 £106. 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.
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