Study reveals crisis reasons for Australian short-term rental bookings

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 14 Oct, 04:32 · Archive

A Griffith University study found that 30 to 40 per cent of Australian short-term rental bookings are for non-leisure reasons including domestic violence and natural disasters.

A Griffith University study released on Wednesday found that short-term rentals like Airbnb serve purposes far beyond leisure travel. The independent study, commissioned by Airbnb, found that 30 to 40 per cent of bookings are for non-leisure reasons.

Work-related travel is the largest individual category at 21.9 per cent of non-leisure bookings. Other significant reasons include property issues or renovations at 17.8 per cent, escaping natural hazards like bushfires at 16.3 per cent, and moving between homes at 15.4 per cent. Escaping domestic or family violence accounted for 15.2 per cent of non-leisure bookings, while health and care represented 5.3 per cent.

Short-term rental host Leo Wei, who operates a property in Sydney, has received multiple bookings from those in family crisis. Mr Wei said short-term rentals offer advantages over hotels or shelters, noting that properties can accept pets and provide more home-like amenities and privacy. 'We are more home-like,' he said.

The study comes as Airbnb and other short-term rental platforms face increased regulation. Some areas have imposed caps on rental nights, such as 180 days in parts of New South Wales including Greater Sydney. A 2025 study found the industry was becoming increasingly 'professionalised' and contributed to rising housing costs in areas with higher densities of short-term rentals.

How it is being reported

• Unseen reasons many Australians book short-term rentalsShort-term rentals like Airbnb act as a more home-like alternative for many people in crisis, including those escaping domestic violence and natural disasters.Perth Now · 14 Oct, 04:18
• Unseen reasons many Australians book short-term rentalsShort-term rentals like Airbnb act as a more home-like alternative for many people in crisis, including those escaping domestic violence and natural disasters.The West Australian · 14 Oct, 04:18

In this story: Griffith University · Airbnb · Leo Wei · Sydney · New South Wales · Australia

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