Short Stay Property Management Melbourne — The 2026 Guide
Melbourne’s inner-north suburbs are among Australia’s strongest short stay markets. Northcote, Fitzroy, Collingwood, and Richmond attract consistent domestic and international demand for short stay accommodation, particularly around events, festivals, and the arts precinct.
Melbourne Short Stay Market 2026
Average Airbnb occupancy in inner-north Melbourne: 68-78%. Average nightly rate for a 2-bedroom property: $195-$285. Annual gross revenue for a well-managed inner-north 2-bedroom: $48k-$72k. Equivalent long-term rental income: $26k-$32k.
The Real Cost Comparison
| Cost | Short Stay | Long-Term Rental |
|---|---|---|
| Gross annual income | $48k-$72k | $26k-$32k |
| Management fee | 20-25% ($9.6k-$18k) | 7-8% ($1.8k-$2.6k) |
| Cleaning per stay | $80-$150 per stay x 60 stays = $4.8k-$9k | End of lease only |
| Linen and supplies | $2k-$4k/year | None |
| Net annual income | $28k-$42k | $22k-$28k |
Victorian Short Stay Regulations 2026
- Owners corporations can now ban or restrict short stay in their building (Owners Corporations Act amendment)
- Melbourne City Council requires registration for properties listed more than 60 nights/year
- Planning permits may be required depending on zone and frequency
- Guest register must be maintained for all stays
Collings Short Stay Management
Collings manages short stay properties across inner-north Melbourne. GeeVee can model your specific property’s short stay income potential vs long-term rental to help you decide.
Get a free income projection: collings.com.au/portal
