Bloemfontein

As of June 2026, Bloemfontein has 516 active Airbnb and VRBO listings. This represents a 10% increase from the previous year.

The average Airbnb or VRBO in Bloemfontein generates R97K per year. High-performing properties earn R221K/year, while low-performing properties earn R36K/year. Supply is growing faster than revenue, signaling intensifying competition despite flat 2-year trends. The wide performance gap—with top properties earning 6x more than bottom performers—suggests market segmentation where differentiation significantly impacts returns in this constrained 27% occupancy environment.

Airbnb and VRBO can be profitable in Bloemfontein. Average annual revenue is R97K with 27% occupancy. High-performing properties earn up to R221K/year. Supply growth of 10.2% YoY outpaces revenue growth of 2.4%, indicating tightening margins as competition intensifies. The 128% gap between high and average performers suggests significant variance in execution quality within the market.

The average occupancy rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Bloemfontein is 27%. This occupancy level, combined with an average nightly rate of R948, results in a RevPAR (revenue per available room) of R203 per day.

3-bedroom properties demonstrate the strongest performance in Bloemfontein, with annual revenue of R165K. These properties balance operating costs and rental demand most effectively in the Bloemfontein market. Property performance varies significantly by location, amenities, and management quality.

Short-term rental regulations vary by jurisdiction in the Bloemfontein area. I don't have reliable current data on Bloemfontein's short-term rental regulations and enforcement practices. South African municipalities have varying approaches to STR regulation, and Bloemfontein's specific rules, permit requirements, and enforcement reality aren't well-documented in available sources. I recommend contacting the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality directly or consulting a local property attorney for accurate, current information on STR compliance requirements and how actively they're enforced. Always verify current regulations with local authorities and obtain necessary permits before operating a short-term rental.

The Bloemfontein Airbnb and VRBO market is currently showing balanced conditions. Supply has grown 10% year-over-year, while RevPAR has increased 2%. This indicates balanced supply-demand dynamics. The wide gap between average ($97,132) and high-performing ($221,166) revenues suggests significant performance variation across properties, while the 27% occupancy rate reflects moderate market utilization with room for demand growth.

Launch around January, 2-3 months before peak fall season (April peaks). This pre-peak timing lets you build reviews when competition is -15% lower than peak months. Avoid launching during peak season when established listings dominate, or slow months (February-November) when gaining traction is harder.

The most common amenities in Bloemfontein listings include: Kitchen (93%), Tv (93%), Air Conditioning (64%), Heating (63%), Bbq (56%). Amenities that boost revenue the most include Washing Machine, Pool, Pets Allowed, with Washing Machine properties earning approximately 47% more (R220K/year vs R149K/year).

Monthly estimated revenue per listing in Bloemfontein over the last 12 months: May: R6K, June: R5K, July: R6K, August: R6K, September: R7K, October: R7K, November: R4K, December: R8K, January: R5K, February: R5K, March: R8K, April: R9K. These figures are based on RevPAR (revenue per available room) multiplied by the number of days in each month.

The overall average nightly rate in Bloemfontein is R948, up 28% year-over-year. By property size: 1-bedroom properties average R847/night, 2-bedroom properties average R1K/night, 3-bedroom properties average R2K/night, 4+ bedroom properties average R2K/night. Rates peak in March and are lowest in May.

Guests in Bloemfontein book an average of 17 days in advance, down 26% from last year. By property size: 1-bedroom: 16 days, 2-bedroom: 19 days, 3-bedroom: 20 days, 4+ bedroom: 18 days. Larger properties tend to have longer booking windows as guests plan group trips further ahead.

Over the past year, the Bloemfontein Airbnb and VRBO market has seen the following changes: supply grew 10%, revenue per listing increased 2%, occupancy fell 17%, average nightly rates increased 28%, and lead time decreased 26%. The sharp rate increase amid falling occupancy and declining lead times suggests hosts are competing aggressively for bookings in a softening market. The wide gap between average ($97k) and top-performing listings ($221k) indicates significant performance stratification among properties.

In Bloemfontein, Friday sees the highest booking demand while Monday has the lowest. Nightly rates peak on Friday and are lowest on Sunday. Weekends show 40% higher occupancy than weekdays.