Johannesburg

As of May 2026, Johannesburg, Pretoria, Sandton have 6,019 active Airbnb and VRBO listings. This represents a 0% increase from the previous year.

The average Airbnb or VRBO in Johannesburg generates R123K per year. High-performing properties earn R397K/year, while low-performing properties earn R36K/year. This massive revenue variance suggests a market where top-tier assets capture a disproportionate share of demand, creating a significant barrier between baseline listings and those effectively optimized for current traveler preferences.

Airbnb and VRBO can be profitable in Johannesburg. Average annual revenue is R123K with 27% occupancy. High-performing properties earn up to R397K/year. The 27% occupancy rate reflects a cautious market, yet the high-earning segment demonstrates that specific properties still command substantial interest despite broader volatility in average performance.

The average occupancy rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Johannesburg is 27%. This occupancy level, combined with an average nightly rate of R1K, results in a RevPAR (revenue per available room) of R254 per day.

4+ bedroom properties demonstrate the strongest performance in Johannesburg, with annual revenue of R282K. These properties balance operating costs and rental demand most effectively in the Johannesburg market. Property performance varies significantly by location, amenities, and management quality.

Short-term rental regulations vary by jurisdiction in the Johannesburg area. Johannesburg: Lenient. No specific STR regulations, general business licensing may apply. Minimal enforcement, hosts operate freely. Pretoria: Lenient. Falls under Tshwane metro, no dedicated STR rules, zoning compliance expected. Light enforcement, widespread operation. Sandton: Lenient. Part of Johannesburg metro, same minimal regulations apply. No owner-occupancy rules or caps. Very light enforcement, thriving STR market. Always verify current regulations with local authorities and obtain necessary permits before operating a short-term rental.

The Johannesburg Airbnb and VRBO market is currently showing balanced conditions. Supply has grown 0% year-over-year, while RevPAR has decreased 5%. This indicates balanced supply-demand dynamics. Stagnant supply growth suggests that market entry has leveled off, though the slight decline in RevPAR signals that existing inventory faces sustained pressure on pricing power.

Launch around September, 2-3 months before peak winter season (December peaks). This pre-peak timing lets you build reviews when competition is -50% lower than peak months. Avoid launching during peak season when established listings dominate, or slow months (November-May) when gaining traction is harder.

The most common amenities in Johannesburg listings include: Kitchen (99%), Tv (94%), Washing Machine (78%), Heating (62%), Pool (60%). Amenities that boost revenue the most include Washing Machine, Air Conditioning, Hot Tub, with Washing Machine properties earning approximately 33% more (R255K/year vs R191K/year).

Monthly estimated revenue per listing in Johannesburg over the last 12 months: May: R6K, June: R6K, July: R7K, August: R8K, September: R7K, October: R9K, November: R6K, December: R11K, January: R8K, February: R6K, March: R9K, April: R10K. 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 Johannesburg is R1K, up 30% year-over-year. By property size: 1-bedroom properties average R940/night, 2-bedroom properties average R1K/night, 3-bedroom properties average R2K/night, 4+ bedroom properties average R5K/night. Rates peak in December and are lowest in May.

Guests in Johannesburg book an average of 17 days in advance, down 21% from last year. By property size: 1-bedroom: 16 days, 2-bedroom: 17 days, 3-bedroom: 24 days, 4+ bedroom: 26 days. Larger properties tend to have longer booking windows as guests plan group trips further ahead.

Over the past year, the Johannesburg Airbnb and VRBO market has seen the following changes: supply grew 0%, revenue per listing decreased 5%, occupancy fell 14%, average nightly rates increased 30%, and lead time decreased 21%. These shifts reveal a market pivoting toward shorter booking cycles and higher price points, likely squeezing volume to maintain margins.

In Johannesburg, Saturday sees the highest booking demand while Monday has the lowest. Nightly rates peak on Friday and are lowest on Tuesday. Weekends show 25% higher occupancy than weekdays.