Port Elizabeth

As of May 2026, Port Elizabeth, Gqeberha have 864 active Airbnb and VRBO listings. This represents a 3% decrease from the previous year.

The average Airbnb or VRBO in Port Elizabeth generates R153K per year. High-performing properties earn R328K/year, while low-performing properties earn R49K/year. The massive revenue variance suggests a bifurcated market where top-tier assets capture a disproportionate share of total demand despite stagnant supply growth.

Airbnb and VRBO can be profitable in Port Elizabeth. Average annual revenue is R153K with 31% occupancy. High-performing properties earn up to R328K/year. This occupancy rate indicates that while the market is lucrative for some, there is significant underutilization across the broader inventory.

The average occupancy rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Port Elizabeth is 31%. This occupancy level, combined with an average nightly rate of R1K, results in a RevPAR (revenue per available room) of R308 per day.

4+ bedroom properties demonstrate the strongest performance in Port Elizabeth, with annual revenue of R306K. These properties balance operating costs and rental demand most effectively in the Port Elizabeth market. Property performance varies significantly by location, amenities, and management quality.

Short-term rental regulations vary by jurisdiction in the Port Elizabeth area. Port Elizabeth/Gqeberha: Lenient. No specific short-term rental regulations or licensing requirements at municipal level. General business registration and tourism grading optional. Zoning rules exist but enforcement minimal. Most hosts operate without permits. Body corporate rules in complexes may restrict rentals but widely ignored. Tax compliance voluntary with little oversight. Classification: Lenient due to absence of STR-specific framework and very light enforcement. Always verify current regulations with local authorities and obtain necessary permits before operating a short-term rental.

The Port Elizabeth Airbnb and VRBO market is currently showing balanced with strong demand conditions. Supply has declined 3% year-over-year, while RevPAR has increased 5%. This indicates healthy demand growth outpacing supply, tightening the competitive landscape for existing operators.

Launch around September, 2-3 months before peak winter season (December 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 (May-June) when gaining traction is harder.

The most common amenities in Port Elizabeth listings include: Kitchen (98%), Tv (96%), Bbq (58%), Balcony (57%), Private Yard (53%). Amenities that boost revenue the most include Washing Machine, Pool, Gym, with Washing Machine properties earning approximately 54% more (R289K/year vs R187K/year).

Monthly estimated revenue per listing in Port Elizabeth over the last 12 months: May: R7K, June: R6K, July: R9K, August: R8K, September: R8K, October: R9K, November: R6K, December: R17K, January: R10K, February: R7K, March: R12K, April: R14K. 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 Port Elizabeth is R1K, up 24% year-over-year. By property size: 1-bedroom properties average R899/night, 2-bedroom properties average R1K/night, 3-bedroom properties average R2K/night, 4+ bedroom properties average R3K/night. Rates peak in December and are lowest in May.

Guests in Port Elizabeth book an average of 21 days in advance, down 16% from last year. By property size: 1-bedroom: 19 days, 2-bedroom: 24 days, 3-bedroom: 27 days, 4+ bedroom: 29 days. Larger properties tend to have longer booking windows as guests plan group trips further ahead.

Over the past year, the Port Elizabeth Airbnb and VRBO market has seen the following changes: supply declined 3%, revenue per listing increased 5%, occupancy fell 9%, average nightly rates increased 24%, and lead time decreased 16%. The sharp rise in rates despite lower occupancy points to a shift toward higher-margin, shorter-stay booking cycles.

In Port Elizabeth, Saturday sees the highest booking demand while Monday has the lowest. Nightly rates peak on Friday and are lowest on Tuesday. Weekends show 27% higher occupancy than weekdays.