Brisbane has quietly become one of Australia's most consistent STR markets. Its tourism industry is booming, contributing a whopping $12.1 billion to the local economy in the year to June 2024, a 12.3% increase from the year prior. It draws a healthy mix of leisure travellers, domestic visitors, interstate relocators and business guests, a combination which tends to smooth out seasonal dips that can affect more tourism-dependent cities.
Across top-performing Brisbane suburbs, the average daily rate is around $242, with occupancy rates in the 68-76% range, depending on the suburb and property type. That's a solid foundation for investors comparing returns when deciding on the best suburbs to buy in Brisbane.
The Brisbane 2032 Olympics is already reshaping how investors think about the city. Infrastructure spending, venue development and international visibility tend to push both property values and short-term rental demand upward in the years leading up to the Olympics, and Brisbane is no different. As of August 2025, Brisbane has over 6,000 listings, demonstrating a 19% increase in supply compared to last year.
Suburbs near Olympic venues, transport corridors and the CBD are worth watching closely. Check out Hometimie's report on how the broader Brisbane rental market is tracking, featuring key details such as demand drivers, seasonality, and what the data shows for investors right now.
Staying ahead of new Airbnb rules in Australia is key to long-term success; while Airbnbs in Brisbane are legal, note that the Brisbane City Council is introducing a Short Stay Accommodation Local Law from 1 July 2026, which will require an annual permit for any home rented out for short stays (less than 90 days at a time). Some properties may also need development approval before a permit can be applied for, and body corporate by-laws can add further restrictions.
The best suburbs to buy in Brisbane for short-term rentals often share a few things:
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ADR: $259
Occupancy: 68%
Brisbane's CBD draws business travellers, conference attendees, interstate visitors and weekend short breaks throughout the year, which means demand doesn't spike and crash the way it can in lifestyle-driven suburbs. With 984 active listings and an ADR of $259, it's the most competitive precinct on this list, but well-set-up properties that lead with convenience (fast check-in, reliable WiFi, a central location) can still stand out. Proximity to the South Bank, Queen Street Mall, with over 500 retailers, reputable restaurants, romantic riverside dining and major transport hubs gives guests everything they need within walking distance.
ADR: $247
Occupancy: 76%
Teneriffe is one of Brisbane's standout performers. With a 76% occupancy rate and a $247 ADR, it punches well above its weight. The converted woolstore apartments and riverside setting give it a character guests are willing to pay for, and with 60 current listings, that means less competition for bookings. It's well connected to the CBD and Fortitude Valley, and its identity as one of Brisbane's more distinctive neighbourhoods makes listings easy to sell. This suburb is worth watching as an investment for those who want strong returns without fighting a crowded market.
ADR: $242
Occupancy: 75%
South Brisbane sits right across the river from the CBD and benefits from proximity to South Bank Parklands, the Queensland Gallery of Modern Art, the Queensland Performing Arts Centre and the Wheel of Brisbane. With 565 active listings, it's a larger market than some others on this list, but the 75% occupancy rate shows demand is keeping pace. It works well for couples, cultural tourists and corporate travellers who want to be close to the action without paying CBD prices.
ADR: $253
Occupancy: 73%
Newstead has transformed over the past decade from an industrial fringe suburb into one of Brisbane's most desirable inner-city neighbourhoods. It's home to Gasworks Plaza, riverside dining and a growing number of high-quality apartment developments. Its proximity to Fortitude Valley and the CBD makes it attractive to both leisure and corporate guests.
ADR: $260
Occupancy: 67%
New Farm carries the highest ADR on this list at $260, making it one of the most expensive suburbs in Brisbane on this list. The ADR reflects both the quality of its housing stock and the premium guests are willing to pay for its tree-lined streets, boutique shopping on Brunswick Street and easy access to the CityCat. For investors prepared to invest in fit-out and presentation, the nightly rate ceiling here is one of the highest in the city.
ADR: $234
Occupancy: 72%
Fortitude Valley is Brisbane's entertainment hub, and that drives consistent weekend and event-based demand. Guests who book here know what they're coming for: live music, restaurants, nightlife and walkability. With 492 active listings and a 72% occupancy rate, it's a deep and active market. Properties that lean into the location in their listings, highlighting what's on the doorstep rather than just the property itself, tend to perform well. Midweek demand can be softer, so dynamic pricing is worth getting right here.
ADR: $188
Occupancy: 73%
West End is one of the affordable suburbs in Brisbane on this list in terms of nightly rate, but its 73% occupancy and strong local identity make it a consistent performer. The weekend markets, multicultural dining scene, independent shops and proximity to South Bank give guests a genuine neighbourhood experience. For investors looking at affordable suburbs in Brisbane with solid fundamentals, West End is worth a close look. Lower nightly rates mean cash flow depends more on occupancy staying strong, so presentation and guest communication matter.
ADR: $166
Occupancy: 72%
Woolloongabba is one to watch for the 2032 Olympics. The Brisbane 2032 venue for athletics is planned nearby, and the suburb is already undergoing significant infrastructure investment. Its proximity to the Gabba, South Bank and the CBD makes it well-suited to sports travellers and event-goers. With the lowest ADR on this list at $166 and 72% occupancy, it's among the more affordable options for Brisbane investors today, but that may change as the Olympic timeline advances and the suburb's profile rises.
The gap between an average-performing property and a strong one often comes down to a few things: Airbnb pricing which moves with demand, fast guest communication, professional photography and styling, thorough Airbnb cleaning that protects your reviews, and maintenance, which stops small problems from becoming bad stays.
Hometime's Local Host model brings all of that together with someone who knows your suburb and your guests. Whether you're looking at a stylish apartment in Teneriffe or a riverside property in New Farm, the right management team can meaningfully lift what your property earns.
It depends on your investment goals. New Farm offers the highest nightly rates, Teneriffe has the best occupancy rate relative to competition, and Brisbane City provides the most consistent year-round demand. The best suburb is one that matches your property type, budget and target guest.
The lead-up to the 2032 Games is likely to lift both property values and short-term rental demand in suburbs close to venues, transport infrastructure and the CBD. Woolloongabba, South Brisbane and Brisbane northside suburbs are often cited as ones to watch.
Brisbane City Council has its own rules around short-term accommodation, and requirements can vary depending on your property type and how many nights you rent it out. It's worth checking council guidelines and any body corporate by-laws before you list. Hometime can help you understand what applies to your property.
Top suburbs in Brisbane are seeing occupancy rates of 67–76%, depending on the location and property type. Well-managed, well-presented properties in high-demand suburbs often sit at the upper end of that range.
Assuming an average nightly rate of $260 and 67-76% occupancy, you could bring home $64,532-72,124 annually from your Airbnb in Brisbane (excluding Airbnb platform fees, cleaning, and other upkeep costs). This is subject to change, depending on location, seasonality, market trends, and other factors.
To get an accurate earnings estimate, contact Hometime.
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