Proposed changes from Brisbane City Council are set to significantly impact short-term rental properties in low and low-medium density residential suburbs, including Brisbane’s western suburbs.
While not yet formally adopted, the direction is clear. If approved, these reforms would effectively restrict or prevent short-stay accommodation, including Airbnb and Stayz from operating in many suburban locations unless owners can secure development approval.
With implementation proposed as early as July next year, property owners with short-term stays in these zones should be preparing now.
What’s changing?
Council has flagged it will start notifying approximately 500 homeowners that their properties are unlikely to be approved for continued short-stay use in residential suburbs.
Under the proposed framework:
- Owners in low and low-medium density zones must obtain development approval to operate short-term rentals.
- Properties able to continue short-stay letting will require an annual permit (pricing yet to be confirmed).
- Operating without approval could attract fines of more than $140,000.
- Operators with approval must nominate a 24-hour contact, respond to complaints within one hour, and report back to council within one day.
- Public liability insurance and clearly defined house rules will be mandatory.
- A three-strikes policy will apply, with repeated disturbances to neighbours resulting in permits being revoked.
In practical terms, this is expected to push many properties out of the short-stay market and into the long-term rental pool.
Timing matters
Public consultation on the proposed changes is open until 16 February. The reforms will then move through state government review before returning to council for final approval, with a potential rollout from July.
While the legislation is not yet signed off, the proposed rollout timeframe is tight. All signs point to this moving forward in some form, leaving little time for reactive decision-making once confirmed.
Why acting early matters for short stay owners
If a high volume of former Airbnb style properties enter the long-term rental market at the same time, competition between property investors will increase. Owners who delay planning may face
- Longer vacancy periods
- Increased competition on rental pricing
- Reduced tenant choice
- Pressure to lease quickly rather than strategically
Getting ahead of this shift allows owners to position their property before the market becomes more crowded.
Our advice for suburban Airbnb owners
If you currently operate a short-stay rental in a low or low medium density residential suburb, now is the time to review your exposure and plan next steps. This may include
- Reviewing zoning and planning implications
- Assessing the viability of transitioning to a long-term lease
- Speaking with an experienced property management team
At Hauss, we are already supporting owners who want to stay ahead of these proposed changes. Early planning can help protect rental returns, reduce downtime, and ensure your property is well positioned as the market adjusts.
If you’d like to discuss how these proposed reforms could affect your property, our team is here to help you plan, before the market shifts.
