Why Buying an Existing Airbnb Property Is a Smart Move for Investors in 2025
With rising tourism demand across regional Australia and tightening short-stay accommodation regulations, savvy investors are shifting focus toward buying existing Airbnb-approved properties—and for good reason.
Whether you're looking for a sea-change, a side income, or a full-time hosting opportunity, purchasing a home with a Short-Term Rental Approval (STRA) already in place can save you months of paperwork, thousands in setup costs, and deliver instant returns.
What Is an STRA Property?
A Short-Term Rental Accommodation (STRA) property is one that has formal approval for use as a short-stay rental—either through local council registration, planning approval, or licensing requirements (depending on the state or territory). This is crucial, as many areas now restrict or cap the number of days a property can be rented on Airbnb or Stayz without registration.
Why Buy an Existing Airbnb?
- Immediate Income
Properties already listed on Airbnb or other platforms often come with a booking history, reviews, and existing furnishings—so you can start earning right away.
- No Setup Hassles
Avoid months of preparing, furnishing, and applying for approvals. It's all done for you.
- Regulatory Confidence
Existing STRA-approved properties have already navigated council requirements.
- Proven Demand
With guest reviews and income records available, it's easier to forecast returns. Examples of STRA-Approved Airbnb Listings for Sale
| Address |
Region |
Price |
Key Feature |
| 77 Clarence St, Perth, WA |
Inner-city |
$790,000+ |
STRA approved, renovated, high occupancy |
| Dune Beach House, Rye, VIC |
Mornington Peninsula |
$1.49–1.63M |
Dual income (Airbnb + photo shoots) |
| 1 Adams Road, Denmark, WA |
Great Southern |
$849,000 |
Nature retreat, Airbnb income, STRA in place |
| 2-Bed Unit, Kalbarri, WA |
Coral Coast |
$135,000 |
23.7% yield estimate, river views |
| Farmstay, Hunter Valley, NSW |
Rural |
POA |
Wedding venue + guest accommodation |
Featured: 1 Adams Road, Denmark, WA
Set on a peaceful street minutes from Denmark town, 1 Adams Road is a standout example of a turnkey short-stay rental. With STRA registration in place, recent bookings at premium rates, and a cosy layout designed for guests, it’s ideal for buyers who want income without delay.
This 3-bedroom retreat features timber flooring, open-plan living, a wraparound deck, and bushland surrounds. Summer holiday dates are already booking fast—meaning you can step into a profitable operation immediately.
View Full Listing
Final Thoughts
If you’re exploring property investment in 2025, STRA-approved Airbnb properties offer an attractive balance of lifestyle and income. You get to own a home in a desirable destination—while earning from it when you’re not using it.
As more councils introduce limits and waitlists for short-stay permits, buying existing listings with approvals in place is becoming one of the smartest moves in the market.