Industry experts are to be commissioned by the Department of State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning to investigate impacts the short-term rental market is having on the State’s housing supply.
Minister responsible for the Department, Steven Miles said concerns had been raised over the number of properties placed on short-term rental sites such as Airbnb and Stayz in the current tight rental market.
“People are seeing their rent increased or are struggling to find an available rental near their work or kids’ school,” Dr Miles said.
“We don’t have a clear picture of the impact short-term rental properties are having on the rental market.”
He said the experts’ work would provide some detailed analysis into the positive and negative impacts of short-term rental accommodation on housing affordability and availability, the tourism industry, property owners and cities and regional communities.
“It will also identify if the impact is the same across Queensland, or if the experience varies across different regions,” Dr Miles said.
He said while the number of short-term rental properties was relatively small in comparison to the entire housing sector, the Government would look at all avenues that might result in an increase in properties being available for longer term rental.
“We are listening to the community, industry, Councils and other stakeholders, who have raised these concerns on both sides,” the Minister said.
“The research will consider a range of regulatory and non-regulatory options, including those being used in other jurisdictions, and provide a solid base of information to underpin any framework changes in Queensland.”
He said there were many factor in play, including Queensland being the nation’s tourism capital and having suitable accommodation for international, interstate and intrastate visitors.
The research is expected to be delivered to the Government by the end of the year.
