Spotlight on short-term rentals could shake up NSW housing

The government has released a discussion paper and is asking for community input to gather information for what it’s calling a “comprehensive review” of the popular holiday accommodation type, where private properties are rented out on platforms like Airbnb, Stayz and other holiday letting services.

Rose Jackson, the state’s Minister for Housing and Minister for Homelessness who is leading the review, said the review has been instigated as part of the government’s wider focus on addressing the housing crisis in the state.

Both Ms Jackson and the NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Paul Scully, made it clear that they hope one outcome of the review will be to shift some STRA properties back to the long-term rental market.

“This review will inform our approach to make better use of all forms of housing, including short-term rentals, vacant property and holiday homes,” Ms Jackson said.

“This includes looking at ways to move some of this housing to the long-term rental market and to minimise its negative impacts on the housing market as well as what we can do to support homelessness services across NSW.”

Mr Scully added: “We’re in a housing crisis, so it’s important we look at every available option to boost housing supply, including a shift from non-hosted, short-term rentals to long-term rentals.”

The Planning Minister noted that the government would attempt to walk a fine line in also accommodating the needs of the visitor economy.

“We’re hoping to better balance housing availability for the people of NSW with the benefits that tourism brings to local communities,” he said.

NSW’s communities and stakeholders can submit their opinions via an online questionnaire that will be open for four weeks, through 14 March. The government is specifically looking to hear thoughts on whether the current regulatory framework governing STRA is adequate, as well as ways to incentivise STRA owners to put their properties on the long-term market and other policy options.

Mr Scully and Ms Jackson encouraged a wide range of thoughts and proposals, noting that “all options are on the table in this review”.

“We’re determined to do everything we can to tackle the housing crisis and put every part of the housing market under the microscope for options to encourage a greater supply of long-term rental accommodation,” Ms Jackson said.