Behind the Numbers: The Data Statistics and Numbers Behind Gold Coast's Short-Term Rental Regulation

As of July 2026, the Gold Coast City Council has received over 1,200 submissions on the proposed short-term rental regulation, with 70% of respondents supporting stricter controls on platforms like Airbnb. This key fact highlights the community's concern about the issue and the need for data-driven decision-making.

The regulation of short-term rentals matters now because it affects not only the local housing market but also the city's tourism industry, which is a significant contributor to the Gold Coast's economy. With the 2032 Olympics approaching, the city is expecting an influx of visitors, and the demand for short-term accommodation is likely to increase. The council must balance the needs of residents, property owners, and tourists to ensure that the city's housing stock is used efficiently and that the community is not negatively impacted.

In the Gold Coast, areas like Surfers Paradise, Main Beach, and Burleigh Heads are popular with tourists and have a high concentration of short-term rentals. Organisations like the Gold Coast Tourism Corporation and the Surfers Paradise Chamber of Commerce are working with the council to develop policies that support the local economy while addressing community concerns. For example, the council has established a taskforce to investigate the impact of short-term rentals on housing affordability in suburbs like Southport and Labrador.

Data Analysis

According to data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), the number of dwellings used for short-term rentals on the Gold Coast increased by 25% between 2020 and 2025. During the same period, the median house price in the city rose by 18% to $740,000. The council's own data shows that in the 2025-2026 financial year, it received 540 complaints about noise and nuisance related to short-term rentals, with 30% of these complaints coming from the suburb of Surfers Paradise. The average nightly rate for a short-term rental on the Gold Coast is $250, with prices peaking during the summer months and school holidays.

As the council continues to develop its short-term rental regulation policy, it will be important to monitor the data and adjust the approach as needed. Property owners and managers can prepare for the changes by ensuring they comply with existing regulations and by engaging with the council and community groups to understand the proposed changes. Residents can also provide feedback to the council on the draft policy, which is expected to be released for public consultation in August 2026. By working together and using data to inform decision-making, the Gold Coast can develop a short-term rental regulation framework that supports the local economy and community.