A proposed permit scheme for short-term accommodation providers will not proceed at this time.
Against a backdrop of uncertainty in Australia’s housing market caused by the Federal Government’s expected property tax changes and rising interest rates, additional red tape is not appropriate right now.
Put simply, a lot has changed in recent times and we don’t believe now is the right time to be adding additional regulation.
We established a Short Stay Accommodation Taskforce back in 2023 to examine concerns about security, overcrowding and anti-social behaviour, with a permit scheme recommended in its 2024 report.
The rapid growth of platform-based short stay accommodation experienced in earlier years has slowed and the management of homes has improved dramatically since we began this conversation in 2023.
Feedback received during consultation on our permit scheme also revealed some short-term rentals serve broader needs beyond tourism, such as housing domestic violence survivors, insurance claimants and hospital patients.
We will continue working with platforms to crack-down on hosts whose guests repeatedly cause problems, while enforcing all existing local laws.
Like most local governments in Queensland, we will also continue to undertake education and compliance activity when concerns are raised about short-term accommodation operating without the required development approval.
Brisbane is home to more than 1.3 million people and we receive around 100 complaints a year about short-stay rentals.
At a time when housing affordability remains a major challenge, we remain focused on encouraging more homes in the right places, rather than adding more red tape.
Our “tall-over-sprawl” approach will continue encouraging more homes close to jobs, public transport and the lifestyle our city is known for, while protecting Brisbane’s low-density suburbs and natural areas.
BACKGROUND:
The Short Stay Accommodation Taskforce found less than one percent of Brisbane homes were used for short-term accommodation and the sector supported the city’s hotel supply during peak visitor periods, such as major events.
Airbnb growth is slowing globally, including in core markets such as Australia: https://www.economist.com/business/2025/11/02/has-airbnb-reached-its-peak
