Airbnb & Short-Term Rental Management in Melbourne

Seednest is based in Templestowe in Melbourne's east, so Melbourne is home ground for us. We set up, style and run short-term rental homes for owners across the city. You keep ownership and control; we take care of everything from setup to the last checkout.

Why Melbourne works for short stays

Melbourne draws visitors all year: major events such as the Australian Open and the Grand Prix, a busy conference calendar, hospital and university visits, and families coming to see relatives. Inner-city apartments suit business and event travellers, while larger suburban homes suit families and groups who want space, parking and a kitchen.

It is also a crowded market with thousands of active listings, so guests have plenty of choice. Listings that stand out on photos, reviews and pricing book first, while average ones end up competing on price. That gap is where professional management earns its fee.

Melbourne market snapshot

Published data varies by source and method, so we treat it as a range rather than a promise:

• AirROI (12 months to Oct 2026, Melbourne, about 14,700 active listings): average daily rate about $353, occupancy about 44%, average annual revenue about $40,900 before costs.

• AirDNA (Melbourne, Aug 2026, about 17,600 active listings across Airbnb, Vrbo and Booking.com): occupancy about 61%, average daily rate about $159, average annual revenue about $31,700.

The spread tells you something useful: results depend heavily on the property, how it is presented and how it is priced. Ask us for a free estimate for your address and we'll show you the numbers for homes like yours.

One of our Melbourne-area homes

Guesty data, 12 months to November 2026:

• Treehouse, Sassafras (Dandenong Ranges) – 5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, sleeps 10: about $113,500 in revenue, 47% occupancy, average nightly rate about $670. For comparison, a 4-bedroom home in the same area was advertised for long-term rent at $950 a week (Domain, Jan 2026), or about $49,400 a year.

Figures are gross revenue from Guesty, which can include cleaning fees paid by guests, before platform fees, cleaning, management and other running costs, so they are not owner profit. They are selected examples from larger homes, not a forecast for yours. The rent comparisons are for smaller 4-bedroom homes, and a short stay costs more to run than a long-term lease.

What we do for Melbourne owners

• Design & setup – furnishing and styling plans for empty or tired properties, built around what Melbourne guests book.

• Listings on every major platform – Airbnb, Booking.com and Vrbo, with professional photography and descriptions written to rank.

• Dynamic pricing – nightly rates adjusted for weekends, holidays, events and the quieter months.

• Guest communication & screening – enquiries, check-in instructions and support handled for you.

• Cleaning, linen & restocking – professional turnovers coordinated with local cleaners after every stay.

• Maintenance – repairs and issues coordinated with local tradespeople.

• Owner reporting – clear monthly statements of bookings, income and costs.

Short-term rental rules in Victoria

Since 1 January 2025, Victoria has charged a 7.5% short stay levy on stays of under 28 consecutive days. Platforms such as Airbnb, Booking.com and Stayz collect it on bookings made through them; owners who take bookings directly register with the State Revenue Office.

Also from 1 January 2025, an owners corporation can ban short stays in its building by special resolution, which needs the support of 75% of lot owners. A ban can't apply to a lot that is someone's principal place of residence, and repeated noise or damage complaints can be taken to VCAT.

The City of Melbourne consulted on a registration fee and a 180-night cap in 2023 but has not introduced them. We check your building's rules and the current position before listing. This is general information, not legal advice.

Pricing

• Full management – 15% + GST of booking revenue (less cleaning fees), with a 6-month initial term and 60 days' notice to end it after that.

• Designer Setup – all-in design and furnishing for empty properties; a typical 3-bed, 2-bath home is about $17,000 (furniture, styling, cleaning, photography and launch).

• Free design plan – included with onboarding.

Melbourne Airbnb management FAQ

Which parts of Melbourne do you cover?

We take on homes across metropolitan Melbourne, from inner-city apartments to family homes in the eastern suburbs near our Templestowe base. Send us the address and we'll confirm.

Can I still use my Melbourne home myself?

Yes. You can block dates for personal stays at any time; we plan pricing and bookings around them.

How much could my Melbourne property earn?

It depends on size, location, presentation and season. Request a free rental estimate and we'll compare likely short-stay income with a long-term lease for your address.

Is there a minimum contract term?

Yes, the first 6 months. We use the first 3 months to set up and fine-tune your listing (photos, description and pricing), and the next 3 months to show how the property performs once it is running smoothly. After the initial 6 months you can end the agreement at any time with 60 days' notice.

Is Airbnb allowed in my Melbourne apartment?

Usually, yes, but check your owners corporation rules first, because since 2025 a building can vote to ban short stays. We help you check before you list.