Australia's STR landscape changed in 2024-2025 with state-level interventions. NSW capped Sydney, Victoria added a levy, Queensland and WA tightened registration. Here's the state-by-state map for 2026.
Verify with the relevant state planning + council body before any commitment. STR rules in Australia change yearly.
New South Wales (Sydney + coast)
- 180-day cap on non-hosted entire-property short lets in Greater Sydney (since 2021)
- Mandatory registration on NSW STRA Register (free)
- 2-strikes-and-out policy if violations
- Strata schemes can ban STR with 75% vote (commonly invoked)
Victoria (Melbourne)
- 7.5% short-stay levy effective 2025 (most STR-restrictive state)
- Mandatory state-level registration
- Owners corporations (strata) can apply own STR rules
- Inner Melbourne (Yarra, Stonnington) very restrictive at building level
Queensland (Gold Coast, Brisbane, Cairns)
- Mandatory STR registration with local council
- Annual permit fees $200-800
- Body corporate (strata) can ban STR by special resolution
- Tourism levy applied at point of sale
Western Australia (Perth, Margaret River)
- STR Register launched 2024 — mandatory for all listings
- Initial registration $200; renewal $100/year
- Perth metro area subject to additional council-level restrictions
South Australia (Adelaide)
- Most permissive — no statewide registration scheme as of 2026-06
- Local councils may impose limits
Tasmania
- Statewide planning permit required for "visitor accommodation"
- Hobart and Launceston have local rules
- Permit application $200-600
Pre-purchase checklist
- Verify state-level register requirement + fees
- Check council planning scheme (search "short term holiday accommodation" + council name)
- Get strata bylaws if apartment/townhouse (most strata can ban STR)
- Confirm tax implications (STR rental income vs GST registration threshold $75k)
- STR insurance quote (ShareCover, BICOR)
Most STR-friendly Australian markets 2026
- Margaret River, WA — low restriction, strong demand
- Byron Bay, NSW — registration + 180-day cap but high ADR
- Hobart, TAS — permit required but achievable
- Adelaide, SA — most permissive
- Gold Coast, QLD — permit + body corporate hurdle
Related: US STR regulations · UK STR regulations.
Sources: NSW STRA Register, VIC Short Stay Levy Bill 2024, QLD Local Government Act, WA STR Register Guidelines. As of 2026-06. Not legal advice — verify with state + council.