There is no one size fits all when it comes to maximising your rental yield
Updated November 2026: we added the current short-term rental rules in NSW and Victoria and corrected which rental data Stash shows today.
Rental property investments can be a great way to generate income and build wealth. However, it is important to maximise your rental yield to get the most out of your investment. There are several different strategies you can use to maximise your rental yield, each with its own pros and cons.
What rental yield strategy is best for you?
If you are looking to maximise your rental income and have the time and resources to manage the property, then short term rentals may be a good option for you. If you are looking for a lower-maintenance option, then share houses or long term rentals may be a better choice. Let’s break them down below.
Stash can help you compare yield strategies. For long term rentals, check suburb rental yields and vacancy rates in Find Suburbs and on suburb profiles, and recent rents with Comparable Rentals in Comparable Properties. Share house (rooming) demand data is only available on selected partner plans. Stash no longer shows short-term rental income estimates on the property page, so check short-stay platforms for those figures.
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Stash can help you understand rental yields, vacancy rates and comparable rents for any suburb in the country
Short Term Rentals
Short-term rentals are properties rented out for brief periods, typically ranging from a few nights to a few weeks. This category is exemplified by platforms like Airbnb. These rentals are often furnished and include amenities to accommodate tourists or travelers. The appeal of short-term rentals lies in their flexibility for both property owners and renters, as well as the potential for higher rental income, especially in popular destinations or during peak travel seasons.
Buy and rent your investment on Airbnb and others. Do the numbers stack up? (The Short Term Rental Statistics card shown here is from 2023 and is no longer on the Stash property page.)
Pros:
- Higher Potential Income: Short-term rentals often command higher nightly rates than traditional rentals, especially in tourist hotspots or during peak seasons.
- Flexibility: Owners can use the property themselves when it’s not rented out, making it ideal for those who want a vacation home.
- Dynamic Pricing: Prices can be adjusted for different times of the year, events, or weekends, maximising earnings.
Cons:
- Increased Management Effort: Frequent turnovers mean more cleaning and maintenance.
- Inconsistent Income: Earnings can fluctuate seasonally, and unexpected events (like a pandemic) can drastically affect demand.
- Regulatory Challenges: Many councils and states restrict short-term rentals or require registration. In Victoria, a 7.5% short stay levy applies to stays of under 28 days from 1 January 2025 (State Revenue Office Victoria). In NSW, non-hosted short-term rentals in Greater Sydney are capped at 180 days a year, and parts of Byron Shire at 60 days from September 2024 (NSW Planning). Check your state and council rules, and any strata by-laws, before you buy.
Share Houses
A rooming or share house involves renting out individual rooms within a property to different tenants, rather than leasing the entire house to a single tenant or family. This approach is common in areas with a high population of students or young professionals. It provides tenants with affordable housing options and social interactions with housemates. For landlords, it can mean a steady cash flow and diversified risk, as income doesn’t rely on a single tenant.
Turn your investment into a share house to maximise your yield? (2023 screenshot. Rooming Rental Statistics and the Rooming Demand heatmap are now only on selected partner plans.)
Pros:
- Steady Cash Flow: Rent from multiple tenants can provide a consistent income.
- Diversified Risk: With multiple tenants, you’re less affected if one moves out.
- Community Appeal: Some renters prefer the social aspect of shared living spaces.
Cons:
- Management Complexity: Dealing with multiple tenants can lead to increased disputes and management issues.
- Higher Turnover: Shared housing often attracts short-term residents, like students, leading to frequent turnovers.
- Wear and Tear: More residents typically mean more maintenance and repair costs.
Long Term Rentals
Long-term rentals refer to properties leased on a longer basis, typically for six months to several years. These rentals are usually unfurnished, and tenants are responsible for their own utilities and sometimes minor maintenance. This type of rental offers landlords a consistent and predictable income stream with lower turnover rates and management efforts. It appeals to tenants looking for stability and the sense of a permanent home.
Australia is facing a rental supply shortage.
Pros:
- Consistent Income: Long-term leases provide steady, predictable income.
- Lower Maintenance Costs: Tenants often take care of minor maintenance, reducing expenses.
- Less Time-Intensive: Fewer tenant turnovers mean less time spent on advertising, screening, and preparing the property.
Cons:
- Lower Flexibility: You can’t use the property or adjust rental prices as easily.
- Risk of Problematic Tenants: Long-term tenants can be difficult to evict, even if they’re problematic.
- Market Fluctuations: Rental prices are locked in for the duration of the lease, which could be a disadvantage if the market rate increases.
The optimal rental strategy depends on your individual circumstances and goals. Consider the following factors when making your decision:
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Rental income objectives: If maximising rental income is your priority, short term rentals may be appealing. However, consider the additional work and risk involved.
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Time commitment: If you have limited time to manage your property, long term rentals offer a more hands-off approach.
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Risk tolerance: If you’re risk-averse, long term rentals may be preferable due to their lower likelihood of property damage or tenant issues.
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Location: If you reside in a popular tourist area, short term rentals may be more lucrative. However, if your location is less frequented, consider rooming or share houses or long term rentals.
Regardless of the rental approach you choose, consider these tips to further maximise your rental yield:
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Conduct thorough tenant screening: Carefully vet potential tenants to minimise the risk of rent arrears, property damage, or evictions.
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Maintain your property: Regularly maintain your property to ensure its appeal and longevity, attracting and retaining tenants.
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Set competitive rental rates: Research comparable properties in your area to determine fair and competitive rental rates.
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Use property management services: Consider outsourcing property management tasks to professionals if your time is limited or you lack the expertise.
By carefully evaluating your options and implementing effective strategies, you can maximise your rental yield and reap the rewards of your investment. Remember, the ideal rental approach aligns with your individual circumstances, goals, and risk tolerance.
This is general information, not financial or tax advice. Get advice that suits your own situation.
