A
special report by Chestertons MENA focusing on Airbnb has highlighted the
growth and popularity of the online platform with investors and holiday makers
in Dubai since 2015; the research also revealed a 161% increase in active
listings, generating over US$3.3million
Chestertons MENA, a
leading international property agency, has released a special market report
outlining the growth of Airbnb in Dubai between August 2015 and August 2017. Revenues
for properties listed on the online marketplace and
hospitality platform during that time increased by 421% to top US$3.3million in August 2017, with listings nearly
tripling to 3,249.
The
relaxation of rules, effectively making it possible for home owners and tenants
to cut out the middleman and list their property directly on the site, has resulted
in a marked increase in the number of listed Airbnb units available, rising
161% from 1,241 units in August 2015 to 3,249 units in August 2017.
Chestertons
research has revealed, rather than competing with Dubai’s hospitality sector,
the Airbnb concept is complementing the hotel offering within the emirate by
providing an alternative travel experience, with average occupancy levels
topping 57% during Dubai’s peak season. During the low season months of June,
July and August 2017, Airbnb occupancy
levels averaged nearly 40% - on a par with performance in the hotel industry.
“In
April 2016, a new Executive Resolution No. (1/2016) concerning the Second
Edition of ‘Dubai Holiday Home Rental Regulations’ was introduced, resulting in
the relaxation of the rules surrounding holiday home rentals. This has, in turn,
increased the number of listings and created alternative accommodation options
to achieve the emirate’s 2020 objectives,” said Ivana Gazivoda Vucinic,
Head of Advisory and Research, Chestertons MENA.
The
Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce
Marketing subsequently signed an agreement with Airbnb in May 2016,
to help further regulate the accommodation offering available and ensure only
whole or integral units are marketed, promoting responsible hosting and helping
grow and diversify tourism in the emirate in line with Dubai’s strategy to attract
20 million visitors by 2020.
“Many
real estate investors are diversifying into the holiday home rental market
because of the ease in regulations, combined with higher returns when compared
to the traditional rental market. On average, investors can expect an additional
5% return when compared to long-term leasing rental yields,” said Gazivoda
Vucinic.
Average
Daily Rates (ADR) for listings have retained consistent year-on-year levels
with prices in August 2015 averaging US$153; in August 2016 prices averaged US$154;
and in August 2017 the price was US$154. The first three months of 2017,
denoting peak tourism season, witnessed ADR of US$226, US$201 and US$204
respectively, further underscoring the popularity of the community-driven
hospitality platform.
Since
its inception in 2008, Airbnb has become a trusted community marketplace for
people to list, search and book unique accommodation around the world. To date,
the company has assisted over 200 million guests in more than 65,000 cities and
191 countries.
“New regulations and an increase of Airbnb
supply will help grow and diversify tourism, increase choice and attract new
guests to the emirate while also providing investors with an alternative income
stream,” added Gazivoda Vucinic.
