HotelDinah Lewis BoucherThu 27 Jun 19

Australia’s High End Property Owners Turn to Airbnb

Ultra-luxe holiday makers along with high-end property owners will have a few more accommodation options or diversified income streams to tap into, with accommodation disrupter Airbnb launching its newest platform targeting the luxury market.

Airbnb Luxe is the startup’s newest category, opening 50 Australian-based luxury properties, of more than 2,000 handpicked homes around the world.

Australian properties include a Bondi Beach penthouse available for $4000 a night, and a "sky loft" in Darlinghurst overlooking Sydney harbour for $1200 a night.

▲ The Sydney 'skyloft'

Across the ditch, 14 homes are included in Airbnb’s "upper echelon" of luxury rental accommodation in New Zealand’s picturesque South Island, with the most expensive property Te Kahu (lead image) to set you back up to $33,000 a night.

Analysts believe the luxury travel market is worth more than $200 billion, a sector expected to grow.

Last year Airbnb recorded a 60 per cent rise in bookings for accommodation costing $1000 a night, or more. Airbnb said the new rental range meets the demand for luxury properties and experiences.

▲ Perhaps a $1 million private Polynesian Motu (Island) is more your speed? The property, Nukutepipi, offers 21 bedrooms and will set you back a mere $210,000 a night.

Airbnb co-founder Brian Chesky says each property had to pass strict evaluation across 300-plus criteria to meet standards in both design and function.

“Today’s luxury traveller is craving more than just high-end accommodations; they seek transformation and experiences that leave them feeling more connected to each other and to their destination.”