Home owners encouraged to capitalise on increased popularity of Sydney’s Vivid festival

AS Vivid Festival enters its eighth year, home owners are being encouraged to capitalise on the increasingly popular event by listing their properties for rent.

Australia's iconic Opera House is lit up on the opening night of Vivid Sydney 2016. Pucture: AFP

AS Sydney’s Vivid Festival enters its eighth year, more people than ever are expected to flood the harbour foreshore to experience the exciting and interactive light and sound displays.

Yet for those Sydneysiders who are fortunate enough to occupy some of the city’s best real estate, the event offers the perfect chance to escape the increased bustle of the city and make a few bucks in the process.

As the popularity of the world’s largest festival of light, music and ideas continues to grow, with a record turnout of 1.7 million visitors in 2015, home owners have the opportunity to capitalise on the increased influx of visitors by listing their homes for rent during the period, particularly in areas with city, Harbour Bridge and Opera House views like the lower north shore.

This fully furnished one-bedroom Mosman apartment, currently listed on Stayz, offers the perfect setting to enjoy Vivid with guests at home.

“We think there’s a great opportunity for people in Sydney to be listing their homes on (holiday rental site) Stayz and take advantage of great events such as Vivid or New Year’s Eve that draw people to the city,” Stayz Marketing Director David Dunstan said.

“Events like Vivid attract all kinds of travellers to Sydney, from families with kids to couples, so it’s a great opportunity to (make additional income and) take advantage of the increased demand for places to stay and offer a private whole home rather than a stuffy hotel room.”

A surge in demand for rentals during times like Vivid offer owners the chance to increase the cost of letting out their homes, while still ensuring they are a cost effective alternative to other accommodation options, he said.

This one-bedroom Kirribilli apartment offers sweeping harbour views and is available on Stayz during Vivid.

The extension of the event to 23 days and the inclusion of Taronga Zoo as a new destination for the festivities is also a bonus for lower north shore locals looking to list their home, with the former offering travellers the option of longer stays or the chance to host numerous groups during the event.

In Mosman, for example, a fully furnished one-bedroom apartment with sweeping views across the city and towards the Harbour Bridge is one of several offerings currently available for rent during the festival and includes recently renovated interiors, balcony, rooftop deck and parking.

A quick search for properties in Kirribilli brings up similar results of countless modern, furnished properties with spectacular views, including one listing that even touts itself as a special limited time offer for Vivid.