Airbnbs in Clifton Beach, Cairns unit complex face shut down during rental crisis

More than a dozen properties are potentially operating unauthorised Airbnbs in a northern beaches suburb of Cairns where rental vacancy is near an all-time low.

More than a dozen properties are potentially operating unauthorised Airbnbs in a northern beaches suburb of Cairns where rental vacancy is near an all-time low.

Clifton Views Luxury Beach Apartments, about 22km north of Cairns, features 246 privately-owned units zoned for permanent living only.

While the Cairns Post understands most owners abide by the rule, Cairns Regional Council officers last month advised them the units were not permitted for short-term accommodation.

But several are still listed on Airbnb and Booking.com to take reservations.

A frustrated resident-owner, who did not want to be named, said there had been at least 17 Airbnbs operating within the complex in recent months.

Clifton Views apartments are zoned for permanent accommodation only. Picture: Supplied

“You’ve got all this common ground complete with four pools, six barbecue areas, tennis courts, gardens, carparking — that is owned by all of the owners,” they said.

“It has always been long-term resident owners, they’re all very proud of where they live. It’s a beautiful complex that’s been kept really well.

“So it’s frustrating when somebody has people going back and forth with suitcases and having parties.”

The resident-owner said council only took action after the body corporate committee paid a $500 fee for planning officers to outline the property’s zoning permissions in writing.

In their letter, seen by the Cairns Post, owners were advised that a material change of use application would need to be approved to allow short-term letting.

But despite that, they said some owners have responded with what one resident described as “defiance” and continued to advertise their short-term rentals.

A sign that has since been taken down was advertising short term and holiday letting at the Clifton Views apartments. Picture: Supplied

“People have invested a lot of money in a property for the purpose of coming up for two weeks’ school holidays and Airbnb-ing it the rest of the time,” the resident-owner said.

“We’ve had this Covid, Airbnb phenomenon, this border-hopping situation that’s created a new norm for people where they don’t necessarily live in the southern states all year round.

“It’s disappointing and frustrating that the onus for policing deviations from these (planning) zones becomes put on the (rule-abiding) residents.”

Martyn Reid is one property owner who would stay in his unit for about three months of the year and let it out as an Airbnb the rest of the time.

Clifton Beach is 22km north of Cairns.

He said when he bought the unit in 2020 he was under the impression short-term letting was possible.

“At the time of purchase no one made it clear that it wasn’t (allowed),” he said.

“I just feel very let down … selling is now a consideration.

“I can understand people not being able to find long-term rentals … but in my position I can’t give someone a long-term lease because I need to come back and forth.”

Mr Reid said his two-bed unit had drawn in about $15,000 of Airbnb revenue annually, and putting it on the long-term rental market would be an unexpected financial blow.

“My apartment was at $200 to $250 a night and even if you were on 50 per cent occupancy, it’s not a small financial loss for anyone,” he said.

Clifton Views Luxury Beach Apartments, about 22km north of Cairns, features 246 privately-owned units zoned for permanent living only. Picture: Brendan Radke

Mr Reid would be willing to pay extra council rates to use his property as an Airbnb.

“My property doesn’t place a burden on the complex, there’s no additional cost of my guests on the council … but a coffee (small) tax is reasonable,” he said.

In March the rental vacancy rate was at 1.2 per cent in Clifton Beach and other northern beaches suburbs that share the 4879 postcode, according to the latest SQM Research.

The average asking weekly rent for a two-bed unit was $475 and $674 for a three-bed house.

Many of the Clifton Beach apartments listed on short-stay accommodation websites are priced at $200 or more per night.

The property manager declined to comment.

Originally published as Airbnbs in Clifton Beach, Cairns unit complex face shut down during rental crisis