Airbnb reform row engulfs Opposition Leader David Speirs after it emerged that he rents almost a quarter of his expansive property portfolio on short-term website

Opposition Leader David Speirs has rented out nearly a quarter of his expansive property portfolio on short-term rental website Airbnb – and achieved a near-perfect host rating.

Inside an Airbnb property at Brighton owned by Opposition Leader David Speirs. Picture: Airbnb

Opposition Leader David Speirs has rented out nearly a quarter of his expansive property portfolio on short-term rental website Airbnb at up to $500 a night – and achieved a near-perfect host rating.

Records show the Liberal leader listed three of his 13 properties on the controversial platform, which allows guests to rent short-term accommodation from homeowners or landlords.

Mr Speirs, who turned 39 on Friday, has achieved a 4.81-star rating out of maximum five stars from guests who praised him as an accommodating and responsive host.

The disclosures come amid heated debate over whether short-stay rental accommodation is helping fuel the nation’s acute housing shortage crisis.

Opposition Leader David Speirs has a near-perfect 4.81-star rating for his properties on Airbnb. Picture: Matt Loxton

An Airbnb property at Middleton owned by Mr Speirs. Picture: Airbnb

An Airbnb property at Middleton owned by Mr Speirs. Picture: Airbnb

If his three listings were rented out at the most current prices for half of the nights of the year, the generated income would total at least $150,000.

Airbnb pricing can, however, be seasonally adjusted and properties can be difficult to fill during off-peak periods.

There is no suggestion of wrongdoing by Mr Speirs, who has declared all his properties on the parliamentary register of interests, which does not require MPs to disclose rental income or how buildings are being used.

But as the Liberal leader deleted one listing – suggesting its posting was a “mistake” – the Greens criticised him as they campaign generally for tighter short-stay accommodation rules and call on the state government to step in and regulate the industry.

Senior government sources said the listings had raised eyebrows in Labor circles.

The opposition has repeatedly attacked the state government on housing as it called for a boost in supply to help ease the rental crisis.

Mr Speirs has a Fleurieu Peninsula coastal “surf shack” at Middleton, 80km south of Adelaide near Victor Harbor, listed for $500/night over summer and a two-bedroom southwestern suburbs beachside townhouse at Brighton for $175/night.

A third southern coastal property, at Kingston Park, was on Saturday available for reservation in February at a rate of $159/night. But on Sunday that property had all dates blocked out until July.

An opposition spokesman on Sunday said the property was now a long-term rental and the page had been mistakenly left active.

“Mr Speirs’ private business interests are listed publicly on the Register of Interests as required for all MPs,” he said, declining further comment.

The Greens and Adelaide City Council are among those pushing for a crackdown on short-term accommodation such as Airbnb to help alleviate the state’s rental crisis.

Mr Speirs’ former Airbnb property at Kingston Park is now a long-term rental. Picture: Airbnb

Ahead of an expected parliamentary debate early next year, Greens housing spokesman Robert Simms said his party encouraged all South Australians who own multiple properties to consider letting to long-term tenants.

“But ultimately, we need to see leadership from the parliament on this,” he said.

“Given the impact of Airbnb on the rental market, it’s time to regulate the short-stay accommodation sector and place a levy on short-stay accommodation – similar to that imposed in Victoria – with the money raised going to public housing.

“The Greens will continue to push for action on this in the new year.”

A government spokesman said Labor had “delivered a comprehensive package of housing reforms”, which included the biggest release of residential land, abolishing taxes for first home builders and rental reforms.

“The only negative voice was David Speirs, who openly admits his party failed to address housing supply while in government and has offered no solutions since,” he said.

“In the middle of a housing crisis, voters are entitled to ask why fixing it is not a priority for the Liberal leader.”

Mr Speirs’ spokesman said housing was an absolute priority and the Liberals would outline policies before the next state election.

This year, there have been 20 reviews of Mr Speirs’ Middleton property, 38 of Brighton and six of Kingston Park.

They are hosted by “David”, who on his profile lists his work as with “Government of South Australia”.

The profile shows the owner has spent nine years hosting on the platform.

Reviews were overwhelmingly positive and praised him for his communication, as well as for the cleanliness, amenity and location of the properties.

One review of the Brighton townhouse left last week said “David is a wonderful, kind, flexible host and this home was beautiful to stay in. Amazing location”.

Another five-star review, left by a guest who stayed at Middleton last month, said “Lovely stay, awesome vibe in the shack, had everything you could need”.

However, a guest who stayed in March left a list of pros and cons and concluded “not worth for the price we paid to be honest”.

David left a response refuting the complaint, which argued “it is not a luxe, curated experience and both the marketing and pricing reflects this”.

“We do not want to get defensive about the review, but again do emphasise that your review lacks reasonableness in our view,” the response said.

Mr Speirs listed 14 properties on a parliamentary register of interests, dated June, but recent records show he now owns 13.

In September, the Victorian government announced a 7.5 per cent levy on short-stay accommodation from 2025 — which is expected to raise about $70m annually that will then be directed to funding social and affordable housing. It was Australia’s first widespread levy on short-stay accommodation.

The Adelaide City Council is currently considering tightening regulations by raising council rates for Airbnbs and short-stay rentals, or introducing a permit system for owners.

The 2021 Census showed 83,821 privately-owned units, apartments and houses were unoccupied across the state while estate agents report unprecedented demand on rental accommodation.

Originally published as Airbnb reform row engulfs Opposition Leader David Speirs after it emerged that he rents almost a quarter of his expansive property portfolio on short-term website