Airbnb development applications with Toowoomba Regional Council at three-year low, according to new statistics

The burgeoning Airbnb market in Toowoomba appears to have hit a snag, with applications to the council in 2020 much lower than the previous year.

Airbnb applications in the Toowoomba region dropped in 2020.

The COVID-19 pandemic appears to have slowed down Toowoomba’s burgeoning Airbnb and private short term accommodation market, with new figures showing a drop-off in people applying for it.

Just eight applications for “short-term accommodation” projects were submitted to the Toowoomba Regional Council’s planning department in 2020.

This represents a 50 per cent drop from the number of applications in 2019 (16), which itself was a drop from 22 in 2018.

2020 was also the lowest year for Airbnb applications with the TRC since 2017, when there were 11 submissions.

Anyone wanting to rent out a full dwelling on Airbnb or in a similar fashion is required to first submit an application with the council.

But TRC environment and community portfolio leader Cr Tim McMahon said three people were given notices for operating an Airbnb property unlawfully.

“Residents are encouraged to discuss requirements for establishing Airbnb properties with council officers, especially to check whether planning approval will be required,” he said.

“When the council receives concerns regarding potentially unapproved Airbnbs, we investigate the matter to look for a practical remedy.

“In the first instance we issue a breach letter before we move to the formal show cause and/or enforcement notices.

“In the majority of cases, we’re able to resolve these matters, however in 2020 the council issued three directional notices to property owners for operating an Airbnb without a development approval.”

According to the Airbnb website, there were 230 properties available for rent in the immediate Toowoomba area, which is done from more than the 280 properties reported by The Chronicle in January last year.

For more information on whether your property needs a development approval to operate an Airbnb, call the Toowoomba Regional Council and request to speak to a technical advice officer on 131 872.