Gold Coast locals willing to go elsewhere during the Commonwealth Games are set to clinch gold next month.
While Gold Coast City Council has issued cautions about regulations, many locals plan to take full advantage of the opportunity to make some money. And with only days remaining until the Opening Ceremony and with hotels at capacity, prices for private rentals on sites like Airbnb are on the rise.
So how much is a Robina home worth during the Games?
Homes for rent with access to the Commonwealth Games action
If you have a property that is close to Robina Stadium, which will host the Rugby Sevens, it could be worth a lot to a Commonwealth Games visitor.
A quick search of Airbnb reveals an ordinary three bedroom home listed for $900 per night “close to Rugby Sevens”. Another listing shows a brand new home situated on the golf course suitable for up to 11 guests and within walking distance to Robina Stadium advertised for $799 a night.
A single private room (with ensuite) within a family home, also within walking distance to the stadium, is listed for $150.
Further away, other Robina homes with headline offerings ranging from ‘comfortable’ to ’luxury’ are listed from $250 up to $1200 per night.
A private room with a double bed in an apartment across from Robina train and bus station is listed for $47.
One family offers, for $215 per night, the rental of their master bedroom and ensuite, complete with Netflix and use of the family refrigerator, pool and dock (for fishing) for the duration of the Commonwealth Games.
More than just filling a gap in the market
A recent article in the Gold Coast Bulletin stated that listings on Airbnb for Gold Coast homes has recently risen by 35%.
Airbnb manager Sam McDonagh has said that, ultimately, Airbnb customers want to not just live like locals, but live with them. He said that they want to be able to find out from their hosts the places to source fresh food and where to have the best experiences of the area.
With most of the budget accommodation on the Gold Coast already sold out, and with hotels at 95% capacity, locals offering their homes for rent ease the overflow of the expected 672,000 visitors to the region.
Robina resident Greg Luckett, who usually relies on an easy commute to work has decided to take a break and avoid any traffic chaos and found it an easy process to list his home on Airbnb during the games.
“Why not take a well deserved break while collecting some cash”, he said.
Robina residents are urged to check on any regulations that need to be filled – such as fire exit information if they’re considering listing an apartment – before going ahead with listing their home or a room within it. A quick chat with an accountant or lawyer may also be advisable.
