Revenues for properties listed on Airbnb in Dubai increased by 421 per cent to top $3.3million between August 2015 and 2017,  with listings nearly tripling to 3,249, a report revealed.

According to a special market report released by Chestertons Mena, a leading international property agency, the relaxation of rules, effectively making it possible for home owners and tenants to cut out the middleman and list their property directly on the site, has resulted in a marked increase in the number of listed Airbnb units available, rising 161 per cent from 1,241 units in August 2015 to 3,249 units in August 2017.

Chestertons research has revealed, rather than competing with Dubai’s hospitality sector, the Airbnb concept is complementing the hotel offering within the emirate by providing an alternative travel experience, with average occupancy levels topping 57 per cent during Dubai’s peak season. During the low season months of June, July and August 2017, Airbnb occupancy levels averaged nearly 40 per cent - on a par with performance in the hotel industry.

“In April 2016, a new Executive Resolution No. (1/2016) concerning the Second Edition of ‘Dubai Holiday Home Rental Regulations’ was introduced, resulting in the relaxation of the rules surrounding holiday home rentals. This has, in turn, increased the number of listings and created alternative accommodation options to achieve the emirate’s 2020 objectives,” said Ivana Gazivoda Vucinic, head of Advisory and Research, Chestertons MENA.

The Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing subsequently signed an agreement with Airbnb in May 2016, to help further regulate the accommodation offering available and ensure only whole or integral units are marketed, promoting responsible hosting and helping grow and diversify tourism in the emirate in line with Dubai’s strategy to attract 20 million visitors by 2020.

“Many real estate investors are diversifying into the holiday home rental market because of the ease in regulations, combined with higher returns when compared to the traditional rental market. On average, investors can expect an additional 5 per cent return when compared to long-term leasing rental yields,” said Vucinic.

Average daily rates (ADR) for listings have retained consistent year-on-year levels with prices in August 2015 averaging $153; in August 2016 prices averaged $154; and in August 2017 the price was $154. The first three months of 2017, denoting peak tourism season, witnessed ADR of $226, $201 and $204 respectively, further underscoring the popularity of the community-driven hospitality platform.

Since its inception in 2008, Airbnb has become a trusted community marketplace for people to list, search and book unique accommodation around the world. To date, the company has assisted over 200 million guests in more than 65,000 cities and 191 countries.

“New regulations and an increase of Airbnb supply will help grow and diversify tourism, increase choice and attract new guests to the emirate while also providing investors with an alternative income stream,” added Vucinic. - TradeArabia News Service