The Question Every Adelaide Investor Asks
With Adelaide's rental vacancy rates historically low, many landlords wonder: is it worth switching from a 12-month lease to short-term?
The honest answer is: it depends on the suburb, property type, and how hands-on you want to be.
The Numbers (2025 Data)
A 2-bedroom apartment in Glenelg:
- Long-term rental yield: ~$520/week ($27,040/year)
- Short-term managed yield (after fees): ~$38,000–$45,000/year at 72% occupancy
A 3-bedroom house in Prospect:
- Long-term rental yield: ~$600/week ($31,200/year)
- Short-term managed yield (after fees): ~$42,000–$52,000/year
The Hidden Costs to Factor In
Short-term isn't passive. You need to account for:
- Management fees (typically 15–25%)
- Linen and consumables
- Higher maintenance frequency
- Council regulations (check your local council)
- Gaps in occupancy between peak seasons
When Short-Term Wins
Short-term typically outperforms when:
- Your property is within 10km of the Adelaide CBD or beach
- You have 2+ bedrooms
- You use a management company with strong occupancy rates
- You're in a suburb with event-driven demand spikes
Our Recommendation
Run the numbers with a free income estimate before committing. We offer a no-obligation projection for Adelaide properties.