Article
Short-Stay Growth Strains Hobart’s Housing Market
The latest short-stay accommodation reports for Tasmania show a continuing trend of growth in the sector, raising concerns about its impact on housing availability and affordability in Hobart.
While the full data for Hobart is not explicitly detailed the overall trend points to an ongoing expansion of short-stay properties.
This persistent growth is a significant cause for alarm for Hobart.
Data suggests that the expansion of short-stay accommodation is directly linked to a negative impact on long-term rental stock. Hobart has been rated as the least affordable metropolitan area in the country for renters, with median rents higher than those in Adelaide, Melbourne, Perth, and Brisbane, despite Tasmanians having the lowest median income.
The housing crisis is so severe that it has forced people, including the working poor, to live in tents and caravans.
Research has found that almost 50% of Hobart’s short-stay accommodation was previously part of the long-term rental market. The continued conversion of entire homes to short-stay listings limits choice and drives up rental prices, making it increasingly difficult for Tasmanians to find an affordable and secure home.
Media statement – Kristie Johnston, independent MHA for Clark, 11 September 2025
Short Stay Accommodation
The latest Government figures on the number of short-stay accommodations in Hobart shows a worrying continuation of the long-term upward trend.
More short stay rentals reduce supply in the long-term rental market and drives up rents.
The figures show a 23% increase in the number whole homes in Hobart … that otherwise might be available for rent … that are now being used for short-stay accommodation.
That’s an increase of 117 homes in the 12-month period to September last year, taking it to 627 homes.
The market has failed and we’ve got the balance wrong between providing homes for Tasmanians and the right amount of short-stay options for tourists.
I welcome the Premier’s invitation to put forward ideas to address this issue and will be doing just that. I hope that other members of the House will do likewise, as this is an issue we all need to be focusing on.
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