Amenities

Amenities are the features and facilities that shape a guest’s stay and your property’s performance. From Wi‑Fi and climate control to pools, safety equipment and EV charging, the right inclusions improve guest satisfaction, justify higher rates and, in many cases, are required by law.

For Australian hosts, amenities sit at the intersection of guest appeal and compliance. Regulators expect accurate amenity descriptions and well‑maintained facilities, while guests expect reliable, modern comforts that match the listing.

Definition and scope

In short‑term rentals, amenities include in‑property features such as internet, air conditioning, equipped kitchens and laundry, as well as shared facilities like parking, gyms and pools. In NSW, the STRA Code of Conduct requires hosts to describe amenities honestly and keep them in good working order, making maintenance and accurate listings essential.

Safety amenities are part of the scope. NSW’s STRA Fire Safety Standard mandates compliant smoke alarms to AS 3786 in bedrooms, hallways and on each storey, plus an evacuation plan and fire equipment in the kitchen. Where pools or spas are offered, state laws apply: Queensland requires a valid pool safety certificate and compliant barriers before letting, while NSW requires pool registration, compliant barriers and CPR signage.

Types and inclusions

Core safety inclusions are non‑negotiable. In NSW STRA dwellings, working smoke alarms are required in all bedrooms and hallways (and on every storey), along with a fire extinguisher and fire blanket in the kitchen, and a prominently displayed evacuation diagram and guest information. In Queensland, dwellings used for short‑term letting must meet the 2022 smoke alarm laws: photoelectric alarms that are hardwired or have a 10‑year battery, interconnected across all bedrooms, hallways and each storey.

Where a pool or spa is present, additional inclusions apply. NSW hosts must hold a valid pool barrier compliance certificate at STRA registration and display CPR signage. In Queensland, pools must be registered with compliant barriers and CPR signage in place before letting. These measures sit alongside guest‑facing amenities like reliable Wi‑Fi, climate control and laundry, which influence booking decisions and reviews.

Impact on ADR and occupancy

Amenities can materially shift performance. AirDNA data for 2024 shows that in coastal markets such as the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and Byron, listings with private pools achieved roughly 12–25% higher average daily rates and 3–6 percentage‑point higher occupancy over summer compared with similar homes without pools. Pet‑friendly listings in capital city suburbs like Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide also outperformed, recording around 5–10% higher ADR and 4–8 percentage‑point higher occupancy.

Compliance also affects occupancy. In NSW, failing to meet STRA safety requirements (for example, smoke alarms, fire equipment and evacuation diagrams) can lead to registration cancellation and platform removal, cutting bookings until issues are fixed. Investing in the right amenities, and keeping them compliant, protects revenue and improves guest conversion.

Market expectations and seasonality

Guest expectations shift with season and location. Leisure markets peak during school holidays and in December–January along the coast, while alpine regions see demand June–September. Recent heatwaves have elevated expectations for effective air‑conditioning, ceiling or portable fans and shaded outdoor areas; in winter, southern and alpine markets see stronger demand for adequate heating and fireplaces.

New travel behaviours are emerging. With EV uptake around one in ten new car sales in 2024 and charging networks expanding, on‑site EV charging is increasingly sought by road‑trippers in peak periods. In capital cities, steady year‑round demand includes event and business travel, where fast Wi‑Fi, quiet workspaces and secure parking remain decisive.

Compliance, safety, and accessibility

NSW requires STRA hosts to register and meet the STRA Fire Safety Standard, including smoke alarms to AS 3786:2014 in bedrooms, hallways and on each storey, plus a displayed evacuation plan. Platforms must show the STRA registration number and may remove non‑compliant listings, so documented compliance is essential.

Accessibility is also improving across new stock. Most states commenced the NCC 2022 Livable Housing Design Standard in 2023–24 for new Class 1a/2 dwellings, mandating features like step‑free entries, wider doors and accessible showers—benefiting guests with mobility needs and families with prams. In Victoria, private pools and spas must be registered with council and have a barrier compliance certificate lodged every four years; non‑compliance can attract infringement fines and directions to restrict use.

Costs, maintenance, and ROI

High‑impact amenities can lift returns when matched to market demand. AirDNA reports that coastal listings with a private pool often earn 10–20% higher RevPAR than similar homes, while in alpine and cooler markets, hot tubs can add around 15–25%. Pet‑friendly setups, quality climate control and EV charging can further enhance year‑round appeal.

Budget for ongoing costs and compliance. Backyard pools typically incur $1,000–$2,000 annually in electricity and chemicals plus servicing, with safety inspections commonly $150–$300 in NSW and QLD. Installing a 7kW EV charger usually costs about $1,500–$3,000; with EVs representing roughly 10% of new car sales in 2024, this amenity can broaden your guest pool in both metro and regional locations.

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