LawfulStay
← Back to Database

Sunshine Coast

Queensland · Australia
Active
Last updated: 2026-08-03  ·  Last verified: 2026-08-03  ·  Region: International

At a Glance — Sunshine Coast Airbnb & STR Rules

RuleDetails
Regulatory StatusPermitted with registration
Permit / License RequiredYes – Sunshine Coast Council requires compliance with the Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme 2014 (as amended). Short-term accommodation in residential zo
Tax RateNo local STR-specific tax. GST at 10% above AUD 75,000 threshold. Land tax (Queensland Revenue Office) applicable on investment properties.
Night / Day CapNo confirmed statutory annual day cap. However, the distinction between 'home-based accommodation' (low impact, generally ≤ 2 guest rooms, hosted) and
Minimum StayNo minimum stay set by council. Body corporate by-laws and platform policies may differ.
Permit FeeDA lodgement fees apply per Sunshine Coast Council's fees and charges schedule (typically AUD 1,000–10,000+ for impact-assessable applications). No fl
PenaltiesPenalties under Queensland Planning Act 2016: up to AUD 13,345 per offence for operating without required approval. Enforcement notices, penalty infri
Primary Residence RequiredNot an absolute requirement, but hosted/low-impact home-sharing in a principal place of residence typically faces reduced planning obligations under t
Occupancy LimitSet by DA conditions and Queensland Development Code. General guideline: 2 persons per bedroom.
Browse all 17 STR regulations in Australia →

Sunshine Coast Airbnb & Vacation Rental Regulation Overview

Sunshine Coast Short-Term Rental Regulations Overview

Short-term rental operations in Sunshine Coast, Queensland are permitted under an active regulatory framework as of 2026. Hosts operating on Airbnb, VRBO, or other vacation rental platforms must obtain proper licensing: Yes – Sunshine Coast Council requires compliance with the Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme 2014 (as amended). Short-term accommodation in residential zones is typically 'code assessable' (requires self-. The associated permit fees are DA lodgement fees apply per Sunshine Coast Council's fees and charges schedule (typically AUD 1,000–.

Tax Requirements for Airbnb Hosts in Sunshine Coast

Short-term rental operators in Sunshine Coast should be aware of these tax obligations: No local STR-specific tax. GST at 10% above AUD 75,000 threshold. Land tax (Queensland Revenue Office) applicable on investment properties.. Yes – GST registration required if turnover exceeds AUD 75,000 (ATO). Sunshine Coast Council may reclassify properties to non-residential for rating p.

Hosting Rules and Restrictions in Sunshine Coast

Key operational rules for vacation rental hosts in Sunshine Coast include: Primary residence requirement: Not an absolute requirement, but hosted/low-impact home-sharing in a principal place of residence typically faces reduce. Rental day cap: No confirmed statutory annual day cap. However, the distinction between 'home-based accommodation' (low impact, generall. Occupancy limit: Set by DA conditions and Queensland Development Code. General guideline: 2 persons per bedroom.. Minimum stay: No minimum stay set by council. Body corporate by-laws and platform policies may differ..

Zoning and Location Requirements in Sunshine Coast

Zoning considerations for short-term rentals in Sunshine Coast: Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme 2014 (Version 27, 2024). Low-density residential zones: home-based accommodation code assessable; short-term accommodation may be impact assessable. Medium/high-density . Density rules: No confirmed neighbourhood density or concentration caps under current scheme.. Insurance: Not legislatively mandated, but recommended. Body corporate rules under Body Corporate and Community.

Penalties for Non-Compliance in Sunshine Coast

Hosts who fail to comply with Sunshine Coast's short-term rental regulations may face enforcement action. Penalties under Queensland Planning Act 2016: up to AUD 13,345 per offence for operating without required approval. Enforcement notices, penalty infringement notices, and stop orders available to coun.

Platform Obligations in Sunshine Coast

Platform obligations for services like Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com operating in Sunshine Coast: No Queensland state-wide mandatory reporting obligation for platforms as of August 2026..

Full Regulatory Details

Regulatory Status
Active
License / Registration
Yes – Sunshine Coast Council requires compliance with the Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme 2014 (as amended). Short-term accommodation in residential zones is typically 'code assessable' (requires self-assessment or DA) and may be 'impact assessable' (full DA) depending on scale, frequency, and zone. A formal Material Change of Use DA is required for properties that are not the host's principal place of residence and operate above low-impact thresholds.
Tax Registration
Yes – GST registration required if turnover exceeds AUD 75,000 (ATO). Sunshine Coast Council may reclassify properties to non-residential for rating purposes if operating commercially.
Permit Fee
DA lodgement fees apply per Sunshine Coast Council's fees and charges schedule (typically AUD 1,000–10,000+ for impact-assessable applications). No flat annual STR fee.
Primary Residence Rule
Not an absolute requirement, but hosted/low-impact home-sharing in a principal place of residence typically faces reduced planning obligations under the planning scheme's 'home-based accommodation' provisions.
Night / Day Cap
No confirmed statutory annual day cap. However, the distinction between 'home-based accommodation' (low impact, generally ≤ 2 guest rooms, hosted) and full short-term accommodation triggers different assessment levels.
Occupancy Limit
Set by DA conditions and Queensland Development Code. General guideline: 2 persons per bedroom.
Tax Rate
No local STR-specific tax. GST at 10% above AUD 75,000 threshold. Land tax (Queensland Revenue Office) applicable on investment properties.
Zoning Restrictions
Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme 2014 (Version 27, 2024). Low-density residential zones: home-based accommodation code assessable; short-term accommodation may be impact assessable. Medium/high-density and commercial/tourism zones: more permissive.
Minimum Stay
No minimum stay set by council. Body corporate by-laws and platform policies may differ.
Density Rules
No confirmed neighbourhood density or concentration caps under current scheme.
Insurance Required
Not legislatively mandated, but recommended. Body corporate rules under Body Corporate and Community Management Act 1997 (Qld) may impose conditions.
Platform Obligations
No Queensland state-wide mandatory reporting obligation for platforms as of August 2026.
Compliance Notes
Sunshine Coast Council has been among the more active Queensland councils in monitoring STR compliance given high demand (Noosa adjacency, coastal tourism). Council can investigate complaints and issue show-cause notices. No Noosa-style hard cap applies in Sunshine Coast LGA (Noosa is a separate council).
Effective Date
Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme 2014; current version operative 2024.
Key Notes
Noosa Shire Council (a separate adjoining LGA) has implemented stricter STR rules including caps, but these do NOT apply within Sunshine Coast Regional Council boundaries. Operators near the Noosa/Sunshine Coast boundary must confirm which LGA applies. Queensland Government consultation on STRA regulation ongoing.
Penalties
Penalties under Queensland Planning Act 2016: up to AUD 13,345 per offence for operating without required approval. Enforcement notices, penalty infringement notices, and stop orders available to council.
Additional Context
Popular STR markets include Caloundra, Mooloolaba, Maroochydore, Coolum Beach, and Peregian Beach. High tourism demand creates pressure for regulation. Body corporate restrictions are common in apartment complexes.
Sources
Sunshine Coast Council Planning Scheme 2014 (sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/planning)
Queensland Planning Act 2016
ATO (ato.gov.au)
Body Corporate and Community Management Act 1997 (Qld).

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Airbnb legal in Sunshine Coast?

Yes, Airbnb and short-term rentals are legal in Sunshine Coast with proper registration and permits. Sunshine Coast Council has been among the more active Queensland councils in monitoring STR compliance given high demand (Noosa adjacency, coastal tourism). Council can investigate complaints and issu

Do you need a permit for Airbnb in Sunshine Coast?

Yes. Sunshine Coast requires the following for short-term rental operation: Yes – Sunshine Coast Council requires compliance with the Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme 2014 (as amended). Short-term accommodation in residential zones is typically 'code assessable' (requires self-assessment or DA) and may be 'impact assessable' (full DA) depending on scale, frequency, and zone. .

What taxes apply to short-term rentals in Sunshine Coast?

Short-term rental hosts in Sunshine Coast are subject to the following tax obligations: No local STR-specific tax. GST at 10% above AUD 75,000 threshold. Land tax (Queensland Revenue Office) applicable on investment properties..

What are the penalties for illegal Airbnb hosting in Sunshine Coast?

Hosts who operate without proper permits in Sunshine Coast may face enforcement. Penalties under Queensland Planning Act 2016: up to AUD 13,345 per offence for operating without required approval. Enforcement notices, penalty infringement notices, and stop orders available to council..

What are the key STR compliance requirements in Sunshine Coast?

Noosa Shire Council (a separate adjoining LGA) has implemented stricter STR rules including caps, but these do NOT apply within Sunshine Coast Regional Council boundaries. Operators near the Noosa/Sunshine Coast boundary must confirm which LGA applies. Queensland Government consultation on STRA regulation ongoing.

Search 1,026+ STR Jurisdictions

LawfulStay tracks STR regulations across 1,026+ cities & countries on 6 continents, updated daily.

View in Full Database →