How to Find the Best Short-Term Rental Investment Property in Hermanus

Marine Court 5: One of our best performing apartments in Hermanus

Hermanus is one of South Africa’s most scenic and sought-after coastal towns—famous for whale watching, cliff paths, boutique galleries, and a year-round tourism market. It’s no surprise that savvy investors are turning to Hermanus for high-performing Airbnb investment properties.
But not every property in Hermanus is Airbnb gold. To truly succeed, investors need to think beyond charm and location. At Back In Town, we help clients identify, style, and manage profitable short-term rentals—and in this guide, we’re sharing exactly what to look for when buying a short-term rental in Hermanus.
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1. Location: Proximity to Town, the Cliff Paths & Beaches

Guests want walkability. The most successful Airbnb listings in Hermanus are:

• Within walking distance of the cliff path, Old Harbour, and town centre
• Near restaurants, wine bars, and local markets
• In safe, established neighbourhoods like Eastcliff, Voëlklip, Westcliff, and parts of Onrus

​🔍 Investor tip: Properties in Voëlklip or Eastcliff with sea views command higher nightly rates, especially during whale season.
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2. Flexible Layouts for Multiple Guest Types

Look for homes that can accommodate:

• Couples (1-bed with outdoor space)
• Small families (2–3 beds with open-plan living)
• Groups (multiple bathrooms and entertainment areas)

Properties with separate entrances, garden cottages, or interleading bedrooms are great for both family and group bookings.​

3. Outdoor Space = Higher Bookings

Travellers coming to Hermanus want to soak in the natural beauty and weather, so outdoor areas are essential:

• Private balcony, patio, or garden
• Built-in braai (BBQ) area
• Bonus: hot tubs, fire pits, or splash pools increase desirability

🌿 Investor insight: Listings with “sea views” or “private wood-burning hot tub" perform consistently better in off-season months.
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4. Parking & Security Matter

Even walkable locations need secure, off-street parking—especially for families or older guests. Other desirable security features:

• Electric gate or fencing
• Alarm system
• Security beams or CCTV (optional)

🚗 Guest filter tip: “Secure parking” is one of the most filtered search options for Airbnb guests in South Africa.
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5. No HOAs or Short-Term Rental Restrictions

Before you buy, ensure the body corporate (if it’s a sectional title or complex) allows short-term rentals. Some estates and apartment blocks may restrict or prohibit Airbnb.
✅ Due diligence checklist:

• Read body corporate rules
• Confirm with estate agent and legal advisors
• Check zoning and municipal bylaws in Overstrand
• or feel free to ​contact us for our expert advice.

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6. Condition & Renovation Potential

The best investments don’t always look perfect upfront. Properties that need minor styling or updates (like modern furnishings, lighting, or finishes) often yield higher returns once listed.
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Our role at BACK IN TOWN: We help investors identify value-add opportunities and transform ordinary spaces into 5-star guest-ready listings with professional styling, photography, and management.
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7. Earning Potential: Know the Numbers

Before purchasing, run a short-term rental income projection:

• What is the average daily rate (ADR) in the area?
  → Hermanus averages around R2,485/night 
• What’s the expected occupancy rate?
  → Typically 55–65%, higher during peak seasons
• What are the seasonal trends, costs, and property taxes?

Free service: We offer prospective buyers a custom income projection based on live short-term rental data in Hermanus.

8. Management: Hands-Free, Hassle-Free

Finally, ask yourself: how will you manage this investment?
Guests expect:

• Fast communication
• Spotless cleaning
• Professional presentation
• Local check-in support

​At Back In Town, we provide full-service short-term rental/Airbnb management in Hermanus—from setup and styling to bookings, cleaning, pricing, and guest care. You get peace of mind and passive income while we handle everything.
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Thinking of Buying an Airbnb in Hermanus?

We work with investors before and after purchase to help them:

• Choose the right neighbourhood and property type
• Understand projected earnings and risks
• Prepare their home for the short-term rental market 
• Manage bookings, guests, cleaning, and pricing from day one

📩 Request a property income forecast before you buy. Email us at [email protected] or visit our List Your Property page and we will get back to you right away.

​BACK IN TOWN | Hermanus Airbnb Management
Helping you turn your property into a profitable, guest-loved holiday home—without the stress.