Our local property market in the Tweed Coast area twists and shifts quickly.
In 2026 already we are seeing a key trend that is showing an influx of travellers heading to the area in lieu of international holidays due to geopolitical uncertainties and high travel costs.
These shifts are opening up the property management market in providing opportunities for investors who are looking for safe bets in the property space. If you’re looking at buying an Airbnb investment property there’s no better market than Kingscliff and Casuarina in Northern NSW.
Salt Property Management Managing Director, Shaun Carney has shared his insights on why now is a great time to purchase and how to fully maximise an investment property.
Whether you’re looking to go down the path of a short-term holiday rental strategy or lock into long-term property management, getting the best advice is paramount. Carney says that the first step is to choose the best location for an investment property.
“Casuarina and Kingscliff sit in one of the most compelling short-term rental corridors on the east coast,” says Carney.
“You’ve got a stretch of coastline that has world class beaches, a genuinely liveable village feel, and proximity to both Gold Coast Airport and Byron Bay, which means you’re pulling from multiple traveller pools. The area also benefits from being outside Byron Shire, which means investors here aren’t subject to the 60-day cap that has significantly constrained supply further south. That regulatory difference alone makes this corridor significantly more attractive for STR investment right now.”
There’s never been a better time to be investment property owner in the area with plenty of opportunities for growth becoming apparent with such a significant shift in how Australians are travelling in 2026.
“Ongoing conflict in the Middle East, uncertainty across European destinations, and the rising cost of international travel have all combined to redirect a meaningful wave of travellers back to domestic coastal destinations,” says Carney.
“Northern NSW is one of the primary beneficiaries of that shift, and we are seeing it directly in booking volumes. Most notably, winter bookings are stronger than we have seen in years. Traditionally our quieter period, this season is bucking that trend as travellers who would previously have been overseas are instead choosing a longer stay somewhere beautiful closer to home.”
So you’ve decided an investment property in Kingscliff or Casuarina is the move for you – the next question to ask is which strategy will be the best fit?
If you’re weighing up ways to maximise returns on your investment property you might be considering short-term holiday letting. Carney says that if yield is the goal, then listing on places like Airbnb is a no-brainer.
“A well-managed short-term rental in this area can generate significantly more than the equivalent long-term lease, particularly during peak periods,” he says.
“Top 10% performers in Kingscliff and Casuarina are achieving 78% or higher occupancy, which is exceptional for a coastal market with clear seasonality. Beyond income, there’s the flexibility argument. Owners retain the ability to use their property when they want, which is something a long-term tenancy simply doesn’t allow.”
When contemplating an investment property another route that is appealing to purchasers is opting for more of a long-term strategy.
“Long-term rental offers predictability, but recent NSW reforms including a no-grounds eviction ban from May 2025 and a once-per-year rent increase cap have meaningfully reduced the flexibility landlords once had,” he says.
If you’re unsure on the best path forward for your investment property, connecting with a quality property manager who can advise on the right solution for you after a thorough assessment.
To connect with the Salt PM team call today 07 5626 6088.
