Heard about OccuMax® pricing?
You can earn up to 30% more with our unique pricing strategy. Developed from managing over 350,000 bookings, it runs entirely within local regulations and has already earned our hosts over £112 Million.
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FIND OUT MOREYou can earn up to 30% more with our unique pricing strategy. Developed from managing over 350,000 bookings, it runs entirely within local regulations and has already earned our hosts over £112 Million.
Short-stay paid accommodation in a dwelling or part thereof for visitors/tourists; assessed by use and intensity under the Land Use/Zoning Scheme rather than a fixed day count.
Short-term lets are legal across the Garden Route, but are controlled through each local municipality’s Land Use/Zoning Scheme. Running a dwelling as visitor accommodation (guest house/B&B/“short-term accommodation”) will often need a Consent Use (material change of use) depending on your zoning, scale and impacts. There’s no night cap and no city STR register. Report income to SARS; VAT registration is compulsory once taxable turnover exceeds R1,000,000 in any rolling 12 months (voluntary registration possible below this). Comply with Fire & Rescue by-laws and safety requirements set by your municipality and the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM).
Defined in municipal planning schemes (often as ‘transient/visitor accommodation’). Thresholds vary; some councils use ~30 days as a guide. Check local scheme.
Short-term lets are legal across the Garden Route, but are controlled through each local municipality’s Land Use/Zoning Scheme. Running a dwelling as visitor accommodation (guest house/B&B/“short-term accommodation”) will often need a Consent Use (material change of use) depending on your zoning, scale and impacts. There’s no night cap and no city STR register. Report income to SARS; VAT registration is compulsory once taxable turnover exceeds R1,000,000 in any rolling 12 months (voluntary registration possible below this). Comply with Fire & Rescue by-laws and safety requirements set by your municipality and the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM).
Registration / Permit
No STR register. Check your property’s zoning with your local municipality (e.g., George, Knysna, Mossel Bay, Bitou). Apply for Consent Use where required; satisfy any building/fire-safety conditions.
Max Nights
None locally; South Africa has no national night-cap rule.
Planning / Zoning
Timeframes vary with participation/referrals—expect several weeks to a few months from a complete submission.
Safety & Insurance
Comply with municipal/GRDM Fire & Rescue requirements: maintain appropriate extinguishers and signage, provide evacuation information, service installations, and keep records. Additional measures may be imposed as conditions of approval.
Tax
SARS income tax on profits; VAT 15% if supplies > R1,000,000/12 months. Municipal property rates/tariffs (e.g., City of Cape Town) may treat STRs as commercial.
SARS income tax on profits; VAT 15% if supplies > R1,000,000/12 months. Municipal property rates/tariffs (e.g., City of Cape Town) may treat STRs as commercial.
Comply with municipal/GRDM Fire & Rescue requirements: maintain appropriate extinguishers and signage, provide evacuation information, service installations, and keep records. Additional measures may be imposed as conditions of approval.
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⭐ Rated 4.8/5 by 2,500+ Hosts
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National STR policy remains under development—watch Department of Tourism updates. Municipal Rates Policies and Land Use Schemes are reviewed periodically—check for fee/rating or zoning updates.
Defined in municipal planning schemes (often as ‘transient/visitor accommodation’). Thresholds vary; some councils use ~30 days as a guide. Check local scheme.
⭐ Rated 4.8/5 by 2,500+ Hosts
This guide is informational and not legal advice. Always confirm with
Local Municipality Development Planning (George/Knysna/Mossel Bay/Bitou); Garden Route District Municipality — Fire & Rescue
your local authority.
