1. What is corporate accommodation in Melbourne?

Corporate accommodation refers to furnished properties let on a monthly basis to business travellers, relocating professionals and companies managing temporary accommodation for staff. In Melbourne, corporate demand concentrates in the CBD and Docklands (finance, law, consulting, government), Southbank and South Yarra (professional services and arts sector), and Parkville and Carlton (healthcare and university). St Kilda and the inner south attract a mix of corporate and extended-stay leisure guests.

Corporate lets are typically structured as licence agreements rather than leases, giving the owner more flexibility to recover the property. A minimum stay of 28-30 nights is standard. Always take legal advice on the appropriate agreement structure for your specific situation.

2. What does corporate accommodation pay in Melbourne?

Melbourne corporate accommodation typically generates A$3,500-7,000 per month for a furnished two-bedroom apartment, depending on location and specification.

Estimated monthly corporate accommodation rates (2-bed, furnished, 2026):

• CBD / Docklands / Southbank: A$4,500 - A$7,000/month
• South Yarra / Toorak / St Kilda: A$4,000 - A$6,000/month
• Fitzroy / Collingwood / Carlton: A$3,500 - A$5,000/month
• Parkville / North Melbourne: A$3,000 - A$4,500/month
• Port Melbourne / Albert Park: A$3,500 - A$5,500/month

Compared to short-let income, corporate accommodation generates less per month at peak demand. A Fitzroy two-bedroom earning A$7,500/month at 76% occupancy on Airbnb will typically earn A$3,500-5,000/month as a corporate let. However, Melbourne has no annual night cap - corporate letting here is less about cap management and more about securing steady, lower-maintenance income alongside or instead of nightly short-let bookings.

Corporate lets of 28+ days are exempt from Victoria's 7.5% short-stay levy, which applies to short-stay accommodation bookings under 28 days. This is a meaningful cost saving on longer stays - at A$400/night for four weeks, the levy avoided is approximately A$840 per booking.

3. Victoria's short-stay levy and corporate accommodation

Victoria's 7.5% short-stay levy on booking fees for stays of under 28 days came into effect on 1 January 2025. It applies to the total booking fee (including cleaning fees) charged to guests for stays booked through Airbnb, Booking.com, Stayz and other platforms. The levy is collected by the platforms and remitted to the Victorian Government.

For Melbourne hosts, the levy has two implications for corporate accommodation:

Levy exemption on 28+ day stays: Corporate accommodation lets of 28 days or more are not subject to the levy. This means the full rental income from a monthly corporate let is free of the 7.5% levy cost - giving hosts and their tenants a pricing advantage over equivalent short-stay bookings.

Income comparison adjusted for levy: When comparing short-let vs corporate letting income in Melbourne, the effective short-let income should be compared net of the 7.5% levy impact. A property earning A$500/night on a 4-night booking generates A$2,000 gross minus A$150 levy = A$1,850 net. A 28-night corporate let at A$160/night equivalent generates A$4,480 with no levy.

The levy does not apply to long-term residential tenancies or to corporate licence agreements for 28+ days. Your management company should be structuring any corporate or monthly letting agreements to clearly qualify for the exemption.

4. Where to list corporate accommodation in Melbourne

Homelike: specialist corporate housing platform, 500+ cities, 30-day minimum, corporate invoicing. Strong for CBD and Docklands properties targeting finance and tech sector relocation demand.

Melbourne Corporate Stays: Melbourne-specialist operator with Docklands focus. Weekly and monthly corporate accommodation packages, discounts for stays over 28 and 45 nights, fully furnished properties with parking and river/city views.

Corporate Keys Australia: Australia-founded specialist with 500+ furnished corporate apartment options across Australia and New Zealand. Strong Melbourne CBD and St Kilda coverage. Direct corporate account relationships.

Spotahome: 100% online booking platform, strong for European professionals relocating to Melbourne, virtual viewings model, free listing tier available.

Furnished Finder: annual listing fee (no commission), healthcare and contractor focus. Relevant for properties near the Royal Melbourne Hospital, St Vincent's Hospital and Alfred Hospital campuses.

Flatio: deposit-free platform, 1-12 month stays, digital nomad and expat focus. Strong for Fitzroy, Collingwood and creative industry area properties targeting international remote workers.

Airbnb monthly discount bookings: Airbnb's monthly discount feature can attract 28+ night corporate bookings. Stays of 28 days or more avoid Victoria's 7.5% levy even on the Airbnb platform.

5. What corporate tenants expect in Melbourne

Melbourne's corporate accommodation market is well-developed. Properties that attract the best tenants consistently offer:

• Fast NBN connection: Minimum 100Mbps included in the monthly rate. Essential for remote workers and visiting executives.
• Dedicated workspace: Desk, ergonomic chair and external monitor. Working from the property is standard for corporate stays of a month or more.
• Bills included: Utilities, internet and council rates. Standard expectation for furnished monthly lets in Melbourne.
• Heating and cooling: Split system reverse cycle air conditioning is expected given Melbourne's variable climate.
• Secure car parking: Particularly valued for CBD and Docklands properties. A secure car bay adds A$200-400/month to achievable rent.
• Quality kitchen: Corporate tenants on multi-week stays self-cater regularly. Full kitchen with quality appliances, sufficient cookware and coffee facilities.
• Flexible keyless access: Smart lock or key safe. Corporate tenants have unpredictable arrival times.

For professional management of both short-let and corporate income from your Melbourne property, see the Melbourne Airbnb management page. For a detailed income comparison, see the how much can you earn on Airbnb in Melbourne guide.

6. FAQ

How much does corporate accommodation cost in Melbourne per month?

Corporate accommodation in Melbourne typically costs A$3,000-7,000 per month for a furnished two-bedroom apartment depending on location and specification. CBD and Docklands properties command A$4,500-7,000/month. Fitzroy and Carlton properties typically achieve A$3,500-5,000/month. Bills-inclusive pricing is standard.

Does the 7.5% short-stay levy apply to corporate lets in Melbourne?

No. Victoria's 7.5% short-stay levy applies to accommodation stays of under 28 days. Corporate lets of 28 days or more are exempt from the levy. This makes monthly corporate letting more cost-competitive for both hosts and tenants compared to equivalent short-stay bookings.

Is corporate letting better than Airbnb in Melbourne?

Melbourne has no annual night cap, unlike Sydney. The decision is therefore less about cap management and more about income profile and management overhead. Short-let on Airbnb generates more per night but involves higher turnover and is subject to the 7.5% levy on stays under 28 days. Corporate letting generates steadier monthly income, lower turnover, levy-exempt revenue on 28+ day stays, and less management intensity.

Which platforms are best for corporate accommodation in Melbourne?

Homelike for corporate relocation demand in the CBD and Docklands. Melbourne Corporate Stays and Corporate Keys Australia for direct corporate account relationships. Furnished Finder for properties near major Melbourne hospital campuses. Spotahome for European professional demand. Flatio for Fitzroy and Collingwood creative/remote worker demand.

Do I need to register my Melbourne property for corporate accommodation?

Victorian registration requirements apply to short-term accommodation under 28 days. Corporate accommodation lets of 28 days or more are not subject to the same short-stay registration requirements. Always confirm current requirements with a property lawyer familiar with Victorian residential tenancy and accommodation law.

This guide reflects publicly available information as of June 2026. Victorian short-stay levy rules, rates and exemptions are subject to change. Always confirm current rules with your management company before structuring your letting calendar. This is not legal or financial advice.