Can You Build Short-Term Accommodation on Your Rural Property in WA?

Western Australia continues to attract domestic and international travellers looking for unique holiday experiences, from regional retreats to nature-based stays. As a result, many rural property owners are exploring opportunities to add short-term accommodation to their land. However, depending on how the property is used and structured, these projects can involve commercial property settlements, making early due diligence essential. This is where an experienced settlement agent like KDD Conveyancing can help guide you through the process.

While the opportunity can be appealing, developing short-term rental accommodation on rural or agricultural land often comes with additional layers of complexity. Planning approvals, registration requirements, and local council rules all need careful consideration, particularly where a property was not originally intended for commercial or short-stay use.

In Western Australia, WA planning authorities and the Western Australian Government refer to short-term rental accommodation (STRA) as the practice of renting out a property, or part of a property, to paying guests for stays of up to three months (90 days).

The rapid growth of STRA across the state has led to updated planning controls and the introduction of a statewide registration system, designed to improve transparency and support local communities impacted by tourism.

About Western Australian STRA Development Approval

Planning requirements for STRA in regional WA can vary depending on whether the accommodation is hosted or unhosted, as well as the property’s zoning and location.

According to guidance from WA Planning:

• Unhosted STRA in regional areas generally requires development approval from the local government to allow for unhosted short-term rental accommodation.
• Hosted STRA (where the owner lives on-site) is generally exempt from development approval across the state, as it is considered to have a lower impact.

Additional approvals, such as building, health, or environmental permits, may also apply depending on the nature of the accommodation.

Because local planning rules differ between councils, property owners are encouraged to check directly with their local government. Contact details can be found via the WA Local Government Association website.

Short-Term Rental Accommodation Register

Under the Short-Term Rental Accommodation Act 2024, all STRA providers in Western Australia, both hosted and unhosted, are required to register their property on the state STRA Register before advertising or taking bookings.

The register is administered by the Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety and is designed to help the government better understand and regulate the STRA sector.

Accommodation types that may require registration include:

• Tiny homes
• Additional cottages or secondary dwellings
• Granny flats or annexes
• Holiday homes

Some accommodation types, such as serviced apartments, caravan parks and certain glamping pop-up operations, may be excluded from registration requirements.

Registration involves fees, advertising obligations, and annual renewal. Property owners should refer to official government resources such as the STRA Register website and the Short Term Rental Accommodation website for the most up-to-date requirements.

Commercial Property Conveyancing For Short-Term Rental Accommodation

Buying or selling a property used for STRA often involves more than a standard residential settlement transaction. Planning approvals, registration status, zoning, and permitted use all need to be reviewed carefully before settlement is finalised.

This is why engaging a conveyancer experienced in commercial property settlements prior to entering into the contract can help ensure the appropriate checks are carried out.

A commercial property conveyancer can assist by:

• Reviewing the contract and special conditions
• Conducting appropriate title and zoning searches
• Confirming STRA registration status where applicable
• Identifying local planning or strata considerations that may affect property use

These checks help buyers and sellers understand how a property can be used and what obligations may apply before the contract is signed and settlement is finalised.

How KDD Conveyancing Can Support Your STRA Transaction

Commercial Property Settlements

Developing or transacting a short-term rental accommodation on rural land can be rewarding and a much-needed finance and tourism injection for regional property owners and townships, but it also brings additional complexity. Rather than navigating these requirements alone, working with an experienced conveyancer can help you approach the process with clarity and confidence.

KDD Conveyancing has over 28 years’ experience handling commercial property settlements across Western Australia and is familiar with recent changes to STRA planning controls, registration requirements, and incentive schemes.

By engaging a conveyancer early, you can better understand the due diligence required, identify potential issues upfront, and ensure your transaction progresses as smoothly as possible.
If you’re considering buying, selling, or developing a property for short-term accommodation, you can contact us for a chat to discuss how we can help guide you through the process.