With real estate prices booming to dizzying highs in many of Canada's most desirable markets, it should come as no surprise that luxury home owners are cashing in, using online hospitality marketplaces like Airbnb.
In fact, data compiled by Denver-based Airbnb analytics firm shows an elite group of property owners in in the Great White North have pulled in six figure incomes by catering to travellers over the last 12 months.
These findings dovetail with a new analysis of the nation`s sharing economy, which found Canadians spent over $1.3 billion on peer-to-peer services between November 2015 and October 2016. Of that total, $367 million was spent on private accommodation services for properties in Canada.
Of course, Statistics Canada’s data doesn't account for foreign visitors, who are most likely responsible for a large chunk of overall spending on short-term lodging.
StatsCan also found the spoils of Canada’s sharing economy are flowing into the pockets of a relatively small number of enterprising participants when compared to the number of people who rent an Airbnb unit or hail an Uber.
The agency estimates 9.5 per cent of Canadians over 18, some 2.7 million people, participated in the sharing economy by paying for a peer-to-peer ride or spending on a private accommodation service the period studied. But the number of Canadians offering up space in their vehicles and homes during that time totalled just 72,000 and 69,000 respectively.
Perhaps Airdna’s analysis will encourage more people to get in on the action.
Here`s a look at Canada's top 10 highest earning Airbnb rentals:
Over the last 12 months
- Revenue: $217,453
- Average daily rate: $1,587
- Number of bookings: 35
- Overall rating: 4.8/5
- Maximum guests: 11
- Occupancy rate: 38 per cent
Listing description: Perched on the famous Toronto Bluffs neighbourhood, this 5,200 sq ft luxurious abode sits on a 1 acre private lot. 4 bedrooms upstairs, each with a walkout balcony facing the Lake. Living, dining room and kitchen, all adjoined in an open concept.
Over the last 12 months
- Revenue: $208,795
- Average daily rate: $1,631
- Number of bookings: 44
- Overall rating: 4.9/5
- Maximum guests: 16
- Occupancy rate: 38 per cent
Listing description: The best Montreal bachelor party house. Built with bachelor parties in mind. 2 floors, prime location, sleeps 16+. Nothing else like it! Everything you need including: Pool table, ping pong table, and private deck.
Over the last 12 months
- Revenue: $169,557
- Average daily rate: $1,600
- Number of bookings: 38
- Overall rating: 4.8/5
- Maximum guests: 10
- Occupancy rate: 30 per cent
Listing description: This Luxury Suite in the Thompson Hotel has nearly 3,000 square feet. 4 full bedrooms and 4 bathrooms Offices Boardroom/dining room. It can sleep up to 10 people comfortably. Chief inspired kitchen with bar and Smart TVs in every room.
Over the last 12 months
- Revenue: $163,965
- Average daily rate: $770
- Number of bookings: 62
- Overall rating: 4.8/5
- Maximum guests: 16
- Occupancy rate: 58 per cent
Listing Description: This luxury 10,000 sq.ft. home is 5 min drive to Calgary, 45 min. driving distance to the gorgeous Rocky Mountains of Alberta in Banff National Park and Lake Louise. Great for large families, tour groups and TV/movie crews. Skiing, hiking, boating!
Over the last 12 months
- Revenue: $145,451
- Average daily rate: $579
- Number of bookings: 61
- Overall rating: 4.9/5
- Maximum guests: 8
- Occupancy rate: 68 per cent
Listing description: The Absolute Best of Toronto. A 2,000 sq ft professionally designed penthouse on the best street in Toronto. Property available for photoshoots & film. Previous clients include Drake, Samsung, Sony & Bell.
Over the last 12 months
- Revenue: $142,464
- Average daily rate: $642
- Number of bookings: 43
- Overall rating: 4.8/5
- Maximum guests: 12
- Occupancy rate: 62 per cent
Listing description: Modern 4 bedroom executive home conveniently located within a walking distance to downtown Mississauga and a shopping mall with 360+ retail stores, within a kilometre to a central highway, within 25 minute drive to Downtown Toronto, and a 10 minute drive to the airport.
Over the last 12 months
- Revenue: $138,645
- Average daily rate: $1,058
- Number of bookings: 56
- Overall rating: 5/5
- Maximum guests: 6
- Occupancy rate: 36 per cent
Listing description: A highly desirable 3300 sq ft penthouse property, with wrap-around lake and city views in three directions, features four balconies from the 43nd floor.
Over the last 12 months
- Revenue: $137,513
- Average daily rate: $608
- Number of bookings: 101
- Overall rating: 4.7/5
- Maximum guests: 16
- Occupancy rate: 66 per cent
Listing description: Huge 2,500 square foot penthouse loft located in the heart of old Montreal with designer furniture, fascinating art, pool table and foosball table. This luxury flat includes 2 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms. Sleeping arrangement: 1 queen bed in closed the bedroom, 1 Pull Out bed (real mattress) on the second floor mezzanine (private), 1 queen size sofa bed (in the living room), and the rest are very comfy pillow top auto inflatable mattresses with all the beddings that you can place anywhere!
Over the last 12 months
- Revenue: $128,169
- Average daily rate: $523
- Number of bookings: 75
- Overall rating: 5/5
- Maximum guests: 5
- Occupancy rate: 80 per cent
Listing description: Presenting My One of a Kind, Luxurious & Spacious 2 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom, South-East Corner Unit With A Large Wrap Around Terrace. Located in The Heart of King West, One of Toronto's Trendiest & Most Central Neighbourhoods. Perfect for Business, Couples, And Families. Enjoy Complimentary Parking, High-Speed WiFi & A Home Away From Home Feeling.
Over the last 12 months
- Revenue: $126,301
- Average daily rate: $540
- Number of bookings: 60
- Overall rating: 4.8/5
- Maximum guests: 14
- Occupancy rate: 67 per cent
Listing description: Experience the breathtaking 5000 sq ft house with 7 bedrooms (Master suite available for special request) 4.5 bathroom, located in the heart of Richmond. Rooms open according to the members. 2 in 1 room. (Strictly no partying and illegal activities)
