Little-known homeowner side hustle to keep booming in Perth
New research shows that 70 per cent of Australians would travel domestically to watch or play sport, and 21 per cent have Perth on their itinerary.
Perth has been the centre of the Australian sporting universe in recent weeks with rugby league's State of Origin, the Matildas and the touring British and Irish Lions all heading to town.
That's before the biggest of them all — the Ashes — head to Perth later this year, complete with England's Barmy Army, with all of the visiting fans pouring big money into the State's economy.
And, of course, the Dockers and Eagles draw big crowds every week.
The survey, by Airbnb, shows soccer is the number sport people travel for, followed by AFL and tennis.
One person who has cashed in on the sporting boom is Andrea from Wembley Downs. who rents out part of her house to visiting fans and pocketed thousands of dollars.
'After the children moved out we considered downsizing, but instead converted the extra space into an Airbnb,' she said. Nine months ago Andrea began renting out part of her Wembley Downs home and has since welcomed hundreds of guests who flew to Perth purely to watch sport. Credit: Supplied
'We often get feedback from guests that the location was perfect for them to easily head to their sporting events.
'Being situated close to Perth's biggest stadiums is one of our key selling points, so it wasn't a surprise to welcome plenty of sports fans.'
She said the variety of sport-loving guests staying at her home had been a 'lovely surprise'.
'Families come for their children's basketball and netball tournaments, we've had coaches and competitors staying for State athletic meets, guests going to AFL matches and already have guests lined up for the Ashes Test in November,' she said.
'Some may see it as unconventional, to alter your home and share it with travellers, but it's added a lovely layer of experience to our lives.'
The research showed a typical host earned $915 over the weekend of the Perth Test against India in November last year.
Airbnb country manager Susan Wheeldon told The Sunday Times that despite the cost-of-living crisis, Aussies were still happy to splash cash on sport. Susan Wheeldon. Credit: Supplied
'I think people are still looking for joy in their lives and to be able to get out with mates and to go and see sport,' Ms Wheeldon said.
'Most Aussies grew up playing team sport and watching sport, it is just such a part of the Australian culture . . . there's nothing quite like it.'
She said it was also great for hosts.
'Becoming an Airbnb host during these major sporting events is such an easy way to help homeowners to build opposite the cost of their mortgage or the cost of of life in general,' Ms Wheeldon said.
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