How Great Photography Increases Airbnb Bookings in Sydney by 20%

Sydney’s Airbnb market is fiercely competitive, with over 13,000 active listings and occupancy rates hovering around 70–80%. In this environment, professional photography isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a proven lever for increasing bookings, boosting revenue, and standing out in crowded search results. Here’s a data-driven look at how investing in high-quality photography can increase your Sydney Airbnb bookings by 20% or more, and why it’s a strategic business move for hosts.

The Sydney Airbnb Landscape: Why Standing Out Matters

13,803 active listings in Sydney as of March 2025
Median occupancy rate: 77%
Average daily rate: AU$235
Top neighborhoods: Bondi Beach, Surry Hills, Darling Harbour, The Rocks

With so many choices, guests make split-second decisions based on what they see first: your photos.

Data-Backed Impact of Professional Photography

1. Booking Rate Uplift: The 20%+ Effect

Multiple independent analyses and Airbnb’s own data confirm that professional photography can increase booking rates by 20–24%—and sometimes much more:

Airbnb’s internal research: Listings with professional photos see up to 24% more bookings and earn up to 40% higher revenue than those without
A large-scale study of 7,711 properties found that verified, high-quality photos led to a 17.5% increase in demand(bookings), with most of the effect attributed to image quality and alignment with guest preferences
Listings with more than 20 high-quality images can double bookings compared to those with fewer, lower-quality photos.

Sydney-specific context: In a market where the average listing is booked 281 nights per year, a 20% increase translates to an extra 56 nights—potentially AU$13,000+ in additional annual revenue at the median daily rate.

2. How Photography Drives More Bookings

FactorEffect on Bookings & RevenueSupported ByProfessional photo quality+20–24% bookings, +40% revenue. More images (20+)Double bookings vs. listings with fewer. Verified Airbnb photographer+17.5% demand Aerial/drone photographyIncreased listing views, higher rates. Video walkthroughsHigher engagement, more social shares

Key mechanisms:

First impressions: Guests decide in seconds—sharp, well-composed images grab attention and build trust.
Visual storytelling: Professional photos showcase unique features, layout, and ambiance, helping guests imagine their stay.
Increased visibility: High-quality images boost your listing’s ranking in Airbnb search results, leading to more clicks and inquiries.
Higher perceived value: Better photos justify premium pricing and attract guests willing to pay more for quality.
Social sharing: Striking images are more likely to be shared on social media, amplifying your reach organically.

3. Beyond Still Photos: Drone and Video

Drone photography captures the property’s setting, unique views, and proximity to Sydney’s landmarks, making your listing stand out in search results and justifying higher nightly rates.
Video walkthroughs (shared on Instagram, YouTube, or your own site) create an immersive experience that static images can’t match—helping guests feel confident to book.

Data Visualizations

Sydney Airbnb: The Professional Photography Advantage

1. Bookings Increase with Professional Photography

Bookings per Year (Median Sydney Listing): 281 nights Bookings with Professional Photography (20% uplift): 337 nights Additional Nights Booked: +56

2. Revenue Impact

Average Daily Rate: AU$235 Extra Revenue from 20% More Bookings: 56 x AU$235 = AU$13,160

3. Occupancy Rate Comparison

Listing TypeOccupancy Rate (%)Standard Photos64Professional Photography77Top 10% Listings89

Source: Airbtics, AirROI, Airbnb, multiple studies

Real-World Example

A Sydney host upgraded from DIY smartphone photos to a professionally styled shoot (including drone and video). Within three months:

Bookings increased by 22%
Average nightly rate rose by 15%
The property ranked higher in Airbnb search results, attracting more international guests

Actionable Tips for Hosts

Invest in a professional shoot: Use a photographer who understands Airbnb and the Sydney market.
Include drone shots: Highlight location, views, and outdoor spaces.
Add video tours: Share on Instagram Reels and your website for extra reach.
Update regularly: Refresh photos seasonally or after upgrades to keep your listing current and appealing.

Conclusion

Professional photography is a data-proven investment for Sydney Airbnb hosts, delivering a measurable 20%+ increase in bookings and thousands in extra revenue. In a market where first impressions are everything, great images aren’t just decoration—they’re your most powerful tool for success.

Ready to transform your listing? As a Sydney-based Airbnb photography specialist, I help hosts unlock more bookings, higher earnings, and better guest experiences—one photo at a time.

How Great Photography Increases Airbnb Bookings in Sydney by 20%+