Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Mozambique Property Pack
Yes, the analysis of Maputo's property market is included in our pack
If you're thinking about starting an Airbnb in Maputo in 2026, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from the legal requirements to realistic revenue expectations.
We've gathered data from reliable sources and combined it with our own research to give you a clear picture of what hosting in Mozambique's capital actually looks like right now.
This article is updated regularly to reflect the latest market conditions, pricing trends, and regulatory changes in Maputo.
And if you're planning to buy a property in this place, you may want to download our pack covering the real estate market in Maputo.
Insights
- Over half of Airbnb listings in Maputo (about 52%) require minimum stays of 30 nights or more, which tells you that corporate travelers and expats drive a large portion of the demand here.
- The average nightly rate for Airbnb listings in Maputo in 2026 sits around $64, but the median is closer to $52 because a few high-end properties pull that average up.
- About 47% of Maputo's short-term rental supply consists of one-bedroom units, meaning smaller apartments dominate the market and competition is tightest in that segment.
- Air conditioning is found in 86% of Maputo listings, which makes it practically a requirement if you want to compete seriously in this market.
- Mozambique recorded over 311,000 tourist arrivals during the 2025 festive season alone, generating around 22.7 million euros and signaling growing demand for accommodation.
- The typical occupancy rate for Airbnb in Maputo hovers around 45%, which is moderate and reflects the city's business-driven rather than leisure-driven tourism profile.
- Property managers with multiple listings already operate in Maputo, with some managing over 30 properties, which shows multi-unit hosting is allowed and practical here.
- Polana and Sommerschield neighborhoods command the highest nightly rates in Maputo, often reaching $75 to $140 per night due to embassy and corporate presence.
Fact-checked and reviewed by our local expert
Alexia Vieira
Founder and President of Fundacion Khanimambo and Humbi Farm
Can I legally run an Airbnb in Maputo in 2026?
Is short-term renting allowed in Maputo in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, short-term renting is allowed in Maputo, but it falls under Mozambique's tourism accommodation framework rather than being treated as simple residential rental activity.
The main legal framework governing short-term rentals in Maputo is Decree 74/2022, which regulates tourist enterprises and local accommodation nationwide, replacing the older Decree 49/2016.
The most important condition hosts must comply with in Maputo is obtaining proper authorization for their accommodation activity, since operating without it means you're technically running an unlicensed tourism business.
Penalties for operating without authorization can include fines and potential closure orders from inspection authorities like INAE (the National Inspection of Economic Activities), though enforcement varies in practice.
For a more general view, you can read our article detailing what exactly foreigners can own and buy in Mozambique.
If you are an American, you might want to read our blog article detailing the property rights of US citizens in Mozambique.
Are there minimum-stay rules and maximum nights-per-year caps for Airbnbs in Maputo as of 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, Mozambique's national tourism regulation does not impose a hard maximum nights-per-year cap or a legally mandated minimum stay for Airbnb listings in Maputo, unlike some European cities with strict 90-day limits.
These rules do not differ by property type or host residency status in Maputo, meaning apartments, houses, villas, and townhouses all operate under the same framework without special exemptions or additional restrictions.
In practice, many Maputo hosts set their own minimum stays (AirDNA data shows over 51% of listings require 30+ night minimums), but this is a market choice driven by demand patterns rather than a legal requirement.
Do I have to live there, or can I Airbnb a secondary home in Maputo right now?
Maputo does not have a primary residence requirement for operating an Airbnb, meaning the legal framework focuses on whether your accommodation activity is properly authorized rather than whether you personally live in the property.
Owners of secondary homes and investment properties can legally operate short-term rentals in Maputo, and market data confirms this is common since about 65% of listings are entire homes rather than shared spaces.
No additional permits specifically for non-primary residence rentals exist beyond the standard local accommodation authorization required for all hosts.
The practical difference between renting out a primary residence versus a secondary home in Maputo is minimal from a regulatory standpoint, though operating multiple units may push you toward formal business registration.
Don't buy the wrong property, in the wrong area of Maputo
Buying real estate is a significant investment. Don't rely solely on your intuition. Gather the right information to make the best decision.
Can I run multiple Airbnbs under one name in Maputo right now?
Maputo allows hosts to run multiple Airbnb listings under one name, as Mozambique's tourism framework is authorization-based rather than restricting hosts to a single property.
There is no official maximum number of properties one person or entity can list for short-term rental in Maputo, provided each unit complies with the relevant authorization and tax requirements.
Hosts with multiple listings may need to formalize their operations through business registration channels, especially if they employ staff or manage properties at scale, but no special multi-listing permit exists.
Do I need a short-term rental license or a business registration to host in Maputo as of 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, Maputo hosts are expected to obtain authorization for local accommodation under Mozambique's tourism regulatory framework, though the exact process involves coordination between municipal and tourism authorities.
The typical process involves submitting documentation to the relevant provincial or municipal tourism directorate, with timelines varying depending on completeness of your application and local administrative capacity.
Documents commonly required include property ownership or rental agreement proof, identification, and compliance with basic safety and hygiene standards for guest accommodation.
Costs for obtaining and renewing authorization are relatively modest compared to Western markets, though hosts operating at scale may face additional business registration fees under Decree 39/2017's simplified licensing regime.
Are there neighborhood bans or restricted zones for Airbnb in Maputo as of 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, Maputo does not have blanket neighborhood bans or designated restricted zones that prohibit Airbnb operations outright, unlike some cities with explicit short-term rental blackout areas.
The more realistic restrictions come from private building rules (condominium regulations), zoning inconsistencies in certain areas, and variable enforcement rather than official government bans on specific neighborhoods.
Hosts should be aware that some premium residential compounds may have internal rules against short-term letting, so checking your building's regulations is important before listing.
We made this infographic to show you how property prices in Mozambique compare to other big cities across the region. It breaks down the average price per square meter in city centers, so you can see how cities stack up. It’s an easy way to spot where you might get the best value for your money. We hope you like it.
How much can an Airbnb earn in Maputo in 2026?
What's the average and median nightly price on Airbnb in Maputo in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, the average nightly price (ADR) for an Airbnb listing in Maputo is approximately $64 USD (around 4,100 MZN or €55 EUR), while the median sits closer to $52 USD (about 3,300 MZN or €45 EUR) because luxury listings pull the average upward.
The typical nightly price range covering roughly 80% of Maputo Airbnb listings falls between $35 and $110 USD (2,200 to 7,000 MZN or €30 to €95 EUR), with most properties clustering in the middle of this band.
The single factor with the biggest impact on nightly pricing in Maputo is location, particularly proximity to premium neighborhoods like Polana, Sommerschield, or Ponta Vermelha where corporate and diplomatic guests are willing to pay substantially more.
By the way, you will find much more detailed profitability rent ranges in our property pack covering the real estate market in Maputo.
How much do nightly prices vary by neighborhood in Maputo in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, nightly prices in Maputo vary significantly, ranging from around $30 USD (1,900 MZN/€26 EUR) in areas like Matola to over $140 USD (8,950 MZN/€120 EUR) in premium locations like Ponta Vermelha, creating a spread of over four times between the cheapest and most expensive neighborhoods.
The three neighborhoods with the highest average nightly prices in Maputo are Ponta Vermelha (approximately $85 to $140 USD/5,400 to 8,950 MZN/€73 to €120 EUR), Polana Cimento ($75 to $120 USD/4,800 to 7,700 MZN/€64 to €103 EUR), and Sommerschield ($70 to $110 USD/4,500 to 7,000 MZN/€60 to €94 EUR).
The three neighborhoods with the lowest average nightly prices are Matola ($30 to $55 USD/1,900 to 3,500 MZN/€26 to €47 EUR), Zimpeto ($35 to $60 USD/2,200 to 3,800 MZN/€30 to €51 EUR), and peripheral areas of KaMpfumo ($45 to $65 USD/2,900 to 4,150 MZN/€39 to €56 EUR), though these areas still attract budget-conscious travelers and some longer-stay guests.
What's the typical occupancy rate in Maputo in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, the typical occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Maputo is approximately 45%, reflecting the city's character as a business and capital city destination rather than a mass tourism hotspot.
The realistic occupancy range covering most Maputo listings falls between 30% and 60%, with lower-performing properties often lacking key amenities or strong reviews, while optimized listings consistently exceed the average.
Maputo's 45% occupancy is moderate compared to major African tourism hubs, but reasonable for a market where demand is driven more by corporate travelers, NGO staff, and regional business visitors than by leisure tourists.
The single biggest factor for achieving above-average occupancy in Maputo is having essential amenities like reliable Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and secure parking, combined with strong responsiveness and good reviews.
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What's the average monthly revenue per listing in Maputo in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, the average monthly revenue per Airbnb listing in Maputo is approximately $860 USD (around 55,000 MZN or €735 EUR), calculated from the city's average nightly rate of $64 and 45% occupancy.
The realistic monthly revenue range covering roughly 80% of Maputo listings falls between $500 and $1,300 USD (32,000 to 83,000 MZN or €425 to €1,100 EUR), depending heavily on location, amenities, and host responsiveness.
Top-performing Airbnb listings in Maputo can achieve monthly revenues of $1,500 to $2,000 USD (96,000 to 128,000 MZN or €1,280 to €1,710 EUR) or more. For example, a well-optimized 2-bedroom in Polana charging $90/night at 65% occupancy would generate roughly $1,750/month.
Finally, note that we give here all the information you need to buy and rent out a property in Maputo.
What's the typical low-season vs high-season monthly revenue in Maputo in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, typical low-season monthly revenue for Airbnb in Maputo ranges from $550 to $700 USD (35,000 to 45,000 MZN or €470 to €600 EUR), while high-season months can reach $1,050 to $1,300 USD (67,000 to 83,000 MZN or €900 to €1,100 EUR).
Low season in Maputo generally spans February through April and parts of November, while high season includes the festive period from December through early January, plus business travel peaks aligned with conference seasons and September through October.
What's a realistic Airbnb monthly expense range in Maputo in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, realistic monthly operating expenses for an Airbnb in Maputo range from $250 to $550 USD (16,000 to 35,000 MZN or €215 to €470 EUR) for self-managed properties, and $400 to $850 USD (25,500 to 54,000 MZN or €340 to €725 EUR) if professionally managed.
The largest single expense category for Maputo Airbnb hosts is typically utilities (electricity, water, and internet), which can run $80 to $200 USD (5,100 to 12,800 MZN or €70 to €170 EUR) monthly, especially given that 86% of listings offer air conditioning and Maputo's climate makes A/C usage significant.
Hosts in Maputo should expect to spend roughly 30% to 50% of gross revenue on operating expenses when self-managing, or 45% to 65% when using professional management services.
If you want to go into more details, we also have a blog article detailing all the property taxes and fees in Maputo.
What's realistic monthly net profit and profit per available night for Airbnb in Maputo in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, realistic monthly net profit for a self-managed Airbnb in Maputo ranges from $300 to $600 USD (19,000 to 38,000 MZN or €255 to €510 EUR), translating to approximately $10 to $20 USD (640 to 1,280 MZN or €8.50 to €17 EUR) profit per available night.
The realistic monthly net profit range for most Maputo listings spans from near breakeven (around $50 USD/3,200 MZN/€43 EUR for poorly performing managed properties) to $600 USD (38,000 MZN/€510 EUR) for well-optimized self-managed units.
Typical net profit margins for Maputo Airbnb hosts range from 35% to 50% for self-managed properties and 15% to 35% for professionally managed listings after all operating expenses.
The break-even occupancy rate for a typical Maputo Airbnb listing is approximately 25% to 30%, meaning hosts need to book roughly 8 to 9 nights per month just to cover operating costs before generating profit.
In our property pack covering the real estate market in Maputo, we explain the best strategies to improve your cashflows.
We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Mozambique versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you’re planning to invest there.
How competitive is Airbnb in Maputo as of 2026?
How many active Airbnb listings are in Maputo as of 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, there are approximately 419 active short-term rental listings in Maputo, with about 93% listed exclusively on Airbnb and the remaining 7% also appearing on Vrbo.
This represents a stable and gradually growing market over recent years, as Mozambique's tourism sector continues recovering and targeting one million visitors nationally by 2025, with Maputo benefiting as the primary urban gateway.
Which neighborhoods are most saturated in Maputo as of 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, the most saturated neighborhoods for Airbnb in Maputo are Polana, Polana Cimento, Sommerschield, the Baixa/downtown KaMpfumo core, and Costa do Sol, where listing density is highest due to these areas' appeal to travelers.
These neighborhoods became saturated because they combine walkability, proximity to embassies and corporate offices, restaurant access, and coastal lifestyle elements that both business and leisure guests prioritize when booking in Maputo.
Relatively undersaturated neighborhoods offering better opportunities for new hosts include Triunfo (emerging expat area), Coop/Cooperativa (slightly further from center but still accessible), and parts of Matola for budget-focused longer stays.
What local events spike demand in Maputo in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, the main local events that spike Airbnb demand in Maputo include the FNB Maputo 10K city run (typically early November), the Marrabenta Festival celebrating Mozambican music culture, major conferences, and the December-January festive season which drew over 311,000 tourists nationally in the most recent period.
During these peak events, Maputo hosts can see booking increases of 15% to 30% above normal, with nightly rates potentially rising 10% to 25% in well-positioned properties near event venues or central neighborhoods.
Hosts should adjust pricing and tighten minimum stays 2 to 4 weeks before major events, as business travelers and event attendees often book closer to the date than leisure tourists.
What occupancy differences exist between top and average hosts in Maputo in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, top-performing Airbnb hosts in Maputo achieve occupancy rates of approximately 60% to 65%, significantly outperforming the market average.
Average hosts in Maputo see occupancy around 45%, while lower-performing listings struggle at 25% to 35%, often due to missing essential amenities, poor photos, slow response times, or weak review profiles.
New hosts in Maputo typically need 4 to 8 months of consistent operation, positive reviews, and pricing optimization to reach top-performer occupancy levels, assuming their property meets market expectations for amenities and location.
We give more details about the different Airbnb strategies to adopt in our property pack covering the real estate market in Maputo.
Which price points are most crowded, and where's the "white space" for new hosts in Maputo right now?
The nightly price range with the highest concentration of Airbnb listings in Maputo is approximately $45 to $80 USD (2,900 to 5,100 MZN or €38 to €68 EUR), where most standard 1 to 2 bedroom apartments and modest houses naturally cluster.
White space opportunities for new hosts exist in the $80 to $110 USD range (5,100 to 7,000 MZN or €68 to €94 EUR) for premium 2-bedroom units targeting corporate guests, and in the monthly-stay segment where many listings underserve guests needing 30+ night liveability despite the demand.
To successfully compete in underserved price segments, new hosts should focus on reliable backup power, dedicated workspaces, quality bedding, fast Wi-Fi, and responsive communication, as these differentiate in Maputo's business-driven market.
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What property works best for Airbnb demand in Maputo right now?
What bedroom count gets the most bookings in Maputo as of 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, one-bedroom and two-bedroom units get the most bookings in Maputo, driven by the city's strong base of solo business travelers, couples, and small corporate teams.
The estimated booking share by bedroom count in Maputo is approximately: 1-bedroom units at 47% of supply (and likely similar share of bookings), 2-bedroom at 31%, 3-bedroom at 16%, and 4+ bedroom properties at just 7% of the market.
One and two-bedroom properties perform best in Maputo because the demand base is predominantly business and NGO travelers who need functional, well-equipped spaces rather than large group accommodations.
What property type performs best in Maputo in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, apartments and condos in central locations perform best for Airbnb in Maputo, offering the most consistent occupancy rates due to their alignment with business traveler preferences and urban convenience.
Occupancy rates across property types in Maputo generally follow this pattern: apartments achieve around 45% to 50%, townhouses in secure compounds around 40% to 45%, and standalone houses/villas around 35% to 45% depending heavily on location and security setup.
Apartments outperform in Maputo because the city's demand is driven by guests who prioritize security, reliable utilities, proximity to restaurants and offices, and straightforward logistics over space or unique character.
What sources have we used to write this blog article?
Whether it's in our blog articles or the market analyses included in our property pack about Maputo, we always rely on the strongest methodology we can ... and we don't throw out numbers at random.
We also aim to be fully transparent, so below we've listed the authoritative sources we used, and explained how we used them and the methods behind our estimates.
| Source | Why it's authoritative | How we used it |
|---|---|---|
| AirDNA Maputo Market Data | AirDNA is the leading short-term rental analytics provider, tracking millions of listings globally with transparent methodology. | We used it for core metrics including ADR ($64), occupancy (45%), listing counts (419), bedroom distribution, and amenity prevalence. We computed revenue scenarios from these figures. |
| Decree 74/2022 (English Translation) | This is the current nationwide regulation for tourist enterprises in Mozambique, replacing the older 2016 decree. | We used it to explain how local accommodation is defined and licensed, and which authorization requirements apply to Maputo hosts. |
| Mozambique Tourism Law (Lei 4/2004) via FAOLEX | FAOLEX is a curated legal repository used globally, hosting the official gazette law text. | We used it to anchor what counts as a tourism activity and why short-stay accommodation falls under tourism regulatory oversight. |
| Decree 39/2017 (Simplified Licensing) via FAOLEX | This official decree establishes simplified business licensing pathways in Mozambique. | We used it to explain when hosts might need business registration versus operating as individuals under tourism authorization. |
| Airbnb Maputo Listings Page | Airbnb is the primary marketplace for short-term rentals in Maputo and shows current supply and neighborhood positioning. | We used it to validate listing presence, cross-check which neighborhoods Airbnb highlights, and analyze listing descriptions for demand patterns. |
| Banco de Moçambique Q3 2025 Bulletin | The central bank is the highest-authority source for interest rates, exchange rates, and macroeconomic conditions. | We used it to ground financing reality and macro conditions that influence costs for Maputo Airbnb operators. |
| Banco de Moçambique Policy Rate Announcement | Official central bank communications provide authoritative policy decision context. | We used it to corroborate interest rate direction and inflation outlook for hosts considering property financing. |
| PwC Mozambique Tax Summaries | PwC is a major global tax firm with regularly updated, method-driven country summaries. | We used it to anchor the standard VAT rate (16%) and explain what taxes apply to hosting businesses in Mozambique. |
| Conselho Municipal de Maputo (CMM) | This is the official municipal government portal for Maputo city. | We used it to identify the local authority responsible for municipal licensing and to understand local administrative processes. |
| UN Tourism Data Dashboard | UN Tourism is the international authority for tourism indicators and cross-country comparisons. | We used it to contextualize the tourism demand base feeding Maputo and to benchmark regional performance. |
| FNB Maputo 10K Official Site | This is the official event site with dates and logistics that drive booking spikes. | We used it as a concrete example of event-driven demand in Maputo for pricing calendar recommendations. |
| Marrabenta Festival Organizer Site | This is the festival's official organizer site, providing primary source information for the cultural event. | We used it as another local demand pulse example to help hosts plan seasonal pricing adjustments. |
| Properstar Maputo Rental Listings | Properstar is a large listing aggregator reflecting asking rents at scale across Maputo. | We used it only to sanity-check long-term rental alternatives, helping interpret Airbnb opportunity cost and market positioning. |
| Travel and Tour World - Mozambique Festive Tourism | This is a respected travel industry publication reporting on official ministry data for Mozambique tourism arrivals. | We used it to provide current tourism demand context, including the 311,740 festive season arrivals and €22.7 million revenue figures. |
| Travel and Tour World - Mozambique Tourism Growth | This publication reports on government tourism targets and sector development initiatives. | We used it to contextualize Mozambique's one million tourist target and explain the growth trajectory benefiting Maputo. |
| Wise Currency Converter (USD/MZN) | Wise provides transparent mid-market exchange rates used for international transfers. | We used it to convert all USD figures to Mozambican Metical (MZN) at the current rate of approximately 64 MZN per USD. |
| INAE (National Inspection of Economic Activities) | INAE is a Mozambican state inspection body that hosts regulations as formal legal references. | We used it to cross-check legacy rules from Decree 49/2016 and understand enforcement authority for tourism accommodation. |
We created this infographic to give you a simple idea of how much it costs to buy property in different parts of Mozambique. As you can see, it breaks down price ranges and property types for popular cities in the country. We hope this makes it easier to explore your options and understand the market.
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