Connecting host families and guests in Canberra since 2008

No agencies. No commissions. No middlemen. Just direct connections between Canberra hosts and the people who need a home.

Become a host Find a homestay

Trusted since 2008 More than 15 years connecting host families and guests across Canberra.

Zero commission Payments are arranged directly between host and guest. We never take a cut.

100% independent No investors, no shareholders, and no outside agenda shaping the platform.

Why choose us?

We do things differently from agencies and booking platforms.

No commissions

Every dollar paid goes directly between guest and host. We never take a cut of the weekly rate.

Direct connection

Hosts and guests choose each other. There is no agency in the middle assigning placements.

Safe messaging

Our built-in messaging system lets hosts and guests communicate safely before sharing personal details.

100%

Independent

No investors. No shareholders. No agenda.

We have run a profitable, independent business since 2008 without outside investment, private equity, or shareholders. That independence matters because it means our decisions are driven by what is best for our users, not by short-term financial targets.

Canberra Homestay is a sustainable small business that has spent more than 15 years doing one thing well: helping hosts and guests connect directly in Canberra.

How we compare

What a typical homestay arrangement looks like with an agency versus with us.

Typical agency

Placement fee charged to the guest upfront
Ongoing commission deducted from the weekly rate
Agency assigns the placement with limited choice
Fees multiply with each additional guest

Canberra Homestay

Guests are always free. No placement fees ever.
Zero commission on payments between host and guest
Hosts and guests choose each other directly
A low host fee helps keep the platform running