Hmm. According to the latest reports from the online hospitality service, of the 43 000 Airbnb listings in South Africa, 17 000 are in Cape Town. That's a shit load of homes that could be rented out long term for people who actually need a home. However, doing that would result in nearly half of the owners of the Cape Town listings losing out on their ability to pay the bills. Airbnb Southern Africa regional market consultant Velma Corcoran explained further: "We've met countless Airbnb hosts in Cape Town and seen how home sharing has helped them pay their bills and stay in their homes," Corcoran said. "They aren't taking houses off the market; they are sharing their homes and the cities they love, and using the additional income to help pay the bills." Corcoran went on to say how the typical Airbnb in the Mother City can earn up to R43 400 a year if they rent out their home for 32 nights of the year. Not too shabby.