With all the post-covid traveling and tourism boom, it’s really a shame not to take advantage of the situation. The easiest way to do so is to have some of the thousands of tourists as your guests. Luckily, you no longer have to register as a hotel. All you need to do is make your home into an Airbnb, and tourists will flock in masses.
While transforming your property into an Airbnb is not as hard as building a hotel, you should approach this endeavour with all the seriousness it deserves. To help you with the task at hand, we created a small selection of tips and tricks that will help you create one genuinely successful Airbnb.
Do your homework
Before jumping into the world of Airbnb, take the time to research and understand the platform.
Familiarise yourself with the types of accommodations available in your area, the average rates, and the demand throughout the year. This information will help you set competitive prices, attract potential guests, and optimise your listing to stand out from the crowd.
Most importantly, this information would help you choose your sales point. All Airbnb have a unique selling point, which they add in their headline.
For example, if you are listing a ceiling room, you can list it as “Coy little room under the stars”. Though you admit the room is not big and it’s a ceiling room, you represent it as a romantic and somewhat mysterious place. That’s good marketing.
Furthermore, you need to know what type of guests will come, so you can accommodate their needs. Usually, Airbnb travellers are “budget” tourists, so adding a fridge or some other commodities in the description will significantly increase your chances of landing a booking.
Calculate your budget
Renting out your property on Airbnb requires an investment. Calculate the costs involved, such as listing fees, cleaning services, maintenance, and utilities.
Additionally, consider any upgrades or improvements you may need to make to ensure a comfortable stay for your guests.
For example, one inevitable spending would be the Airbnb listing fees. Airbnb charges hosts a percentage fee for each booking. Take into account this fee, which typically is about 3-5% of the total reservation cost, and factor it into your pricing strategy.
Moreover, cleaning between guests is essential to maintain a high standard of cleanliness. If you prefer not to clean the property yourself, allocate a budget for professional cleaning services.
Consider the cleaning frequency, the property size, and the rates charged by cleaning companies in your area.
Regular maintenance and occasional repairs are also inevitable when hosting guests. Set aside a portion of your budget for general upkeep, such as fixing minor damages, replacing worn-out items, or addressing any issues that arise during guests’ stays.
Don’t forget to factor in the utilities and any upgrades and improvements you might want to make before you let strangers in your home.
Finally, calculate insurance, taxes and miscellaneous expenses and your budget is done. By accurately estimating your budget, you can determine the rental rates needed to cover expenses and generate a profit.
Get to know the local laws
Before listing your property on Airbnb, familiarise yourself with the local laws and regulations governing short-term rentals in your area. Some cities have specific rules regarding permits, taxes, and occupancy limits.
Ensure you meet all legal requirements to avoid fines or other legal complications. For example, London has some stringent regulations regarding short-term holiday renting.
For instance, a host renting out entire homes must have planning permission prior to starting the operation. If you’re planning to rent your home up to 90 days per year, you can avoid this, but Airbnb will automatically block any bookings after the 90-night limit.
Moreover, you need to obtain a gas safety certificate for the property, carry out a fire risk assessment annually, install smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, and other pesky little details you need to address.
So, before you start listing your home, you need to be well aware of all the details, taxes and regulations you will have to apply.
Cleanliness is important
One of the keys to providing a positive experience for your guests is maintaining a clean and well-kept property.
Ensure that your property is thoroughly cleaned before each guest’s arrival and that all essential amenities, such as fresh towels and toiletries, are provided.
Consider using a reputable cleaning service to maintain a high standard of cleanliness consistently. Excellent reviews for cleanliness will attract more guests and lead to better ratings for your listing.
Furnish wisely and affordably
Furnishing your rental property does not have to break the bank. Look for affordable options that are stylish yet functional.
Consider purchasing furniture and decor from second-hand stores, online marketplaces, or local auctions. Opt for versatile pieces that can accommodate different guest preferences.
Focus on providing essential amenities such as a comfortable bed, a well-equipped kitchen, and a cosy living space. A great idea is to follow a theme. For example, if you expect predominantly international guests, you may want to double down on British Royal Pageantry.
Of course, going overboard will have a negative effect, but having some topic is often a great idea for getting more attention from Airbnb travellers. Remember, a tastefully furnished property will not only attract more guests but also contribute to positive reviews and repeat bookings.
Snap some gorgeous photos
High-quality photos are crucial for grabbing potential guests’ attention and making a lasting impression. Invest some time and effort into capturing appealing and accurate images of your property.
Use natural lighting, highlight the property’s unique features, and showcase the amenities available. Consider hiring a professional photographer or using a wide-angle lens to capture the best angles and create a visually enticing listing.
Remember, the photos serve as the first point of contact between your property and potential guests, so make them count.
Keep track of inventory
Maintaining an inventory list of items in your rental property is essential for several reasons.
Firstly, it helps you keep track of your assets and ensure everything is in working order.
Secondly, it lets you promptly replace or repair damaged or missing items.
Finally, having an accurate inventory list can protect you from false claims made by guests regarding missing or damaged items.
A comprehensive inventory list can be created using a spreadsheet or dedicated inventory management software, making it easier to manage your property efficiently.
Leave gifts for your guests
To go the extra mile in providing a memorable experience, consider leaving thoughtful gifts or amenities for your guests.
Small gestures such as a welcome basket with local treats or a personalised note can leave a lasting positive impression. These little touches show your guests that you value their stay and care about their experience.
Such gestures can lead to excellent reviews, increased bookings, and positive word-of-mouth recommendations.
Be prepared to change broken items
Unfortunately, the initial investment is not enough when it comes to lending your home as an AirBnB.
Furniture will wear out, and no one likes to sit on an overly used chair or lay on a dirty squeaking bed. Getting some replacements on sale or in second-hand stores and storing them for a quick change whenever needed is a good idea.
Chairs and sofas are the first to go, so make sure to have at least some sort of reserve in your storage. Better yet, removal experts suggest using a secure storage facility where you can keep all your Airbnb-related items, like presents for the guests, towels, sheets and anything in between.
Conclusion
Renting out your property on Airbnb can be a rewarding experience both financially and personally.
By following these tips, you can set yourself up for success in the competitive Airbnb market.
Remember, providing exceptional hospitality and creating a comfortable home away from home will not only attract more guests but also ensure that they return and recommend your property to others. Happy hosting!