If you have a property that you can rent out, using Airbnb is a way to maximise rental profits, with the platform having totally transformed holiday letting.
Almost 3 million hosts use Airbnb to advertise their spaces, be it a room, apartment, villa – or even the mansion made famous by the classic film ‘Home Alone’!
Will you become the latest host to earn an extra income from the platform? Here’s what you need to know before listing on Airbnb.
Research your area
If you already own your property, ascertain exactly what a visitor would want when travelling to your area.
Is it based in a large city or are you closer to coastal getaways? All these factors will influence things like how much you can charge – again, look at what similar properties in the area are listed at.
You may be looking into buying property to put on the letting market. If so, find areas that are visited year-round as tourist hotspots are likely to make you the biggest revenue on Airbnb.
Protect yourself
Airbnb offers hosts several protections in case of accidents or things going wrong, but adding extra layers never goes amiss.
Specialist insurance that covers Airbnb properties will give you extra peace of mind and help you recover income if you fall victim to unscrupulous visitors, or if something is damaged and you stand to risk losing bookings as a result.
Of course, getting to know a little about your visitors before accepting their booking is also useful. If you deem them to be a higher risk, it may be more worth your while in the long term to turn down their booking.
Make your listing stand out
Is your property a stone’s throw away from a famous landmark, your city’s best bars or a huge golden beach? Sing about it from the off!
Images are also a crucial factor in Airbnb listings. There are no viewings before booking, and potential visitors may be put off enquiring if they don’t get enough of a feel for your space from the listing alone.
Adding a little bit about yourself as the host also offers a personal touch and can reassure people who may be visiting the area for the first time.
Go the extra mile
The success of your operation on Airbnb is naturally tied to your property, but it also relies heavily on you as a host.
Visitors review hosts just as hosts review visitors. If you are not around to help out if something crops up or can’t offer guidance about the local area, you might find yourself struggling for five-star reviews.
Personal key handovers, a cup of tea and advice on where to visit on arrival, and making yourself available when needed are all sure-fire ways to become a Superhost in no time!
