Everyone is talking about the rental income they’ve made by listing their property on Airbnb. You’re ready to jump into the short-term rental biz yourself and are keen to see that income roll in… By following these 5 expert tips you will save money, ensure you become a standout 5-star Airbnb property, and achieve your income goals.

1. Research the local laws and regulations

Before listing a property on Airbnb, it’s important to make sure you understand the local laws and regulations in your area. Airbnb rentals may require permits in some buildings, cities or states, so familiarising yourself with these processes can prevent potential legal issues down the road. In addition, hosts should check with both their local government offices and Airbnb’s website for more information about hosting rules in their area. There’s no point investing in your Airbnb set-up only to find out 3 months later that short-term rentals aren’t permitted in your apartment block!

2. Invest in a good cleaning plan

Cleanliness is key when it comes to hosting on Airbnb. It’s important to create a detailed cleaning plan and invest in quality cleaning supplies so that your property looks immaculate for each new guest. Stock up on all-purpose cleaners, glass cleaner, and other supplies that can help maintain a consistently clean space. 

If you aren’t planning on doing the cleaning yourself (and, after all, being a professional cleaner wasn’t the reason you got into the Airbnb space to start with…) make sure you hire a cleaner that is detail oriented. The cleaner will need to be able to clean quickly and thoroughly between each guest. This is particularly important after long stays when a deep clean is required. Remember, Airbnb guests will notice a so-so cleaning effort and they’ll rate their stay less favourably. This will affect your bottom dollar!

3. Set up an organised linen system

We don’t use the word ‘system’ lightly folks. Having a system will save you a lot of time and money in the long run. Use extra storage space to organise your linens so it’s easy for you or any cleaners to change them quickly before each guest arrives. Invest in durable and quality linens – good linens are an essential for any Airbnb rental, so invest in some that will last for years to come. Look for sheets with a high thread count or ones made from natural fibers like cotton or linen, which are temperature regulating and comfortable. 

Don’t forget to make sure you have a few extra sets of sheets on hand at all times in case of emergency spills or accidents during a guest stay. Lastly, be sure to wash all bedding between every set of guests and hang them out to dry if possible (in order to reduce energy costs). This way they’ll feel clean and refreshed when the next guest comes along!

4. Invest in quality amenities

Don’t scrimp on your soap and toilet paper! Providing quality amenities can add a personal touch to the guest’s stay, making them feel special and at home. You want to ensure that your guests have a comfortable and enjoyable stay as this equals YOU getting rated as a 5-star host. This in turn boosts your booking numbers (and income). 

Consider providing items such as plush towels, high-thread count sheets, extra pillows, luxury spa products, and even a complimentary welcome basket with snacks and breakfast items. Plush towels are soft on the skin but also highly absorbent, making them perfect for any Airbnb stay!

5. Develop an effective marketing strategy

A well-thought-out marketing plan can help you reach more potential guests and generate more bookings for your property. Utilise social media platforms to promote your rental and consider reaching out to local businesses in your area to build relationships and cross-promote. You could even create a website for your property.

Remember to also price appropriately. Pricing your rental correctly is essential in order to maximise your profits. Research the local market to get an idea of how much other hosts are charging and compare it to your own property’s features in order to determine a competitive rate. You don’t want to be undercharging and not making profit, but you also don’t want to overcharge and have your rental vacant for long periods of time!

By following these 5 tips you’ll be able to list your property on Airbnb with confidence and success. In next to no time you’ll be on your way to becoming a successful Airbnb host! If you’d like help sourcing the right Airbnb rental for you to buy to start your short-term rental wealth creation plan, the award winning Buyers Advocate Team at Kitty & Miles are here to help. Just send us an email at support@kittyandmiles.com.au as we’re here to help. Happy hosting! 🙂