We’ve been listing our client’s Airbnb properties since they started hosting South African homes on their website in 2016. While 82% of people think Airbnb-ing their home is an excellent money-making strategy – here are our top tips to make it successful.

QUALITY PHOTOGRAPHS MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR AIRBNB LISTINGS

As with all property listings, whether they are online real estate listings, short term property rentals or Airbnb listings, the quality of your photography makes all the difference.
A good set of photographs captures the character of your place, the surrounding area and views, the amenities, the furniture layout and helps your future guest fall in love with your site.

Invest in a good photographer because the quality of your images can make or break a guest’s booking decision.

CREATING A GREAT EXPERIENCE FOR AIRBNB VISITORS TAKE TIME

Running an Airbnb does take some time, and you have to be prepared to devote a portion of your day to the task. The multiple interactions with the guest, from bookings, check-in, departures, managing problems or breakages, cleaning, and being available for the notifications and being able to respond at any given moment.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS INFLUENCE AIRBNB REVIEWS

Successful hosts are those that are friendly, helpful and go the extra mile. We recommend that you must be able to reply to your guests quickly and pleasantly. And when issues arrive, as they will inevitably, you deal with these in a professional but friendly manner. It’s essential to create a good rapport and connection because you never know when they might come back.

EXPERIENCES ARE EXPECTED

With so much competition in the tourism industry, your Airbnb must offer your guests something an experience that they can’t find anywhere else. This experience can be a feature of your property or something available in your location, such as nearby activities, restaurants or sporting facilities.

PRICE MATTERS ON AIRBNB

The main reason why someone chooses to stay in an Airbnb is that it is more cost-effective than staying in a hotel. Pricing your Airbnb reasonably at the right time can also increase the likelihood of guests posting a good review, which in turn is crucial to running a successful property.

RESPONSE TIME IS KEY IN ACCOMMODATION INDUSTRY

Responding quickly to potential guests can reduce the chances of them booking elsewhere and is essential to creating the best experience for your guest.

LOCKBOX FOR UNFORSEEN SITUATIONS

Sometimes guests run late, or you run late, and although we do not recommend not meeting your guests when they check-in, installing a smart lock or lockbox can assist in saving you or your guests time.

LEGALITIES WITH REGARDS TO AIRBNB

Although there is no law prohibiting short-term rentals in South Africa, your Home Owners Association or Constitution of your Body Corporate rules must be considered and checked. And you must also consider the legalities if your guest has breakages or outstays their agreed-upon booking period.

CLEANING – AN ESSENTIAL SERVICE

One way to save money is to clean yourself, but this is a challenging and arduous task to complete regularly. Consider making use of a trustworthy cleaning service that is experienced in the industry.

DETAIL CAN BE THE DIFFERENCE

Successful hosts are all about the detail. But, of course, the entertainment options available for your guests and the appliances available in your kitchen are also important. Some hosts even provide welcome gifts.

Running an Airbnb can provide you with an extra income, but it can also require a considerable time investment. At CTHA, we take care of everything, including bookings, personal guest check-ins, cleaning, laundry, maintenance, welcome packs, full audit after guests leave, 24 hours a day.

We list your property with over 30 different booking platforms, including Airbnb, Expedia, Bookings.com and more.

Your fee is fully inclusive of all our services with no hidden costs. And we have an advanced pricing strategy that optimises pricing according to demand and seasonality.