Airbnbs are a valuable asset for property owners providing regular income and building on property portfolios. However, this boon relies on your property drawing bookings and filling the calendar. So what happens when you find your Airbnb empty, and how can you ensure that your property pops on a site with more than eight million listings across the globe and more than 1.5 billion stays?
The causes of vacant properties
Before you can ask how to boost your Airbnb listing, you need to identify if your property has any issues holding it back. These can range from poor photography to poor ratings to general wear and tear.
Online optimisation
One of the first ways to improve is by listing online. This is your first impression for potential guests so it’s important to use high-quality photos, helpful information, and any other sales tactics to get people to click book on your stay. These are some of the easiest wins and Airbnb goes out of its way to provide guides and forums where you can see how best to list your home.
Wear and tear
Like all homes, using a property will invariably lead to wear and tear. Scratched floors, faded rugs, bedding and towels that lose their luxurious feel, and dishes that discolour with age. The list goes on. This can lead to negative sentiment and reviews which can affect bookings. When this happens, it’s time to consider reinvesting in your property.
Outdated amenities
Along with general wear and tear is changing attitudes towards what is stylish, comfortable, or even necessary. Most homes nowadays have access to high-speed internet, air conditioning, streaming services, and as such; updating your property to reflect the demands of modern travellers will keep you competitive.
Investment renovations
Finally, larger renovations may be necessary to add showstopper features or improve the overall value of your offering. Areas like patios for al fresco dining, rooflights to brighten living spaces, and other eye-catching changes can be the catalyst for change and make your property stand out from the rest.
What are the benefits of renovating your Airbnb?
All of the above can be the causes for a downturn or lack of bookings and addressing a couple or all of them can help improve the return on your investment. These tend to feed into one as you attract more guests, increase revenue, put more money into your property, and ultimately increase your property’s value and return.
Airbnb renovation ideas
So, how do you increase your Airbnb bookings? Take a look at a few ideas below, designed to fit a variety of budgets and concerns.
All about curb appeal
Like all homes, curb appeal plays a major role in first impressions. Once someone has chosen your Airbnb, excitement builds, plans are made, flights are booked, and then several hours, days, or weeks later, they are greeted by your home’s exterior. It’s critical to make guests feel welcome and safe from the off. Showing off features, keeping outdoor spaces clean and tidy, and ensuring your property stands out on the street are critical.
Light and bright
Once inside, you need to wow guests. Consumers have become more discerning with the glut of accommodation available online so curating your home and presenting it in the best light are key. Light is the watch word there as almost every home from cosy rooms to large living spaces can benefit from careful, considered lighting choices.
This renovation can vary depending on your budget and space starting from a fresh coat of paint and new lamps running to installing a showstopper like a roof lantern or rooflight. While more expensive, these additions add more natural light to your home, make it feel bigger, more inviting, and improve the overall living conditions of any residents.
Update your bedrooms
Another area that many guests like to check before booking is the bedroom. Does it look clean and tidy? Does it look comfortable? These decisions can make or break a booking. That’s why most Airbnb hosts opt for clean white bedding. It’s light and bright, looks clean in photos, and is less likely to make someone click back compared to darker bedding.
This update should also include checking the mattress and pillows. Investing in good quality bedding can be the difference between a mediocre or great night’s sleep and lead to better reviews, and potential return customers. For smaller fixes consider things like black out curtains or blinds for bedrooms or provide a range of pillows from firm to soft to suit your guests’ needs
Make the most of your outdoor space
If you’re fortunate enough to have a garden or balcony, then make sure you turn this into a haven for your guests. This can be adding a trellis for privacy, a small outdoor dining area, or providing a seamless transition from home to garden with bifold doors. Whatever your vision, remember to consider the lighting, natural feel, and comfort of your guest when designing an updated outdoor space.
Show off the area
Last, but not least, most people visiting will be new to the area. This means they are looking for an authentic experience, so give it to them. Where possible include photos or pictures of sites of interest or perhaps leave a welcome gift of local delicacies for your guests to sample. There is a myriad of ways you can incorporate your area into your home, so don’t be afraid to get creative and turn your Airbnb into a 5-star success.
Make a change today
All of the above are by no means an exhaustive list but should provide you with the inspiration you need to take a hard look at your listing and see where you can improve. Whether it’s online tweaks or changes to your home, making your Airbnb pop is a must for more bookings, more positive reviews, and ultimately, a better property investment.
At Roof Maker, we have years of experience improving homes, commercial properties, and more with our range of rooflights and lanterns. If you’re interested in finding out more about our products or what we can do for you, contact our team today.