How to become an Airbnb manager: a beginner's guide
Why choose short-term rentals for your investment property?
Entering the world of short-term rentals with your investment property can be both exciting and financially rewarding. We've spoken about the long-term vs short-term rental topic in the past and we've found that more homeowners in Australia find the short-term rental market lucrative due to the following reasons:
- Flexibility: you have the option of renting out your property full-time, or reserving the property for personal use whenever needed (think holidays with the family).
- Rental returns: with short-term rentals like Airbnb, you're able to utilise dynamic pricing to your advantage — peak travel seasons demand spikes, resulting in higher returns.
- Property maintenance: since Airbnb managers inspect properties between guests, maintenance issues can be detected and fixed as soon as possible, resulting in less wear and tear in the long run.
But becoming an Airbnb manager isn't so easy — there's a lot of things to take care of, from studying up on local regulations and setting up the property to marketing and guest communications. That's why we've come up with this guide to help you get started on your Airbnb management business!
How to become an Airbnb manager in 3 steps
1. Understand the local Airbnb market
Before you can set up your short-term rental, it's better to do research on various topics about the property market in your area, including the following topics:
- Review local rules for Airbnb properties: different rules and taxes apply for each location (including state-level and city-level), so it's better to check what will apply to your property once you list it.
- Assess demand and pricing: determine what the peak seasons for booking are and what the pricing tends to be for different property types. This will help you boost your occupancy rates.
- Check the popular accommodations in your area: note what types of properties do best, and what features they tend to have.
- List down popular destinations and things to do nearby: guests will almost-always ask for recommendations on what to do during your visit — a good Airbnb host and manager should be able to provide personalised recommendations to make the guest experience memorable and special.
2. Build relationships with suppliers
One of the most important steps for people aspiring to become Airbnb managers business is building strong relationships with your suppliers. These connections aren’t just about getting discounts, they’re about securing top-tier services for your guests and will help set up your Airbnb management business for success.
Start by exploring local businesses that align with your needs, including:
- Cleaning, including specialised deep cleaning for pet-friendly properties
- Laundry services for linen and towels
- Property and pool upkeep
- Gardening and landscaping
- Rubbish removal
- Key delivery, if required
Once you’ve locked in your go-to service providers, it’s important to make sure they offer services that are up to Airbnb’s Enhanced Cleaning Protocol. This includes additional steps for homes that welcome pets. Remember to keep your suppliers in the loop with your booking schedule so your property is always ready for new guests.
3. Set up your Airbnb property
- Prepare Your Property: ensure your property is in top condition. Consider modern, comfortable, and practical furnishings and amenities that appeal to a broad range of guests. Safety features, a well-equipped kitchen, and high-speed internet are essentials.
- Optimise for Short Stays: since Airbnb guests typically stay for shorter durations, you should streamline your turnover process. This includes efficient cleaning and maintenance systems, or using a property management service like Hometime for hassle-free operations.
- Create an Appealing Listing: your Airbnb listing should be inviting and detailed, and you need to target them in the right way through high-quality photos, a thorough description of the space and amenities, and clear communication of house rules are critical. Highlight unique features of your property and the area.
Need help with setting up a listing for your short-term rental? Hometime's got you covered with our photography and styling and listing optimisation services!
- Marketing your Airbnb property: the key to any successful business is great marketing. Once you have your listing up, you can use se social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok to promote your property
- Excellent Guest Communication: marketing isn't just great photos and fancy ads — it also includes good guest communication, before booking AND after checkout. Prompt and clear communication is key to a successful Airbnb. Be available to answer questions and resolve issues swiftly. This not only improves guest experience but also enhances your ratings and reviews.
Get help from property management experts in Australia
The right tools can make Airbnb property management simple and straightforward. With Hometime’s property management software, you’ll have all your bookings, guest communications, invoices, and financial tracking in one seamless interface. No more juggling between multiple platforms!
With our system, managing multiple properties becomes effortless. You'll always be in the know, ensuring no booking slips through the cracks or guest concerns go unaddressed. We’ll sync all your upcoming bookings, allowing you to efficiently plan cleaning and maintenance services. Plus, the invoicing and revenue calculation features will streamline your financial management.
List your Airbnb on Hometime and get access to our seamless property management tool!
When you partner with Hometime, you'll also get to enjoy these Airbnb management services:
- Property styling and photography
- Listing optimisation
- Cleaning services
- Revenue and booking management
- Guest management
- Property maintenance
Starting an Airbnb with your investment property can be a difficult decision. For expert Airbnb management and to maximise your returns, consider partnering with Hometime, experts in optimising Airbnb experiences. Contact us today.