Airbnb hosting allows homeowners to generate great income from underutilised properties. With tourism booming across the UK, occupancy rates have soared in recent years. However, effectively Airbnbing your house involves careful preparation and hosting skills to continually attract bookings in an increasingly competitive market.
Preparing Your Property for Guests
To earn great reviews, your house needs to provide an exceptional Airbnb guest experience. Use this property preparation checklist:Comfort
- Upgrade mattresses to high-quality memory foam or pocket sprung options that provide proper back support and a comfortable night’s sleep
- Source soft, breathable cotton sheets with a high thread count along with cotton blankets or duvets
- Provide plush bath towels, hand towels, face cloths and bath mats in sufficient quantities for all guests
- Ensure sofas and armchairs provide ample padding and support for relaxation
- Arrange furniture conveniently to allow guests to comfortably enjoy all living spaces
WiFi and Entertainment
- Install fast, reliable WiFi covering the entire property
- Provide smart TVs in living areas and bedrooms with intuitive remote controls
- Pre-programme TVs with guest access to popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Stan, Disney+ and YouTube
- Offer a selection of books, magazines and board games for entertainment
Kitchen
- Equip with quality stainless steel appliances like fridge, oven, microwave, dishwasher, toaster etc.
- Stock pots, pans, utensils, crockery, glassware and cutlery for common types of cuisine
- Provide frequently used pantry staples like coffee, tea, sugar, salt, pepper, oil etc.
- Include aluminium foil, cling wrap, baking paper, laundry detergent, dishwasher tablets etc.
Bathrooms
- Provide luxury shampoos, conditioners, body wash and lotions in shower caddies
- Supply ample deluxe cotton bath towels and smaller hand and face towels
- Keep back-up toilet paper rolls and menstrual products discreetly on hand
- Add small touches like candles, diffusers and trendy fake plants
Storage
- Empty and make available 50-75% of wardrobes and drawers
- Provide sufficient hangers, shelves and storage baskets/cubes
- Add benchtop space for guests to lay out personal items
Accessibility
- Install wheelchair ramps allowing entry access with no steps or lifts
- Replace standard handles with easy grip lever handles on doors and tapware
- Provide grab rails, shower seats and adjustable shower heads to bathrooms
- Arrange furniture with ample room for wheelchair access
Outdoor Areas
- Furnish private garden, courtyard, balcony or deck areas with weatherproof outdoor sofa seating
- Provide a gas or electric barbecue along with outdoor dining settings
- Style with pot plants, outdoor rugs, solar garden lighting and accessories
Cleaning and Maintenance
- Perform extensive deep cleaning including professional carpet/window/appliance cleans
- Complete any outstanding repairs or home improvement projects
- Paint walls in fresh neutral colours and tidy lawns/gardens
- Air rooms thoroughly and check for any lingering odours that may bother guests
Capturing Attention With Your Listing
First impressions from your Airbnb listing imagery and descriptions strongly influence booking conversion.Photos
- Hire a professional real estate photographer to capture high quality images
- Photograph all rooms, features, amenities and outdoor areas highlighting space and decor
- Capture the essence and character of your property including unique architectural details
- Showcase local neighbourhood attractions and area landmarks that will interest guests
Title and Description
- Optimise listing title for searchability and intrigue e.g. “Spacious City Centre Sanctuary with Parking”
- Describe property configuration covering number of beds/baths and room purposes
- List all amenities and features available for guests to enjoy
- Call out convenience factors like public transport access or parking on-site
- Communicate what makes your property special compared to local competitor listings
Pricing
- Research average nightly, weekly and monthly rental rates for comparable listings in the local area accounting for differences like size, amenities etc.
- Review both Airbnb and hotel room rates across town to gauge guest willingness to pay
- Factor in your profit goals, target occupancy levels and competitiveness to identify optimal pricing
Availability Calendar
- Configure check-in and check-out times in line with typical cleaning service schedules, incorporating some flexibility
- Indicate minimum stay periods during peak events or holiday times
- Set pre-approval requirements for longer term stays if applicable
- Integrate with your personal calendar to automatically display unavailable dates you need to block out
Managing Guest Communications
Responding to reservation requests promptly and keeping guests informed ensures high satisfaction. Confirm all booking requests within 24 hours, send pre-arrival instructions for accessing keys and property details 1-2 weeks prior, and provide an emergency contact number for issues 24/7. Meeting guest communication expectations enhances reviews.Greeting Guests Upon Arrival
The initial guest arrival process makes a key impression. Carry out a final clean, tidy and safety check beforehand, greet guests when they arrive to handover keys, and demonstrate features and share local tips if possible. In addition, consider providing a welcome basket with drinks, snacks or vouchers to local attractions . These personalised arrival pleasantries get stays off to a positive start.Maintaining 5-Star Standards Throughout Stays
Consistently delivering exceptional hosting relies on attention to detail. Arrange regular cleaner and gardener visits during longer stays, carry out noise inspections to ensure no disruptions to guests or neighbours, and address maintenance issues like power failures or appliance breakdowns immediately. Vigilance in upkeep and services prevents small problems escalating.Preparing the Property Post-Stay
Meticulous cleaning and maintenance between guests enables 5-star unit presentation. Complete extensive cleaning using professional cleaners, wash/dry all linen, towels and linen at high heat, and replace any damaged items with quality replacements. Failing to properly reset the property leads to guest complaints.Partnering with Airbnb Management Experts
For time-poor hosts or those lacking hospitality experience, outsourcing day-to-day Airbnb property oversight to specialists like 53 Degrees delivers better results. Our Airbnb management company in Birmingham will professionally manage everything from pricing strategies to guest communications, cleaning, maintenance and 24/7 support. We maximise occupancy and income for owners. To learn more about a customised approach for your property, contact our Birmingham branch today!Get your FREE Airbnb Valuation below!
Please fill out the form below and we’ll get back to you within 24 hours by call or email with an estimate of what your property could make you as an Airbnb managed by 53 Degrees Property.
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