Airbnb properties are only growing in popularity, and more and more people are considering it as a way to generate a little extra income from their property. Whether you have a spare room, an annexe or even a whole flat or house free, the good news is that it’s easy to get set up as an Airbnb host and start earning money. Here’s how to do it!
Prepare the Airbnb space
First and foremost, you’re going to want to make sure that the property you are offering is of high enough quality. Guests who arrive in a rundown place will not hesitate to leave you a bad review. Spend some time and money on the space, making sure it is freshly decorated, with plenty of utensils and accessories on hand so that guests will have everything that they need. Access should be easy and separate from your access so people can come and go as they please. And a key safe can be installed somewhere on the exterior of the property so that visitors can access the key even if you’re not there to welcome them.
Get your mod cons tested
If you are providing appliances such as a fridge, freezer, microwave, iron or washing machine, then you need to get them all PAT tested for safety. A qualified electrician will be able to do this for you and will give you a certificate to prove that everything is in good order. Keep this certificate safe and make sure that the testing is done yearly to avoid anything going wrong. All appliances should be clean and in good working order.
Consider your price carefully
Of course, you’ll want to profit as much as possible from the self-catering accommodation that you are supplying, but it’s important not to price yourself out of the market. Have a look at similar self catering properties in Exeter and compare them to yours. Price yours sensibly, while still making sure you can make a profit. You may find that with enough positive reviews you can raise the price slightly once you’re up and running. Don’t forget that Airbnb usually charges around 3% of the booking fee, and that fee is higher if you’re an Airbnb Plus host.
Write an honest listing
There is no point at all in writing a listing that is anything other than 100% honest. If certain things aren’t as great as they should be, be sure to mention them. If you don’t, you can be sure that your visitors will in their reviews! List the positives too, though – if your property is right near to one of the best restaurants in Exeter for example then that can be a real selling point. Include lots of great photos that show the property in a flattering but honest light. The more pictures the better – guests like to see exactly what they are getting. And if there’s a great view then don’t forget to include it!
Making a profit from an Airbnb property in Exeter is easy, if you follow the guidelines and provide an exceptional experience for your guests. If so, you’ll find that visitors return time and again – and recommend it to their friends too!
