If you own a property in Bournemouth which you rent out on a long term let, then you could be missing out on a fantastic financial opportunity!
Bournemouth is one of the most up and coming areas in the UK, with a cosmopolitan night life, beautiful beaches and amazing events held throughout the year. The beaches are award winning, Bournemouth Beach being voted the best in the UK, 5th best in Europe and 14th best in the whole world - beating some Caribbean beaches! Bournemouth's popular Christmas market is growing year by year and now includes a walk in snow globe photo opp, a ski chalet German bar, an alpine ski lodge ice rink with mulled wine bar and a beautiful 'Christmas tree wonderland' light display trail leading through the stunning grade ll listed gardens to the beach. Bournemouth hosts a fantastic four day Airshow, with incredible aerial displays being performed right over Bournemouth beach and free for all to see. Bournemouth also hosts a sandfest festival and various other large events throughout the year such as Bournemouth 7s which is the largest sport and music festival in the world. With over 11 million people visiting last year alone and 70% of all visitors coming to the area for a holiday, your Bournemouth property or spare room could be making £££££s on Airbnb, as a holiday let in this vibrant town.
The concept of Airbnb is that you let out either your whole home/property or a bedroom in your home, to guests. Unlike letting out your property to a long term renter, you have the flexibility to take your property back whenever you want. You are in control of the booking calendar, so you can let your property out on any day, week or month of the year that you choose, either consecutively or irregularly. If the property in question is your home, but you're off travelling for a couple of months in the year, then you can open up your calendar for that specific couple of months, let out the property to guests on Airbnb and fund your trip with the proceeds! If you have a rental property but want to make more each calendar month than the average rent that you're currently receiving, then Airbnb is the way forward, with some properties gaining the same amount of money, in less than one week, than they earn in a month of being rented long term.
Some people have initial concerns about whether Airbnb holiday letting is a seasonal business, but rest assured that you'll have bookings all year through. Although Bournemouth is typically a summer destination due to the 7 mile stretch of sandy beaches, with so much going on throughout the year, those visiting aren't always just here for a summer break. Typical reasons for guests choosing Airbnb properties in Bournemouth are many and non exhaustive. Guests attending a Wedding who want to stay in the same accommodation may choose a large house, colleagues temporarily working in the area may feel more comfortable out of a hotel environment and groups of friends wishing to have private facilities like a hot tub or garden to relax in or a kitchen to cook in, will choose Airbnb for the social benefits of a home from home environment. Dog friendly Airbnb properties also attract a lot of attention year round, as for some dog lovers, a holiday abroad without their dog would be an expensive and upsetting time away. Dog friendly holiday homes allow guests with dogs to have an enjoyable holiday where their canine companions can come along, instead of suffering the upset of kennels or stranger dog sitters.
What you charge on Airbnb per night, is completely up to you. Airbnb can advise you with a suggested nightly rate, but ultimately it's your decision as a computer doesn't know the worth of your property and the appeal of your surrounding local areas better than you do. It's worth noting too that if you set your prices too high and you don't receive any bookings, then you can simply reduce them down. There's no limit to how many times you can adjust your nightly rates and Airbnb's smart calendar means you can put a different rate for any day. This means you can have a higher rate for Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights, lower rates for less popular week days, higher rates during half terms and on bank holidays and lower rates when you have last minute availability at your property.
If you live in your property most of the year, then you probably already have the bare essentials needed to let it as a holiday home, but the key to being successful on Airbnb is to get 5 star ratings and most importantly, to maintain your 5 star rating by following a few simple tips: Make sure the property is spotlessly clean for every booking, communicate with your guests well, offer a pleasant and accurately described space and ensure all of your guests needs are met so that they have a wonderful stay. For the above points, it's important that you kit your property out properly. Getting fresh, new bedding is probably one of the most important things you can do when you first register to take guests. Old, 'bobbly' sheets with a dated design will be spotted instantly by guests who have come to expect more of a hotel standard bed from Air bnb ...but in a home from home environment. Set hotel standards but create a warm, welcoming and cosy environment and your guests will return again and again. Supply shampoo and bathroom essentials, buy large fluffy bath sheet towels and surprise your guests with a little welcome gift. These are all things that guests notice and appreciate and these are the things that will get guests raving about your property in their 5 star reviews. The most important thing you can do however, is to be friendly, helpful and welcoming to your guests.
Clean Crowd are pleased to offer a Holiday Home Management Service for anyone in the Bournemouth, Poole, Ringwood and Christchurch areas who are either currently letting out their property or room on Airbnb or other platforms, or who wish to do so. We take care of all of your enquiries, help manage your booking calendar, provide reliable and efficient cleaners to attend all of your changeover days and most importantly, we provide a friendly, helpful, welcoming 5 star service to all of your guests. At just 6% commission, we're an affordable service that will free up your time and help ensure your property is Let flawlessly and earns the maximum amount possible.
Get in touch to have a chat with us and find out about our full Holiday Home Management Service!