With the cost of living on the rise, many people are seeking side hustles to boost their income. One great way of using what you already have is transforming an unused spare room into an Airbnb listing. Unlike renting to a full-time tenant, Airbnb hosting offers you greater control and flexibility over your property. If you want to host a personal guest or simply enjoy some alone time in your home, you can temporarily pause your Airbnb listing.
Airbnb is a fantastic avenue for generating income, increasing the value of your property and investing in an otherwise neglected part of your home. Whether you’re a city dweller with a sleek apartment or a rural resident with a cosy cabin, the opportunity to flip your extra space into passive income is a no-brainer.
So, read on to discover how to improve your spare room and turn it into a profitable Airbnb listing.
1. Prioritise privacy & peacefulness
For the sake of your guests’ and your own enjoyment, make sure your Airbnb listing is catered towards upmarket privacy. Your paying guests are not the same as a friend staying the night, and though they’re not staying in a hotel, they’ll still expect a certain standard.
Firstly, ensure a good night’s sleep. You can find a wide range of curtains online in Australia that fit a variety of purposes. Linen curtains are great for a light-filled space with a beach view, while blackout curtains are ideal for city rooms, or those that get first light and may wake guests up too early.
You’ll also need a comfortable bed. Soft linens and quality pillows are a must to help guests stay well-rested for their travel plans. Don’t be tempted to drag your second-hand mattress out of the garage. Your Airbnb listing is an investment after all; so invest in quality furniture. Choose at least a queen-sized bed to ensure you have the space necessary for couples and families interested in your listing, and to maximise your bookings.
2. Stock up on necessities
The best hosts are those who can anticipate their guests’ needs. Provide travel essentials like bath towels, extra linens, and small bath soaps. This level of preparation will ensure a comfortable stay for your guests.
To secure five-star ratings across the board, consider affordable ways to go above and beyond. Do you have extra beach towels you could loan? Can you stock up on reusable water bottles in the summertime? Creating a digital guidebook for guests with recommendations for quaint local shops, hole-in-the-wall restaurants, and must-do activities can go a long way to improving your guests’ experience.
Note: Remember, the more value your service provides to your guests, the better your reviews will be.
With an incredibly high number of listings to choose from in Australia, great reviews will attract more guests; putting more money in your pocket.
3. Get familiar with local renting regulations
Even if you’re not acting as a full-time landlord with all the accompanying responsibilities, you still have duties lined out by the Airbnb rental agreements, and local government policies. Since the pandemic caused a dramatic shift in how people work, live and travel, and the subsequent boom of platforms like Airbnb, Australia is taking a more centralised, state-governed approach to short-term rentals, with new laws introduced in 2021.
For example:
You must own the property you’re listing on Airbnb, and you must comply with fire safety regulations, as well as pay an initial registration fee and subsequent annual renewal fees. Check with your local government for state-specific requirements and regulations.
Likewise, rules apply to Airbnb guests too. Fines exist for guests causing excessive noise, damaging the property and failing to follow similar common sense rules. Know your rights – and your responsibilities – so you can focus on providing a quality hospitality experience that isn’t slowed down by administrative hold-ups.
4. Create an impressive listing
First impressions matter, so make your listing as attractive as possible. Before you post it on the platform, take a good look at your spare room. Is this a space that you’d pay to rent for your holiday or work trip?
If not, consider how to make it more inviting. Match a rug and some accent pillows to your decor, add a plant, hang some artwork, and you’ll have a space ready to be reserved!
Tips: Be intentional with your photos. You can hire a professional photographer to make the space look its best, or, if you decide to do it yourself, ensure you start your photoshoot when the room is well-lit with natural sunlight. Clean the room thoroughly beforehand – make the bed, iron the curtains, and clear any clutter from the floor. Guests will likely decide if they’re going to rule out your listing based on these photos alone, before they even glance at your description.
Still, write a detailed and accurate description of the room. Include all relevant information, such as what amenities you offer, whether or not the room has air conditioning, and how close your place is to public transportation.
You’ll also need to note your rules and expectations for your guests. Be upfront to avoid conflict once people are already staying in your home.
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5. Listen to guests’ feedback
The reviews on your Airbnb listing will be invaluable throughout this journey. Good reviews will show where you excel as an Airbnb host, while bad reviews will convey what you need to change to make your spare room more appealing. Show appreciation to your guests and assure them that you’ll take their feedback onboard.
Of course, not every bad review will be reasonable. While it may be tempting to fire back at a rude guest, always take the high road. Be professional in your responses – apologise for their dissatisfaction but politely defend yourself when necessary.
Note: Your room isn’t the only thing visible on your Airbnb listing; prospective guests will also see how you engage with previous guests. People care about getting to know their hosts, especially when renting a spare room, so it’s important to put your best foot forward.
Turning a spare room into a profitable Airbnb listing is a simple way to work towards a better financial future. Small investments of your money and time into essential, high-quality furniture and amenities, and an impressive listing that complies with all necessary regulations can make all the difference in drawing guests to your home. Once your listing is up and running, use the feedback to gradually improve it over time, and benefit from a once-empty spare room turned into extra income for you and your family.
