With December fast approaching, many holidaymakers are in the process of securing their accommodation, with a noticeable shift toward short-term rentals rather than traditional options, such as hotels and guesthouses.
Airbnb’s Growing Footprint in South Africa
Despite increasing concerns over pending regulations, Airbnb continues to thrive in South Africa, boasting over 23 000 active listings across the country.
In Cape Town alone, the platform has supported approximately 42 000 jobs and generated R14.4 billion in bookings.
Amid growing scrutiny, Airbnb is advocating for the implementation of a national host registration system in South Africa, aimed at giving authorities greater insight into hosting activity. This comes as Airbnb’s own research indicates little to no link between its presence and rising rental prices in the Western Cape.
A boost to less popular tourist destinations
Whether your property is based in the country’s short-term mecca, Cape Town, or in less frequented areas, there is growing evidence of widespread interest – largely generated through attractive listings and rates – providing guests with cheaper and more desirable holiday alternatives over the festive season.
The increased domestic popularity of Airbnb has also helped spread tourism opportunities to less common tourist destinations across the country, which have significantly benefited short-term rental listings outside of the Western Cape.
The latest report released by Airbnb highlights Mpumalanga, Sandton, the Dolphin Coast and Pretoria as key areas of interest.
Important considerations before listing a short-term rental
For those with an additional property or some extra space in their homes, listing it as a short-term rental may seem more financially lucrative than securing a long-term tenant.
However, while the financial and flexibility benefits of this rental option are significant, there are also some potential drawbacks. These include higher operating costs, including cleaning, maintenance and management fees due to the higher turnover.
Ways to maximise short-term rental profits
- Have a strategic pricing strategy: Platforms like Airbnb offer dynamic pricing, which uses an algorithm to adjust rates based on demand, local events and seasonality.
- Carefully prepare your property: Keep it clean and well-maintained and invest in quality furnishings and décor to make your property stand out.
- Invest in professional photography: High-quality photos can significantly improve your listing’s appeal, so make sure you capture it in the best light.
- Optimise your listing: Write a detailed property description that includes relevant keywords to improve search engine visibility. Be sure to highlight the unique selling points and amenities of your listing.
- Encourage guests to leave positive reviews after their stay: A high rating will impact your booking rates.
- Communicate effectively: Respond quickly to guest messages and address time-sensitive issues to maintain a high level of customer service.
- Consider hiring a property management company: They can handle day-to-day tasks and help streamline check-in and out processes for maximum guest convenience.
- Personalise the guest experience: Special touches like welcome gifts and local recommendations can go a long way in creating a memorable stay and securing repeat guests.
- List your property on multiple platforms to expand reach and maximise occupancy.
