Maximise Your Airbnb Bookings: How Property Size and Setup Can Boost Your Income!
When it comes to Airbnb management and short-term rental management, one of the most critical factors that can influence your property’s success is its size. The size of your Airbnb directly impacts the number of guests you can accommodate, which in turn affects the price you can charge and the types of guests your property will attract. Here’s how to set up your Airbnb to maximise bookings, ensuring that size works in your favour.
The Impact of Property Size on Guest Experience and Pricing
It can be tempting to squeeze as many guests as possible into your Airbnb to maximise revenue. However, it’s important to strike the right balance between capacity and comfort. Overcrowding can lead to an uncomfortable experience for guests, especially if your living, dining, and entertaining areas are too small to accommodate everyone comfortably.
When determining your Airbnb’s capacity, think about whether all your guests can sit comfortably in communal areas. For properties with a capacity of more than 10 guests, it’s advisable to offer multiple living areas where guests can separate into different groups—for example, adults and kids. While larger groups can bring in more revenue, it’s also essential to consider the increased wear and tear on your property. However, the extra income from accommodating more guests typically outweighs these additional maintenance costs.
Small Properties (1 Bedroom)
Single-bedroom properties, such as apartments or cabins, are ideal for solo travellers or couples looking for a getaway. These properties often appeal to guests who want a bit more space and the ability to self-cater, which hotels and serviced apartments may not provide.
However, if your one-bedroom Airbnb is not in a premium location or isn’t well-appointed, the rental income may be limited. Single-bedroom rentals face stiff competition from hotels and other accommodation options, so you’ll need to make your property stand out with attractive pricing, thoughtful amenities, and great guest experiences.
That said, you don’t need to have a full kitchen to succeed in the Airbnb market. Even single rooms with just a bathroom can be popular if they are priced right and located in desirable areas. For smaller Airbnbs, it’s crucial to focus on the location and quality of the experience you provide to ensure that guests see value in booking your space.
Medium Properties (2–3 Bedrooms)
Airbnbs with 2–3 bedrooms offer much more flexibility and can accommodate a wider variety of guests, from small families to groups of friends. Depending on how you set up the bedrooms, you can attract different types of travellers. Here are a few configurations to consider:
2-Bedroom Setups:
- Two queen beds: Attract two couples who want to holiday together (four guests).
- One queen bed and two single beds: Appeal to small families.
- One queen bed and four bunk beds: Cater to larger families or groups with children.
- Two tri-bunks: Accommodate two couples or a couple with four children.
3-Bedroom Setups:
- Two queen beds and four bunk beds/tri-bunks: Ideal for two families holidaying together.
- Three queen beds: Perfect for groups of couples.
These configurations allow you to target a diverse range of guests, from families to groups of friends, increasing your potential booking opportunities. By offering a variety of sleeping arrangements, you make your Airbnb appealing to more types of travellers, which can boost your occupancy rate.
Large Properties (4+ Bedrooms)
Larger Airbnbs offer the most flexibility and can attract groups, multiple families, or even corporate retreats. If you have a property with four or more bedrooms, here are a few popular configurations:
4-Bedroom Setups:
- Three queen beds and four bunk beds/tri-bunks: Perfect for multiple families, including grandparents.
- Four queen beds: Great for groups of couples or friends.
The advantage of larger Airbnbs is that you can accommodate bigger groups, which can make the cost per person more economical. For example, if a property sleeps eight people and costs $1,000 per night, that’s $500 per family for two families. If a property sleeps twelve people at $1,200 per night, that’s only $400 per family for three families. This pricing strategy can make your Airbnb more attractive to larger groups who want to share costs.
Extra Sleeping Options: The Power of the Sofa Bed
An often-overlooked option in Airbnb management is the humble sofa bed. A high-quality sofa bed can be a game-changer for guests who are happy to squeeze in for a night or two. Offering a sofa bed as an additional sleeping option can make your Airbnb more flexible, allowing you to accommodate larger groups without needing extra bedrooms. It can also serve as a backup option for unexpected guests, giving you an edge over other properties that don’t have this feature.
An Airbnb owner shares: “The sofa bed is our Airbnb’s secret weapon! For guests who are willing to get cosy for a day or two, it provides the extra room they need at a price they’re happy to pay.”
Conclusion
In Airbnb management and short-term rental management, size truly does matter. The size of your Airbnb influences the number of guests you can accommodate, the price you can charge, and the type of travellers you attract. Whether you have a small one-bedroom apartment or a large multi-bedroom property, setting up your Airbnb strategically can help you maximise bookings and revenue. By considering the comfort and experience of your guests, offering flexible sleeping arrangements, and finding ways to make your property appealing to a wide range of travellers, you can ensure your Airbnb stands out in the competitive short-term rental market.
