Written By Zac Harrison
Are you considering investing in Airbnb but feel overwhelmed by where to start? Look no further. This beginner’s guide will equip you with the knowledge and confidence you need to enter the world of Airbnb investment.
In this guide, we will cover:
What is Airbnb ?
Is Airbnb a good investment ?
Is Airbnb a safe investment ?
This guide will provide you with the essential information to make informed decisions and succeed in the world of Airbnb investing. So, let’s dive in and discover the exciting possibilities that await you as an Airbnb investor.
What is Airbnb?
Airbnb is a revolutionary online platform that has transformed the hospitality industry. Launched in 2008, Airbnb connects guests seeking unique accommodations with hosts and Airbnb management companies who offer their homes, apartments, or other properties for short-term rentals. The platform’s user-friendly interface and vast selection of listings have made it a go-to destination for millions of people around the world.
How does Airbnb work ?
At its core, Airbnb operates as a peer-to-peer marketplace, allowing individuals to list their properties and earn income by hosting guests. This model has disrupted the traditional hotel industry, offering travelers a more personalized and often more affordable alternative to traditional accommodation options. Airbnb’s success lies in its ability to tap into the growing demand for authentic, local experiences, as well as the desire for more flexible and cost-effective travel options.
Airbnb good investment?
Investing in Airbnb properties can be a lucrative and rewarding venture, but it’s essential to approach it with a well-informed and strategic mindset.
Benefits
High Yield
One of the primary advantages of Airbnb investment is the potential for generating a steady stream of passive income. By renting out your property on the platform, you can earn a significant return on your investment, often exceeding the revenue generated by traditional long-term rentals.
Flexibility
The flexibility and autonomy that Airbnb offers investors are also major selling points. As a host, you have the freedom to set your own rates, manage your availability, and tailor the guest experience to your preferences. This level of control can be particularly appealing to investors who want to take an active role in the management of their properties.
Drawbacks
Seasonality
Their is a level of seasonality with every Airbnb property in every location, their are area’s which are less so then others for example a 2 bedroom flat in Margate will be much more seasonal then a 2 bedroom flat in Canary Wharf, but your income is not consistent, you will need to factor this into your Airbnb investment returns.
High Maintenance & Management
Self managing and Airbnb property is not as passive as having a normal buy to let investment, which is what you get for the higher returns, however this can be helped by using an Airbnb management company to help with the day to day operations and are priced very similar to a standard letting agents.
Is Airbnb a safe investment?
Yes it can be, but you have to know what you are doing. Their are things to consider when looking at a safe investment, we are going to cover in this section.
Future Viability
Airbnb’s future is certain, it is here to stay, however it does directly impact the housing market which does make it in line for regulation to make sure housing is still affordable for people and to create opportunity for people to own their own home, the government has plans to regulate the Airbnb market which makes investing in Airbnb both difficult and potential for massive returns in future value
Price Changes
Your pricing will have to change over time making your ROI inconsistent, this is not something that can be helped in Airbnb but this can be limited by doing the following:
Unique amenities – Offer things your competition do not or can’t deliver.
Big properties – These generally are harder to come by and are less likely for standard residents to want to buy protecting your investment.
Be able to host lots of guests – This creates more value for money and helps you to keep your prices higher, you can do this by adding things like sofa beds to your property, just focus on providing quality along with this.
Competition
You are directly listed next to all of your competitors when listed on bookings platforms like Airbnb and your customers booking with someone else is always just a few clicks away, this is why you need to make sure you do correct due diligence on your potential investment to know you are unique, we will show you how to do this later.
Best Airbnb Investment Locations
When it comes to Airbnb management or investing, the location of the property is a crucial factor that can make or break the success of your investment.
Identifying the best Airbnb investment locations requires a deep understanding of the local market, as well as an analysis of various factors that contribute to a property’s potential profitability.
One of the key factors to consider is the demand for short-term rentals in the area. Popular tourist destinations, urban centres, and areas with a strong business travel presence often make for excellent Airbnb investment locations.
These areas tend to have a consistent flow of visitors throughout the year, ensuring a steady stream of potential guests and higher occupancy rates.
Some good area’s in the UK for Airbnb
London.
York.
Harrogate.
Manchester.
Leeds.
Bristol.
Cambridge.
Interested in Airbnb management ? then let’s have a chat!
