Types of Successful Airbnb & Short-Let Pricing Strategies
Let’s face it, without a good pricing strategy, your short-let holiday rental will never truly be a success online – this is because pricing strategies in this market are an integral part of the Airbnb business model.
But we know many newbie Airbnb hosts might struggle to balance pricing functions: underselling and overselling. And the host is not always to blame when they don’t get this right – getting your Airbnb pricing strategy the first time can be difficult, and that’s where a professional property management company like us comes in.
Defining Your Strategy
Your holiday rental price must effectively define the maximum value of your listing – not only this – but it must also be appealing enough to attract the right kind of guest and customer.
In an ideal world, your pricing strategy will not undersell or oversell your property listing. For example, underpriced rates will lower the value of your listing, whereas overpriced rates often mean hosts lose out on potential guests.
Read on through our effective guide that helps hundreds of our hosts nail their Airbnb pricing strategy (and often on the first attempt).
Types of Pricing Strategies
- Maximum Fill Rate Strategy: Most applicable when the business goal is to maximise occupancy rates. Typically, this strategy involves reducing your nightly fee to attract more visitors.
- Maximum Rate Per Night Strategy: This strategy calls for hosts to fix a higher rate for their nightly charges, where you can earn more profit from individual bookings. So, your income will still be satisfactory even if you have limited bookings.
- Long-Term Rentals Strategy: With this strategy, hosts set their Airbnb prices according to typical long-term rental rates (monthly rent) – this would involve drafting a rental agreement with potential guests.
- Balanced Airbnb Pricing Strategy: Using this method, hosts experience a dynamic approach to pricing, where a three-in-one pricing model is adopted and all three prior strategies and integrated and used.
Before You Go! Here Are The Questions To Ask Yourself Before You Start
Even though you’ve read and discovered the four different types of existing Airbnb pricing models, to reap the full benefits, hosts should answer some critical questions that will help them make the best choices for the future of their Airbnb business.
Questions:
- What type of Airbnb property am I renting out?
- What amenities am I offering?
- Who are my target guests?
- Who are my competitors?
- What are my financial and business goals?
Considerations When Adopting A Strategy
- You must ensure your rental price aligns appropriately with the type of holiday-let property you are renting. For example, luxury properties benefit mostly from a maximum night rate pricing strategy as they offer more for potential guests, so they can expect to pay more.
- Remember, guests pay in exchange for your services; therefore, if your space offers very little, it would be unwise to demand a high rental rate. However, if your property boasts luxurious amenities like swimming pools, gyms etc., then you will attract more customers and, in turn, increase profits (even if your rates are high).
- Do not decide on a pricing strategy before you’ve decided on your target guest and demographic. If your customer base is young, adventurous packers, the maximum night rate strategy would be a bad choice for business.
- Do not forget that your potential guests are your competitors’ potential guests, and you can expect visiting tourists to compare you before booking. Therefore, when considering a pricing model, choose the maximum fill rate or balanced pricing strategy to compete strongly in your local market.
*Don’t forget to factor in future and reoccurring monthly Airbnb expenses.
Setting and Aligning Your Rental Business Goals
Whether you measure them monthly or annually, your financial and business goals play a crucial role in choosing a short-let strategy that benefits your business.
When you identify and consider your business goals, choosing an effective pricing strategy that makes sense for your long-term business success becomes very easy.
For example, a maximum fill rate strategy would be the most applicable option if your annual goal is to increase occupancy rates. Setting your nightly charges below average would attract more guests.
On the other hand, a maximum night rate or balanced Airbnb strategy might seem more beneficial if your annual business goal is not about the number of guests but profits. Learn more fundamentals about setting your price. Or use the button below to contact our property managers, who can for 12% increase your return on investment.
Property Management Across The UK
Our services operate from London but cover the most frequently visited, popular tourist destinations across England, Scotland and Wales. Discover our property rental portfolio to see the types of properties we work with, from individual private homes and holiday properties to multi-unit/apartment blocks.
Toby France
Trusted Property Manager & Co-Founder
“I’ve worked with thousands of short-let properties and helped each and every business determine their business goals and achieve them.”
Veronica Tribolati
Support Manager & Co-Founder
Being a natural extrovert and a go-getter, Veronica is a great communicator and is the face of HelloGuest.
UK Wide Coverage
We cover the whole of the UK!
Our service provides full UK coverage for short-term letting. Our Airbnb manager services extend to medium and long-term lettings to provide a full range of rental options to help homeowners and landlords maximise their earnings and minimise any problems. Visit this page.
We manage many rental properties in popular areas and tourist destinations. This includes accommodation in all the UK’s major cities and holiday destinations.
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