How One Property Is On Track to Generate $93,504 This Year (after costs)

Overview:

Property’s projected earnings as a short-term rental (after all fees and management expenses): $7,792,/month or $93,504/year.

Property’s projected earnings as a long-term rental (after all fees and management expenses): $4,395/month or $52,740/year.

Report:

We always knew this home was special.

When we arrived at the property in 2023, we saw that the newly built 5 bedroom property was perfect for Airbnb.

The owner and our team worked closely to style the property and make it ‘show-ready’.

Let's take a look at the property’s performance so far*:

●      Total cost to owner for setup (used some existing furniture in the house): $11,745

●      Average nightly rate (not including any applicable discounts): $581

●      Average occupancy: 83.7% (steadily increasing)

●      Average monthly revenue (before any costs): $11,780/month

What we did in the setup:

●      Work with the furniture that was currently at the property to enhance the property’s overall appeal.

●      Arranged professional photography.

●      Connected the property on all the relevant online travel agents and to all of our softwares.

●      Arranged trades for minor repairs, painting, BBQ gas conversion installation, locksmith work, cleaning and gardening.

●      Converted the sitting room into an extra bedroom.

●      Purchased and implemented all of the necessary items in the kitchen (cutlery, ceramics, glasses, etc.), bathrooms (shampoo, shower gel, hand soap, toilet paper, etc.) and dining room (chromecast).

●      Styled the property with decor.

●      Here are some before and after photos to show some of the changes we made:

Before

After

Why the property has succeeded:

●      Low maintenance and a solar and battery setup, means that the property’s ongoing expenses are low.

●      Professional styling.

●      Great guest experience that has led to positive reviews and a 131% higher booking conversion rate than similar listings.

The benefits of the property being a short-term rental:

●      Additional profits.

●      Owner still has access to the double-garage and two storage rooms in the house.

●      Owner has flexibility to block-out dates in their home when they travel back to Adelaide with family.

●      Flexibility in the lease agreement - owner can cancel the management agreement at short-notice, without needing to navigate tenancy laws.

If you are interested in renting your property as a short-term rental, please feel free to call us on 0400323891.

* Disclaimer: All figures are as of writing the case study and are not to considered as financial advice or indicative of the performance of other properties.

8 BnB Secrets to Hit Home Runs

Behind every successful Host Solutions vacation rental is our family of hospitality experts working behind the scenes to keep you and your guests happy.

1. They act as an extension of you—caring for your guests and maintaining your investment

From housekeepers to maintenance technicians to your local manager, your property will benefit from:

On-the-ground vacation home care

Host Solutions has processes to fix issues as quickly as possible. For repairs under a certain amount, Host Solutions will go ahead and fix it immediately and bill the homeowner. Or, if a major repair comes up, we’ll alert the owner and suggest one of our preferred local vendors—or we’ll schedule a vendor on the homeowner’s behalf.

24/7 guest service

Our local team are the go-to people for basically anything guests need. What happens if the oven breaks or WiFi goes down? The local team knows every home in detail, has trusted vendor lists, and can quickly jump in to help. Having guest service within immediate reach not only makes guests feel safer—it’s critical for acquiring five star reviews that are essential in maximising your property’s revenue. 

2. They focus a lot on prevention

Prevention is the name, better guest reviews is the game. One of the best ways to minimise guest problems (and bad reviews) from happening is to avoid future problems before they arise.

In fact, every time a local Host Solutions team member is at your home—no matter if they’re cleaning, refilling amenities or fixing a potential issue—they use their visit to conduct a visual inspection of the home.

Some preventative measures that we take include:

• Thorough cleanings following every stay. Host Solutions housekeepers are trained, follow a regimented process and are required to provide damage and cleanliness reports after each clean.

• Pre-arrival inspections, which include checking appliances, amenities and WiFi.

• Routine maintenance checks.

• Providing all the pertinent information—such as door lock codes—in one place and making sure it’s sent to guests early

• Filling homes with essential supplies, such as hand soap, laundry detergent, shampoo, conditioner and garbage bags

3. They’re prepared for anything

With decades of experience assisting travellers in their experience, our local operations teams are ready to tackle whatever issue comes their way.

The local Host Solutions team is prepared to handle:

• Broken appliances, air conditioners, and heaters

• Plumbing and water heating issues

• Extreme weather conditions

• Internet or electronics issues

• Guests who are lost and can’t find the vacation home

• Early check-ins and late check-outs

• Guests locked out of the property

• Disruptive guests or house parties

The faster we fix any problems, the less impact it will have on the guests.

“It’s all about ensuring guests feel safe and comfortable”, Host Solutions’ Guest Experience Specialist, Susan says. “We need the guest to feel like we are happy to drop anything and ensure they are looked after well.”

4. They move quickly to resolve issues

Swiftly jumping in with solutions is another way local teams prevent bad reviews.

At any home around Adelaide Metropolitan, the team can attend to issues within 15 minutes on slow days and around an hour on busy days. For homes outside the Metropolitan, we will be there as soon as possible if required.

Susan says that speed is crucial to getting 5-star reviews. “When an issue arises, we need to fix it,” he explains. “Our local team is always on call to quickly fix problems and ensure guests always feel safe and comfortable.”

Modern vacation rental management.

Your home is a success waiting to happen. We'll show you how.

5. Implementing technology is important

Do yourself a favour and search 'dynamic pricing' or 'property management software' on the internet.

These two software’s are the start to maximising your property's rental yield.

If you want to keep going, look at optimising your Airbnb listing, using technology to manage your cleaning team and connecting with guests.

What about keeping your property safe? Install a (legal) outward-facing doorbell that records video and identifies anything concerning at your property. Do you hear a party? Noise monitoring devices will notify you of a party from your living room, measuring the decibels (not conversation) in your home.

6. They can save you a lot of money

With so many local Host Solutions team members looking out for your vacation home and guests, they can more easily spot and react to concerns before they grow into expensive emergencies.

Since our local team are consistently at your property, we can check for leaks and other damage that could potentially worsen and become damaged. It pays to have a steady local team looking out for you and your home.

“We protect every owner’s vacation home like we own it,” Susan says. “Repairing damage (no matter the type of damage) is costly, and we jump in immediately to minimise the impact.”

7. They have strong relationships with trusted local vendors

Local relationships matter. Host Solutions has high standards and our team has a network of trusted vendors that have been used for years. Two major traits we look for in vendors:

1. Quick response time

2. Consistent, quality work to avoid more issues

An example of vendors we have on speed dial include:

• Electricians

• Plumbers

• General Maintenance Staff

• Cleaners

• Gardeners

• Roof repairers

8. They’re pivotal to your success

How good (or bad) your local team is can impact your success as a vacation rental owner. Read reviews from guests who have loved our well-maintained houses:

“The house is so beautiful I have never been in a big spacious, modern house like that, the surrounding is amazing with great parks and restaurants. Charlton is a great host I recommend it. 10/10”

—Tatenda

“A great getaway, needing to be near the city without staying in it, close enough to the city and places like Glenelg only a short drive away but far enough to feel relaxed with a great sea view and a short walk to the boardwalk which we also enjoyed. The house is set up with all the comforts and we spent a lot of time on the balcony!”

—Amanda

“Fantastic view, quiet and private location and close to a huge array of tourist areas that were of interest to us. Lovely and clean and felt very comfortable. Charlton was very fast at responding to any enquiries and had a very friendly manner. Would definitely stay there again.”

—Linda

“What an excellent property for a short family getaway for a wedding in Adelaide! It made their experience great and enjoyable.”

—Yosief

“Stunning house with enough Space for 10 people. Had a fabulous time there!”

—Annemarie

“Highly recommended place to stay! The place was clean, quiet and tidy. I would even say the experience was more than what we expected. The host (Charlton) was responsive and friendly!”

—Hayat

“Absolutely a generous house, so clean and a lot of space, absolutely beautiful place to stay, I really recommend this house to everyone.”

—Ali

“House outdoor area is beautiful, nice to have a little BBQ, kitchen and dining area, lots of space great for big family and friends, room very tidy and comfortable to stay in”

—Kev

“Very good house, we were all happy, highly recommended.”

—Bruno

BONUS:

Use an Airbnb calculator to determine how much you could earn. Please find a free Airbnb calculator here.

Want to learn what the local Host Solutions team can do for you? Get in touch today.

Charlton: +61400323891

Our Smart Guide for Vacation Rental Maintenance

How much attention does a vacation home require?

Believe it or not, vacation rental guests are quick to point out small defects—like a loose doorknob, a leaky faucet, or a blown lightbulb—even during an otherwise flawless stay. It’s because details matter.

Maintaining your home consistently can be the difference between a good guest review and a mediocre one. Resultantly, it can help drive a steady flow of bookings.

Travellers want vacation rentals that are well kept, inside and out. Here’s how to stay on top of your vacation home’s maintenance to keep it in prime condition all year long.

Start with a thorough inspection

Prevention is the primary goal. Whether you purchased your home a year ago or not, now’s the time for a thorough inspection. Tour your property with a discerning eye, similar to how your parents critique your cooking.

Look and smell for any pest or water damage. Look for cracks in the walls and examine your roof. Test your power outlets for any outages and faucets for any plumbing issues. Don’t overlook your home’s exterior—overgrown trees and encroaching roots can cause major damage to your property in the future.

Prioritise the essentials

Faulty kettle? Minor issue. AC broken in summer? A huge deal that can potentially ruin a guest’s entire vacation. So pay special attention to the big mechanical systems that can have a big impact—your air conditioner, furnace, and ventilation systems.

Regularly swap out the filters and perform checks to make sure they’re functioning properly.

Inspect any safety equipment, such as smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Replace batteries at least once a year or in accordance with the manufacturer’s warranty. Check that your fire extinguisher and first aid kit is available, visible, and in working order.

Modern vacation rental management.

Your home is a success waiting to happen. We'll show you how.

Reach Out to Us

Keep appliances and electronics in optimal condition

Every appliance in your vacation home—from the dryer to the fridge—require regular maintenance to keep them working properly. For instance, refrigerator coils should be cleaned and dryer exhaust vents need to be checked for blockages.

Implementing these processes into a consistent schedule will help keep your appliances efficient, instead of having them break down entirely.

Schedule regular check-ups

Don’t wait for a guest to tell you something is broken or missing. Be proactive and perform routine checks and maintenance. It’s the best way to get ahead of any potential issues at your vacation home. Create repeating dates in your calendar as reminders to take care of certain tasks, such as cleaning out gutters, or trimming trees and bushes.

Don’t overlook vacation rental yard maintenance

Grass grows, winds blow and you can’t be slow. Gardens can start looking disheveled pretty quickly—especially without routine cleanups. This can include garden care (trimming trees and bushes, mowing the lawn, pulling weeds), plus maintaining whatever outdoor amenities you offer (decks, balcony furniture).

As part of their cleaning routine, housekeepers will check on the outdoor barbecue, making sure it’s clean and has sufficient propane.

Assemble a vacation rental maintenance team

Not everyone knows how to clean the pool, inspect the pipes, and check the roof. If you live away or across the country, hiring the right people to work on the right things is one of the best ways to take care of your property.

Find vendors you can trust, then put them on speed dial. You’ll never know when you’ll need to call in a local roofer after a storm or an AC technician during summer.

The alternative: lean on a trusted local property manager

If you work with Host Solutions to manage your vacation home, we come ready with a list of vendors and maintenance services already—from landscapers to plumbers. Our team will set up any appointments, work with the vendors directly, and handle any paperwork and follow-up.

Performing regular maintenance on your vacation home will save you from making costly repairs in the future, plus ensure that guests only experience your home in its prime condition. Follow this guide to help with your home’s upkeep throughout the year.

Conclusion:

Managing your property’s maintenance is all about prevention. When you have strict processes to check maintenance, carry out tasks and ring trades when things break, you will find maintenance a breeze.

A quick summary. First, complete a thorough inspection looking for damage or areas to focus on. Narrow down on the areas of your property that are likely to cause significant issues if things go wrong. Schedule check-ups and conduct regular preventative maintenance tasks. Assemble a team to call if you need.

Which of these techniques are you going to use?

Airbnb Set to Die?

What is the buzz about Airbnb and why is it being brought up at family dinner? Is Auntie Josephine going on about yet another conspiracy theory that Airbnb is set to die? Is it a conspiracy theory? Aunt Josephine was wrong about the last conspiracy theory, wasn’t she?

My goal is to dispel the myths about Airbnb, and shine light on why landlords are choosing to Airbnb their property instead of rent it on the long-term market. 
Let’s start with the bad.


What are the reasons to not Airbnb your property?

Firstly, if you want your property to generate consistent income, you should never consider Airbnb. The price that guests pay is different every night, and there is no certainty that your property will be rented. Your income may be seasonal and irregular. If you are looking for consistent income, you should rent your property as a long-term rental. Please consider long-term renting your property to Host Solutions and we will pay you consistent income every week.

Secondly, if you are looking for the least work possible, you should probably rent your property long-term (or not at all). Like a property that you rent long-term, a short-term rental requires ongoing work (even if you have a property manager). Maintenance, finding and managing tenants, organising repairs, and inspecting the property and evicting tenants are common to both short-term and long-term rentals.

A short-term rental will, however, incur more expenses such as cleaning, restocking amenities and possibly replacing items that are missing or damaged. Your property will need to be marketed with have high-quality photos and captivating property descriptions. When your guests have arrived, your message templates, customer service skills and property’s amenities will be put to the test. And, of course, after guests leave, the turnover process for the next guest begins. Beds and towels will need to be changed and your property will require cleaning. In short, it is much more than simply being a landlord!

If you employ an Airbnb property manager, they will organise these things for you. However, you may still have more work than you would with a long-term rental as you may want to check that the property manager is doing a great job.

Lastly, short-term rentals could incur more damage than long-term rentals. While most bookings do not result in damages, some guests specifically book via Airbnb with the wrong intentions. Luckily, there are fantastic ways to reduce the likelihood of this occurring such as screening guests, using devices to monitor the level of decibels in your home and having outside-facing cameras to see how many people are going into your property. The Airbnb Host Guarantee is also fantastic protection as it covers up to $1M of personal property damage. Additionally, separate short-term rental insurance may be something to consider.

What are The Reasons to Airbnb your Property:

The first reason to consider Airbnb for your property is the potential to increase your income. As you will be renting out your property at rate than a long-term rental receives, you can generate additional revenue. For example, one of our properties just received a booking for just over 2 months where the guests paid over $20,000 (over $390/day). For a house that has been appraised at $550/week on the long-term market, this is a significant result. Have a look at our Airbnb Calculator to determine how much you can make.

Secondly, with no long-term lease agreements, you are more flexible renting your property on the short-term market. With tenancy laws tightening in South Australia, long-term leases are becoming more difficult to exit and more difficult to maximise income. For example, the government has just proposed these new laws.

With Airbnb, there is no need for a lease agreement. You have your house rules and Airbnb also has its set of rules to help protect hosts. This means that if a guest breaks your house rules, you can reach out to Airbnb immediately instead of having to enter a long-drawn-out legal matter where tenants need to be evicted. You can also require guests to sign a vacation rental agreement like this for added protection.

Lastly, if you rent your property as a short-term rental, you can still enjoy it whenever you like. Block out the calendar for dates that you would like to use the property and earn income when you are not using it. Block off a room or a garage for your personal items so that you can keep your property feeling like home.

Conclusion:

When deciding if Airbnb is right for your property, it is important to consider all the factors. Airbnb has the downsides of generating inconsistent income, being more work than a long-term rental and having a higher risk of your property or possessions being damaged. But thousands of landlords in Adelaide alone have opted to Airbnb their property for a reason. Airbnb provides an opportunity to increase your income, evade long-term leases and allow you to enjoy your property whenever you like. 


Please contact us to hear about how our properties are performing.