Gawsh, we love living on the Sapphire Coast!
Stunning beaches, friendly towns, and a welcoming vibe that makes EVERYONE want to visit.
No wonder holiday homes and Airbnbs are popping up all over the region.
Whether you’re new to hosting or have been doing it for a while, managing a property here is totally worth it. You just gotta find the right tools.
From styling and bookings to maintenance and guest communication, there’s a bit to juggle.
But no wozzas!
With these simple tips, your property will shine, and your guests will feel at home.
Let’s get started with this guide!
1 :: Keep Your Property Looking Good
The way your property looks can make a huge difference with potential guests, especially when they’re shopping around online.
Neutral colours and comfy furniture are always a win. Add some personal touches, good lighting, and local decor to give it character. Invest in quality bedding and towels to step it up, and throw in some plants and functional storage.
If you want to make your space even more awesome [and make things a little easier on yourself], check out Right At Home Staging.
Their Style to Holiday service does it all… seriously! They’ll chat with you about your space, recommend what works best, find and set up all the right pieces, and even organise pro photos to make your place shine online.
It’s an awesome way to make your property stand out, bring in more bookings, and give guests a stay they’ll rave about.
2 :: Keep On Top Of The Maintenance
Staying on top of maintenance is important.
A well-kept home doesn’t just look nice… it can actually save you from any expected [and likely unwanted] repair bills as well.
Make sure to check your appliances, plumbing, and heating or cooling systems regularly to catch any issues early. If something’s beyond what you can handle, calling in a pro can save you a lot of hassle. Having a go-to repair person on speed dial is a smart move.
And don’t forget the cleaning! Whether you tackle it yourself or hire someone, make sure the place is spotless before each guest arrives. Nobody wants to be whipping out the old Spray ‘n’ Wipe on the first day of their hols.
3 :: Keep Communication Clear
Good communication will keep your guests happy and make sure everything runs smoothly.
Quick and clear responses can really change how guests feel about their stay. Be on the ball with stuff like check-in and check-out times, house rules, and how to use the appliances in your home.
We love the app Pocket Host when it comes to keeping in touch with guests and helping them get the most out of their stay. Before they even arrive, you can share helpful info like driving directions, parking tips, and check-in instructions.
If there’s a restaurant they absolutely have to book ahead, you can even let them know. How good is that?!
The app also works as a property handbook. Guests can quickly look up answers to questions like when they can use the pool or sauna or how to work the central heating, plus more.
See ya later, clunky paper manual!
4 :: Make Guests Feel Special
We’re suckers for a little surprise treat when we visit a holiday home or Airbnb and we bet your guests are too!
Why not leave a note to say “welcome,” and pop in a few local goodies like cheese from Bega [iconic] or local honey, you could even hit up a cafe or coffee roaster for some fresh beans. Small things like these make guests feel well looked after and are way more likely to get you those glowing reviews.
Speaking of….
5 :: Stay On Top Of Reviews
Love ‘em or hate ‘em, guest reviews are a big deal.
Keep an eye on what people are saying about your place. If someone points out something that needs fixing, jump on it quickly. Responding to reviews shows you care and helps build trust with future guests.
If they’re raving about their stay, give yourself a high-five, [and a celebratory cuppa/vino]
Positive reviews can help boost your bookings, so it’s always worth responding with gratitude.
And don’t forget to ask guests for feedback. A little polite request for a review can go a long way.
Good reviews should lead to more bookings, so it’s worth the effort.
Running an Airbnb or holiday home on the Sapphire Coast can be loads of fun… okay, and maybe a bit of work too.
Stay on top of bookings, keep your place in tip-top shape, communicate with guests, and add personal touches to make their stay special.
Plus, with fab tools like Pocket Host and styling help from Right At Home Staging, you’re all set for success.
A little planning and care go a long way in creating an unforgettable stay, and defo score you some repeat guests!