Is Running an Airbnb as Easy as It Looks?

Thinking of starting an Airbnb? It can be rewarding; but far from effortless. Here's what you need to know before diving in, from guest expectations to smart product choices.

 

Thinking about hosting? Start with honest self assement

Setting up and managing an Airbnb might appear to be an easy income - but the reality is far more hands on. Hosting is a 24/7 job that often requires you to be a cleaner, communicator, decorator, handyman or troubleshooter,  and dispute resolver all in one. Before jumping in, it’s worth evaluating your natural strengths and limits. Are you detail-oriented, responsive under pressure, and comfortable managing difficult guest situations? If not, you should consider how to outsource some tasks, or rethink if this role does not align with your lifestyle and energy levels.

 

Profit or pocket money? Define your goals.

While platforms like Airbnb have made listing your property easier than ever, they’ve also created a highly saturated market. If your goal is to build real income, strategic planning is key. Focus on which types of properties generate the strongest returns in your area and how you can add value through amenities or location. On the other hand, if you're just looking to earn some extra cash from your spare room or beach house, the pressure to compete is lower. However the  expectations around cleanliness, comfort, and communication still apply.

 

Layout mistakes that can cost 5 star reviews

Reviews are everything on Airbnb, and long term success depends on making smart layout decisions from the beginning. Especially when it comes to bathrooms, toilets, and seating.

While three bedroom, one bathroom properties are common on the platform, they’re also commonly marked down by guests who underestimated how frustrating one toilet is in practice. Even if they read the listing, their review still stands, and it can affect your booking rate. These are not issues you want to fix later, as adding a bathroom or reconfiguring furniture isn't always feasible. If you’re hosting six guests, make sure there is room for a six seater dining table and enough lounge seating for everyone to relax comfortably. It’s a simple detail that makes a big difference to guest satisfaction.

 

Buy smart, not just beautiful

Once you have decided to start an Airbnb, and found the right property, what you put into it is critical for maintenance. Many new hosts overspend on retail décor and homewares, only to find themselves constantly replacing discontinued items, resulting in mismatched products. Look for suppliers who offer core product lines, not seasonal trends that will be sold out and discontinued in the short term future. If a guest stains a towel or destroys a quilt cover, it’s easy to reorder the exact match. Time and energy spent replacing mismatched items can become one of the biggest drains on your budget and your patience.

Your airbnb shouldn't, and doesn't have to look like a hotel, but you can take a lot of cues from them. Hotels are experts in choosing low maintenance, durable products and finishes that stand the test of time. There are plenty of suppliers, including some retailers, that offer core items for easy resupply without sacrificing personality or style.

One of the most wonderful things about Airbnb is that every host gets to design their ideal stay. The kind of place they’d love to book themselves. Your personal style is a huge asset and can help your property stand out, but it’s easy to go too far. The most successful listings strike a balance between personality and broad appeal. Take your cues from your own aesthetic, but always edit and refine with guest expectations in mind. For example, that bold floral quilt cover you love might work better as a subtle accent cushion, allowing the space to feel welcoming to a wider audience.

Following on from the floral example, it’s much easier to replace an accent cushion than a quilt cover, especially when you need it to match others in the property and it’s suddenly been discontinued. Nothing against floral quilt covers - we just don't trust their commitment to being in stock next season.

 

Over equipped properties can backfire

Finally, remember that every item in your property needs to be cleaned, checked, and maintained between stays. In our early days of hosting family friendly apartments, we learned this the hard way. We stocked kitchens with too many gadgets, only to receive poor reviews when the one guest that wanted to use an item, discovered it dirty or missing parts. We eventually settled on a kitchen that had all the basics for families to cook a meal, and then a times three rule about adding extras. For example, if three separate guests asked / requested an item, we considered adding it.

If it is important to provide a full kitchen, be prepared to stay overnight every few months to audit, clean, and restock it properly. Or have a good cleaner who will do this extra task for you on a regular schedule.

 

KISS: Keep it Simple, Stupid

Never has this saying been more relevant than when you're an Airbnb host. Simplicity is your best friend. Choose alarm clocks that don't require a university degree to operate, and TV's that dont need a manual and three remotes to turn on. Avoid the temptation to repurpose complicated gadgets from home.

We once managed apartments with centrally controlled heat and air conditioning which required guests to set temperatures across zones, time blocks, and minimum/maximum ranges. It was a nightmare. No matter how many hours we spent programming it - or trying to write “simple” instructions—guests still couldn’t get the temperature right. It became one of our biggest sources of negative feedback, and after that experience, we would never consider running a short-stay property with a temperature system  like that again.

If you're selecting new applicances, prioritise ease of use, Choose an oven that doens't need its clock reprogrammed to operate following a power outage. Your guests aren't here to troubleshoot - they're here to relax. The less explaining and apologising you have to do, the better your reviews will be.

 

Our honest conclusion: with foresight and preparation it's worth it. 

We found setting up our properties to be exhausting, fun, and incredibly fulfilling. But once the buzz of completing a project fades, the ongoing maintenance can start to feel like a chore, and worse, one that often demands your immediate attention, no matter what else is going on.

Running an Airbnb is never as easy as it looks. You’re offering a product based on time, time during which many things can go wrong, both within and outside your control. And your guests may be relaxed and seasoned travellers, or they may arrive stressed and hard to please.

Getting the fundamentals right from the start; layout, amenities, and realistic expectations won’t eliminate the challenges, but it will make them a lot easier to manage.