Author: Brian Ashworth September 5, 2023

Guest post by Hubert Dwight

Vacation rental properties are a significant investment, especially in a hustling and adventurous country like Australia.

There is plenty to explore, and with the tourist influx constantly increasing, vacation rentals can be a great source of income while making friends with people worldwide.

However, making your vacation home inviting is crucial to ensuring you have booking requests in advance.

With guests occupying and vacating living spaces so often, ensuring that your short term rental management in Melbourne is inviting, cleans easily, and creates lasting memories is important.

Let’s discuss how you can prioritise your short-term rental properties for people looking for a getaway in Melbourne!

Ways to Make Your Short-Term Rental Property Stand Out 

• Getting basic repair work done right: Owners of vacation rentals sometimes spend time and effort decorating their properties with a specific theme.Minor conveniences like the clean AC duct, flickering lights, and non-functional switches can make staying on the property a nuisance for guests. Always inspect your property to ensure everything is in working order before guests arrive.

• Provide necessary items: Even though people have been thorough and careful with their packing list, there is still a chance your guest might have missed something. Step into your guests’ shoes to understand commonly missed items while packing. Include a basic toiletry kit, clean towels, and slippers;

• Keep your house updated: Whether your guests are from neighbouring states or international travellers, WiFi ensures they are always connected to their family and friends. Additionally, if your guests are on a workcation, they will not have to worry about accessibility. Consider installing smart metres, solar panels, and hot water systems to ensure your guests are comfortable and connected while they relax and rejuvenate at your rental property;

• Subtle and relaxing lights: Lighting can make a huge difference in how guests feel while they lounge and relax. Install light-coloured curtains and French windows if your property receives plenty of natural light. If your property receives less natural light, consider installing yellow lights to help your guests shift into a relaxing mood. Install bright patio lights to increase visibility and offer guests a comfortable space.Similarly, if your property has a garden, consider putting lights around the seating area where guests can have a nice cup of coffee or hot chocolate;

• Have a theme for your rental living space: Short-term homes can inspire people to take time off for family and friends more often. Choose a theme that blends your taste and the city’s personality to achieve this. For instance, a house in Melbourne can include elements like cultural history. It makes people relate to what they have seen while exploring the city. On the other hand, for a Sydney rental property, consider adding coastal elements. Be sure to include various pieces of furniture to provide ample sitting and working space. You can also re-decorate for holidays like Christmas and Thanksgiving. A theme lays out a basic framework for you to experiment and play around with while inspiring your guests to take inspiration from it;

• Do competitor research and highlight what makes your property worth it: Vacation rental properties are popular and growing rapidly. With that, your guests have more options to choose from. To make your listing a favourite, go through nearby listings of popular rental properties to understand what they are listing and how they are making the offer. Once done, go through your rental property to find unique USPs that you can highlight in your listing. Additionally, instead of taking pictures from your phone, consider hiring a professional photographer who can take high-quality photos of your property through the lens of experience. Remember, the first impression counts;

• Ask for reviews: User-generated content is more valuable and speaks for the credibility of your listing. Request that your guests leave positive feedback about your listing, highlighting what they loved about it and why they opted for it in the first place. These authentic and genuine reviews make more people interested in booking your property.

Parting words

People around the world are looking for experiences they will never forget.

Ensure your short-term rental property offers an unforgettable experience they will forever thank you for.

Be sure to put yourself in their shoes while making these changes so that guests feel truly welcomed when they arrive.