The 7 Steps Guide to list your property on Airbnb in Indonesia
In the vibrant and diverse landscape of Indonesia's property market, the opportunity for villa owners to achieve both freedom and profitability is immense.
As a property manager, my goal is simple: to guide you through this journey, making it as seamless and rewarding as possible. Indonesia, with its thriving tourism and unique cultural appeal, offers a playground for property owners to not only showcase their beautiful villas but also to stand out in a competitive market.
I'm here to share my expertise and passion in this field, offering practical advice and insights that come from experience. Think of me as your guide in navigating the exciting world of Airbnb hosting in Indonesia. Whether you're new to this or looking to enhance your current listing, I'm here to help you every step of the way.
Together, we'll explore the 7 key steps to effectively list your rental property on Airbnb. This isn't just about listing a space, it's about creating an experience that resonates with travelers and brings you the profitability you deserve. From crafting a compelling account to setting the right price, each step is designed to elevate your property's charm and maximize your returns.
7 Steps to list your property in Indonesia on Airbnb
If you possess a property in Indonesia and you’d like to rent it out to increase profitability and fill out vacancy, set up an Airbnb account and create your own listing will take you from 15 to 25 minutes. Here are our 7 steps guide:
Create a compelling and detailed Airbnb account
List your property on Airbnb
Add high-quality pictures to enhance attractiveness
Detail amenities and feature of your property
Write a compelling and accurate description
Answer questions about your property
Set price, cancellation policy and availability
1.Create a compelling and detailed Airbnb account
Visit Airbnb's sign-up page to create an account as a host.
Then provide your personal details to set up your host profile. This includes your name, contact information, and a brief introduction about yourself. Try to be authentic in your details, guests always feels safer if they know more about their host. It is also a faster way to rank to super host, so don’t avoid it and build your account with strong foundations.
2. List your property on Airbnb
Enter the location of your property, the number of rooms and bathrooms, guests it can accommodate, and the type of property (e.g., villa, apartment, room).
Choose the type of property you want to list and provide specific details like the number of bedrooms, bathrooms, and unique features of your space, like heating system, AC, swimming pool, garden, barbecue, TV, etc...
Potential guests want to know exactly what they are getting, it important to put yourself in their shoes.
3. Add high quality pictures to enhance attractiveness
Upload clear, high-quality photos of your property, if you don’t feel confortable taking pictures yourself or don’t have a good camera, consider hiring a professional photographer. It is an expense that you will earn back more than once from your bookings by attracting more people and ranking in the top accommodations of your area.
Professional pictures really change guests feeling about your property don’t neglect this part. Airbnb can help you get in touch with a professional.
Ensure the first three high quality pictures showcase as much of the property as possible inside and outside. It is proven by real market data that listings with clear images that show a clean property get more bookings.
Detail the pictures by room to give guests a comprehensive view of what they are booking. Include images of all key areas like the living room, bedrooms, kitchen, and any outdoor spaces.
4. Detail amenities and features of your property
List all the amenities available at your property, such as Wi-Fi, parking, pool, fridge, water dispenser, fan or any special features that make your place stand out.
Highlight amenities that are most sought after by travelers.
Here is an example of the repartition and ranking of amenities featured in the rental property market of bali. Those can help you add a little something to your listing to make it stand out from the general market offer.
5. Write a compelling and accurate description
A detailed description of your accommodation is one of the best ways to prepare travelers for what awaits them and to secure bookings. It's essential to clearly indicate what they will find upon arrival.
With over 7 million listings on Airbnb, it's crucial to use the Property Description section to highlight what makes your property unique.
Focus on the Essential:
Travelers often skim through the property description to grasp its main features. Start with the most important details and avoid repeating information that's already provided in other sections of your listing, like the complete list of amenities.
Tell your property’s story
Share specific details about the experience you offer. For instance, a modest room in the city center can be described as "The ideal starting point to explore the city." An apartment on the top floor surrounded by trees might give guests the feeling of being in a "treehouse”. Try to tap in the emotions of what guests would like and start your description with a suitable hook like “A Hidden Gem: Discover the secret charm of our secluded Villa.”
Highlight unique aspects
Explain what sets your property apart, location, architecture, emphasizing amenities that are most sought after by travelers. Draw inspiration from other hosts' descriptions and the feedback they've received. This will help you understand the types of information that travelers appreciate.
Be realistic
Overpromising or excessively praising your property can lead to disappointment and negative reviews. Honestly describe any aspects of your property that might be challenging for certain guests, such as those with mobility issues or children.
Filling Out Other Sections
Use the other sections of your listing to help travelers understand what staying at your property is like.
About Your Property:
Write a general description of your rooms and spaces, focusing on fun and practical details that might interest travelers. For example, "The garden is fenced, providing a playful area for children and pets."
Access for Travelers:
Clearly indicate which parts of the property are accessible to guests. For instance, "Travelers can access a shared terrace and pool with the main house."
Interaction with Travelers:
State your preference for in-person interactions so that guests know what to expect. You can choose to spend time with guests or prefer to communicate through the app.
Additional Details to Note:
Provide any other information you think is important for guests to know, which isn't mentioned elsewhere. For example, "The house is a 10-minute walk from the city center."
By following these guidelines, you can create a compelling and informative description for your Airbnb listing. Remember, the key is to be authentic, clear, and detailed, ensuring guests have a good understanding of what to expect, which in turn can lead to more satisfying stays and positive reviews.
6. Answer questions about your property
Complete Airbnb’s questionnaire about your property. This includes questions about house rules, check-in processes, and any restrictions (like pets or smoking).
Be transparent about any potential issues or limitations of your property, especially for guests with special needs.
As a property manager this is one of the most important thing to set up when you start listing your property for short term rental. We write customized house rules and house functioning manual to help guest understand what we expect of them, what the limits are and how to use the property correctly.
7. Set price, cancellation policy and availability
Setting the price
When it comes to pricing your Airbnb listing, you can set the nightly price of your property. Airbnb will automatically calculate and show the price range of identical properties in your area. Starting with a lower price is recommended to get some bookings, receive more reviews, and build a reputation. Once you have had some bookings and received good reviews, you could increase the nightly price of your property.
You have the option to use Airbnb's dynamic pricing tool. This tool adjusts your rental price based on factors like demand, season, and local events. However, it's important to approach this with caution.
While dynamic pricing can be helpful, it's not always the most effective strategy for maximizing your revenue. This is where property management companies can offer an advantage.
They often have access to more sophisticated tools and software that analyze a broader range of data, providing a more tailored pricing strategy for your property. As a host, you should regularly review your pricing, considering factors like your property's uniqueness, amenities, and local competition.
Understanding cancellation policies
Airbnb offers several cancellation policy options, each with different levels of flexibility for guests and hosts. Here's a succinct summary:
Flexible: Guests can cancel up to 24 hours before check-in for a full refund.
Moderate: Full refund for cancellations made at least 5 days before check-in.
Strict: 50% refund for cancellations made at least 7 days before check-in.
Long Term: For reservations of 28 nights or more, the first month is non-refundable, but canceling the remaining days gets a prorated refund.
Super Strict 30 Days: 50% refund for cancellations made at least 30 days before check-in.
Super Strict 60 Days: 50% refund for cancellations made at least 60 days before check-in.
Each policy has implications for both guests and hosts. Flexible policies may attract more bookings but can lead to more last-minute cancellations. Stricter policies provide more security for hosts but might deter some potential guests. Choose a policy that balances your need for booking security with the attractiveness of your listing. Each policy is a variable to the Airbnb platform fee, the stricter the policy, the higher the fee, like other OTAs.
Setting up availability and booking system
On Airbnb, you can manage your property's availability through the calendar feature. Here's how to set it up:
Update Your Calendar: Regularly update your calendar to reflect the availability of your property. Block out dates when the property is not available for rent.
Advance Notice: Set how much advance notice you need before a guest can book. This can range from 'Same Day' to 'Up to 3 months in advance'.
Booking Window: Decide how far in advance guests can book. You can set this from a few weeks to several months ahead.
Minimum and Maximum Stay: Specify the minimum and maximum number of nights a guest can book.
Booking Preferences: Choose whether you want to allow guests to book directly or if they need to send a booking request first. Instant Book can increase bookings but gives you less control over who stays. With booking requests, you can vet guests before confirming their stay.
Remember, the way you set up your pricing, cancellation policy, and availability can significantly impact your success on Airbnb. It's about finding the right balance that works for both you and your potential guests.
Why use Airbnb for property rentals in Indonesia?
In Indonesia Airbnb is a popular platform, and there are several reasons to use Airbnb for property rentals in Indonesia:
A large amount of users: The platform is used worldwide and has a lot of users, so you expose your property to a big audience. Many people use Airbnb to find accommodation for their holiday in Bali, Lombok, and any other destination in Indonesia.
Building a reputation: People can leave a review on your property. This way, you can build a reputation on the platform. The more and the better the reviews, the more likely guests want to stay at your villa or apartment.
The platform is easy to use: Users can easily find accommodations and make reservations within minutes.
Commission-based pricing: As a host, you only pay a fee on the subtotal price once a booking is made. You don’t pay any cost for listing your property.
Payment handling: Guests pay on the platform, and Airbnb will pay hosts once the payment is received.
How much does it cost to list my property on Airbnb
As of 2024, the cost structure for listing your property on Airbnb typically involves the following fees:
Host Service Fee:
Generally, Airbnb charges hosts a service fee of about 3% of the booking subtotal. For example, if your booking subtotal is $360 USD, the host service fee would be around $10.80 USD, and you would earn $349.20 USD.
Guest Service Fee:
In addition to the host fee, guests are also charged a service fee, which is included in the total price they pay. This fee is typically around 14% of the booking subtotal.
It's important to note that these fees are subject to change and may vary based on specific circumstances or Airbnb's policies. as a host, you should always check the latest fee structure on the Airbnb platform.
Property and Villa Management in South Lombok with LAGOON Property Management
Are you looking to embark on a property investment venture in South Lombok? LAGOON Property Management is here to guide and support you every step of the way. Specializing in the unique and burgeoning market of South Lombok, we offer tailored assistance to property owners who aspire to make the most out of their investments.
Expertise in local property market
Our team at LAGOON Property Management offers knowledge and experience in the South Lombok property market. We understand the local nuances and trends, enabling us to provide you with insights and strategies that are specifically effective in this region. Whether you're new to property investment or looking to expand your portfolio, our expertise is your advantage.
Comprehensive legal and regulatory guidance
Navigating the legal landscape of property rentals in Indonesia can be stressful. LAGOON Property Management simplifies this process for you. We offer comprehensive guidance on legal requirements, ensuring your investment complies with all local regulations and laws. Our team stays updated on the latest legal changes, providing you with peace of mind and safeguarding your investment.
Personalized Property Management services
At LAGOON, we believe in a personalized approach. We understand that each property and owner has unique needs and goals. Our services range from property maintenance and guest relations to marketing and financial management. We tailor our services to meet your specific requirements, ensuring your property not only attracts guests but also provides a significant return on investment.
Seamless and hassle-free experience
Our goal is to make your property management experience as seamless and hassle-free as possible. With LAGOON Property Management, you can rest assured that your property is in capable hands. We handle all aspects of property management, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of your investment without the day-to-day worries.
Get in Touch To learn more about how LAGOON Property Management can assist you in your property investment journey in South Lombok, please feel free to reach out to us. Email us at max@lagoonpm.com.
Let's work together to write your property success story in the beautiful and promising region of South Lombok!
