Buying your new property to list on Airbnb was the hard part, right? Yet, as you sit on the barren floors of the now empty property, it's hard to imagine the place abuzz with visitors and guests from all over the world enjoying your 5* hospitality. Something is missing...! Oh yes, it's time to think about filling your property with things and to really create that home away from home.
Now, a welcoming & stylish holiday home or apartment doesn't have to break the bank. You may have used a lot of your resources when financing the Airbnb so now is the time to get thrifty. By all means, use the latest copy of Architectural Digest to get the inspiration for your design and feel, but the real creativity starts when you make that vision happen with a tenth of the budget. And we think with a touch of ingenuity and smart shopping, you can furnish your space affordably while still providing an enjoyable experience for your guests.
Here's some valuable tips for Airbnb hosts to help you fit out an Airbnb property affordably.
Embrace minimalist style. Minimalism offers an elegant and affordable decorating approach that a majority of Airbnb guests often appreciate. Focus on clean lines, uncluttered spaces, and neutral tones when furnishing your short term lets. A minimalist aesthetic exudes simplicity and sophistication while minimizing the need for excessive purchases. Put another way, it's about the essentials only - your money can therefore go further on better quality.
Buy an active Airbnb. We call this a turnkey home investment. Buy a property already used for holiday lets and therefore already furnished with short term guests in mind. You may sometimes negotiate with the seller for an additional price for the stock but, given it's used and there are no transport costs, it should still be more cost effective than buying new furniture. You can use the Airbuy & Sell marketplace to search for active Airbnbs for sale in the UK right now - perfect to snap up homes that can quickly start earning their buck as STR/SA investments.
Embrace secondhand treasures. If you can make the time, head to second hand shops on the high street and car boot sales on the weekend. Dig around to find those bargains too fit out your serviced apartment or holiday home. For the time savvy - which we imagine you probably are - we recommend heading online. You'll be amazed at the excellent deals you can find. Facebook Marketplace is a real gem to find great pieces of furniture for landlords and hosts, especially for a fraction of the price, but there are many similar apps to use here such as Schpock, Ebay, and Preloved. One last app here to check out - Freecycle. Does your serviced apartment need a lazy susan? Would a piano in the hallway finish the look? Freecyle may just have it for exactly that: free. However you thrift, have fun digging - we never said doing things on the cheap was easy work! One note of caution here - you do want to test the items for longevity as having to replace worn and broken pieces will only increase your expenses and effort in the long run.
DIY and your inner artist to the rescue. Rather than purchasing expensive decor, consider making your own or, cheaper yet, repurposing items you already own. Get crafty and fashion your own throw pillows, create unique wall art, transform the old dresser with a lick of paint, or even construct simple furniture pieces. DIY projects not only save money but also infuse your Airbnb with a personal touch.
Opt for versatile furniture. Invest in multi-purpose furniture that serve several functions. How about the sofa bed to create an extra sleeping space in the living room? Or, a storage ottoman that can double as a coffee table while providing extra storage space. Perhaps you can buy a fold-out, wall mounted dining table which doubles up as a crockery and utensil storage unit. Maximizing utility with fewer pieces helps you save money without compromising on functionality.
And we're going to give you one final tip because we truly care - and it's arguably one of the best furnishing tips for Airbnb hosts out there. That said, it's not really about the fit out...
6. Professional aesthetics. Hire a professional photographer to take the most beautiful and Conde Nast-esque images of your property possible. It's amazing how a professional can bring to life the essence of your Airbnb and enhance the aesthetic. It's so important when advertising your property that Airbnb even has dedicated resources to guide you on taking the best pictures for listing on the platform. A good photographer will also think about the arrangement of furniture for light and space which you could use to your benefit, too. A gamechanger.
Let us know how you get on with these savvy, cost-saving strategies - it is possible to furnish your Airbnb property beautifully while maintaining affordability. So feel free to keep that Architectural Digest magazine on the multi purpose coffee table that extends upwards to provide a standing up desk for your guests to work - god speed, bargain hunters!
And if you liked this article with the best tips for running your Airbnb, check out some more from our blog for property investors of short term lets and holiday homes:
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