Short-term housing rental companies are allowing property owners to turn their homes into investment properties. They’re giving hotels some serious competition.
But these short-term renters have specific amenities they’re seeking. IPX1031, a firm that provides exchange services, surveyed 2,000 consumers to ask about what they look for when they rent an Airbnb.
Some of the top factors that consumers said prompted them to choose an Airbnb over a hotel were privacy, uniqueness of rental, free parking, and pet friendliness. Survey respondents also said that Airbnb rentals were more accommodating when traveling in groups for events, such as weddings or family reunions.
With a short-term rental, hosts may offer to rent out just a room, a guest house, or the entire house. But more than half of renters say they prefer to rent the entire house without the host being on the premises when they are there, according to the survey.
Several characteristics can also be a big turnoff on Airbnb listings. The survey found the top gripes were deceiving photos, slow or no Wi-Fi, an unresponsive host, and a long list of “house rules.”
Source: “Survey: What Guests Want in an Airbnb,” IPX1031 (April 25, 2019)
