People looking for ways to create new income streams have several options to consider. Airbnb is a great way to generate a good source of income. If you had been thinking that this is not a lucrative opportunity, you should know that Airbnb has over 150 million users globally. More than 1 billion stays have been booked on the platform and it continues to attract more users. This is because it provides one of the best options for travelers seeking bespoke yet affordable accommodation.
Also, many have ventured into this marketplace after seeing that Airbnb has over 6 million listings, with a presence in more than 100,000 towns and cities spread across 220 countries worldwide. This article will help you understand Airbnb and why you should leverage it as a business opportunity.
Understanding Airbnb
If you’re hearing about Airbnb for the first time, you don’t have to worry, because we will help you understand what it is. Airbnb is a platform and marketplace that links travelers and property owners, allowing the latter to rent out houses, apartments, or rooms that they may not be using homes to guests.
Airbnb has emerged as a popular option for accommodation for people traveling on business or for leisure and is a great alternative to conventional hotels. It allows its users to choose from a wide array of options—from luxury villas to budget-friendly shared houses, and everything in between. Thus, Airbnb allows users to get customized space to rent that matches their specific needs, tastes, and preferences.
Why should you consider Airbnb as a business?
As an entrepreneur or someone seeking ways to grow your wealth, Airbnb can be a good business opportunity for the following reasons:
It allows hosts to set their prices
As a host or property owner, it’s up to you to set your rates based on demand and other factors like seasonality. Due to this flexibility, you can determine how much money you can make from every booking. Besides, you can easily adjust your prices to match the market conditions so you can maximize profits and remain competitive.
It offers a chance to earn passive income
If you search for how to make money with Airbnb you will be amazed at the number of ways you can earn from the platform, even without having to own properties. However, as a property owner, you can earn a tidy passive income by renting out any spare rooms in your home, or even the entire house, if you are not staying there. Therefore, you can continue making money as a host without being actively involved in working on your space.
Besides, you can make money from Airbnb even without owning a property, for example by taking the Airbnb rental arbitrage route where you rent properties and sublet them on vocational rent websites. But before you go down this route, you must consider any applicable local laws and if your rental income can cover all costs and allow you to get some profits.
You need a minimum initial investment
Unlike conventional rental properties, you need minimal investment to start with, making it a lucrative and easy-to-start venture. As a host, you only need to list the existing spare space, say bedrooms, in your home, and no hassle of building or purchasing additional properties.
Airbnb offers a great opportunity to learn new skills
While you get a chance to generate income, Airbnb offers you as an entrepreneur a great chance to learn new skills or perfect the skills you already have. For example, you can learn hospitality management, marketing, and other skills which can come in handy in other areas of your life. You may also get to meet various people and expand your networks.
The operating expenses are tax-allowable reducing running costs
Of course, Airbnb incurs some running costs like any other business. However, there are several deductions that Airbnb hosts can take advantage of to reduce the total costs of running their listings. Some of the tax-allowed deductions include cleaning expenses, utility bills, maintenance expenses, and insurance premiums
You enjoy a global audience through the platform
While traditional rental properties are mainly meant to serve locals, Airbnb has a wide reach thanks to the platform that connects you as the host to the global audience of travelers. When you list your property on Airbnb, you can reach potential guests from all over the world—hence you stand a better chance of increasing the occupancy of your space and the potential income.
Conclusion
You should consider Airbnb as a business opportunity to make some extra cash, even if you don’t own any property. With the platform’s easy-to-use interface, convenient payment options, and wide reach, you can earn in various ways including being a host, co-hosting, and even as a consultant, to mention just a few.