How to showcase your property on rental platforms?

Oct 14, 2024

A miniature house in the hand

In a real estate market where competition is increasingly fierce, it's essential to showcase your property to catch the attention of potential renters.

Whether you're renting out a city apartment or a seaside house, optimizing your listing on rental platforms (such as Airbnb, Booking.com, or Houdaify) is crucial to maximizing your chances of receiving bookings.

Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to highlight your property and attract more renters.

Use high-quality photos

Photos are often the first thing potential renters look at when exploring rental platforms. A picture is worth a thousand words, and poor-quality photos can hurt your listing, even if your property is perfectly located and well maintained.

Hire a professional photographer

If you can afford it, hiring a professional photographer is an excellent investment. They will know how to capture the light, angles, and details that highlight each room of your property.

Ensure that photos are taken at times when natural light is abundant, making rooms brighter and more welcoming.

Show every room of the property

Include photos of every room in your home: living room, bedrooms, bathroom, kitchen, and outdoor spaces (if available). Show the small details that can make a difference, like a cozy nook for reading or a well-arranged terrace.

If you have a beautiful terrace with a sea view, make it a focal point in your photos, as it can be a decisive factor for renters.

Vary angles and perspectives

Vary the shooting angles to give a complete idea of the space. Avoid taking all photos from the same angle as it may give the impression that the property is smaller than it really is.

Write a detailed and engaging description

The description of your property should make renters want to click on your listing and book. This is where you can truly sell the experience of living in your home.

Highlight the strong points

Identify the strong points of your property and emphasize them in your description. Is it close to the beach? Well served by public transport? Does it offer an unobstructed view of the city or mountains? These details help renters envision themselves in the space.

Example: "This modern apartment with a balcony is just steps from Agadir beach and offers a magnificent view of the Atlantic Ocean."

Be honest and precise

It's important to be honest in the description. Do not promise amenities or features that your property does not offer. This avoids unpleasant surprises and ensures that renters arrive with the right expectations.

Create an ambiance

Use a warm and engaging tone to describe your property, emphasizing the experience tenants can have. If your apartment is perfect for a romantic getaway, mention it. If it is an ideal space for a family, highlight the safety and child-friendly amenities.

Optimize the listing's titles and keywords

The title of your listing is one of the first elements potential tenants will see. It must be both descriptive and eye-catching, while being optimized to appear in search results.

Create an attractive title

The title should capture attention while summarizing the main advantages of your property. It must be descriptive enough to stand out from other listings while remaining concise.

Example: "Modern apartment with terrace and ocean view in Casablanca" or "Traditional Riad with private pool in the heart of Marrakech".

Use relevant keywords

Incorporate relevant keywords into your title and description to improve your listing's ranking on rental platforms. Consider using terms potential tenants might search for, like "apartment near the beach," "accommodation with parking," or "villa with pool."

Display competitive and clear rates

Tenants are often attracted to competitive and transparent rates. It is essential to set a fair price aligned with the market to maximize your chances of filling your booking calendar.

Conduct market research

Before setting a rate, conduct market research to know the prices set by other owners in your area. Compare similar properties in terms of size, location, and amenities to adjust your price accordingly.

Offering a slightly lower rate or providing discounts for long-term bookings can give you an edge over the competition.

Be transparent about additional fees

No one likes hidden fees. If you charge cleaning fees or other additional fees, make sure to mention them clearly in the listing. This avoids misunderstandings and improves tenant satisfaction.

Offer additional services to stand out

Offering additional services can make the difference between a standard rental and an unforgettable stay. This improves tenants' experience and can justify a higher price.

Offer fast Internet connection

Today, a fast Internet connection is a must for many tenants, whether on vacation or on a business trip. Ensure you mention the quality of your Wi-Fi in your listing.

Propose modern amenities

Amenities such as a fully equipped kitchen, a washing machine, or air-conditioning can be decisive factors for a tenant. If your property has modern amenities, highlight them in the description.

If you target a premium clientele, offering additional services like regular cleaning or a spa can increase your property's appeal.

Encourage and value customer reviews

Customer reviews play a major role in future tenants' booking decisions. The more positive reviews you have, the more credibility and visibility you gain on rental platforms.

Encourage tenants to leave a review

After each stay, encourage your tenants to leave a review. A simple thank you message, along with a request for feedback, may be enough. The more reviews you have, the more your listing will appear in searches and inspire trust.

Respond to reviews, positive or negative

Show that you are a proactive landlord by responding to all reviews, whether positive or negative. If a tenant has had a bad experience, respond politely and offer a solution. This shows future tenants that you are attentive and ready to improve their experience.

Keep your listing up to date

Another crucial aspect of staying competitive on rental platforms is to regularly update your listing.

Refresh availability

Nothing is more frustrating for a potential tenant than finding out that a property listed as available is actually already booked. Ensure you always update your calendar to reflect the exact availability of your property.

Add new photos or descriptions after improvements

If you have made any renovations or added new amenities, update the photos and the listing description to reflect these improvements. This can increase interest in your property and attract new tenants.

Conclusion: Highlight your property to attract more tenants

Optimizing the presentation of your property on rental platforms is essential to attracting more tenants and maximizing your bookings.

Quality photos, an engaging description, competitive prices, and additional services will help you stand out from the competition.

By applying these tips, you will not only increase the visibility of your property but also the chances of filling your booking calendar throughout the year.

Looking to showcase your property and maximize your bookings? Explore the resources available at Housing Place and discover how to optimize your listings to attract more tenants.