Getting started with Airbnb requires a lot of faith. Most people are nervous about investing in short-term rental property, especially since it can be hard to determine if it's a good investment. There are a lot of questions that people have when it comes to investing in these types of properties. An Airbnb investment is when you purchase a property intending to rent it short-term through Airbnb. Since over four million hosts globally, this type of passive income has become very popular. Most hosts who participate in Airbnb start as part-time workers and then grow to own multiple properties. There are many ways to make investing in this type of property work for everyone. Before you commit to becoming a host on Airbnb, it's important to understand the various risks and benefits associated with this type of investment. Here are some of the pros and cons of investing in this type of property. Pro: Passive income One of the most attractive aspects of investing in a property on Airbnb is the possibility of passive income. This type of income is a revenue stream that doesn't require you to actively participate in the operation. For instance, a traditional nine-to-five job doesn't constitute passive income because the amount of money you earn is related to how much you work. Since you can earn money through bookings on Airbnb, this type of investment is considered passive income. In addition to not requiring you to actively participate in the operation, the amount of work you put in doesn't directly reflect how much you earn. With passive income, you can boost your regular income or replace it with something completely different. For instance, many people who invest in Airbnb as a side project end up taking it on as their full-time job. Con: High operating costs The operating costs associated with running a property on Airbnb can be very expensive. You have to pay for various expenses such as electricity, internet, and regular cleanings. If you didn't choose to rent out your property through Airbnb, these costs would be shouldered by a long-term tenant. Before you commit to becoming a host on Airbnb, it's important to understand the various risks and benefits associated with this type of investment. Pro: Some expenses are tax-deductible Expenses that are related to running a property on Airbnb can be tax-deductible. These include marketing and advertising, as well as insurance and accounting fees. Many hosts don't realize that these expenses can significantly impact their income. By reducing these expenses, you can maximize your earning potential and write off some of the costs. If you're not aware of the exact laws in your state, it's important to consult a tax professional. Con: Higher down payment The down payment required for a vacation rental property is significantly higher than for a primary residence. Usually, hosts need to put down 10%, though it can go up to 25% depending on the strength of their application. Before you commit to becoming a host on Airbnb, it's important to understand the various risks and benefits associated with this type of investment. One of the biggest expenses that you'll have to spend is on the quality of your furniture and decor.
Pro: Higher revenue during peak season Through Airbnb, you can rent your property to short-term tenants and set your own rent rate. Unlike long-term tenants, you don't have to lock yourself into a fixed rate. You can also adjust your pricing during the peak season to reflect the changes in the tourism industry. One of the main advantages of becoming a host on Airbnb is that you can earn a higher income than you would with a long-term tenant. However, this doesn't mean that you can avoid the risk of instability. Since there's no guarantee that your property will be rented, you have to accept the possibility of instability. Con: Airbnb properties can be time consuming Getting the proper resources to manage your property on Airbnb can be daunting, especially if you don't have the necessary skills to make it easy for you. One of the most effective ways to reduce the time that you spend on your property is by using a management software like Lodgify. This online platform allows you to manage all of your tasks and activities from one place. One of the most effective ways to manage your property on Airbnb is using a channel manager. This tool connects all of your listings to the top travel agencies so that you can avoid double bookings.