Investing in short-term rentals through platforms like Airbnb is often seen as an excellent way to generate additional income or even make a property profitable. But is it really that simple? How many days a year can you expect your property to be booked? Behind the promise of profitability lies a more nuanced reality: the occupancy rate. This key indicator, often misunderstood, can make the difference between a successful investment and a loss. What occupancy rate can you really expect when listing your property on Airbnb?

If you want to take the plunge into rental investment, this article will unveil everything you need to know about occupancy rates.

Airbnb Occupancy Rate: What Factors Influence it?

You may not be aware of it, but this element is absolutely not to be neglected by owners wishing to maximize their return. A property’s occupancy rate is not fixed and ultimately depends on multiple variables! The location of a property is, without a doubt, the first criterion influencing this rate. A property located in a tourist area, close to amenities or near points of interest will obviously have a better chance of being regularly occupied than an isolated one. The French Riviera and more particularly cities like Cannes, Villefranche-sur-Mer or Nice have great attractive power. Throughout the year, the pleasant lifestyle and the many international events organized in these cities attract an ever-increasing number of tourists. In these areas, owners can therefore expect an occupancy rate well above the national average. As you can understand, a property in a rural area or in a city less popular with travelers will probably see this rate decrease, unless it offers unique advantages. This could be a natural setting or a very attractive service offering.

Seasonality also plays an essential role. School holidays, tourist seasons, and certain events strongly influence the demand for Airbnb accommodations. During these periods, owners can expect high occupancy rates, sometimes even close to 100%. The winter months, outside the holiday period, often see a decrease in bookings. This seasonal fluctuation must, therefore, be taken into account in your forecasts to optimize the profitability of your property over the year.

It may seem surprising, but the presentation of the property on the Airbnb platform also plays a crucial role in optimizing the occupancy rate. A clear listing, well illustrated, with professional photos and detailed descriptions of available amenities, will attract more bookings. Reviews left by previous travelers will also directly impact future bookings. A property with excellent customer feedback will certainly have many more reservations than a property with few reviews. Professional concierge services, such as those offered by Bnb Groom Services on the French Riviera, are thus likely to make all the difference by offering travelers a quality experience. It would, therefore, be a shame to deprive yourself of them.

What Predictions Can be Made in Terms of Occupancy Rates According to the Areas?

In large cities, average occupancy rates can vary from 60 to 80%. Metropolises like Paris or Nice offer potential for higher occupancy rates. These cities, very well served by transport, attract both tourists and business travelers. This provides the opportunity to smooth out periods of low occupancy.

Outside major urban areas, the occupancy rate can drop below 50%, especially if the accommodation is far from important locations. A property situated in an exceptional setting offering specific activities such as a spa or certain sports is likely to attract clientele seeking disconnection and thus improve its occupancy rate. For these areas, it is highly recommended to play with price flexibility and carefully target potential customers to optimize periods of low occupancy.

What is the Importance of Management in Optimizing the Occupancy Rate?

To achieve an optimal occupancy rate for a property on Airbnb, it is necessary to carefully manage various aspects as this does not happen automatically. This means that simply listing your accommodation is not enough to hope for a high booking rate. To achieve this, it is essential to:

• optimize your prices. These must be adjusted according to demand, seasons, and local events. Keep in mind that an offer that is too high, but also too cheap, will affect your bookings;
• actively manage your occupancies. Responding quickly to travelers’ requests is crucial to not miss any bookings. Airbnb also favors responsive hosts, which can improve the visibility of the listing;
• pay attention to the quality of your listing. It should be attractive with quality photos and detailed descriptions. This will set you apart from the competition;
• pay attention to the online reputation of your property. You need to know that positive reviews will increase the credibility of your listing. Offering an excellent customer experience will lead to better reviews, which will boost your future bookings;
• carefully maintain the rented accommodation. Maintaining impeccable cleanliness and quickly fixing any problems ensuring visitor satisfaction will avoid negative comments.

The occupancy rate of a property on Airbnb, as you will have understood, varies depending on many factors, but it can be optimized with rigorous management. On average, in attractive areas, it is possible to achieve high occupancy rates, often beyond 70%, or even more during tourist seasons. However, to maximize these figures in the long term, owners must adopt proactive management. Specialized services such as those offered by Bnb Groom Services on the French Riviera, in Cannes, Nice, and Villefranche-sur-Mer can help improve profitability by offering complete and efficient property management. This can prove to be a major asset!