The Airbnb and short-term rental market in Cape Town is certainly saturated, but this doesn't mean you can't still have a very successful listing in 2019 that provides far higher returns than that of a long term tenant. However, in saying that, this will only be the case if you are serious about it and make a concerted effort to stand out from your competitors! 

It is NOT ENOUGH to simply supply the absolute basics, with no thought to interior design, amenities, comfort and value that you will be offering your guests.

But for now, let's START with the basics and build from there; below you will find a list of items we recommend every Airbnb listing should provide:

BATHROOM

• Soap/body wash : In shower and at sink
• Shampoo & Conditioner
• Bath towels : WHITE ! (2 Full sets + emergency extras)
• Bath mat : 2 sets + emergency extra
• Hand towels : 4 sets for every sink. 2 sets out per booking.
• Toilet paper + backup
• NB sufficient place for guests to hand their individual towels
• Small bin with bin liner
• Toilet brush
• Bathroom cabinet/storage and mirror.
• Medical kit

 
KITCHEN & DINING

• Dinner plates, side plates, bowels (at least double the number for max occupancy).
• Mugs (coffee & tea), espresso cups
• Water/juice glasses
• Wine glasses
• Champagne flutes
• Consider plastic/outdoor glasses if you have a pool or allow kids
• Cutlery : at least double the amount for max occupancy
• Serving utensils : spatula, serving spoon, spaghetti spoon, wooden spoon, tongs, whisk + BBQ items if applicable.
• Kitchen scissors, can opener, bottle opener, peeler
• Sharp knives (small serrated knife, chef’s knife, bread knife)
• Ice bucket, ice trays in freezer
• Water filer in fridge (instead of providing bottled water).
• Chopping boards
• Serving dishes, salad bowl, sieve, colander
• Baking trays and roasting dishes
• Oven-gloves (have a spare), hot pot placemats
• Tea & sugar jars
• Salt & pepper grinders
• Drying up rack at sink
• Hand towels (2+ available for guests to use + extra set)
• Sponges and cloths
• Tupperware
• Non-stick frying pan and variety of different sized pots + lids (consider the number of guests the person will be cooking for)
• Trash can + recycling bin
• Fire extinguisher
• Smoke & Carbon monoxide alarm

Appliances :

• Washing machine
• Microwave
• Coffee machine
• Kettle
• Toaster
• Stove and oven
• Dishwasher 

 
Quantity Tip : Enough place settings, dishes and tableware to handle twice the number of your maximum group size, not because twice as many people will show up, but because guests don't want to do dishes after each use. It also means that if you have a dishwasher in your property, guests will likely use it less (only when full) if they have sufficient dishes etc. to use.
 
BEDROOM

• Comfortable Bed : great if you are able to offer a variety of bed configurations i.e. King bed that can be split into 2 x singles.
• Bedside tables and lamps/lights on both sides of the bed
• Electrical sockets with international plug sockets on each side
• Sufficient closet space : draws + hanging space (provide hangers)
• *Consider where guests will leave their luggage
• Rugs next to/under bed
• Blackout curtains/blinds are always appreciated.
• Consider double glazing on windows/doors if prone to noise (good sleep is a very important factor to consider for your guests, we all know how we personally are if we have a bad night’s sleep)
• Laundry bin
• Full length mirror
• Hairdryer
• Air-conditioning (especially in South Africa, this is important to foreigners).
• Heating / fire place(s) : crucial if you want to attract winter bookings.
• Fans in every room if no air-condition
• Smoke & Carbon monoxide alarm

Bedding :

• Mattress protectors (2 sets per bed)
• Duvet inner/comforter
• Duvet cover (min 2 per bed, always wise to have extra in case laundry is delayed, items stained/need re-washing etc. also depending on what your min night stay is).
• Pillows : 2 per person, per bed
• Pillow protectors
• Pillow cases 
• Bed throw/blanket
• Scatter cushions

Quantity Tip: Min 2 per bed, however it is wise to have backup in case laundry is delayed, stained or needs re-washing. This may differs depending on your min night stay.
NB : Extra bedding and towels should be locked away, so guests don’t use everything and you’re left with no clean linen/towels for your next arrival.
 
LIVING / DINING ROOM

• Dining room table and chairs to accommodate your max guest occupancy
• Placemats
• Vase (always nice to provide fresh cut flowers if feasible)
• Living room furniture / couches
• Coffee table
• Scatter cushions and throws
• Books, magazines, games
• Area rug
• A least one desk in the property for guests needing to work.
• Artwork, living plants
• Flat screen SMART TV (allowing guests to watch Netflix, which means you don’t HAVE to supply DSTV/Cable)
• Uncapped, high speed Wi-Fi - password protected ! (Non-negotiable)
• Smoke & Carbon monoxide alarm

 
OUTDOOR

• Outdoor furniture (table, chairs, umbrella, pool loungers)
• Braai/BBQ (incl. charcoal, fire-starters, matches/lighter, tongs, cleaning brush)
• Pool/beach towels (if applicable)
• Outdoor chair cushions
• Ash tray

 
CLEANING PRODUCTS

• Vacuum, mop, bucket, dust pan & brush
• Iron & ironing board
• Dishwashing liquid and dishwasher pods (if applicable)
• Multi-surface cleaner
• Toilet cleaner
• Floor cleaner
• Winder cleaner
• Washing detergent
• Bin bags
• Paper towel

GUEST SUPPLIES

• Tea, coffee, sugar
• Cooking oil
• Salt & pepper
• Toilet paper
• *Optional extra as welcome gift : bottle of wine, local treats

PRIVATE AREA
Lockable closet to store supplies (paper towels, toilet paper, back up linens/towels, firewood, wine, candy, electronics not accessible to guests) – only accessible for owner/manager/cleaners), back up key lock box on the property is always a good idea too.
 
INTERIOR DESIGN INSPIRATION
The Short Term Rental industry is extremely competitive ! How are you going to ensure your listing STANDS OUT from all the rest? The best way to do this is with your decor/interior design 

Factors to consider :

1. A unique stay/experience
2. Make your place look and feel inviting (the clinical, corporate days are over)
3. Include as many living plants as possible ;) Best place to buy in CT: FOLHA 
4. Seasonal attractions : Pool loungers for summer/games, open fire in winter
5. ‘PIMP’ your outdoor space (as our weather in SA is what attracts many travellers. Provide a space where guests can make the most of this.

Below are some links to inspire you :
The most Wished Listed Airbnb listing in the world
Pinterest Interior Design Board
Most Popular Airbnb Rentals on Instagram

Is there anything else you can think of that we've not listed above? We'd love to hear your thoughts. And if you have any questions on any of the above, feel free to pop a comment below or shoot us a mail: info@backintown.co.za

Do you have a 2+ bedroom property in Cape Town that you are thinking of renting out on Airbnb and looking for professional management at a reasonable cost? We offer full Airbnb Property Management in Cape Town for just 16% commission on confirmed booking, no retainer, no fixed contracts.
Check out our Airbnb Management offering HERE.

We all know that there are costs to consider when getting your property ready to welcome paying guests, find out why we think paying for a professional photographer is not a cost worth overlooking.
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