Let’s start with some stats:
- In Melbourne, the occupancy rates increase from approximately 62.6% in winter to 68.3% in summer.
- Brunswick (Melbourne suburb): Occupancy rates rise from 71.8% in winter to 78.4% in summer, reflecting heightened demand during warmer seasons.
In Australia, short-term rental occupancy rates exhibit notable seasonal variations, with higher rates during summer months and declines in winter.
The winter chill is well and truly here so if you’re a home owner with an investment property that you are using for short term stays, keeping your head above water through winter can be tough.
But what if winter could become your property’s secret weapon for boosting year-round performance?
PRICE POINT
The first and most obvious course of action is to lower your prices when demand is lower. As there are fewer people looking for rentals, you’ll need to make your prices more competitive if you want to get any bookings.
Also, include in your package some bundle services like airport transfers or local experiences to justify value while keeping your pricing competitive.
Our dedicated team can assist in ensuring all of this has been covered and are open to chatting about any questions you have around pricing during the high and low seasons.
You want to make sure that you’re still earning enough to cover all your costs and make a profit any time of year. Talking this through with you is part of our service and role in ensuring your home is booked with ease whilst you relax!
HOME DETAILS
In the shoulder months between high season and low season, it’s a good idea to re-work the copy on your property description to highlight the different attractions and reasons for visiting your location in the autumn and winter months.
Your description is also a good place to note some of the high-ranking seasonal keywords like ‘winter getaway in [location]’ or ‘best cosy rentals near [event].’ This increases your property’s visibility for winter-specific searches.
Consider targeting remote workers looking for a winter retreat or families seeking festive holiday experiences.
BE A RAVING FAN
Short-form video content, such as Instagram Reels or TikTok, showcasing cosy winter features, has been shown to increase engagement rates by up to 45%.
L’Abode Accommodation regularly show-case our properties on our socials. Our collections hold a range of property types from stylish and cosy little apartments to decadent sea-side mansions. This is an opportunity for you to share your listing & tag your friends! L’Abode feature a property of the week each week, yours could be next to be featured! Don’t underestimate the power of social media.
HOME COMFORTS
What sets L’Abode apart is our bespoke approach and attention to detail. Winter is the perfect time to highlight these features:
- Energy-efficient heating systems and smart thermostats appeal to environmentally conscious travelers.
- Providing curated winter welcome kits – including items like locally sourced teas, plush blankets, and hand warmers—creates a memorable and cosy experience.
A comfortable, warm apartment isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s a key factor in attracting winter guests and ensuring glowing reviews.
Conclusion
Keeping your property fully booked over the winter months takes creativity and strategic adjustments, but the effort is worth it.
By implementing dynamic pricing, optimising your listing for seasonal searches, and enhancing guest comfort, you can transform winter into a lucrative season for your short-term rental business.
L’Abode Airbnb Property Management Service is here to guide you every step of the way, from managing pricing to enhancing guest experiences.
Let’s make this winter your most successful season yet!