Author: AirKeeper

If you own a holiday home in a regional area, peak season is your golden opportunity. But too many owners wait until it’s “closer to summer” to get listed – and that delay could cost you thousands in lost income.

Here’s why getting the wheels in motion now is critical:

1. Listings take time to gain traction

Platforms like Airbnb, Booking.com, and VRBO rely on algorithms to surface properties to potential guests. On average, it takes 6–8 weeks for a new listing to climb the rankings and start generating consistent bookings. The earlier you list, the stronger your momentum heading into peak season.

2. Early reviews build credibility

Data shows that guests are far more likely to book – and pay premium rates – for properties with at least 3–5 reviews. Without them, your property risks being overlooked in favour of competitors. Getting listed early means you’ll have those first reviews under your belt before demand spikes.

3. Pricing power is highest at peak demand

Dynamic pricing tools and guest demand trends prove that properties with strong early bookings are able to command higher nightly rates. If you delay, you’ll be left chasing bookings at discounted prices.

4. Fix issues before guests arrive

The first few stays are the perfect opportunity to iron out the little things: missing items, guest requests, or tweaks to the setup. By the time peak season arrives, your property will be polished and guest-ready.

5. Don’t miss the booking wave

Peak season bookings don’t start in December – they start months in advance. Families, groups, and international travellers are already locking in their holidays. If you’re not live, your property won’t even be considered.

Check out some of our Case Studies for Central Coast and South Coast. Alternatively, you can see the the full range here.

Ready to make the most of peak season? Get in touch with AirKeeper today and let us do the heavy lifting.

Finding the right price for a short-stay rental is a balancing act. Price too high, and you risk empty nights. Too low, and you erode your profit margin. Static pricing just can’t adapt to the ebb and flow of travel demand—this is where AirKeeper’s dynamic pricing shines.

The Limits of Airbnb Smart Pricing

Airbnb’s built-in Smart Pricing is a helpful introduction to automation, but it has several shortcomings:

• Pressure toward the minimum
  Hosts often report that Smart Pricing skews close to the set minimum—leaving potential earnings on the table
  
• Poor handling of special dates and seasons
  It often fails to bump prices around local events, weekends, or peak seasons—meaning hosts either miss higher-paying bookings or must override manually
  
• Limited dataset
  Airbnb’s algorithm relies only on Airbnb data—ignoring broader market trends like VRBO or Booking.com and lacking local nuance
  
• Uniform pricing logic
  It doesn’t distinguish between guest types or property styles; you get one-size-fits-all pricing across all listings

In short, Airbnb’s Smart Pricing can get hosts started—but often underperforms for serious property management.

How AirKeeper Does It Better

AirKeeper’s dynamic pricing addresses Smart Pricing’s pitfalls with advanced, actionable intelligence:

	AirKeeper’s Approach	Why it Matters
Seasonality & Events	Automatically ramps rates during holidays, festivals, and peak times	No need for manual overrides—captures premium opportunities
Day-of-Week Sensitivity	Adjusts pricing higher on Fridays/Saturdays, more affordable mid‑week	Smooths occupancy and profitability across the week
Booking Lead Time	Tailors rates based on how far out a booking is made	Fills last-minute gaps while maximising early bookings
Real-Time Market Data	Gathers insights across Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking	Always price in line with overall competition
Booking Pace Awareness	Monitors booking velocity to tweak rates dynamically	Avoids underpricing when demand spikes
Localised Intelligence	Adapts strategies by region or city	Pricing that reflects local market realities—not generic algorithms
Human Oversight	Pricing experts review and refine suggestions	Combines automation with local knowledge and strategic thinking

Why It Matters

• Maximised Revenue – Smart pricing with deeper data and context means more incremental income, especially during peaks.
  
• Time Saved – No more constant micromanagement for each date; let the algorithm and your oversight do the heavy lifting.
  
• Consistency – Control min/max pricing rules and trust them—not on Airbnb’s unpredictable algorithm.
  

Competitive Edge – With multi-channel data, your pricing will be consistently optimized compared to hosts who rely on Airbnb alone.

The Bottom Line

AirKeeper’s dynamic pricing isn’t just automatic—it’s intelligent. By combining real-time market signals, calendar intelligence, and expert oversight, it gives short-stay property managers the tools to optimise income, maximise occupancy, and eliminate the guesswork of everyday pricing decisions.

Managing a short-term rental can be rewarding, but it’s rarely simple. Between handling guest bookings, coordinating cleaners, juggling maintenance needs, and staying on top of local regulations, what starts as a promising investment can quickly become a full-time job.

Whether you’re self-managing or working with a property manager who isn’t delivering, there are signs that it might be time for a change. Inconsistent income, guest complaints, or just feeling burnt out are signals that your current approach may be holding you back. A professional property manager can relieve the pressure, boost your returns, and help you enjoy the benefits of your investment without the daily stress.

Signs It Might Be Time to Switch or Seek Help

Even in areas with strong demand, short-term rentals don’t run themselves. If you’re starting to feel like your property is underperforming, or you’re simply overwhelmed, it could be time to reassess your setup. Here are some of the most common red flags:

Inconsistent or declining income

Your property might be in a high-demand location, but that doesn’t guarantee steady returns. If your revenue has dropped despite strong market conditions, it could point to missed pricing opportunities, poor marketing, or underwhelming guest experiences.

Struggling to keep up with daily demands

Responding to guest enquiries, managing check-ins, coordinating cleaning schedules, and handling maintenance all add up. If you’re constantly chasing your tail or having to step in during holidays or late nights, the workload may no longer be sustainable.

Negative or declining guest reviews

Even a few bad reviews can have a lasting impact on your property’s performance. If guests are commenting negatively on cleanliness, communication, or overall experience, it’s a sign that there are issues that need attention.

Feeling burnt out or unable to switch off

Owning an investment property shouldn’t mean sacrificing your personal time. If you’re feeling exhausted, unable to take a break, or anxious about every booking, it’s a clear indicator that the current approach isn’t working.

Navigating complex compliance requirements

Local councils and strata bodies continue to evolve short-term rental rules. Staying compliant with licensing, insurance, and occupancy regulations can be time-consuming and confusing, especially if you’re managing multiple properties.

An underperforming co-host or property manager

If you’ve already outsourced management but still face poor communication, vague reporting, or underwhelming results, it might be time to consider whether your current provider is adding value.

What a Professional Property Manager Brings to the Table

The expertise and advanced strategies brought by a professional property manager work to maximise income and guest satisfaction while removing your day-to-day stress. Hiring a professional property manager means gaining a partner with the experience, tools, and systems to elevate your property’s performance. 

Revenue optimisation through dynamic pricing

Effective pricing isn’t set-and-forget. Professional property management services like AirKeeper use data-driven strategies to adjust rates based on market demand, local events, seasonality, and competitor performance. This ensures your property is always positioned to earn its highest potential.

24/7 guest communication and support

Prompt, professional communication plays a major role in guest satisfaction. Property managers handle every interaction, ensuring your guests feel supported throughout their stay.

Listing optimisation and multi-platform marketing

Professional managers craft compelling listings, coordinate photography, and promote your property across major platforms like Airbnb, Stayz, and Booking.com, increasing visibility and driving more bookings. Some providers, like AirKeeper, even have their own in-house booking platforms that can reduce fees through direct bookings.

Reliable coordination of cleaning and maintenance

Turnover between guests needs to be perfect. Property managers ensure timely, high-quality cleaning, schedule regular maintenance, and respond quickly to urgent repairs. This keeps your property in top condition and leads to more positive reviews.

Expertise in compliance and regulations

Navigating council rules, insurance requirements, and strata by-laws is part of the job. A good property manager stays across regulatory changes and ensures your property remains compliant, so you can avoid potential fines or disruptions.

The AirKeeper Advantage

Not all property managers deliver the same level of service. AirKeeper stands out by offering a tailored, data-driven approach that’s designed to maximise both returns and peace of mind. With a focus on short-term rentals, the team brings deep industry knowledge and proven systems that take the hassle out of hosting.

Strategic pricing backed by local insights

AirKeeper combines real-time market data with detailed local knowledge to fine-tune pricing strategies. This ensures your property is competitively priced year-round, so you can capitalise on peak periods and avoid revenue gaps during quieter seasons.

End-to-end guest management that drives results

From first enquiry to final review, AirKeeper handles the full guest experience. 24/7 communication, prompt support, and consistent attention to detail help improve ratings and encourage repeat bookings for long-term growth.

Transparent reporting and performance tracking

Owners have access to clear, easy-to-understand reporting that shows how their property is performing. With detailed dashboards and insights, you’ll always know exactly where your income is coming from.

Hands-off management that gives you your time back

AirKeeper’s team handles every detail, from coordinating cleaners to responding to guest issues. With reliable systems in place, you can step back from the day-to-day while knowing your investment is in good hands.

Proven results across diverse property types

Whether it’s a city apartment, coastal retreat, or regional getaway, AirKeeper has a track record of success. Their experience managing a broad portfolio means your property benefits from best practices that have been tested and refined across different markets.

Addressing Common Concerns

Switching to a professional property manager is a big decision, and it’s natural to have hesitations. Here’s how AirKeeper addresses the most common concerns from property owners.

“I don’t want to lose control of my property.”

Working with AirKeeper doesn’t mean stepping away entirely. Owners retain full visibility through a dedicated portal, with access to calendars, earnings reports, and guest activity. Regular updates and open communication ensure you stay informed and involved.

“I already have a manager.”

If you’re already working with a property manager or co-host, ask yourself if they are truly delivering the best possible returns. Are guest reviews improving? Are you receiving timely updates and detailed reporting? AirKeeper encourages property owners to compare services and provides an easy transition process for those ready to upgrade.

“It’s too expensive.”

A common misconception is that hiring a professional manager eats into profits. In reality, a high-performing manager pays for themselves. AirKeeper’s dynamic pricing, increased occupancy rates, and efficient operations often result in significantly higher revenue.

Professional Management with AirKeeper

Managing a short-term rental doesn’t have to mean constant stress, unpredictable earnings, or being on-call 24/7. If you’ve noticed declining income, poor guest feedback, or simply feel overwhelmed, it may be time to rethink your current approach. Whether you’re self-managing or working with a manager who’s no longer delivering, the right support can help get your investment back on track.

AirKeeper helps property owners move beyond the limitations of DIY management or underperforming services. With tailored strategies, transparent communication, and a proven record of improving performance, they take the pressure off, so you can focus on enjoying the returns.

Whether you’re self-managing or stuck with an underperforming manager, discover how AirKeeper can help you earn more and stress less. Book a free consultation today.

At AirKeeper, protecting your property and rental income is our top priority. In light of recent fraudulent booking attempts across the industry, we are taking proactive measures to enhance security and safeguard your investment.

That’s why we’re excited to announce the implementation of 3D Secure (3DS) payments—an advanced security feature designed to prevent unauthorised transactions and ensure only legitimate bookings go through.

What is 3D Secure (3DS) and How Does It Work?

3D Secure is an extra layer of protection for online payments that requires guests to verify their transactions using a secure PIN, one-time password (OTP), or biometric authentication before completing a booking. This process significantly reduces the risk of fraudulent transactions and chargebacks.

Here’s how it works:

1. Guest Makes a Payment – When a guest books a stay at your property, they enter their payment details as usual.
2. Authentication Request – The system triggers an authentication request, directing the guest to verify their identity through their bank.
3. Secure Verification – The guest confirms the transaction using a password, fingerprint, or OTP sent via SMS/email.
4. Booking Confirmation – Once verified, the transaction is processed, ensuring only authorised payments go through.

Why Are We Implementing 3D Secure?

With online transactions becoming increasingly targeted by fraudsters, ensuring the security of your property’s revenue is more important than ever. We’ve introduced 3DS payments to:

• Reduce Fraudulent Bookings: Prevent unauthorised transactions and reduce the risk of chargebacks.
• Enhance Guest Trust: Provide a more secure booking experience, reinforcing confidence in our platform.
• Protect Your Earnings: Ensure that only genuine transactions are processed, keeping your income safe from fraudulent activity.

What This Means for AirKeeper Owners

For property owners, this change offers additional peace of mind. By implementing 3D Secure payments, we’re proactively reducing financial risks associated with fraudulent bookings while maintaining a seamless experience for trusted guests. This security enhancement requires no action on your part—our system will automatically implement it for all bookings processed through AirKeeper.

Our Commitment to Secure and Seamless Hosting

At AirKeeper, we continuously invest in technology and industry best practices to provide a safe, reliable, and profitable experience for our property owners. The introduction of 3DS payments is just one of the many ways we’re working to protect your investment while ensuring a seamless experience for guests.

If you have any questions about 3D Secure or how this update benefits you, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team.

Thank you for trusting AirKeeper to manage your property—we’re committed to delivering excellent service for both you and your guests while keeping your earnings secure.

Managing an Airbnb property requires time, effort, and expertise. Hosting can quickly become overwhelming, especially for those new to short-term rentals or managing multiple listings. 

To address this, Airbnb developed co-hosting, which allows property owners to delegate hosting responsibilities to someone else, typically a friend, family member, or even hired assistants. A co-host can help with various tasks, such as guest communication and booking management. This arrangement can be useful for hosts who lack the time or expertise to manage their rental effectively.

Airbnb provides different permission levels for co-hosts, allowing owners to control their level of involvement. Co-hosts can be granted access to messaging guests, updating listings, managing reservations, or even handling payouts, depending on the owner’s preferences. While co-hosting can provide valuable support, it can also come with challenges, such as maintaining quality control, coordinating schedules, and ensuring consistency in guest experience.

How Co-Hosting Differs from Professional Property Management

Co-hosting is often an informal arrangement where property owners enlist the help of a trusted friend, family member, or local contact to assist with hosting duties. While this can offer flexibility and a personalised touch, it also comes with limitations. Co-hosts may have varying levels of experience, availability, and commitment, which can lead to inconsistencies in guest communication, maintenance, and overall management quality.

In contrast, professional short-term rental management services provide structured, full-service solutions designed to optimise rental performance. Companies like AirKeeper offer dedicated teams with industry expertise, advanced pricing strategies, and streamlined processes to ensure consistent guest satisfaction and higher occupancy rates. Unlike co-hosting, professional management eliminates the risk of gaps in service or quality and ensures a more hands-off approach for property owners.

Co-Hosting vs Full-Service Short Term Rental Management

While co-hosting can provide assistance with daily tasks, full-service property management offers a more comprehensive way to maximise your rental success. Professional management provides consistency, reliability, and expertise that improve occupancy rates and revenue.

AirKeeper goes beyond basic property oversight by implementing advanced technology, data-driven pricing, and industry best practices to optimise performance for your property. With a dedicated team handling everything from guest communication, to maintenance, to compliance, property owners can enjoy a truly hands-off experience while achieving the best possible returns.

For those looking for a stress-free, scalable solution, professional property management eliminates the risks and limitations of co-hosting, providing a structured, high-quality approach to short-term rental success.

The Benefits of Working with AirKeeper

While co-hosting can provide extra support, professional property management offers a more structured and reliable solution. Here’s how AirKeeper stands out:

Expertise and Professionalism 

AirKeeper’s team specialises in short-term rental management, ensuring every aspect of your property is handled by the best.

Comprehensive Services

From dynamic pricing and marketing to guest communication and compliance management, AirKeeper provides a full-service solution that goes beyond what a typical co-host can offer.

Stress-Free Management

With a professional team handling operations, there’s no need to worry about managing co-host relationships or dealing with inconsistencies.

Scalable Support

Whether you manage a single property or an extensive portfolio, AirKeeper offers 24/7 guest support, maintenance coordination, and the flexibility to scale as your rental business grows.

By choosing a professional service over co-hosting, property owners can achieve higher returns with a hassle-free hosting experience.

Co-Hosting or Professional Management?

Co-hosting on Airbnb can be a useful option for property owners who need extra help managing their rental, but it comes with challenges such as maintaining quality control and ensuring consistent operations. While co-hosts can assist with day-to-day tasks, professional property management provides a more reliable and scalable solution.

With AirKeeper’s full-service management, property owners benefit from hassle-free hosting that maximises rental income without needing to manage a co-host.

Want to learn how AirKeeper can help you reach your property’s full potential? Contact us today for a free property appraisal.

Holiday rentals have emerged as a lucrative investment opportunity, offering property owners the potential for strong returns in a growing market. The rise of short-term rental platforms like Airbnb has transformed the industry, allowing investors to generate income through flexible, high-yield rental arrangements.

With increasing demand for unique and home-like accommodations, short-term rentals attract a broad range of travelers, from holidaymakers to business professionals. Compared to traditional long-term leasing, holiday rentals offer higher earning potential, greater flexibility, and the ability to capitalise on peak seasons and special events. However, maximising profitability requires careful management, expert marketing, and an understanding of evolving regulations.

This blog explores the key reasons why holiday rentals are a strong investment choice and how to navigate the opportunities and challenges they present.

Higher Rental Yields Compared to Long-Term Rentals

One of the most notable advantages of investing in a holiday rental is the potential for higher rental yields compared to long-term leasing. Short-term rentals operate on a per-night pricing model, which often results in significantly higher income. This is especially true in high-demand locations and during peak travel seasons.

For example, a property in a popular tourist destination can see nightly rates that far exceed the equivalent daily rate of a long-term lease. That being said, success in short-term rentals isn’t just about charging higher rates. Strategic pricing, consistent occupancy, and excellent guest experiences all contribute to maximising returns. Events like festivals, conferences, and holiday periods create opportunities to maximise earnings, with well-timed pricing adjustments making a big difference in profitability.

Flexibility in Property Use

Unlike long-term rentals, which require locking in tenants for extended lease periods, holiday rentals offer property owners greater flexibility. This means you can generate income from short-term guests while still having the option to use the property for personal stays when it’s unbooked. For investors who want both a holiday home and a revenue-generating asset, short-term rentals provide the perfect balance.

Tax Advantages and Deductions

Investing in a holiday rental comes with several financial benefits, including potential tax deductions that can improve overall profitability. Owners may be eligible to claim deductions on a range of expenses related to their rental property.

Common deductible expenses include property management fees, maintenance and repairs, utilities, insurance, and depreciation. Additionally, costs associated with marketing the property, professional photography, and even some travel expenses for property inspections may also be tax-deductible.

However, tax regulations vary depending on location and how frequently the property is rented versus used for personal stays. To fully leverage these advantages while staying compliant, many investors turn to professional property management services for their expertise.

Growing Demand for Unique Accommodations

Traveller preferences have shifted in recent years, with more people seeking unique stays over traditional hotels. This trend has driven demand for holiday rentals, particularly properties that offer distinctive experiences, premium amenities, or locations that immerse guests in their surroundings. For investors, this shift presents a valuable opportunity. By catering to evolving guest expectations and ensuring their property stands out, owners see consistent bookings and maximise earnings. 

Diversifying Your Investment Portfolio

Holiday rentals offer an alternative income stream that isn’t directly tied to the fluctuations of the long-term rental market or traditional real estate cycles. Unlike standard buy-and-hold rental properties, short-term rentals allow investors to capitalise on seasonal demand, local events, and tourism trends to drive income. For investors looking to strengthen their portfolio, a third–party managed holiday rental can provide both passive income and long-term capital appreciation. 

Challenges to Consider

While holiday rentals offer strong investment potential, they also come with unique challenges that require careful management. Unlike long-term rentals, short-term stays demand frequent guest turnover, ongoing maintenance, and dynamic pricing adjustments to remain competitive. Additionally, seasonality can impact occupancy rates, requiring a strategic approach to maximise earnings year-round.

Regulations surrounding short-term rentals are another important factor. Many cities and regions have evolving policies regarding holiday rentals, including restrictions on rental periods, zoning laws, and licensing requirements. Staying compliant with these regulations is essential to avoiding fines or disruptions.

Managing a holiday rental successfully requires time, expertise, and local market knowledge. This is where professional property management services like AirKeeper become essential. By handling everything from guest communication and booking management to pricing strategies and compliance, AirKeeper helps investors navigate these challenges while ensuring their property remains profitable and hassle-free.

How AirKeeper Maximises Holiday Rental Success

Successfully managing a holiday rental requires more than just listing it on a booking platform. To truly maximise returns, investors need a strategic approach that balances pricing, guest experience, and their desired level of involvement. AirKeeper provides comprehensive property management services designed to help owners achieve higher yields while reducing their workload.

AirKeeper’s dynamic pricing strategies ensure rental rates are optimised based on real-time market trends, seasonal demand, and local events, helping investors capture the highest possible earnings. Their end-to-end guest management services, including professional 24/7 communication, improve the guest experience, leading to better ratings and repeat bookings.

Beyond guest management, AirKeeper handles listing optimisation, cleaning and maintenance coordination, compliance with short-term rental regulations, and much more, ensuring properties are well-maintained and operate within legal requirements. By leveraging industry expertise, market insights, and proven processes, AirKeeper allows investors to enjoy the financial benefits of holiday rentals without the stress of hands-on management.

What Next?

Investing in a holiday rental presents a compelling opportunity for property owners looking to generate strong returns while maintaining flexibility and long-term asset growth. With higher rental yields, tax advantages, and increasing demand for unique accommodations, short-term rentals can be a valuable addition to an investment portfolio. However, managing a holiday rental successfully requires strategic pricing, guest management, and compliance with evolving regulations.

By partnering with a professional property management service like AirKeeper, investors can improve operations, increase earnings, and eliminate the stress of day-to-day management. Whether you’re a first-time investor, new to short-term rentals, or looking to maximise an existing property’s potential, AirKeeper provides the expertise and support needed to ensure success.

Ready to unlock the full potential of your holiday rental? Contact AirKeeper today to learn how we can help you maximise your investment.

At AirKeeper, we are always looking for ways to stay ahead of the curve and strengthen our partnerships within the short-term rental industry. Recently, we had the privilege of attending the Airbnb Pro Host Conference in Victoria—an exclusive, invitation-only event reserved for the top Airbnb hosts in Australia.

This prestigious event reinforced our strong relationship with Airbnb, and we had the opportunity to engage directly with senior leaders, including Susan Wheeldon, Head of Airbnb Australia, as well as key members of the Australia and New Zealand teams from Marketing, Account Management, and Legislation.

Key Takeaways from the Conference

One of the most valuable aspects of this event was the in-depth discussions on the evolving landscape of short-term rentals—not only in Victoria but across Australia and New Zealand. With shifting regulations and market trends, it is crucial to understand how we, as professional property managers, can best navigate these changes while continuing to provide exceptional service to our clients.

Throughout the conference, we explored key industry topics, including:

• Upcoming regulatory changes and their impact on property owners
• Market trends and predictions for the remainder of 2025
• Strategies to enhance guest experience and maximise property performance

By participating in these discussions, AirKeeper is well-positioned to adapt and ensure our clients stay ahead in the evolving short-term rental market.

A Special Moment with Caroline Wozniacki

The event concluded with an inspiring keynote speech by Caroline Wozniacki, former world No. 1 tennis player and Grand Slam champion. Her journey of resilience and success resonated deeply, reminding us that adaptability and perseverance are key to thriving in any industry.

Networking with Industry Peers

Beyond the official sessions, we also had the chance to connect with top hosts and industry professionals to exchange insights, discuss challenges, and share strategies for future success. These conversations reaffirmed the importance of collaboration and innovation in ensuring a thriving short-term rental market.

What This Means for AirKeeper Clients

Attending this exclusive event reinforces AirKeeper’s commitment to staying at the forefront of the industry, ensuring that we continue to offer:

🏡 Expert knowledge on regulatory changes so our owners can make informed decisions
📈 Proven strategies to optimise property performance and increase revenue
🤝 A strong partnership with Airbnb, providing our clients with a competitive edge

We are excited about the future of short-term rentals and are committed to helping our property owners navigate the changing landscape with confidence.

If you have any questions about how these industry changes may affect your property, or if you’d like to explore new opportunities with AirKeeper, reach out to our team today!