Airbnb VS Renting is the debate that has been going on since the existence of vacation rentals. Everybody has their opinion on this matter, but is there an ultimate answer to this question? Which can generate you more money? and what is the right decision for you?
In this article, I will show you both sides of this argument and in the end, help you be able to better analyze what is the right decision.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Airbnb
Airbnb can have really high daily rental yields based on the location of your property. The fact that you can set the pricing according to the season and day of the week gives you high chances to maximize your income. Additionally, Airbnb offers more flexibility and even with potential threats such as damages and losses, you can still be protected by Airbnb’s Host Guarantee. Airbnb will also have more laws and regulations you will have to follow, this will require more research on your end to be sure it is legal in the area you want.
On the other hand, Airbnb is not a guarantee of steady income. As a host, you will always be dependent on the season of the year. Also, the pandemic showed quite clearly that demand for vacation rentals can fall quite quickly during the crisis. According to the Wall Street Journal, Airbnb’s valuation fell from $31 billion to $18 billion during the pandemic.
In addition to this, Airbnb homes require a higher upfront cost as you will need to do more renovation work and give a guest more amenities. Not to mention ongoing expenses like hiring cleaners or having to pay for sites like Airbnb and Vrbo. These costs can definitely make Airbnb be more expensive but also will give you higher potential revenue. Lastly, time is also a big factor that you must consider. You will have to invest more time into running your Airbnb property.
Still, if you have a home at the right location that is staged and advertised properly. Your daily and yearly income will be much higher compared to a similar-sized rented property.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Renting
Renting can be reliable and steady and many people have become very successful from this. There is no need to deal with many guests, bookings, and cleaners. On the other hand, you cannot maximize the income anywhere near like you can when managing an Airbnb. It is less flexible; therefore, you have lots of missed opportunities.
When you rent out a property you have more independence in some sense. For example, you can choose the tenants more carefully. But the slow rhythm of this model can not only be tedious but also not as profitable for you. Renting out a property requires a lot less time than Airbnb. Also, you have a longer commitment because you have been bound to your tenant by a contract that has the potential to cause problems if the tenant is not taking care of the property.
On the positive side, when renting you need fewer tools. To manage Airbnb homes you need to be available all the time, you will need reliable management software for channel management and various options for receiving payments securely, and of course, if you’re able to leverage and use tools like these, then you can most definitely be extremely profitable.
How to compare Airbnb and Renting?
To reach a decision in this argument, you should be aware that the correct answer is based on the individual. Each case should be discussed independently. So, to decide which is more profitable for you, you have to analyze the following factors:
- The location of your property
- Money- what you have and what you are willing to spend
- Risk management
- Your availability – do you have time to manage an Airbnb?
To sum everything up, the answer to Airbnb VS Renting is based on your situation. Each has its pros and cons, ultimately Airbnb has the potential to yield a higher return but renting can be more stable. Figure out what money you want to spend and what feels like the right thing for you. It may be Airbnb today, but renting might seem more promising tomorrow. You have to analyze what your expectations are and the resources accessible to you and make a decision between the two on your own.