There is only one platform when it comes to listing your holiday let, right? Everyone knows that Airbnb is the most popular place to let your property in the short term, but it’s not the only game in town. Should you decide that Aibnb isn’t quite right for you, there are other options. And in this guide, we list some Airbnb alternatives for your holiday let.
Why might you want an alternative to Airbnb?
Airbnb is one of the most popular holiday let platforms, and it’s often the first port of call for anyone with a rental property who wants to use it for holiday lets. But maybe you think Airbnb’s fees are too high, or perhaps there are too many properties listed in your area and you want to use another platform to stand out. Whatever your reason for choosing an Airbnb alternative, the good news is that there are plenty of platforms out there. Let’s look at some of the options.
Airbnb alternatives
1) Vrbo
- Vrbo’s broad audience reach helps hosts connect with a diverse range of potential guests, especially families.
- The platform offers hosts control over their listings, including pricing, availability and house rules.
- Vrbo provides hosts with tools for efficient management, like the dashboard for bookings and guest communications.
Vrbo is arguably the second-largest game in town for holiday lets. While it may not be as widely recognised, Vrbo competes closely with Airbnb in various aspects. And there are reasons why Vrbo is not as prevalent.
It typically provides fewer choices in many areas, which means your property might have a better chance of standing out from the crowd. Additionally, Vrbo’s focus is solely on independent accommodations, in contrast to Airbnb’s broader range, which includes hotel rooms and shared spaces. That means you’re not competing with hotels and the like.
An advantageous feature for anyone booking on Vrbo is its “total price” search filter, which shows the complete cost of a rental, factoring in cleaning and additional fees. This can be helpful for you too, as people may be more keen to book when they see the total price upfront.
Generally, Vrbo is a worthwhile option to explore as an alternative to Airbnb, particularly during busy travel periods when Airbnb options may be limited.
2) Booking.com
- Booking.com’s global presence offers hosts exposure to a wide international traveller base.
- The platform allows flexible pricing strategies, helping hosts optimise their revenue.
- Booking.com helps promote your listing, enhancing its visibility.
Once the go-to place to book hotels, Booking.com has expanded to offer full accommodation. It obviously wants a slice of the holiday market pie and already has the brand recognition to attract over 1.5 million bookings (according to the platform) every single day.
Listing your holiday accommodation on Booking.com can undoubtedly open the door to a multitude of booking opportunities, potentially leading to increased profits. Furthermore, a key benefit of this platform is its integration with online check-in tools. Booking.com reservations can be synchronised with software designed to automate the check-in process.
3) Plum Guide
- Plum Guide’s focus on quality and exclusivity attracts a premium customer base, potentially leading to higher rental incomes.
- The platform’s strict selection process can enhance a property’s prestige and market value.
- Plum Guide offers professional photography and listing support, showcasing properties at their best.
Plum Guide is an interesting alternative to Airbnb, especially if you have a particularly appealing property. Its rigorous selection process means that only the highest quality homes are listed. Each property undergoes a meticulous vetting process, involving over 150 criteria, which guarantees guests a high standard of accommodation.
Plum Guide offers a platform to showcase properties, attracting a type of traveller who is usually willing to pay a premium for superior quality and service. This can lead to higher rental incomes and a more exclusive market segment compared to the broader audience of Airbnb.
80 LTV mortgages
- Borrow up to 80% of the property’s value
- Get a mortgage as an individual or limited company
- An online mortgage application that takes place entirely online.
4) Holiday cottages.co.uk
- Specialising in UK holiday rentals, Holidaycottages.co.uk targets a specific market, ideal for hosts with properties in tourist-friendly areas.
- The platform provides targeted marketing and promotional support to increase booking rates.
- Hosts benefit from a dedicated account management team, offering personalised support and advice.
Holidaycottages.co.uk impresses us with its boutique ambiance. Despite offering a selection of over 6,000 cottages, this Airbnb alternative manages to maintain a uniquely personal touch. Its focus is primarily on rural retreats, boasting an extensive range that spans from the Isle of Skye to Newquay.
The variety of properties available caters to diverse preferences. Whether it’s romantic cottages brimming with charm, spacious family retreats or accommodations welcoming to dogs, there’s something for everyone. The website is thoughtfully organised, featuring dedicated sections for those seeking quirky getaways, beachside cottages, and luxurious stays – if your place has a unique feature, Holidaycottages.co.uk, could help it shine.
5) Letting agent
- Letting agents handle the end-to-end management, reducing the workload and time investment for property owners.
- They provide expertise in pricing and local market trends, which can help maximise rental income.
- Agents aim for regular occupancy through effective marketing and tenant screening.
There is, of course, the option to use a letting agent for short-term lets instead of a platform. Short lets typically last anywhere between a few weeks and six months, and many UK letting agents offer short-term lettings as part of their service. Like with any platform, you’ll need to pay a fee (this is usually a percentage of the rental income). The difference, however, lies in the more personalised service offered by traditional letting agents, as opposed to the self-service approach typical of online holiday let platforms.
Should I use a holiday-let management company?
Whether you should use a holiday-let management company boils down to what suits you best. These companies take a load off your shoulders by handling everything from marketing and bookings to chatting with guests and looking after your property.
They can be particularly handy if you’re not nearby, super busy or just dipping your toes into the holiday rental world. But remember that their help comes at a price – they usually take a cut of what you earn.
If you’re leaning towards getting some help, here are a few companies you might want to check out:
- Guesty is a comprehensive property management platform designed for short-term and holiday rentals. It provides end-to-end management solutions, including centralised reservations, guest communication, operational tasks and dynamic pricing.
- Pass the Keys offers comprehensive Airbnb management, optimising listings and maximising rental income.
- Houst provides full management for short-lets in UK cities, focusing on maximised occupancy and revenue.
So, if you’re after a stress-free way to manage your rental and keep those bookings rolling in, a management company could be just the ticket. But make sure you weigh up the costs against how hands-on you want to be.
80 LTV mortgages
- Borrow up to 80% of the property’s value
- Get a mortgage as an individual or limited company
- An online mortgage application that takes place entirely online.
Final thoughts: Airbnb alternatives
You might choose Airbnb to list your holiday let, or you might not. With plenty of options for listing and managing your holiday let, you can make an informed choice on which holiday-let platform is right for you. And if you’re interested in getting a holiday-let mortgage, Molo can help with specialised mortgages designed for holiday lets. Start your journey to a successful holiday let.
