Imagine that you’ve just shut the door on your freshly styled home, suitcase in hand, ready for your own little getaway… meanwhile, your place is busy earning its keep as an Airbnb home. Sounds dreamy, right? That’s because it is.

The good news is your home doesn’t have to be magazine-perfect - just clean, comfortable and considered. With a little prep (and maybe the help of a co-host), you can turn almost any space - from a family home or city apartment to a granny flat, studio or even a spare room - into a welcoming retreat for guests and a clever income stream for you.

We’ve pulled together this handy checklist to help you get guest-ready with confidence. And here’s the best bit: if you’d love an extra hand, you can hire a co-host to take care of the hosting for you.

SET YOURSELF UP FOR SUCCESS

Hosting is more than just opening your doors – think of it as your side hustle. Before you welcome your first guest, spend a little time getting clear on the numbers and the plan. Work out your pricing by checking what similar listings in your area are charging, and use Airbnb’s pricing tool to estimate what your place could earn. A little homework up front means less stress later - and more cash in your pocket.

CLEAR THE CLUTTER

Guests want to feel welcome, but not like they’re snooping through your life. Creating a clean, neutral base helps them settle in straight away while giving you peace of mind that your personal bits are tucked safely away.

Tidy up the memories: Pack away family photos, paperwork and valuables.
Create a safe stash: Use a lockable cupboard or garage to store your things.

Don’t worry, you don’t have to empty every cupboard - just clear a little space so your guests have room to settle in.

STYLE IT TO SHINE ONLINE (& IRL)

If you’ve done our Styling School, you’ll know this is the fun bit! Styling your home is what can move your property from ‘just another listing’ to ‘add to Airbnb wishlist.’ Start by drawing inspo from your location, then layer in comfort, personality and a few scroll-stopping touches.

Layer it up: Rugs, cushions, curtains and throws bring warmth, texture and add to the overall vibe of the property.
Make it pop: Add artwork, lighting and unique pieces that give your space personality.

Take a cue from the Origami House – handmade tiles, timber details and Japanese-inspired touches gave it that unforgettable wow factor.

CONSIDER A CO-HOST

If the thought of juggling it all feels a bit overwhelming, don’t stress because you don’t have to do it alone. That's where co-hosts can help. You can find a local Airbnb Host on the co-host network who can step in and take care of the nitty-gritty, so you can enjoy the benefits of hosting without the work.

Lean on the pros: co-hosts are local Airbnb hosts who know the ropes.
Hand over the hard stuff: They can manage photos, guest enquiries, cleaning and even check-ins.
Keep it simple: You provide the home, they do the hosting. Easy!

It’s the perfect option if you’re short on time but still want to reap the rewards of being a host.

LET THE PHOTOS DO THE TALKING

Your photos are what will draw eyeballs to your listing… and trust us, first impressions really do matter! The right images will stop people mid-scroll and make them click ‘book.’ While you can DIY your shots, professional photography is often worth the investment. Depending on where you live, Airbnb may even be able to help connect you to an amazing photographer nearby. Great images will pay for themselves in bookings (and you’ll have fab pics to share on socials too).

Chase the light: Shoot in natural daylight for bright, inviting images.
Capture hero spaces: Beautiful shots of key rooms like the living, kitchen and bedrooms are essential.
Style it up: Make sure each space is styled to look its absolute best.
Pick a hero: Choose a scroll-stopping 'hero shot' as your cover image.

WRITE WORDS THAT WOW

Once your photos hook potential guests, your words need to seal the deal. A clear, catchy listing description paints the picture of your home and sets expectations before they even step through the door. Keep it simple, honest and inviting.

Craft a title that pops: Think Cosy Coastal Escape or Light-Filled Family Retreat.
List every amenity: Don’t skip the basics - kitchen, TV and laundry (washer and dryer) are features that guests search for often. And if you have a swimming pool or your property is pet-friendly, make sure to add those details too. They all add to the picture!
Spell out the rules: Be upfront about house rules so there are no surprises.

Transparency here translates to happier guests, better reviews and smoother hosting.

OWN YOUR CALENDAR

Think of your Airbnb calendar as mission control - it’s where you decide who stays, when they stay, and how often. A well-managed calendar keeps you in charge and makes life easier for both you and your guests.

Plan ahead: Open your calendar up to 2 years in advance if you’re keen.
Set your rules: Choose a minimum stay.
Protect your time: Block out personal dates so you’re never double-booked.
Build in breathing space: Add 'buffer days' between bookings for cleaning and laundry, if required.

PERSONALISE THE EXPERIENCE

It doesn’t take much to turn a stay from ‘nice’ into ‘unforgettable.’ Thoughtful little touches show guests you’ve gone the extra mile.

Make it personal: Leave a handwritten welcome note.
Add a treat: Fresh flowers on the table or a bottle of local wine in the fridge.
Set the scene: In cooler months, light the fire or switch on the heating before arrival.

These small gestures don’t cost much, but they leave a big impression (and often inspire repeat bookings).

COVER YOUR BASES

Before you hit ‘publish,’ make sure you’ve got all the essentials sorted. It’s not the glamorous part of hosting, but it’s what protects you (and your guests) in the long run.

Check the rules: Some councils require approval for short-term rentals.
Update your insurance: Make sure your policy covers holiday lets.
Rest easy: Airbnb’s AirCover for Hosts includes $3M USD damage protection.

Get these details sorted upfront, and you’ll host with confidence, knowing you’re covered where it counts.