How to Start Hosting on Airbnb or a Short-Term Rental: 5 Simple Steps to Unlock Extra Income
If you own a property in London or another high-demand UK destination, now is the time to turn it into a profitable short-term rental. With over 90 million guests choosing holiday lets in the UK last year alone, the appetite for quality Airbnb-style accommodation is only growing.
Whether you're sitting on an unused flat in Shoreditch or a cosy cottage near Bath, becoming an Airbnb or short-term rental host is a flexible and rewarding way to earn additional income. Here's how to get started and ensure your property stands out from the crowd.
Why Airbnb or Short-Term Rentals?
Airbnb remains the most trusted and widely used platform for short-term stays. It offers global reach, a simple user experience, and an easy-to-use system for hosts. But with popularity comes competition. The key to success lies in how well your property is presented, managed, and marketed.
At Curated Property, we work with homeowners across the UK to help them earn more through smart, design-led, and fully managed holiday lets and short-term rentals.
Step 1: Understand Your Local Market
Before you list, research what's already out there. What kind of properties are being booked in your area? Are they minimalist lofts or period homes with character? What amenities are guests raving about?
Check average nightly rates
Look at seasonal trends
Pay attention to guest reviews
This will help you position your property effectively and set a realistic price.
Step 2: Get Your Property Guest-Ready
Presentation is everything. Cleanliness, layout, and design all influence booking decisions. Guests expect the comforts of a hotel with the uniqueness of a home.
Invest in quality bedding and towels
Stock up on essentials (kitchenware, toiletries, Wi-Fi)
Add thoughtful touches like local recommendations or a welcome note
Don’t skip safety: ensure you have smoke detectors, a first aid kit, and clear exit info
Professional photography is essential to help your listing shine.
Step 3: Build Your Airbnb or Short-Term Rental Listing
Creating an eye-catching listing is about more than just uploading photos. You need:
A compelling title
A clear, friendly and informative description
House rules and check-in details
A smart pricing strategy
Many hosts use dynamic pricing tools to adjust nightly rates based on demand, events, or seasonality. This can dramatically improve your occupancy and income.
Step 4: Know the Legal Essentials
In Greater London, renting out your entire property on a short‑term basis is capped at 90 nights per calendar year, unless you obtain planning permission. Exceeding this limit without approval can lead to automatic platform blocks and council enforcement, including fines.
Key compliance tips for homeowners:
Check your mortgage and insurance policies to ensure short-lets are permitted.
Understand local council rules, as requirements may vary across London boroughs.
Meet all health & safety standards (e.g., fire risk assessments, gas safety certificates, EICRs).
Starting off on the right foot—even before your first guest—can save significant fines and operational headaches later. Want help ensuring your London holiday let ticks every compliance box? Just drop us a message.
Step 5: Launch and Manage Effectively
Once live, your job isn’t over. You’ll need to:
Respond promptly to guest enquiries
Keep the calendar updated
Coordinate cleaning between bookings
Maintain excellent communication throughout each guest’s stay
If this sounds like a lot, you're not alone. That’s why many homeowners work with a management partner like Curated Property to handle the day-to-day operations. We take care of everything from check-in to laundry, while you enjoy the returns.
Whether you want to rent your property seasonally, year-round or build a short-let portfolio, partnering with the right team can transform your success.
At Curated Property, we help hosts in London, the South West and beyond to launch and manage standout short-term rentals. Our full-service model covers everything from compliance to guest communications and cleaning services.
Let’s talk. Get in touch with us now via Whatsapp, Email or give James a call on +44 (0) 79520 50342 and discover what your property could earn.