Airbnb Management in Australia: Cost, 80/20 Rule & Hiring a Professional

Airbnb Management in Australia: Cost, 80/20 Rule & Hiring a Professional

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Are you considering getting some help with your Airbnb? You’re not alone! Many hosts in Australia are looking into Airbnb management services to save time, earn more money, and make hosting less stressful. In this article, we’ll answer some common questions about hiring someone to manage your Airbnb. We’ll cover important topics like how much it costs, if you can pay someone to help (spoiler: you can!), what the 80/20 rule means for being successful as a host, and how a more hands-off hosting approach can help you earn passive income from your rental. Plus, we’ll look at how services like KozyGuru can be an excellent option for hosts in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and other areas. 

Thanks to professional styling and photography, a well-managed Airbnb property looks great and attracts more guests. Management services help ensure that your listing stands out and shines!

Airbnb Management in Australia: Cost, 80/20 Rule & Hiring a Professional
Photo by Jakub Żerdzicki on Unsplash

How Much Does It Cost to Have Someone Manage an Airbnb for You?

When you engage a company to manage your Airbnb property, they typically take a portion of the income you generate from renting it out. Most of these management companies in Australia charge between 15% and 25% of your rental earnings. For example, if your property generates about $2,000 a month, a standard fee of 20% would mean you’d pay around $400 for their services that month. This pricing structure ensures that the manager only profits when you do, motivating them to help you succeed.

Here’s a simple overview of the typical fee ranges and what services you might expect to receive:

  • Budget/Basic Service (around 15%):
    If you opt for a budget service, you’ll typically pay lower fees, usually about 10–15%. This type of service generally includes only the most basic features. You’ll likely receive help with simple things like communicating with guests and managing your listing. However, you may need to handle other tasks, such as restocking supplies or promoting your property.
  • Full Service Management (around 20% fee):
    Property management companies in cities like Sydney and Melbourne often charge about 20% of the rental income for their full-service packages. This means they take care of everything for you, including communicating with guests, arranging cleaning services, setting rental prices, and overseeing maintenance issues.
  • Premium Service (22–25%+):
    Luxury property management services usually charge higher fees, often around 25% or more. In return, they provide extra benefits such as personalised guest experiences, detailed property care, and special attention for high-end homes.

When looking at different companies that help manage rentals, remember that they may have different ways of charging fees. It’s important to ask how they figure out the percentage they take. Does it apply just to the nightly rate, or does it include all costs that guests pay, like cleaning fees and other charges? This detail can change how much you end up paying. For example, an 18% fee on the total amount might be more expensive than a 20% fee based only on the nightly rent. So, it’s a good idea to compare the costs carefully.

Besides percentage fees, some companies offer a flat monthly fee, a fixed amount regardless of how many bookings you get. While this can make budgeting easier, it might not be the best deal during slow times or high demand. Also, some managers may have one-time fees for services like taking photos of your property or setting up your listing and additional charges for deep cleaning or replenishing supplies. Always ask for a complete list of all fees before deciding to avoid any unexpected costs.

When renting out your place on Airbnb, the costs can vary depending on where you are. For example, in Sydney, where many people want to rent, you could make around $1,000 a week from your apartment. If you hire a management service to handle everything, they might take about 20% of your earnings, which would be $200 each week. 

In cities like Brisbane or Melbourne, the management fees are usually similar, ranging from 15% to 25%, so the cost you pay depends on how much money you’re making. The upside is that a good management company can help you earn more money through better pricing and marketing. Many hosts find that, even after paying the management fee, they make more than they would if they managed everything themselves. This is often because the managers can help boost occupancy rates and set higher nightly prices.

How Much Does It Cost to Have Someone Manage an Airbnb for You?
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Can I Pay Someone to Manage My Airbnb?

Yes, you can definitely hire someone to take care of your Airbnb for you. Many people in Australia choose to do this by working with a professional management service or co-host. If you want to spend less time dealing with the daily hosting tasks, a management company can help make things easier for you. They will handle the day-to-day operations of your rental and ensure that your guests have a great experience, all for a portion of your earnings. 

There are a few ways to get someone to manage your Airbnb:

  • Professional Property Management Companies:
    They are experts in handling short-term rental properties, like those listed on sites like Airbnb. When you team up with one of these companies, you sign a contract, and they take care of everything for you.

    For example, KozyGuru is a well-known property management company in Australia that operates in popular cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and the Gold Coast. They manage a lot of rental properties and aim to make the experience easy and worry-free for owners by handling all the details.

    In exchange for their services, these companies typically charge a fee. This means you can enjoy a more relaxed experience as a property owner while they take care of your day-to-day management. We’ll explain what specific services they offer in the next section.
  • Airbnb Co-Hosts or Individuals:
    When you use Airbnb to rent out your home, you can choose to work with a co-host. A co-host could be a friend, a neighbour, or someone from your community who helps you manage your listing. They can care for things like talking to guests or cleaning your space. This option can feel casual, but remember that co-hosts usually only help with your Airbnb listing. This means you might miss opportunities to post your home on other websites like Booking.com or Vrbo, which also attract lots of guests.

    On the other hand, if you choose a professional management company, they can help you list your property on multiple platforms, leading to more bookings. While hiring an individual co-host might save money, going with a professional company can provide more services and help you reach a larger audience. In short, weigh your options carefully to decide what works best for you!

Why pay someone to manage? Managing an Airbnb can be a lot of work, and many hosts find it challenging to keep up with everything. There are always inquiries from guests, coordinating check-ins, solving problems, scheduling cleaning, and more, all of which require time and effort. Not everyone wants to juggle these responsibilities on top of their regular life. Hiring a property manager allows you to enjoy the income from your Airbnb without feeling like a second job. You’re essentially exchanging a small portion of your earnings for the reassurance that comes with knowing everything is sorted out.

Professional managers have the experience and tools that individual homeowners might lack. They know how to set the correct prices, have reliable cleaning teams ready, and understand how to make your listing stand out online. This expertise often leads to happier guests and can even boost your earnings. In short, you’re investing in professional help, just like you would if you hired an expert for any other business. If you choose a trustworthy management company, you can relax and watch your Airbnb generate income.

Can I Pay Someone to Manage My Airbnb?
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What Is the 80/20 Rule for Airbnb?

You might have come across the “80/20 rule,” also known as the Pareto Principle, which suggests that a small portion of your efforts can lead to most of your results. This concept can be applied to hosting on Airbnb as well. It indicates that a handful of key actions can lead to the majority of your booking success.

For instance, about 80% of your bookings and earnings often come from just 20% of what you do well as a host. So, what are these important actions? They usually include creating an attractive listing with good photos and a catchy title, communicating effectively with your guests by responding quickly and being friendly, and getting positive reviews by providing a great experience. These elements make a huge difference. If your listing looks appealing and has plenty of glowing reviews, you’ll likely get most of the bookings in your area, even if you might not focus on every little detail.

On the other hand, if you invest too much time in less impactful tasks, like selecting extravagant welcome gifts or fretting over wall colours. You may overlook more crucial elements, such as setting prices that attract guests or facilitating instant booking.

The key takeaway is to focus on that small percentage of actions that bring the most significant results. If you’re managing your Airbnb yourself, make sure to put your energy where it matters: keep your listing updated and appealing, use quality photos, reply quickly to questions, and offer a clean and comfortable space for your guests. These efforts will contribute significantly to your success.

If you hire a professional manager for your Airbnb, that’s great news! They will take care of those important tasks for you, and likely do an even better job because of their experience. Good Airbnb management services focus on optimising your listing, adjusting prices based on demand, and ensuring swift communication with guests. This means you can enjoy the benefits of the 80/20 rule without worrying about all the details, your manager handles it for you!

What Is the 80/20 Rule for Airbnb?
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Can Someone Manage My Airbnb for Me (Hands-Off Hosting)?

Absolutely. You can choose to have someone else take care of your Airbnb for you, often called “hands-off hosting.” This means you still own the property, but a manager looks after everything that needs to be done daily. With the right help, your Airbnb can turn into a way to make money without a lot of effort on your part. 

Here’s what a typical Airbnb management company will do for you:

  • Setting Up and Improving Your Listing:
    They help create and enhance your Airbnb listing to appeal to potential guests. This includes taking professional photos and writing descriptions that highlight your home’s best features. They may also list your property on other rental platforms to reach a wider audience.
  • Smart Pricing:
    They use market information to adjust your rental prices. This means they will increase prices during busy times, like holidays or special events, and lower them during slower periods to attract more guests and keep your property occupied.
  • Guest Communication:
    From the moment a guest shows interest or makes a booking, the property manager handles all communication. They answer questions, provide check-in information, and are available to help with any issues during the guest’s stay. Quick and friendly replies lead to happier guests and better reviews.
  • Check-In and Check-Out Management:
    They make sure the check-in process is easy and smooth. Whether it’s meeting guests in person or providing instructions for self-check-in, they handle it all. After guests leave, they ensure that keys are returned and the property is secure for the next visit.
  • Cleaning and Laundry Services:
    After each guest checks out, the management service schedules professional cleaning and changes the linens. They ensure your home is kept impeccably clean, almost like a hotel. They also restock essentials like toiletries and coffee so guests have everything.
  • Maintenance and Inspections:
    A good property manager regularly checks your home for maintenance issues. If something needs fixing, like a leaky tap or a broken appliance, they will coordinate repairs with your approval. This helps keep your property in great shape, protecting your investment in the long run.
  • Handling Guest Reviews and Disputes:
    They often review guests and manage any problems that may arise, such as damages. If any issues arise, they will handle the resolution process on your behalf, working to maintain a high rating for your listing.
  • Staying Compliant and Offering Advice:
    In places like Australia, short-term rentals might have specific regulations to follow. Professional managers keep up with these rules and help ensure your rental complies with local laws and tax requirements. Knowing that everything is being handled correctly gives you peace of mind.

Almost every task involved in hosting can be handed off to someone else. This means you can truly relax without worrying about late-night calls about the Wi-Fi password or scrambling to find a cleaner when your guests check out.

Can Someone Manage My Airbnb for Me (Hands-Off Hosting)?
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Hands-off hosting: A property manager can take care of your Airbnb by ensuring it’s always in top shape, taking care of everything from cleaning to maintenance.

It’s important to remember that hiring a property manager isn’t just an added cost; they’re also focused on helping you make more money. They do this by setting the correct prices, keeping your place booked, offering excellent service, which leads to positive reviews, and listing your property on different websites. As a result, many hosts see their rental income increase by 20-30% compared to managing everything themselves. For instance, a skilled manager in cities like Sydney or Brisbane can use special events to attract guests, change prices based on demand, and reply to inquiries quickly—all of which can lead to more bookings and higher earnings for you. 

This increase in income can often cover the management fees, and many hosts find they make more money overall with a property manager than if they did it all alone.

KozyGuru: Simplifying the Airbnb Hosting Experience for Everyone

If you’re interested in making money from renting out your property on Airbnb but don’t want to deal with the day-to-day tasks, KozyGuru is an excellent option for you. This Australian company specialises in managing Airbnb rentals and strives to make the whole process easy and worry-free for homeowners. They operate in major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and the Gold Coast, so they have local teams ready to assist guests.

KozyGuru handles everything related to your property—from creating attractive listings on various rental platforms to keeping your place in top shape. This means you can truly relax while they handle all the details. 

With KozyGuru managing your rental, you can enjoy the benefits of extra income without the hassle of managing the rental yourself. As they say, “You can sit back and enjoy maximum returns—no fuss, no worries.” Their full-service management is the perfect solution for those who want to earn from short-term rentals without getting bogged down in daily responsibilities.

Conclusion

Hiring someone to manage your Airbnb can make a difference, especially if you don’t have much time or want your rental to perform better. While it does come with a fee – usually between 15-25% of your rental income in Australia – the benefits often outweigh the costs. By paying for professional help, you can enjoy a hands-off hosting experience. Many people find that they make more money even after paying the fee because of the expert strategies and better service.

The idea is that a few important factors lead to most of your success on Airbnb, and good managers know how to handle those well. Whether you have one apartment in Sydney or several homes in Brisbane, companies like KozyGuru can help turn your Airbnb venture into a source of easy income. You can enjoy the perks of hosting, like extra cash and good reviews, without the hassle of late-night calls or an endless list of tasks.

If you’ve ever wondered, “Can someone manage my Airbnb for me?” the answer is a clear yes – and it could be a fantastic choice for your rental business. Enjoy hosting without the stress!