The Benham and Reeves key to no fuss Airbnb rentals? Collaboration.

The Benham and Reeves approach to enhancing the appeal of a short-term or holiday let is to present them in their best possible light. Like other clients, Airbnb guests must be able to imagine themselves inhabiting a space that stimulates the senses with elegance and charm while providing every modern convenience. Our furnishing partners, InStyle Direct, provide these and more as they are willing and able to come up with bespoke furnishing solutions that satisfy the demands of landlords based both in the UK and abroad.

We’ve picked three examples that demonstrate just how this partnership has worked to the advantage of landlords. With our help, their Airbnb properties have been able to be let out in record time and with minimum fuss. We’ll start in the leafy West London enclave of Notting Hill – a living film location, such is its popularity with well-heeled tourists. Two Zone 1 properties here have benefited from our joint expertise in what is widely regarded as a short-term rental hotspot. Through working with our furnishing partner, Benham and Reeves has become a trusted name among landlords in a neighbourhood where rents of nearly £200 and 80% occupancy rates are not considered unrealistic. As always, our mission is to make these properties stand out, get ahead of the competition and become profitable assets as soon as possible.

Campden street – Rented within a week for overseas Airbnb host

As a South African – based Airbnb host, Tracy quickly realised that refurbishing her property was the best way to attract short-term lets. The apartment needed to be cosy, yet uncluttered; modern, but not sterile. In order to manage the project from her home base, she needed local expertise and experience that she could trust, and she was more than happy for us to act on her behalf. Within a week, our design partner had assessed the extent of the work required, allocated resources and installed all the necessary modifications.

There were one or two limitations that needed workarounds; most notably in terms of space and layout, but the team made all the important decisions quickly and efficiently. Dead space was reclaimed by installing sliding doors and larger, more comfortable furniture items were introduced. The immediate result was that the living space opened up and now feels more connected to the rest of the flat.

Harmonious colour schemes complemented by bespoke window dressings allowed the contemporary furniture to add a touch of luxury and glamour. Airbnb guests need the comforts they would normally find at home but may also want to entertain and impress.

Our approach, planning and execution of the project were greatly appreciated by the client, who was especially pleased with how easy it was to collaborate remotely. There were even more reasons to celebrate, as Tracy was able to rent out her apartment before the end of the following week. She expressed amazement at being able to consult, plan, refurbish and earn within such a short time span and without leaving South Africa.

The Pembridge, Notting Hill – Matching luxury With practicality

Landlords who realise the potential of their properties will always look to enhance and expand them, especially if they intend rent out via Airbnb. A client in Notting Hill was well aware of the unconventional layout of this luxury apartment but also realised that it needed to be revamped with practical modifications. Our design partners suggested the use of elements from two of their furniture packages. The combination of Gold and Diamond packs provided a marked upgrade while still being cost-effective for the landlord.

Storage and space are essential considerations for visitors and tourists alike. We ensured that these concerns were integrated into our planning from the start. The layout was reconfigured, and furniture was selected for looks, comfort and also space-saving potential. After two months, the landlord now had an apartment that was no longer an acquired taste, but one that would attract Airbnb tenants from all over the world. Impressed by the quick transformation, the landlord was now able to realise a good return on a fairly modest investment.

Bowen house, Hythe – Success-on-sea as holiday home is let out almost immediately

Heading south from London, we are often asked to help rejuvenate various holiday homes that are available for rent along the coast. In this case, a three-bedroom penthouse in a scenic seaside town needed to be able to attract a wider range of holidaymakers. In consultation with our design partners, we opted for the Gold Furniture Package, a solution that would give the living space a sense of cool luxury while staying within the client’s projected spend.

Soft furnishings and accessories were carefully selected and matched with the bright expansive look of the property. A dedicated holiday hideout can expect plenty of visitors over a short span of time, so items were chosen for their durability. Decorative features such as paintings were sourced locally – ideal for creating special memories.

The fact that the property was rented out within a week is a testament to the imagination and skill of the design team and also to the readiness of the landlord to make a strategic investment. The client was duly impressed with the results and now has an attractive Airbnb rental in a stunning seaside location.

All of the aforementioned case studies have differing starting points and challenges; however, what is common to all of them is the willingness of both clients and collaborators to invest in a property’s potential. We love to make this happen and can guarantee that, along with our design partners, we can help your property attract the kind of discerning Airbnb customer that will keep your investment turning a profit. Need your property to stay ahead of the Airbnb also-rans? Reach out to our team to find out how this can be done on time and within budget.