How Do I List My Home on Airbnb?
Everything You Need to Know to Get Started
I’ve been hosting on Airbnb for over ten years now. I’ve rented out my own house while we’ve been away, offered up a spare room, co-hosted for friends and family, and now I manage full-time guest stays at The Old Market Inn and Magnetic Cottage in Port Fairy. After many years in renovation mode, my own Airbnb, Yambuk Shack, is almost ready to launch too! #Yay!
As a multi-passionate business owner, I’m always looking for ways to create flexible income streams. For me, short-term rental was a no-brainer. It’s such a great way to let your assets work for you. Whether you’re renting out your family home while travelling, opening up a spare room, or setting up a full-time short-term rental like I have with Yambuk Shack, the income can really add up. You don’t have to go all in straight away, either. Over the years, I’ve done it in a range of different ways and learned what works best.
If you’re thinking about listing your place, it can feel a bit daunting. But it really doesn’t need to be. With a few simple steps and a bit of planning, you can get your home or investment property guest-ready and start hosting with confidence.
Here are some of my best tips to help you get started (also collated in a simple checklist doc here to make your life easier!).
1. Lock up your personal stuff
If you’re renting out your own home, choose one room where you can store everything personal or valuable. It could be a bedroom, study, or even the garage. Install a lock and use it as your go-to space to keep things safe and out of sight.
Even in a dedicated Airbnb, it’s smart to have a locked cupboard or linen closet for backup supplies or items you want to keep secure.
2. Clear the clutter and tone down the personality
Your home might be full of special memories and personal touches, but guests are usually looking for something a bit more neutral and calm. Think about the times when you’ve travelled and stayed in Airbnbs, it kind of feels strange seeing other people’s families up on the walls. You want your space to truly feel like the guests own it while they’re there.
If you're listing your lived-in home, try packing away things like:
Family photos
Mail and paperwork
Toys, laundry baskets, or anything that makes the place feel chaotic
For a dedicated Airbnb, keep styling simple and clean. A few thoughtful touches go a long way, but less is more when it comes to decor. Give guests space to relax and feel at home.
3. Tidy up the bathroom
No one wants to see someone else's toothbrush or used razor in the shower. If you're renting out your home, pack away all personal hygiene products and instead leave a few guest-friendly essentials.
Think liquid soap, shampoo and conditioner and maybe a spare toothbrush in case someone forgets theirs.
4. Invest in good photos
This one really makes a difference. Quality photos are what help your listing stand out from the rest. Guests are scrolling through a lot of options, and the images are usually what gets them to stop and take a closer look.
Hire a local photographer who has experience with Airbnb or real estate. They know how to use lighting and angles to make your space shine. If you're feeling overwhelmed by styling, ask if they can help with that too. It’s absolutely worth the money.
5. Be upfront in your listing
The quickest way to get a bad review is to surprise your guests. Be clear about what they can expect. If your place has quirks or limitations, mention them.
For example, if you don’t have a dishwasher or if the heating takes a while to kick in, let guests know. The same goes for house rules. Whether it’s no parties or no pets, spell it out kindly and clearly so there’s no confusion.
6. Leave instructions for appliances
Your coffee machine might be your pride and joy, but your guests probably won’t know how to use it. The same goes for things like the Thermomix or a tricky oven.
Leave a simple printed instruction sheet or even link to a quick video. Guests will appreciate it, and it’ll save you from answering a bunch of questions.
7. Let your neighbours know
If you’re renting out your own home, give your neighbours a heads-up. A quick conversation to let them know you’ll have guests staying can help avoid any awkward situations.
Even with a dedicated Airbnb, it’s a good idea to stay on friendly terms with those living nearby. They might even let you know if something goes wrong when you're not around.
8. Know your local rules and requirements
This one’s really important and often overlooked when people are just starting out. Airbnb legislation can vary depending on where you live, so make sure you're across the rules in your local area.
You might need to:
Register your property with your local council or a state body
Apply for a short-term rental permit
Pay a short-stay levy or additional tax (for example, in Victoria, there’s a levy for properties that aren’t your principal place of residence)
Comply with planning or insurance requirements
Each state and country has its own regulations, and they’re changing all the time, so it’s worth doing a bit of research before you hit publish on your listing. It might sound a bit boring, but getting this sorted early can save you a lot of headaches later on.
Finally…
Renting out your home or a property on Airbnb can be a great way to bring in extra income. It’s flexible, scalable, and can be as hands-on or hands-off as you need it to be.
Whether you're listing your personal space or launching a dedicated rental, the key is to make it welcoming, functional, and easy for guests to enjoy. You don’t need to overthink it. Start simple, be clear, and build from there.
And if it all feels a bit overwhelming right now, that’s completely normal. You’re not alone, and you’ve absolutely got this!
Still not sure where to begin? Grab my free checklist + book a call with me
If you're thinking about renting out your home, a spare room, or a dedicated short-stay property, this checklist will help you get clear on what you need to consider before listing.
Download the free Airbnb Hosting Starter Checklist and feel more confident ticking off the legal, practical, and guest-ready essentials - no matter where you’re located.
Still feeling a bit unsure? I also offer 1:1 Airbnb Kickstarter calls for Australian and New Zealand residents to help guide you through the process. Whether you need help with the Airbnb platform itself, setting up your listing, or just want to pick the brain of someone who's been doing this for over a decade, I’ve got you covered!
