How To Start an Airbnb Business in Nigeria [UPDATED]

Introduction.

Airbnb is a popular online marketplace that enables property owners to list their homes, apartments, or rooms for short-term rentals.

In Nigeria, the demand for affordable and comfortable accommodation is on the rise, and this presents a great opportunity for entrepreneurs to start an Airbnb business.

If you’re interested in starting an Airbnb business in Nigeria, there are several things you need to consider before getting started.

This guide will provide you with all the essential steps you need to take to get your Airbnb business up and running, from registering your property to managing your listings, attracting guests, and ensuring a positive guest experience.

With the right approach and mindset, starting an Airbnb business in Nigeria can be a profitable venture, and this guide will show you how to do it.

Why Should I start an Airbnb business In Nigeria?

If you’re considering starting a business in Nigeria, you may be wondering why you should consider an Airbnb business.

Here are some compelling reasons why starting an Airbnb business in Nigeria could be a great opportunity for you.

1. High demand for short-term rentals.

Nigeria has a growing population of middle-class travellers, who are looking for affordable and comfortable accommodation.

With a limited supply of traditional hotel rooms, there is a significant demand for short-term rentals, and Airbnb has become a popular alternative.

This presents a great opportunity for entrepreneurs to meet this demand by listing their properties on Airbnb.

2. Additional source of income.

Starting an Airbnb business can be a great way to earn extra income. If you have a spare room or a property that is not in use, you can list it on Airbnb and earn money from renting it out.

You can choose to rent out your space on a part-time or full-time basis, depending on your availability and preference.

3. Flexible working hours.

As an Airbnb host, you have the flexibility to choose when and how often you want to rent out your space.

You can work around your schedule and rent out your space only when it’s convenient for you. This makes it a great option for people who want to earn extra income without committing to a full-time job.

4. Low startup costs.

Starting an Airbnb business requires minimal startup costs compared to traditional businesses.

You don’t need to invest in a physical location or hire employees. Instead, you can list your existing space on Airbnb and start earning money right away.

5. Opportunities for networking and building relationships.

As an Airbnb host, you have the opportunity to meet people from all over the world and build relationships.

This can be a great way to network and connect with people from different backgrounds and cultures.

6. You are Interested in Real Estate.

Real estate is one business that will continue to exist as long as the civilization of man remains. You cannot exist without having an interest in real estate, every human being alive needs shelter to survive.

If real estate is one business you have an interest in, then starting an Airbnb Business is a sure path to the real estate industry.

7. Airbnb is more Lucrative Than Traditional Renting.

Here in Nigeria, rent is collected annually, and might be difficult to renew because most people cannot renew the rent which usually leads to a court case or you having to eject them manually yourself.

A solidly booked Airbnb rental may be more profitable than renting the same property to a long-term single tenant because you charge daily.

8. Low Start-Up Costs.

Starting an Airbnb business requires minimal start-up costs. Unlike traditional hospitality businesses that require significant investments in property, equipment, and staff, an Airbnb business can be started with little more than a spare room and some basic amenities.

This makes it an attractive option for entrepreneurs looking to start a business without significant capital investment.

9. Exposure to International Markets.

By listing your property on Airbnb, you gain exposure to international markets. With millions of users around the world, Airbnb provides a platform for travellers from all corners of the globe to find lodging in their area. This exposure can help you reach a wider audience and increase your bookings.

10. Community Building.

Starting an Airbnb business can also help you to build connections and relationships with guests. By providing a welcoming and hospitable environment, you can create a sense of community and establish relationships with guests that may lead to repeat bookings or referrals.

How do I start an Airbnb Business In Nigeria?

Starting an Airbnb business in Nigeria can be a great way to generate income by renting out your property to travellers.

As the travel and tourism industry continues to grow in Nigeria, there is a growing demand for affordable and comfortable lodging options. In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to start an Airbnb business in Nigeria.

Airbnb has its roots in various countries all over the world including Nigeria. So, you heard how Airbnb is making people Millionaires In Nigeria, and if you want to try it now, here is how to do so.

1. Understand The Real Estate Business.

A real estate business is a business entity that deals with the buying, selling, and investing of real estate properties.

Starting a real estate investment business will not be easy, but it will be well worth the work with the right preparation. Best of all.

Airbnb works with closeness to the central business district, of any city. You cannot develop a property in a rural area and expect Airbnb to work out.

Starting in real estate requires you to learn and understand various concepts. To help you grasp the basic concepts of real estate.

I wrote a comprehensive guide on how you can get started in real estate as a beginner, check out the link to the article to learn more.

How To Start a Real Estate Business and Make Money

2. Register your property.

Before you can list your property on Airbnb, you need to register it with the appropriate authorities in Nigeria.

This includes obtaining a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) and any necessary permits or licenses. You should also ensure that your property meets all safety and health requirements.

3. Determine your Property.

Type The first step in starting an Airbnb business is to determine the type of property you will be renting out. This could be a spare room in your house, an apartment, or an entire house.

Consider the location, amenities, and size of your property to determine what type of traveller you will be able to accommodate.

4. Get an Apartment.

Once you have determined the type of property you will be renting out, the next step is to prepare it for guests.

Getting an apartment in Nigeria is real work. Even when you have money. It is possible to be a victim of fraud or not to get the kind of apartment you want.

You need to be intentional when getting an apartment to be used for your Airbnb business, you dont want to get an apartment in the rural part of the country, hoping to host a guest who will pay, because that would be a failed project.

To build an Airbnb business, you need your apartment close to the city, airports or a commercial location.

You also need to make sure your apartments are as furnished with the necessary facilities such as Internet, Fridge, electricity and with running clean water.

This includes ensuring that your property is clean, comfortable, and safe for guests. You should also consider adding amenities such as Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and basic kitchen appliances to make your property more attractive to guests.

5. Sign up and List on Airbnb.

Airbnb is free to sign up and it’s free to list your property. Only after you receive a booking will you need to pay Airbnb hosting fees – generally 3% of what you initially charge as your listing fee.

To list your property on Airbnb, you will need to create an account. This will allow you to create a listing for your property, manage bookings, and communicate with guests.

You will also need to provide information about your property, including the location, the number of guests it can accommodate, and pricing.

Here are some key fields you should look out for when listing your property on Airbnb.

1. Home Type.

Select what kind of property you’d like to advertise. There is a whole range of options you can select from the ‘Other’ dropdown if your place doesn’t fit into the common categories.

2. Room Type.

For vacation rentals or serviced apartments, you will most likely select “Entire home/Apartment”.

3. Accommodates.

Enter the maximum number of people that your space can comfortably accommodate. This doesn’t mean you’ll only be visible to the maximum number but it is good to be flexible (Airbnb is like that).

4. City.

Doesn’t have to be a city, just wherever your place is.

5. Calendar.

You’ll be asked to choose between three options of how available your property is: “Always”, “Sometimes” and “One Time”.

Choose “Always” if you want your place to be listed indefinitely, “Sometimes” if you have specific dates you’d like to advertise, and “One Time” if you only have one period of time available.

6. Pricing.

Airbnb will suggest a price for your listing based on their algorithm. If it’s the first time you’re listing, Airbnb will suggest pricing lower to entice guests, who will then leave reviews and build your reputation.

You can also set weekly and monthly prices if you are planning to have guests at your vacation rental for longer.

An Airbnb-certified channel manager makes it even easier by automatically synchronising your availability and rates with Airbnb without making an account – all you need to do is opt-in with one click!

7. Overview.

This is the title and summary that potential guests will see when browsing. You only have 35 characters to make an impression in the title so use descriptive and appealing adjectives to entice guests.

For the summary, you have 250 characters, so really try and sell your place as succinctly as you can. Feel free to use bullet points!

8. Photos.

The optimal number of images for an Airbnb listing is 10 but you can add more if you like, as long as you make sure they are high resolution (around 1024 x 683px).

Show a varied selection and showcase the best angles and rooms. Airbnb offer free professional photography sessions for properties that match certain criteria so make the most of the opportunity if you can!

9. Amenities & Location.

Select all amenities that you have, from the essentials to the extras, so guests have a complete picture.

Then, finish off your listing by inserting the address of your apartment or house. Don’t worry, the exact location won’t be revealed to guests until their booking is confirmed.

6. Promote Your Business.

Now that you have listed your Business on Airbnb, it’s time to start telling people about your new business.

Mind you that this section is not compulsory because Airbnb already has an algorithm that recommends your listing to potential buyers on the platform.

To attract guests to your Airbnb property, you will need to market it effectively. This includes creating a detailed listing with high-quality photos and descriptions, responding promptly to guest inquiries, and maintaining positive guest reviews.

In the same plight, you do not have to wait for its algorithm to recommend your product because many people are fighting for that placement. Here are some strategies that can help you get ahead.

1. Use Facebook.

Facebook is the biggest social networking site. It is still one of the most used sites even though there are many alternatives available.

Everyone knows how to use it. not everyone understands how it can be used to grow a business.

When there are a huge number of people present, it is automatically an amazing opportunity for marketers to promote their business.

You can leverage the power of Facebook to promote your Airbnb business such as using a Facebook page to advertise your Airbnb Listing.

I wrote a comprehensive guide on this blog on how you can leverage Facebook as a means of promoting your business, check out the link to the article to learn more.

How To Grow Your Business On Facebook

2. Share on Twitter.

If you’re looking to develop your brand and give it the exposure it needs to grow, you need to be on Twitter.

Twitter has more than 330 million active monthly users, which can be seen as a huge market in the world.

Twitter, like Facebook, can also be used to leverage your business.

All that is needed to be done is to create a Twitter profile, customize tweets to suit your brand, reach out to influencers and finally start creating paid ad campaigns.

I wrote a comprehensive guide on how you can grow a business using Twitter. Check out the link to the article below to learn more.

(Twitter Marketing) How To Grow Your Business On Twitter

3. Blog about your new Business.

Beyond your company website, a blog is a fantastic tool to educate your audience about your business.

While a website might be more practical in content and straightforward in tone, a blog offers more flexibility to connect with customers and to share updates in a way that shows who you are, and what problem you intend to solve.

A chief reason every company needs a blog is to increase its visibility. Put simply, the more blog content you create, the more opportunities you’ll have to show up in search engines and drive organic traffic to your website.

Blogging allows you to promote your business for free. I wrote a comprehensive guide on how you can start blogging around your business. Check out the link to the article below to learn more.

How To Start a Blog and Make Money

4. Use TikTok.

TikTok is currently the fastest-growing social media platform if not the most used social media platform in the world.

It also creates an atmosphere to promote your business without any hassle. TikTok is available in 150 countries and 75 languages, has been downloaded over 2.6 billion times worldwide; and has over 1 Billion active users on its platform.

It is the world’s leading destination for short-form video entertainment that consists of a variety of full-screen vertical video content pioneering the trend of video consumption around the world.

It allows users to create, watch and share videos that have a duration of 15 seconds to 60 seconds.

With the majority of Tiktok users being Gen Z and Millennials based in major cities around the world, businesses can use this avenue to showcase their products or services and connect with them.

Contents on TikTok tend to go viral more often than any other social media platform, this is I recommend it as a viable tool when it comes to promoting your business.

I wrote a comprehensive article on this blog on how you can leverage TikTok to promote your business. Check out the link to the article to learn more.

(TikTok Marketing) How To Grow Your Business On TikTok

5. Instagram is a better alternative.

Instagram over the past few years has enabled businesses of all sizes in every industry to understand the importance of mobile marketing to their respective businesses.

Instagram now has over one billion active monthly users and 700 million daily active users. Of these, 400 million users check out Instagram stories regularly.

One of the most important stats concerning Instagram for business? 72% of Instagram users have purchased a product or service they saw on their feed. A quick bit of math, and you realize that of the 700 million daily users, just over 500 million purchased Instagram.

Instagram is one tool that can be leveraged by businesses of all kinds to reach out to potential customers.

I wrote a comprehensive guide on how you can leverage your business on Instagram for growth. Check out the link to the article to learn more.

(Instagram Marketing) How To Grow Your Business On Instagram

7. Host Your Guests.

Once you have guests booked, it is important to be a good host. This includes providing clear instructions for check-in and check-out, being available to answer questions or address concerns, and providing a clean and comfortable environment for your guests.

8. Manage Your Business.

To build a successful Airbnb business, it is important to manage your business effectively. This includes keeping accurate records of your income and expenses, managing your calendar to ensure that your property is available for bookings, and maintaining a high level of customer service to ensure that your guests have a positive experience.

9. Ensure a positive guest experience.

To ensure that your guests have a positive experience, you should provide clear instructions on how to access your property, be available to answer any questions or concerns they may have, and provide a clean and comfortable space. You should also be prepared to handle any issues that may arise during your stay.

FAQs

1. What is Airbnb?

Airbnb is an online marketplace that allows people to rent out their properties, rooms, or even just a couch to travellers looking for a place to stay.

2. How can I start an Airbnb business in Nigeria?

Here are some steps to follow to start an Airbnb business in Nigeria:

Determine your target market and location
Identify the type of property you want to list
Register your property with Airbnb
Take quality photos of your property
Set the price for your property
Create a detailed listing description
Create house rules for your guests
Set up a payment system
Market your property

3. Do I need to have a specific type of property to list on Airbnb?

No, you can list any type of property on Airbnb, including apartments, houses, rooms, and even unique spaces like treehouses and yurts.

4. What are the requirements to list my property on Airbnb?

To list your property on Airbnb, you will need to have a valid email address, a bank account, and a government-issued ID.

You will also need to provide information about your property, including photos, a description, and pricing information.

5. How do I set the price for my property?

You can set the price for your property based on factors such as location, amenities, and demand. You can also use Airbnb’s pricing tools to help you set a competitive price.

6. What should I include in my listing description?

Your listing description should include information about your property, including the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, the type of property, the location, and any amenities that are included.

You should also include information about your house rules and any additional fees, such as cleaning fees or security deposits.

7. How do I set up a payment system?

Airbnb handles all payments between hosts and guests. You can set up your payment preferences in your Airbnb account settings.

8. How do I market my property?

You can market your property by creating a detailed and attractive listing on Airbnb, sharing your listing on social media, and reaching out to potential guests through targeted advertising or email marketing. You can also offer special promotions or discounts to encourage bookings.

9. What are some regulations I need to consider when starting an Airbnb business in Nigeria?

Regulations for short-term rentals vary by location, so it’s important to research and understand the rules and regulations in your area.

In Nigeria, there are currently no specific laws regulating short-term rentals like Airbnb, but you may need to obtain permits or licenses depending on your location.

10. How can I ensure the safety of my guests?

As a host, it’s important to provide a safe and secure environment for your guests. You can take measures such as installing smoke detectors, providing emergency contact information, and ensuring that your property is free of hazards. You can also communicate clearly with your guests about any potential risks or safety concerns.

11. What are some tips for providing a great guest experience?

To provide a great guest experience, it’s important to be responsive to your guests’ needs and concerns.

You can also provide amenities such as clean linens, toiletries, and a welcome guide with information about your property and local attractions.

Providing a positive experience for your guests can lead to positive reviews and increased bookings.

12. How can I handle difficult guests or situations?

It’s important to have a clear set of house rules and guidelines for your guests and to communicate them clearly before their stay.

If a guest is causing problems or violating your house rules, you can reach out to Airbnb’s customer service for assistance. In some cases, you may need to involve local law enforcement.

13. How can I stand out in a competitive market?

To stand out in a competitive market, it’s important to offer a unique and attractive listing. You can offer amenities such as free Wi-Fi or a fully equipped kitchen, or provide a personalized touch such as a welcome gift or handwritten note.

You can also respond quickly to inquiries and reviews, and provide excellent customer service to your guests.

14. How can I maximize my earnings from my Airbnb business?

To maximize your earnings, you can adjust your pricing based on demand and seasonality and offer special promotions or discounts to encourage bookings.

You can also consider offering additional services or experiences to your guests, such as a guided tour or cooking lesson.

Building a strong reputation and positive reviews can also help increase bookings and maximize earnings.

15. What are some common challenges I may face as an Airbnb host in Nigeria?

As an Airbnb host in Nigeria, some common challenges you may face include fluctuating demand, unreliable internet or power supply, and difficulty with payments or currency exchange.

It’s important to have contingency plans in place to address these issues and ensure that your guests have a comfortable and enjoyable stay.

16. How can I ensure that my property is clean and well-maintained for guests?

You can hire a professional cleaning service to clean your property between guests, or you can do it yourself if you have the time and resources.

It’s also important to perform regular maintenance tasks, such as fixing leaks or repairing broken appliances, to ensure that your property is in good condition for guests.

17. How can I handle reviews and feedback from guests?

Reviews and feedback from guests are important aspects of your Airbnb business, as they can affect your reputation and booking rates.

It’s important to respond to reviews professionally and courteously and to address any concerns or issues raised by guests.

You can also use feedback to make improvements to your property or services and enhance the guest experience.

18. How can I ensure the security of my property and guests?

To ensure the security of your property and guests, you can install security cameras, provide a secure lockbox for keys, and provide clear instructions for accessing the property. You can also screen potential guests carefully and ask for references or ID verification if necessary.

19. How can I keep track of my earnings and expenses as an Airbnb host?

Airbnb provides tools and resources to help you track your earnings and expenses, including a dashboard with information about your bookings, payouts, and fees.

You can also use accounting software or hire a bookkeeper to help you manage your finances and track your income and expenses.

20. How can I maintain a good relationship with my neighbours and community?

It’s important to be respectful of your neighbours and community when operating an Airbnb business and to follow any local regulations or guidelines for short-term rentals.

You can communicate with your neighbours about your plans to operate an Airbnb and address any concerns or issues they may have.

You can also be a good neighbor by maintaining a clean and quiet property, and by being responsive to any issues or complaints that may arise.

Conclusion.

Starting an Airbnb business can offer a range of benefits for entrepreneurs looking to generate additional income and tap into the growing sharing economy.

With its flexibility, low start-up costs, and potential for exposure to international markets, an Airbnb business can be an attractive option for entrepreneurs looking to start a business with minimal investment.

By providing a positive guest experience and building relationships with guests, you can establish a successful Airbnb business and make a valuable contribution to the hospitality industry.

Finally, starting an Airbnb business in Nigeria can be a great way to generate income and tap into the growing travel and tourism industry.

By following the necessary steps and paying attention to the details, you can build a successful Airbnb business and provide a valuable service to travellers.

With the right preparation, marketing, and customer service, your Airbnb business can thrive in Nigeria’s fast-growing hospitality industry.