Advice for the winter season for new hosts in Toronto, Canada (downtown)

[Alejandro2020]

Dear fellow Airbnb hosts,

I begin hosting on Airbnb in October 2024 and thankfully my partner and I are on our way to achieving the our Super Host status.

However, since we are fairly new, I would like to know your advice on what to expect during the winter season in terms of occupancy rates and prices for the months of January, February,  March, and April, specifically for apartment units  in downtown Toronto.

We  are considering acquiring a second property to add our listings in December. However, we are uncertain whether it's financially too risky or is wise to launch a 2nd listing during the winter months or wait until April/May 2025.  

Thank you for your helpful insights and much appreciated.

[Emilie]

Hi @Alejandro2020, 

It's great to hear everything is going so well for you and your partner on your hosting journey! What have you enjoyed the most so far?

I wanted to tag in a few of our hosts based in Toronto, in case they're able to share some insights based on their experience: @John7856 @Lovepreet4 @Guozhen0 @James4385 @Zheng49 

Thanks everyone for your help! 🙂

Emilie

[Alejandro2020]

Thank you so much for directing me to these Hosts in my area!

[Helen3]

What market research did you do around supply and demand when setting up your first listing @Alejandro2020  in terms of likely occupancy rates and pricing? 

this will help you make a decision about whether starting up a second listing so soon after the first one is likely to be profitable. 

only you can make a decision based on your market research as to whether starting a new listing now or in the summer is a better decision. 

This is an international community so the majority of us won't know anything about supply and demand in your location. 

Don't forget Airbnb gives an artificial boost to new hosts so it's not a good indicator of likely demand/success. 

[Alejandro2020]

Thank you so much for your insights. I did not know that Airbnb boost new listings. I have kept that in mind. 

I did my research using Airbtics and Airdna, but sometimes their date differs greatly from one to another. Do you recommend a specific one?

[Mike-And-Jane0]

@Alejandro2020 You can purchase data from Airdna.com and other providers. One thing I would say about Winter generically (unless it is a ski resort) is that prices are lower and costs much higher. As such it is important to understand  your fixed vs variable costs and determine if it is even worth opening in the coldest months. 

[Alejandro2020]

Thank you Mike! I was using Airdna for the research. I will checkout the premium version.

[Oksana127]

@Alejandro2020 Winter in Toronto can be both challenging and rewarding for Airbnb hosts. Here are some tips and insights to help you navigate the season effectively:

 Understand Seasonal Trends

Winter typically sees a mix of guests: holiday travelers in December, business travelers in January and February, and early spring visitors in March and April. While overall demand might be lower than in summer, the right approach can help you maintain steady bookings.

 Create a Cozy Winter Experience

Toronto winters are cold, so emphasize warmth and comfort in your listing.

• Highlight features like a heating system, warm blankets, and cozy decor in your description.
• Include small touches like hot chocolate packets, tea, or even a guide to nearby indoor attractions.

 Focus on Exceptional Hospitality

To build trust and attract bookings in a quieter season:

• Respond to inquiries quickly and communicate proactively with guests.
• Keep your property spotless and ensure all amenities are in top condition.
• Ask for feedback from guests to refine your hosting style.

 Use Strategic Pricing and Promotions

Even without numbers, you can:

• Offer discounts for longer stays, which appeal to remote workers or extended travelers.
• Use midweek promotions to fill gaps in occupancy.
• Stay flexible with cancellation policies, as winter weather can disrupt travel plans.

 Enhance Your Listing

Winter is a great time to invest in professional photography or update your listing description to appeal to seasonal travelers. For instance, mention proximity to winter festivals, skating rinks, or cozy cafes.

 Consider the Second Property Thoughtfully

Launching a second listing in winter can work if:

• You’re confident about managing both listings efficiently.
• The new property has unique features that make it competitive even in a slower season.
• You view the first few months as an opportunity to fine-tune your setup rather than expect high occupancy right away.

Alternatively, waiting until spring gives you time to focus on optimizing your first listing and learning from the winter season's challenges.

 Stay Flexible and Optimistic

Hosting is a dynamic journey. Be prepared to adjust based on market trends, guest feedback, and personal capacity. If you keep delivering excellent experiences, your reputation will grow, regardless of the season.

Best of luck with your hosting adventure!

[Alejandro2020]

@Oksana127 Wow thank you for the incredible insights about the winter time. So much to take away and to consider for the winter season!