I have a sudden downturn in Guests, could anyone give advice please?

[Simon364]

Hello

I am a UK based superhost and have been hosting for many years now. But just in the last few months I have been struggling for guests. I reduced the prices as much as I can , and use the auto pricing, and now the cheapest room is ridiculously low at £23- Airbnb wont let me go lower.

My house is not holiday type, it is a small house with two rooms that I advertise. It is in a medium sized Essex town , in the town centre. Generally , my guests are either post-graduate students or lecturers from Essex University, or Staff from the large Essex County Hospital.

This time of year I am generally full up from beginning Sep to Oct because students are looking for accomodation, but at the moment there is very little. Here are my listings. I would be grateful for any feedback or advice. Many thanks

single:

https://www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/23990216

double:
https://www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/22246082

[Helen3 · Accepted solution]

Hi @Simon364 

A couple of factors to take into account

1. many UK markets are now oversaturated. Have you looked into supply and demand for your sort of listing in your location? 

2. Don't assume price is the key deciding factors . My home listing also offers a room in a home and I'm in the top 20% price wise and still get plenty of bookings

As students and lecturers are your main target market have you been in touch with the student accommodation office and HR for staff to see if there are paid for opportunities to advertise your accommodation on their channels? 

[Simon364]

thanks Helen

Yes there is oversaturation ,for sure. 

Thank you for you  comment about price. I think that they will most likely book here, because of the location and reviews, even if the price is not ridiculously low.

I guess my biggest concern was that there was something awful about the listing i couldnt spot

[Helen3]

Sorry I haven't looked at it.

were the university response when you talked to them about advertising @Simon364