New Host

[CodynJessica0]

Hi Everyone, i am just looking for advise as my family has been thinking about purchasing a property and trying to host it as a rental for vactions. We have never done this and are looking for advise on how to be successful in this community. We are trying to do this as a second potential income but need advise on the best property styles and things that can really help. Any advise will be apprceiated we are in southern ontario.

Thank You the Irvings

[Alicia753 · Accepted solution]

Hi Cody,

Embarking on hosting a vacation rental in Southern Ontario is an exciting journey with great potential for success. Before purchasing a property, ensure you're familiar with local regulations, as short-term rental rules vary by municipality. Picking the right location is key; areas like Niagara Falls, Muskoka, or Prince Edward County are consistently popular for their unique attractions.

The style of the property can significantly impact its appeal. Cottages and cabins are ideal for rural and lakeside areas, offering guests a cozy, scenic retreat. Urban apartments work well in cities like Toronto and Hamilton, attracting business and leisure travelers. Ensure the property is equipped with essential amenities like Wi-Fi, comfortable bedding, and quality appliances to enhance the guest experience.

Pricing your rental competitively and maintaining high standards of cleanliness and communication can help you gain positive reviews and bookings. Tools like AirDNA can provide insights into local market trends and performance metrics to guide your strategy. You can also try to search for the listings in the area as a guest to have insight on how much are Hosts charge a guest with similar unit you bought.

Creating a detailed and visually appealing listing is critical. Highlight nearby attractions and unique features of the property to stand out in search results. Staying informed about guest preferences and adapting to market trends will help you build a sustainable and successful rental business.

I hope this helps.

All the best,

Upfish Management

[Emilie]

Hi @CodynJessica0, 

Welcome to the community! It's great to hear you and your family are thinking about becoming hosts. 😃

How hands-on do you think you would be able to be, as a host? This is likely something important to consider as you decide what kind of property to get and how to proceed! Alicia has shared some pointers, but I wanted to suggest you have a look at the following articles as well: Get started hosting.

I hope to hear from you soon!

Emilie