Property shows as available but after trying to book becomes unavailable

[Roger1200]

Hi Roger - Thank you for your interest in our apartment. We are currently undergoing a house sale which we will only know if it goes through the 01st of October 2025. ( next week) The potential new owner is not considering letting out the apartments so unfortunately I will need to decline the booking. If you are not in a hurry ill start taking books from the 01st of October if the sale does not go through

*[Identifiable listing information removed in line with the Community Center Guidelines]

[Joelle43]

Hello @Roger1200 

I feel that this host really needs to shut their calendar until they know where they are at with the upcoming sale of their apartment so that guests like you don't think they are booking an available listing when clearly it isn't.  If the host declines too many bookings they will fall in the algorithm ratings and may even be delisted by Airbnb.  But yes, a  frustrating situation for you I agree

Joëlle (host)

[Shelley159]

Sorry that happened @Roger1200 

The host should rather block the calendar from 1 October onwards, until they know whether the sale went through.

They're possibly holding it open and hoping for enquiries like yours, so they have interested guests lined up in case the sale doesn't go through.

However, I don't know whether the host realises how much all these declined enquiries are likely hurting the listing on Airbnb.

I think I saw in your (unedited) post that the listing is on the Knysna heads? Grab it, or something similar, if you can, it'll be fantastic. The host shouldn't hesitate to block the dates until October - summer will sell out anyway!

[Emilie]

Hi @Roger1200, 

I'm sorry to hear one of your bookings did not go through, I can understand the disappointment. Were you able to find another suitable listing for your trip?

Thank you Joelle and Shelley for your kind words of support 🌻

Emilie