The Starting Situation
This 3-bedroom terrace house was generating steady income as a traditional long-term rental (~$2,200/week). The owner was interested in exploring whether short-stay rental could deliver stronger returns without the complexity.
The property had good bones but required professional presentation, setup, and ongoing management support to succeed in the competitive short-stay market.
Key Metrics Before
- •Long-term rent: $2,200/week
- •Annual revenue: ~$114,400
- •Status: unfurnished, basic condition
- •Owner goals: test short-stay viability with full support
What We Changed
Turnkey Furnishing & Design
Delivered a complete furnishing package including furniture, linens, kitchen essentials, and styling. The goal was premium-but-approachable—high-quality finishes without over-designing.
Professional Photography & Videography
Magazine-quality photography and a walkthrough video showcased the property's character and amenities. Strong visual assets are essential for commanding premium nightly rates.
Strategic Listing & Positioning
Crafted conversion-focused listing copy targeting a premium guest segment. Positioned the house as an ideal retreat for families and small groups, not budget travellers.
Multi-Platform Distribution & Pricing
Launched on Airbnb, Booking.com, Vrbo, and Stayz with platform-specific optimisation. Implemented dynamic pricing with strong weekend rates and strategic weekday promotions.
Full Operational Management
Managed all housekeeping, guest communication, maintenance coordination, and compliance. Owner had zero operational involvement.
Property Highlights
Paddington terrace · 3 bedrooms · heritage terrace · courtyard
Before
After
Professional styling, photography, and pricing strategy significantly improved listing performance.
Results (First 12 Months)
Annual Income Comparison
40–50%
Uplift range: $114K → $160K–$171K annually from short-stay operation.
Average Nightly Rate
$280–$320
Premium positioning and strong guest demand supported higher rates.
What Mattered Most
- Premium furnishing & design: justified higher nightly rates and attracted higher-quality guests.
- Strong visual assets: professional photography and video were essential in a premium segment.
- Guest quality & reviews: consistency and attention to detail led to strong 5-star reviews, which compound bookings.
- Multi-platform strategy: Vrbo and Booking.com delivered strong premium guest segment bookings alongside Airbnb.
Important disclaimer: Results shown are indicative only for this specific property. Outcomes vary significantly by location, property condition, seasonality, regulatory environment (strata rules, local regulations), and market demand. The turnaround time and furnishing investment are specific to this property type and condition. This case study does not constitute a guarantee or projection for other properties.
