Running a short-let in Lagos, Abuja or anywhere in Nigeria sounds like a great idea—until you realize there’s more to it than handing over the keys and waiting for alerts. We get it: you want more bookings, good guests, less stress, and steady income. But sometimes, it’s the little missteps that get in the way of all that.
If you’re a property owner managing a short-let apartment (or thinking about it), here are the most common mistakes people make—and how to avoid them so you can actually get the most out of your space.
1. Not Pricing Your Apartment Strategically
Rainy season, public holidays, peak travel periods—yes, they all affect demand. Yet many owners stick to one flat rate all year long. The problem? You’re either overpricing and scaring off bookings or underpricing and leaving money on the table. Let Homely handle smart pricing based on real-time data. We adjust rates depending on guest demand, competition, and market trends to keep your property competitive (and profitable).
2. Ignoring Guest Experience
You’ve furnished the place, sure. But is the Wi-Fi reliable? Is the air condioner functioning properly? or Is the space tidy on arrival? Guests notice the details, especially in a market flooded with options—from Airbnb to Booking.com and beyond. Treat every stay like a mini staycation. Add personal touches. A clean, thoughtful space = better reviews = more rebookings. Homely collects guest feedback so you know what to improve.
3. Delaying Maintenance Until It’s Too Late
You’d be surprised how many bookings fall through because of one broken AC or leaky faucet. Even worse? Getting bad reviews because something “wasn’t working.” Do monthly check-ins and rainy season preparations to ensure that everything is working accordingly.
4. Trying to Handle Everything Yourself
Managing listings, responding to inquiries, arranging cleanings, sorting payments—it’s a full-time job. Owners who DIY everything often burn out or drop the ball somewhere. Outsourcing to Homely means your workload is reduced—from marketing on relevant platforms to ensure visibility to securing bookings. You still earn, but without the extra stress of handling it all by yourself.
5. Skipping Insurance or Documentation
Accidents happen. Guests break things. You need to protect your property—but a lot of owners don’t even know what’s covered (or not). We advise on proper insurance, help you with claims, and make sure every booking has verified guests. Safety first.
6. Not Leveraging Multi-Platform Exposure
Only listing your apartment on one site? Big mistake. Guests use Airbnb, Booking.com, Agoda, and platforms like Nigeria Property Centre to compare options. If you’re not there, you’re invisible. We don’t just list your property—we amplify it. With Homely, your short-let appears on multiple platforms while we handle the logistics under one roof.
7. Failing to Think Long-Term
Short-lets can be more than side hustle money. But if you don’t review your numbers, occupancy rate, or guest types every few months, you’re missing out on growth opportunities. Homely gives you access to reports, insights, and performance updates. That means smarter decisions, better bookings, and long-term growth.
The short-let game in Nigeria is booming, but it’s also competitive. You need more than a nice space—you need a smart partner. At Homely, we help you sidestep these short-let property mistakes so you’re not just managing a property, you’re building a thriving real estate asset.
So, whether you’re new to the short-let space or are already an experienced host, avoid these short-let property mistakes. Book with Homely, list with Homely, and grow with Homely.
