Short-term rentals have become one of the most profitable forms of property rental in recent years. Whether you have a small apartment in the center of Sofia, a vacation home in Plovdiv, or a cozy studio in Varna, properly managing a short-term rental can bring you significant monthly income.
The question is: how do you get the most out of your property without becoming a "full-time manager"?
In this article, we will look at 7 proven strategies that will help you increase your short-term rental income while maintaining high occupancy rates and satisfied guests.
But while some owners earn many times more than the average, others are left with an empty calendar and lost opportunities. The difference is in the strategy.
Don't wait until next season to act – every missed month is lost income.
1. Optimize your listing – photos and description sell
Photo: booking.com
When it comes to short-term rentals, first impressions are everything. Most guests choose a property based on photos, not price.
Therefore:
- Invest in a professional photo shoot. Good lighting, cleanliness, and aesthetic arrangement create a sense of comfort and value.
- Make a clear and inspiring description – not just a list of amenities, but a story about an experience: “Cozy apartment in the center of Sofia, ideal for weekend getaways and business trips.”
Highlight your unique advantages – a terrace with a view, proximity to the metro, free parking or home comfort.
2. Set up dynamic pricing based on season and demand
Photo: booking.com
Price is a decisive factor in short-term rentals. If you keep the same price year-round, you lose potential revenue.
Use strategies such as:
- Dynamic pricing – increase the price during peak periods (holidays, festivals, weekends) and reduce it during lower demand.
- Minimum stay – Set a minimum number of nights during high demand periods to optimize your schedule.
- Discounts for longer stays – encourage guests to stay longer.
If you don't have the time or experience, a property management company like FlatManager can automatically adjust your prices based on real demand and competition - something that increases revenue by up to 20%.
3. Improve guest experience – high ratings bring more bookings
In the world of short-term rentals, reviews are gold. Even a small drop in rating can reduce the number of bookings.
To get 5-star ratings:
- Greet guests in person or provide easy independent access (smart key, code).
- Maintain perfect cleanliness and fresh air – this is the first thing people notice.
- Add small detailsthat create a sense of luxury: coffee, a bottle of water, a local guide or a scented candle.
- Respond quickly and politely to all inquiries.
A happy guest will not only leave a positive review, but will also come back again. And a high rating automatically elevates you in the search engines of Airbnb and Booking.com.
4. Use multiple platforms at the same time
Many owners limit themselves to just one platform, such as Airbnb.
The truth is that A multi-platform presence significantly increases the visibility of your property.
Publish your property also in:
- Booking.com
- Expedia
- Vrbo
- Facebook Marketplace and Google Maps (via local business profile)
This way you will reach more types of guests – business travelers, families or tourists.
Important: If you use multiple channels, set up centralized calendar management to avoid double bookings. Platforms like FlatManager offer automatic synchronization across all platforms – risk-free and hassle-free.
5. Invest in professional short-term rental management
Many owners underestimate how much time and coordination a short-term rental requires. From cleaning and guest communication to marketing, maintenance, and price optimization – all of this can be delegated.
Professional property management:
- Provides permanent employment (even out of season);
- Maintains the property in impeccable condition;
- Manages all communications, feedback and issues;
- Traces tax and legal requirements;
- Optimizes pricing in real time.
Companies like FlatManager combine technology and human care, so you get more income from short-term rental without spending time.
6. Monitor trends and adapt your strategy
The short-term rental market in Bulgaria is developing dynamically. What works today may not be effective in a year.
Here are a few current trends:
- Remote work – more and more people are combining travel and work, looking for apartments with good internet and a workspace.
- Eco-accommodation – guests appreciate energy efficient appliances, recycling and environmental practices.
- Local experiences – recommend restaurants, tours, and places that are not in the tourist guides.
Keep an eye on the competition and change your approach. If you periodically analyze which listings are most searched for, you will know how to better position your short-term rental.
7. Build your own brand and repeat customers
Successful short-term rental owners don't rely solely on platforms – they create their own recognizable style and brand.
You can do this by:
- Apartment logo and name (e.g. "Urban Stay Sofia");
- Own website or Facebook/Instagram page with direct bookings;
- Creating loyalty program – discounts for returning guests;
- Collect emails for future campaigns.
When guests contact you directly, you avoid platform commissions and your profit from short-term rentals increases significantly.
Conclusion: Short-term rental is a business, not a hobby
Managing a short-term rental property can be extremely lucrative if you approach it strategically. With the right presentation, dynamic pricing, excellent service, and professional maintenance, your property can become a stable source of passive income.
Don't miss out on the next wave of bookings – every day without professional management is potential revenue lost.
Trust the experts at FlatManager to increase your profit while we take care of everything else.
