How your home, rental can make you good money in festive season

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Short stay is a seasonal business that can earn you good money during this festive season.

If you have spare rooms or extra space, consider putting it up for rent to short-stay clients. These include Diasporans who are returning to Uganda. 

Some do not have homes here but they also do not want to inconvenience friends and relatives or stay in hotels. Another group is the tourists and travelers who prefer to stay in a home-like environment than hotels. 

Willy Mutenza, chairperson Uganda Convention-UK, says during this season, many Ugandans living in the diaspora travel back home with their families. 

For this, they choose to stay in apartments or homes that are listed on Airbnb for their children to have the home feel. 

Airbnb is an online marketplace that connects people who want to rent out their property with those who are looking for short-stay accommodation.

“Short stays business is lucrative. Just work on your property and market it such that the clients book on time,” he says.

For example, he says, so far, seven of his 10 units are already booked. 

Mutenza owns Eric Wilkins apartments in Bunamwaya, on the outskirts of Kampala.

In addition, Leilah Nansamba has been earning from short stays for two years. She owns a one-bedroom flat in Wandegeya. 

“Tenants used to give me headaches. They would disappear with rent arrears and yet some brokers were untrustworthy. I resorted to short stays,” she says.

Nansamba listed her apartment on a booking website, which links her to prospective clients. They rent for a few days and leave. 

Work on your space

Nansamba advises to first spruce up your property before advertising it saying; that class attracts class. In other words, if you want to attract high-end clients, invest in good paint, furniture, fittings, and maintenance. All the rooms should be worth the bill. The kitchen, bedrooms, living room, and bathrooms should feel homely.

At Mutenza’s apartments he says, he put in place things that make clients comfortable such as free internet, CCTV cameras, parking and outdoor seating areas, and a play corner for children. There are also janitors to clean the place. 

“A client can decide to prepare meals or hire a chef. Cleaning and laundry are done by my workers,” he says.

Relatedly, Nansamba pays attention to detail in terms of hygiene and room accessories like curtains. She ensures they are clean. She charges sh100.000 a day for the flat and her clients are mostly Diasporas, corporates from upcountry, couples who enjoy weekend getaways, and those attending workshops.

Market your property aggressively

Mutenza says, having a good property does not guarantee you clients. You need to market it to attract the customers you want.

“I post pictures and videos of the apartments every day on all my social media platforms and respond to inquiries instantly,” he says.

You can also ask your friends and family to advertise your business as well. Encourage them to share pictures and introduce them to their acquaintances. Also, keep posting the pictures in the social media groups you subscribe to and talk about it wherever you go.  

“Maximize all the free platforms you have access to and market your business,” he says.