Investing in Short Rents in Gran Canaria: The Mistakes to Avoid to Maximize Profits
Gran Canaria, especially the south of the island, is one of the most desirable destinations for real estate investment for short rentals. Tourist resorts such as Maspalomas, Playa del Inglés, and Puerto Rico attract tourists from all over the world, offering opportunities for substantial earnings. However, not all that glitters is gold: too many investors are lured by the idea of easy profits without really knowing the market, making mistakes that could be avoided with a minimum of awareness.
What you will read is not only from my own experience, but also what I teach to all investors who want to approach short rentals successfully. Since 2015, when I started with my first sublet apartments, I have tested strategies and approaches that I now share with those who entrust me with their properties. If I am here writing to you today, it is because my investors have also followed my suggestions and made good profits.
The Most Common Management Mistakes on Booking and Airbnb
One of the most critical aspects for success in short rentals is the management of online platforms such as Booking and Airbnb. Many people underestimate the importance of this aspect and make mistakes that could easily be avoided.
Here are the most common mistakes and how to fix them:
1. Unprofessional Photos
Pictures are the showcase of your property. Poor quality photos, taken without criteria or that do not enhance the strengths of the property, greatly penalize the listing.
Solution: Use a professional photographer or learn the basics of real estate photography. Images should be bright, sharp and show the details that make your property unique.
2. Superficial Descriptions
Many investors write generic and poorly edited descriptions, thinking that just saying “apartment in great location” is enough to convince guests. Instead, a poorly detailed description is likely to fail to attract the interest of potential clients.
Solution: Spend time writing a clear and engaging description, highlighting amenities, nearby attractions, and details that enhance the guest experience.
3. Mis-calibrated Prices
Pricing too high or too low is a common mistake. High prices without a property to justify them drive customers away, while rates that are too low attract an audience not in line with the quality you want to offer.
Solution: Analyze the market and use dynamic pricing tools to optimize prices based on seasonal demand and local trends.
4. Slow or Inadequate Communication
Communication is critical. Many hosts respond slowly to messages or give vague answers, losing valuable reservations.
Solution: Respond quickly and professionally. Use preset messages for common questions and show availability and attention to detail.
5. Negative Reviews Not Managed
Negative reviews, if ignored or mishandled, can seriously damage your property’s reputation.
Solution: Always respond to reviews, showing a professional attitude. Thank them for the feedback and explain how you resolved any problems.
6. Neglected Details
Cleanliness, maintenance, and attention to detail are critical. Many overlook these aspects, thinking that they do not affect the guest experience.
Solution: Provide impeccable housing. Make sure everything is in order, working and clean. Details such as the quality of linens or little extras (coffee, water) make a difference.
Not All Areas of Southern Gran Canaria Are Profitable
Many people think that buying property in any area of Southern Gran Canaria is a guarantee of success. Nothing could be more wrong. Not all areas are ideal for short rentals: some attract more demand for long-term rentals, others do not offer enough amenities or tourist attractions to compete with other locations.
Tip: Before you buy, carefully analyze the market and assess the property’s potential for short rentals. There are key factors that I will reveal in a future article.
"Just Clean It Up a Little": The Mistake They Don't Forgive
One of the most frustrating attitudes I often encounter is that of those who buy properties in poor condition–bathrooms that need to be redone, old fixtures, smelly furniture–and think they can turn them into income with a simple clean-up.
But how does such a property make a return? No one wants to stay in an apartment that looks like something out of another era, with ongoing maintenance problems and an unwelcoming environment. This approach not only drives away customers, but turns the property into a nightmare for the owner himself.
The truth: A property in poor condition is not an investment, it is a burden. Only a well-renovated property with attention to detail can generate profits and attract quality guests.
Why Some Properties Yield and Others Don't
Of course, not all properties have the same yield. A property’s ability to generate profits depends on many factors: location, condition of the house, quality of furnishings, pricing strategies, and platform management.
These are aspects that I have learned to evaluate since 2015, when I started with my sublet apartments. Since then, I have developed a system that I share with my investors, helping them to get real results. And if my investors make good returns today, it is because they follow these principles.
Conclusion
Investing in short rentals in Gran Canaria is a great opportunity, but it requires knowledge, commitment and the right strategy. Avoiding the most common mistakes in managing on Airbnb and Booking, along with a wise choice of property and targeted action to enhance its value, is essential to turn an investment into a successful business.
Remember: success is not guaranteed just because you bought a property. It’s the work you do on that property, from renovations to professional management, that will really make a difference.
If you want to learn more about how to assess whether a property is profitable or not, follow me: I will tell you about it in a future article.
Do you want to maximize the return on your property without stress? Rely on an expert in managing short rentals! I will help you turn your property into a stable and secure source of income, taking care of every detail: from the initial set-up to complete guest management. Don’t let your investment lose value. Contact me today and find out how we can get your real estate business off the ground!
Daniele Piccoli +34 635632009 / +39 3518711203
