Getting your short-term rental pricing right isn’t just about guessing what guests will pay. Set rates too high, and your property sits empty. Go too low, and you could be leaving money on the table. The key? A pricing strategy that adapts to demand, keeps occupancy high, and maximises revenue, without constant manual work.
Step 1: Know Your Market
Before setting your rates, take a step back and look at the bigger picture. Your pricing should be competitive yet profitable, which means understanding:
- What similar properties are charging – Compare pricing for holiday lets in your area with similar amenities and guest capacity.
- Booking patterns– Are guests booking far in advance, or do they prefer last-minute stays?
- Seasonal demand shifts – Peak seasons (summer, school holidays) will command higher rates than quieter months.
Want real-time insights on demand and competitor pricing? SuperControl users get free access to Key Data Dashboard, giving you live market trends at your fingertips.
Step 2: Balance Price & Perceived Value
Pricing isn’t just about numbers; it’s about how guests see value.
A property that’s too cheap can raise red flags. Guests might assume there’s a catch (poor quality, hidden fees, bad location). On the flip side, an overpriced property could push them to book elsewhere.
To get it right, think beyond the number itself:
- What does your price say about your property? A premium feel justifies a higher rate.
- What extras make your property stand out? High-end linens, hot tubs, welcome packs all allow for higher pricing.
- Does your price reflect demand? A flexible strategy means adjusting rates when demand is high and offering deals when it’s low.
Step 3: Use Dynamic Pricing to Stay Competitive
Your ideal rate today might not be right tomorrow. That’s where dynamic pricing comes in.
Rather than setting one flat price for the year, dynamic pricing automatically adjusts your rates based on demand, competitor pricing, and local trends. This means:
- Higher rates when demand surges. Peak season? Local event? Rates go up.
- More competitive pricing in quieter months. No more empty dates; pricing adjusts to attract bookings.
- Greater revenue without manual effort. No need to constantly tweak prices, dynamic pricing does the heavy lifting for you.
SuperControl integrates with Beyond, one of the most powerful dynamic pricing tools available. Let it handle the pricing adjustments, so you can focus on running your business.
Step 4: Adjust for Occupancy & Length of Stay
It’s not just about what you charge. It’s how you structure your bookings.
- Set minimum stay rules strategically. A longer stay requirement may work in peak season but reducing it in quieter months can attract more bookings.
- Allow flexible check-in/check-out. Opening up midweek arrivals can fill gaps and increase short-term rental occupancy.
- Use upsells to boost revenue. Offering extras like late check-out or welcome hampers can increase short-term rental revenue without touching your nightly rate.
Step 5: Keep Testing & Tweaking
Pricing isn’t a set-and-forget strategy. Regularly review what’s working and adjust as needed.
- Are you consistently fully booked? Your pricing might be too low.
- Are you getting enquiries but not bookings? Guests may see better value elsewhere.
- Do bookings drop in certain months? Time to rethink your off-season strategy.
Inside our free guide, you’ll find interactive worksheets to help you test different pricing approaches, track occupancy patterns, and refine your strategy.
Get Your Free Pricing Guide
The right pricing strategy can increase bookings, maximise revenue, and take the guesswork out of setting rates.
Download The Perfect Pricing Formula for Short-Term Rentals to get:
- A step-by-step guide to smarter pricing
- Dynamic pricing insights to optimise revenue
- Interactive worksheets to apply what you’ve learned
