5 Reasons Why Modular Homes Are Ideal For Airbnb

A quick look at the Airbnb website shows that many private accommodation options in Victoria and Southern New South Wales can range from an average of $500 a night. Some hosts even list their homes for more than $1,100 a night. Using this platform to list a holiday home is a great way to earn additional income, supplement your retirement and, if things go well, replace your primary source of income. 

In this article, we explore the top 5 reasons why modular homes are a great option for an Airbnb, short-term rental, or holiday home and also share a few house plans that are most suited to this lifestyle.

1. Location

Location, location, location is an Airbnb fundamental. Will it be a remote rural retreat or a popular beachside destination? Depending on the type of guests you hope to attract, this is a vital consideration. To ensure your short-term rental generates a sustainable income all year round, it needs to be in an attractive location that meets your guests’ needs. 

Fortunately, modular houses are suitable for a wide range of locations and building sites. If your building site is rural or remote, our team can deliver the completed modules and finish the site work relatively quickly. As a bonus, this reduces the travel costs of your tradespeople. 

When choosing your building site for your project, remember that certain assessments will need to be conducted to ensure compliance with various regulations. For example, various evaluations like site access, site connections, and BAL ratings will be required, but rest assured, we can handle all these aspects as part of our comprehensive process.

Tip: If you own land or you are interested in purchasing a particular block, ask our team to conduct a desktop assessment of the site where we will assess suitability for an Anchor Home.

2. Design and layout

The layout and size of your short-term rental will determine how many guests you can host, how much you can charge, and how adaptable it is to various groups. For example, are you looking to maximise bedrooms for large family and group bookings? Or, are you planning to create an intimate space for couples looking for a luxurious getaway? 

Our range of house plans makes it easy to find a suitable layout and design style without having to start from scratch. It is recommended that you select an open-plan layout that works well for holiday living. For example, check out our Beaumaris, Tambo, or Shoreham plans. 

As well as the layout, it’s also vital to select durable products and practical finishes that can withstand a high turnover of guests. For example, engineered wood flooring and vinyl flooring are both popular choices because they can cope with heavy foot traffic. 

The home’s facade should also be top of mind because first impressions are everything with Airbnb's. Including a little wow factor will ensure more guests are interested in booking your Airbnb and will set the tone for their entire stay. See our full range of facade designs for inspiration.  

Tip: Our team of skilled Colour and Specification Consultants can assist you in choosing the ideal exterior and interior finishes for your Airbnb property. They will provide expert guidance to ensure your home looks its best and appeals to potential guests.

3. Energy ratings

The minimum requirement for new builds will increase to a 7-star rating in May 2024. What’s more, you will be responsible for paying the energy bills for your Airbnb. To ensure this doesn’t eat into your profits, it is worth investing in energy-efficient appliances and building design. 

At Anchor Homes, our modular homes are fully insulated and fitted with aluminium double-glazed windows and doors. This maximises comfort for your guests and lowers energy use all year round. 

4. Budget 

Modular construction is far more predictable than conventional construction, making it easier to stay within a strict budget. Transparency is key in the home-building journey. By sharing your budget requirements with us, our expert team can make appropriate design recommendations that align best with your financial goals.

Selecting a standard plan from our extensive design range will be most cost effective, but if you're budget allows, building a custom design is also a great option if you have a specific look in mind.

If you prefer something in between, we also offer the option to modify a standard floorplan and incorporate optional upgrades. This helps to create a unique look and feel that will draw the eye of those browsing Airbnb listings online. 

5. Efficient construction

With modular construction, our homes are built off-site to around 90% completion in a controlled factory environment. This allows us to plan ahead and avoid the frequent delays that conventional construction is often faced with.

As the image below shows, our approach ensures faster construction timelines and smoother project execution thanks to the streamlined, off-site building process and the overlap with site preparation.

By opting for the modular construction method, you can significantly speed up the building process compared to traditional on-site homes. This advantage is especially beneficial for Airbnb hosts who want to attract holiday-goers and start earning income quickly from bookings in no time.

The best Airbnb designs

Over the last few years we have seen a significant increase in clients looking to build one or several homes to list on Airbnb. We are also often approached by new clients who have stayed in an Airbnb we’ve built for previous clients, and were so impressed with the quality, that they decided to build their own Anchor Home.

In our experience, the following are our most popular designs for holiday homes and Airbnb's:

1. Beaumaris 

The Beaumaris 2-bedroom home is the ideal weekend getaway. It’s compact, practical, and low maintenance, while still offering a contemporary style that guests will love. Our Walkerville Project is the perfect example of how the Beaumaris design works as a holiday home, with its light-filled living area, deck, and luxurious upgrades. 

2. Aspendale 

The Aspendale design is perfect for families and large group bookings. The open-plan living space is strategically located at the rear, opening out to an optional deck and letting natural light pour in. Located in the coastal town of Metung, our recent project is the perfect example of this. 

3. Shoreham 19

The Shoreham 19 has 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and plenty of living space, making it ideal for group holiday accommodation. Highlights include two large separate living areas and asecond entrance through the laundry, which makes it easy to clean off after a day out in nature or the beach. Our Rye Project is a modified Shoreham 19 and can accommodate up to 12 guests. 

Over to you...

If building a modular Airbnb is something you’d like to explore, book a tour of our display homes or browse our range of pre-designed house plans. Once you’ve found one you like, contact us to start the modular journey and get your ideal Airbnb or holiday home underway.