Vacation Rental Scale-Up

Looking to expand your short-term rental business and attract more properties in 2025? In this episode, industry experts Thibault Masson (Founder of Rental Scale-Up and Head of Product Marketing at PriceLabs), Mahwushh Alam (CEO of One Perfect Group, overseeing hundreds of units in Dubai), and Brooke Pfautz (CEO of Vintory and founder of Comparent) share practical, data-backed strategies to add high-quality inventory and build a resilient portfolio that withstands market changes. ☑️ Learn why 75% of property managers are making inventory expansion a top priority this year. ☑️Discover which tried-and-true tactics are still effective—and what needs to be adjusted ☑️Learn the importance of identifying and monetizing high-demand properties while managing unsold inventory. ☑️Airbnb’s latest Co-Host feature and its potential impact on inventory acquisition for professional managers ☑️Defining your USP, listening to owner pain points, and using targeted marketing to resonate with property owners, real estate companies, and investors. 🔔 Subscribe for more strategies and stay tuned for our future events and industry updates! Join us for monthly free workshops and events. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter for event updates and industry news: https://www.rentalscaleup.com/newsletter

In this episode, we break down Airbnb’s Co-Host Network to see if it’s a true game-changer for property managers or a hidden threat. With co-hosts averaging a 4.86 guest rating—higher than traditional managers’ 4.62—and offering their services at a lower commission, is this a new era of competition? Or are these ‘local’ co-hosts simply professional managers under a new label? We’ll uncover the real impact on the vacation rental industry, discuss visibility ranking factors, and share how property managers can adapt, thrive, and even leverage the Co-Host Network as a growth channel. Listen in, and don’t forget to subscribe for more insights.

In this video, Uvika Wahi from Rental Scale-Up breaks down Airbnb’s Winter 2024 release, highlighting the launch of the Co-Host Network, new tools for hosts, and enhanced personalization features for guests. Airbnb’s Co-Host Network allows homeowners who want the benefits of Airbnb without the hassle of managing properties to partner with experienced co-hosts. But what does this mean for professional property managers? We discuss the opportunities and challenges this new platform presents, along with Airbnb’s continued shift toward a hands-off hosting approach with tools like Price Tip Suggestions and Quick Replies. We also take a closer look at Airbnb’s ongoing personalization efforts for guests, suggesting destinations and highlighting relevant property features based on past booking behaviour and profile info from guests. Read our detailed report here: https://www.rentalscaleup.com/airbnb-rolls-out-co-host-network-new-host-tools-and-intensified-guest-personalization/ 🚨Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter for more industry news, tips, and strategies: https://www.rentalscaleup.com/newsletter/

Which short-term rental regulations are sweeping across Europe and how could they impact your business? From Athens to Budapest, governments are cracking down on short-term rentals with new laws, taxes, and restrictions. But don't worry—this isn't just about challenges, it's about opportunities too. Join me, Uvika Wahi from Rental Scale-Up, as I break down the key changes, highlight why they matter, and share actionable tips on how you, as a short-term rental manager, can stay compliant and thrive. Plus, learn how big players like @airbnb are already leading the way in shaping the future of our industry. 👉🏻Read our detailed report analyzing recent EU regulations for short-term rentals here: https://www.rentalscaleup.com/short-term-rental-bans-and-regulations-update-europe/ 🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more valuable updates on the short-term rental industry!

How Dale Smith scaled Host & Stay to 1,400+ properties with smart tech and strategic acquisitions! In this second episode of the Property Manager/Founder Interview Series, Uvika Wahi sits down with Dale Smith, founder of Host & Stay, one of the fastest-growing property management companies in the UK. With over 1,400 properties under management, Dale shares the secrets behind Host & Stay’s rapid expansion. Key Takeaways: ● How Dale transitioned from the automotive industry to property management ● Host & Stay’s growth strategies and recent acquisitions ● The role of technology in optimizing property management ● The importance of marketing and systems for scaling your business Host & Stay website: https://hostandstay.co.uk/ Find Dale on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dalesmithpvl/ Whether you're a property manager looking to scale your portfolio or interested in learning from industry leaders, this conversation is packed with actionable insights!

In this episode, we discuss Airbnb’s latest updates for 2025, including the new ranking systems and the increasingly important Guest Favorites badge. Learn how these changes impact your listing’s visibility and discover real-world optimization tips from experienced property managers who are successfully navigating today’s competitive short-term rental market. Featuring: - Thibault Masson (Founder, Rental Scale-Up, and Head of Product Marketing,  @PriceLabs-DynamicPricing ), who breaks down  @airbnb 's recent changes, how the Guest Favorites badge is now more visible than Superhost status, and how AI tools can improve your listing photos for better conversions. - Adam Nedved ( @blahobyty750  and  @PragueDays ), managing nearly 200 units in Europe’s competitive urban markets, sharing his top strategy for optimizing high-end listings on Airbnb. - Sean Landreth ( @propertyvalet2786  and  @SeasonalProperties ), overseeing 180+ units in North America, offering insights on how he’s balancing Airbnb bookings with a strong push for direct bookings. Join us for monthly free workshops and events. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter for event updates and industry news: https://www.rentalscaleup.com/newsletter

In this episode, Uvika sits down with Sean Landreth, Chairman and Founder of Property Valet managing over 130 properties across Ontario, Quebec, and British Columbia. Sean is also the CEO of Seasonal Properties, overseeing 50+ seasonal properties in The Blue Mountains, Collingwood, Mont-Tremblant, and Florida. Key Highlights💡 • The importance of having a strong team behind you and making hard decisions to grow. • How to assess demand, property density, and proximity to manage operational costs effectively. • Staying ahead of changing regulations and ensuring all your listings remain compliant. • Leveraging local partnerships and year-round activities to boost guest satisfaction and bookings. For more expert insights, like and subscribe to our channel. You can also stay ahead of industry trends with our essential updates at Rental Scale-Up. Get them delivered straight to your inbox by signing up for our free weekly newsletter! https://www.rentalscaleup.com/newsletter/

In this episode, Thibault explains the concept of dynamic pricing for property managers and how to keep it fair and transparent. He also highlights the recent Oasis concert Ticketmaster controversy and how dynamic pricing in short-term rentals operates differently. 💡 Key Takeaways: • Ticketmaster’s Fiasco: Oasis fans saw prices skyrocket during their 2025 reunion tour, leading to accusations of price gouging. • Fair Play in Rentals: Short-term rental managers use dynamic pricing based on real market factors like demand and seasonality. • Guest Choices Matter: Unlike concert tickets, vacation rental guests have options, which keeps competition and pricing in check. • Transparency Wins: Clear communication about price changes builds guest trust—no blindsided surprises like with Ticketmaster. Tune in to learn how to use dynamic pricing to your advantage while keeping guests happy!

In this latest episode, Uvika Wahi dives into the latest  @vrbo  ad campaigns and what they mean for professional short-term rental managers like you. With a focus on privacy, host-free stays, and the One Key rewards program, Vrbo is positioning itself as the go-to platform for guests looking for uninterrupted, seamless vacations. But how does this stack up against  @airbnb 's approach, and how can you use these insights to stay ahead in a competitive market? Key takeaways: 🔑 Why privacy is now a key selling point for your property 📅 How offering flexible booking options can attract more guests 💸 Why long-stay discounts could be your ticket to higher occupancy 🎁 The power of Vrbo’s One Key rewards program—and how to leverage it If you’re a professional short-term rental manager in the U.S. or Europe, this video is for you! Make sure to subscribe for more valuable insights and actionable tips to boost your bookings. Read our detailed report analyzing Vrbo's recent ad strategy: https://www.rentalscaleup.com/latest-vrbo-commercials-focus-on-host-free-stays-and-more-whats-new-this-time/ 📧 Don’t forget to subscribe to Rental Scale-Up’s free weekly newsletter for the latest industry news and trends: https://www.rentalscaleup.com/newsletter/ #shorttermrentals #vacationrentals #vrbo #airbnbmanagement #propertymanagement #loyaltyprograms #grouptravel #advertisingandmarketing #onekey

In this episode, Uvika Wahi dives into the fierce competition between the biggest players in the short-term rental industry, Airbnb, Booking.com, and Vrbo, as they ramp up efforts to recruit more hosts. 💡Key Takeaways: From celebrity endorsements and stress-free hosting promises to targeted ad campaigns, these platforms are pulling out all the stops to become the top choice for hosts. Booking.com’s ‘Open The Door’ campaign targets new hosts with bold ads, including a focus on inclusivity with its Travel Proud initiative and celebrity partnerships. Vrbo emphasizes stress-free hosting by promoting longer stays and repeat guests through its One Key rewards program. Airbnb continues its market dominance with its Experienced Co-Host platform, helping new hosts get started easily, and new ads targeting occasional hosts who want to monetize their homes. For professional property managers, these trends mean increased competition, price pressures, and the need to stay ahead by delivering high-quality service and leveraging new hosting tools. 🔔 Subscribe now to stay updated on the latest trends in short-term rentals, get actionable tips to grow your business, and never miss an episode packed with insights. 🤝 If you enjoyed this, don’t forget to leave a review and share it with your fellow hosts and property managers!

In this episode of the Vacation Rental Scale-Up Podcast, Thibault Masson dives into one of Airbnb’s most significant updates yet—the Re-launch of its Experienced Co-Hosting Platform. This new marketplace is poised to impact the vacation rental industry, offering both seasoned property managers and aspiring co-hosts an opportunity you simply can’t afford to overlook 💡 Key Takeaways: 💼 Discover what Airbnb’s Co-Hosting Marketplace is all about and how it operates 💰 Explore the potential impact on property management fees and the evolving competition 🚀 Learn how to strategically use the platform to attract new clients and expand your business 📝 Follow a step-by-step guide to becoming a successful Experienced Co-Host Why tune in? If you’re involved in property management or thinking about becoming a co-host, understanding this platform is essential to staying competitive in today’s market. 🔔 Don’t miss out! Subscribe to keep up with the latest Airbnb trends and strategies, ensuring you thrive in the vacation rental industry.

In this episode of the Vacation Rental Scale-Up Podcast, host Thibault Masson dives into the secrets behind building and scaling a winning team culture in the property management industry. Using the inspiring success story of Prague Days, a company that grew from managing just one unit in 2016 to nearly 200 units with a team of over 70 people by 2024. 💡Key Takeaways: Actionable Steps to Build Your Culture: This episode breaks down the steps to defining and implementing a scalable culture in your business. Learn how to set clear team principles, ensure alignment across your team, and why it’s essential to focus on cultural fit during recruitment. Why a Scalable Culture is Crucial: As your property management business expands, maintaining a consistent guest experience becomes increasingly challenging. This episode explains how a scalable culture acts as a foundation that ensures every team member, regardless of location or role, is aligned with your core values and standards. 🔔 Like, share, and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode. 👉 Don't miss out—subscribe to "Vacation Rental Scale Up Podcast" now! Visit our website at rentalscaleup.com for more tips and resources to elevate your vacation rental business.

In this episode, Uvika Wahi from Rental Scale-Up breaks down Airbnb’s Q2 2024 financial results, revealing a market that's beginning to cool off and what this shift means for professional short-term rental managers. 💡Key Takeaways Is Airbnb’s Q2 2024 financial report a warning sign for short-term rental managers? The latest results highlight critical shifts in the market that could impact your business. Airbnb's revenue growth is slowing, signaling a cooling market, while operational costs continue to rise, underscoring the importance of focusing on listing quality and differentiation to maintain competitiveness. The report also reveals a decline in average daily rates, suggesting increased price sensitivity among travelers. For property managers, this means optimizing pricing strategies will be crucial to sustaining profitability. Dive into our in-depth report to see what Airbnb's Q2 2024 numbers mean for property managers and how they can adapt: https://www.rentalscaleup.com/airbnb-q2-2024-financials/ Stay ahead of the curve with our free weekly newsletter, packed with the latest news and strategies tailored for property managers: https://www.rentalscaleup.com/newsletter/ 🔔 If you enjoyed this episode, please like, share, and leave a review. 👉 Don’t miss out—subscribe to the "Vacation Rental Scale-Up Podcast" today!

In this episode of the Vacation Rental Scale-Up podcast, Thibault Masson dives deep into Airbnb’s innovative use of AI. From enhancing property visibility and automating responses to introducing AI-powered concierge services, we explore how Airbnb is leveraging AI. 💡Key Takeaways Uncover What's Behind Airbnb’s Ranking Algorithm: Learn how AI determines which listings get top visibility and what you can do to boost your property’s ranking. Maximize Revenue with AI-Driven Smart Pricing: Discover how Airbnb’s AI adjusts your prices to stay competitive in a dynamic market. Streamline Guest Communication with AI-powered Quick Replies: Find out how you can save time and maintain Superhost status with automated responses. Explore the Future of Travel with AI Concierge Services: Get a glimpse of how AI could soon personalize and optimize every aspect of your guests’ travel experiences. 🔔 Like, share, and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode. 👉 Don't miss out—subscribe to "Vacation Rental Scale Up Podcast" now! Visit our website at rentalscaleup.com for more tips and resources to scale your vacation rental business.

In this episode of the Vacation Rental Scale-Up podcast, host Thibault Masson delves into the incredible journey of One Perfect Stay, a UAE-based property management company that grew from managing just 25 units to a staggering 2,500 in only nine years. 💡5 Major Takeaways: 1. Diversification as a Growth Strategy: Learn how spreading investments across different property types, locations, and business models can protect your portfolio from risk while unlocking new opportunities. 2. Rental Arbitrage Explained: Discover the advantages of rental arbitrage, a strategy that allows you to expand your portfolio without the upfront costs of purchasing properties. 3. Real-World Examples: Hear real-world examples and practical advice from one of the UAE’s leading property managers on how to effectively scale a short-term rental business. 🔔 Like, share, and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode. 👉 Don't miss out—subscribe to "Vacation Rental Scale Up Podcast" now! Visit our website at rentalscaleup.com for more tips and resources to elevate your vacation rental business.

In this episode of the Vacation Rental Scale-Up Podcast, host Thibault Masson explores proven strategies for attracting high-end rental properties and securing relationships with premium property owners. Drawing on the expertise of Simon Tolson, who shared his invaluable insights at the Scale Show in Barcelona. 💡Key Takeaways: 1. Understand Premium Properties: Learn what sets high-end rentals apart and why they are crucial for maximizing your profits. 2. Tailor Your Approach: Discover how to customize your strategies for different types of property owners, from second homeowners to professional landlords. 3. Maximize Lifetime Customer Value (LCV): Get the lowdown on how to calculate and leverage LCV to justify higher spending on customer acquisition. 4. Leverage Free and Strategic Losses: Find out how offering low-cost, high-value services can win over property owners and boost long-term loyalty. 5. Implement the £100K Strategy: Uncover the game-changing tip that added £100K to Simon Tolson’s bottom line through Security Damage Waivers. If you’re serious about scaling your short-term rental business, this episode is a must-listen. Don’t miss out on future episodes—make sure to subscribe to the Vacation Rental Scale-Up Podcast. If you found value in this episode, please leave us a review and share it with your network. Your support helps us bring more valuable content to you!

In this episode of the Vacation Rental Scale-Up Podcast, Thibault Masson dives into Airbnb’s latest ad campaign, breaking down what the company is really selling in its newest commercials. 👉🏻 5 Key Takeaways: Group Travel Focus: Airbnb is emphasizing the benefits of group travel, making it clear that they can cater to larger groups and families just as well as their competitor Vrbo. Airbnb vs. Hotels: Airbnb’s ads are positioning their properties as a superior alternative to cramped hotel rooms, offering more space, personalized experiences, and a local touch. Guest Favorites Badge: The new ‘Guest Favorites’ feature highlights top-rated properties with consistently positive reviews. 🔔 Like, share, and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode. 👉 Don't miss out—subscribe to "Vacation Rental Scale Up Podcast" now! Visit our website at rentalscaleup.com for more tips and resources to elevate your vacation rental business.

In this riveting episode of the Vacation Rental Scale-Up podcast, host Thibault Masson delves into the dramatic conviction of Konrad Bicher, the self-proclaimed "Wolf of Airbnb." Uncover how Bicher orchestrated an elaborate illegal subletting scheme that defrauded landlords and exploited government relief programs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn about the courtroom drama that culminated in Bicher’s sentencing to over four years in prison, a $1.7 million forfeiture, and $2.2 million in restitution. We’ll break down: The strategies Bicher used to deceive landlords and evade eviction. The damning evidence presented by prosecutors, including Bicher's incriminating text messages. How Bicher manipulated the Paycheck Protection Program to his advantage. The judge's final verdict and its implications for the short-term rental industry. This episode provides crucial insights for short-term rental managers who are committed to ethical practices and want to stay informed about the legal landscape. Tune in to understand the full scope of Bicher’s fraudulent activities and the significant legal consequences he now faces. Join us for a detailed analysis of a case that serves as a stark reminder of the importance of integrity in the vacation rental market. Listen now on your favorite podcast platform!

In this episode, host Thibault Masson discusses the important updates to Vrbo’s Premier Host Partner Program for 2024. If you’re a vacation rental manager or host, you’ll want to know about these changes. We’ll cover the end of the Boost visibility program and the new criteria for becoming a Premier Host, providing insights to help you navigate these updates. 👉🏻 Key Takeaways: End of the Boost Program: Vrbo has discontinued the Boost visibility program due to its complexity and ineffectiveness. Stricter Criteria for Premier Hosts: New requirements include a 95% or higher booking acceptance rate, an owner-initiated cancellation rate under 1%, an average review rating of 4.4 or higher, at least 5 bookings or 60 booked nights, and a minimum of 3 traveler reviews. Premier Host Perks: Premier Hosts will still enjoy benefits like a Premier Host badge on all property pages, improved search position, inclusion in the Premier Host filter, and 24/7 priority support. 🎧 Tune in to hear how these changes can impact your vacation rental business. 🔔 Like, share, and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode. Don’t miss out—subscribe to the “Vacation Rental Scale-Up Podcast” now! 🌐 Visit our website at ⁠rentalscaleup.com⁠ for more tips and resources.

In this episode, host Thibault Masson delves into the insights from Will Guidara’s book “Unreasonable Hospitality: The Remarkable Power of Giving People More Than They Expect.” We understand the everyday challenges of running a vacation rental and making each guest’s stay special. That’s why we’re sharing practical, real-world strategies to help you create unforgettable guest experiences, inspired by the principles of high-end hospitality. 👉🏻 Key Takeaways: 1. Adopt Personalization At Every Touchpoint: Learn how to tailor your services to meet guests’ individual needs, starting from the booking process to their stay. 2. Empower Employees To Make Decisions: Understand the importance of giving your team the autonomy to solve guest issues promptly and effectively. 3. Focus On The Small Details That Make A Big Difference: Discover how small, thoughtful gestures can significantly enhance the guest experience. 🎧 Tune in to hear how these insights can revolutionize your vacation rental business and help you turn good guest experiences into unforgettable ones. 🔔 Like, share, and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode.Don’t miss out—subscribe to the “Vacation Rental Scale Up Podcast” now! 🌐 Visit our website at rentalscaleup.com for more tips and resources to elevate your vacation rental game.