Home sharing giant Airbnb has signed a partnership with local short-term rental business MadeComfy.
MadeComfy is a property management and hospitality company specialising in short-term rentals, with headquarters in Sydney and extended operations in Melbourne.
Acting as a complete end-to-end service package, MadeComfy offers services in marketing, management and maintenance of Airbnb property owners.
MadeComfy says its services increase occupancy rates by 35 per cent compared to a self-managed Airbnb listing – yielding 40 per cent or more in rental returns.
In accord with its partnership with Airbnb, MadeComfy is entering a period of expansion, capped by an increase in consumer interest over the course of the next year. The company expects to service 150,000 guests across the East Coast of Australia.
Speaking to The Australian Financial Review, MadeComfy co-founder Quirin Schwaighofer said the company’s reach would be significantly enhanced by the partnership.
“[Airbnb] are more than just supporting us with information,” he said. “They become a partner as well, helping us grow.”
The company was recognised at Travel Weekly’s Women in Travel Awards in 2017, with CEO and co-founder Sabrina Bethunin (pictured above) winning of the Rising Star award and was a finalist for the Entrepreneur of the Year category.
The partnership with MadeComfy comes in the wake of several initiatives by Airbnb with hotel rental businesses around the world. Airbnb has also been investing in rental companies.
Just last week, Airbnb made news as the lead investor into San Franciso-based rental brand Lyric.
Earlier this month, Airbnb finalised its acquisition of HotelTonight – an online travel app that allows users to find discounted hotel accommodations throughout the Americas, Europe and Australia.
The company has also invested up to $200 million in India-based Oyo Rooms, and last year acquired French property management company Luckey Homes for an undisclosed sum.
The Australian Taxation Office recently announced it would be keeping an eye on rentals and sharing economy platforms like Airbnb. MadeComfy said it welcomed proper regulation of the industry.
