Best Platforms to List Your Short-Term Rental in Nigeria

The short-term rental market in Nigeria is growing rapidly as more travellers, expatriates, and business professionals seek flexible accommodation options. Whether you own an apartment, a serviced short-let, or a vacation home, listing your property on the right platform can significantly boost your bookings and revenue.

However, with several platforms available, choosing the right one requires careful consideration.

Factors such as audience reach, service fees, ease of use, and marketing potential play a crucial role in determining the best option for your property.

In this guide, we explore the top platforms for listing your short-term rental in Nigeria and the pros and cons of each.

1. Airbnb

Airbnb is one of the most popular short-term rental platforms globally, and it has gained a strong presence in Nigeria’s hospitality industry. With millions of users worldwide, Airbnb connects property owners with travelers looking for unique and comfortable stays.

Benefits

• Global Audience: Airbnb’s reputation attracts international and local guests.
• Host Protection Program: Provides insurance coverage for damages and liability.
• User-Friendly Interface: Easy to list and manage properties through the mobile app or website.
• Flexible Pricing: Hosts can set their rates and customize their cancellation policies.

Potential Challenges

• Service Fees: Airbnb charges both hosts and guests a percentage of the booking fee.
• Strict Policies: Negative reviews or rule violations can affect your listing visibility.
• Guest Screening: While Airbnb offers ID verification, hosts still need to vet guests carefully.

Best for: Property owners targeting international and business travellers looking for verified stays.

Read This: What Makes a Short-Term Rental Profitable?

2. Booking.com

Booking.com is a well-established online travel agency (OTA) that lists hotels, apartments, and short-term rentals. It is a preferred platform for guests who book accommodations without needing an account.

Benefits

• No Exclusivity: You can list your property on multiple platforms alongside Booking.com.
• Large Customer Base: The platform attracts travellers from all over the world.
• High Visibility: Frequent travellers use Booking.com to compare and book accommodations quickly.
• Instant Booking: Guests can book properties instantly without host approval.

Challenges

• Commission Fees: Booking.com charges up to 15% commission per booking.
• Competition with Hotels: Hosts need to price competitively to attract bookings.
• Strict Cancellation Policies: Managing cancellations can be complex, as policies favor guests.

Best for: Hosts who want a wide-reaching platform and are comfortable handling instant bookings.

3. Jumia Travel (formerly Jovago)

Jumia Travel is one of Africa’s largest travel booking platforms. It focuses on African destinations and offers an easy-to-use interface for property owners to list their rentals.

Benefits

• Local Audience: Specifically targets African travellers, including business professionals and tourists.
• Payment Flexibility: Supports local payment options, making it easier for Nigerian guests to book.
• Support Team: Provides assistance to hosts in managing their listings and resolving issues.

Challenges

• Limited International Reach: Compared to Airbnb and Booking.com, Jumia Travel’s audience is mostly local.
• Less Brand Recognition: Many travellers may still prefer international platforms.

Best for: Hosts looking to attract domestic travellers and business guests.

Read This: How to Create a Business Plan for Your Short-Term Rental

4. PropertyPro.ng

PropertyPro.ng is primarily a real estate platform, but it also offers a dedicated section for short-term rentals in Nigeria. It is widely used by property seekers looking for long-term and short-term accommodations.

Benefits

• Local Audience: Targets Nigerian residents and expatriates searching for rentals.
• Low Competition: Fewer short-term rental listings compared to global platforms.
• Direct Communication: Allows potential guests to contact hosts directly.

Challenges

• Limited Features: Does not provide built-in booking or payment processing.
• Marketing Effort Required: Hosts need to handle their own bookings and guest communications.

Best for: Hosts looking to list properties in Nigeria’s major cities and attract local tenants.

5. Shortlet.com.ng

Shortlet.com.ng is a platform dedicated to short-term rental listings in Nigeria. It provides a niche market for travelers looking for short-let apartments and vacation rentals.

Benefits

• Niche Focus: Exclusively for short-term rentals in Nigeria.
• Targeted Audience: Attracts guests specifically searching for short-lets.
• Direct Communication: Hosts can interact with guests before confirming bookings.

Challenges

• Smaller Reach: Compared to global platforms, Shortlet.com.ng has a limited audience.
• Marketing Dependence: Hosts must actively promote their listings to drive traffic.

Best for: Hosts who want a local alternative to international short-term rental platforms.

6. Facebook Marketplace & Instagram

Social media platforms like Facebook Marketplace and Instagram have become powerful tools for property owners to attract bookings without paying commission fees.

Benefits

• No Listing Fees: Free to use for listing properties.
• Direct Communication: Owners can negotiate directly with potential guests.
• High Engagement: Social media ads and posts can attract more bookings.

Challenges

• Trust Issues: No built-in guest verification or payment protection.
• Manual Management: Hosts must handle inquiries, bookings, and payments independently.

Best for: Hosts comfortable with marketing and managing bookings through social media.

7. Google Vacation Rentals

Google Vacation Rentals allows property owners to list their rentals on Google search results through integration with booking platforms.

Benefits

• High Visibility: Appears in Google search results for vacation rentals.
• Integration with OTAs: Works with platforms like Airbnb, Booking.com, and Expedia.
• Seamless Booking: Guests can find and book accommodations directly from search results.

Challenges

• Requires Integration: Listings must be managed through supported booking platforms.
• SEO Optimization Needed: To rank higher, listings must be optimized for search.

Best for: Hosts who already list on major OTAs and want additional exposure.

8. Private Websites & Direct Booking Strategies

Having a personal website for your short-term rental can give you complete control over bookings, pricing, and customer relationships.

Benefits

• No Commission Fees: Avoids fees charged by third-party platforms.
• Brand Control: Full customization of your listing and marketing.
• Customer Retention: Build a loyal customer base with direct bookings.

Challenges

• Marketing Required: Driving traffic to your website requires SEO, ads, and social media promotion.
• Trust Building: New websites may struggle with credibility compared to established platforms.

Best for: Property owners with multiple listings who want full control over bookings and revenue.

See This: How to Get Your First Booking Fast in the Short-Term Rental Business

Conclusion

Choosing the right platform to list your short-term rental in Nigeria depends on your target audience, budget, and marketing strategy. Here’s a quick recommendation:

• For global exposure: Airbnb, Booking.com, Google Vacation Rentals.
• For local travellers: Jumia Travel, PropertyPro.ng, Shortlet.com.ng.
• For commission-free bookings: Facebook Marketplace, Instagram, personal website.

To maximize bookings, consider using a mix of platforms while optimizing your listings with high-quality photos, clear descriptions, and competitive pricing.

With the right approach, you can attract more guests and increase your rental income in Nigeria’s growing short-term rental market.