When looking for temporary housing, especially for a month or more, short-term rentals through real estate agencies often offer better value than Airbnb. While Airbnb can be convenient for very short stays, when it comes to longer stays, short-term rentals provide significant advantages in terms of cost, stability, and service.
1. Better Value for Longer Stays
While Airbnb may seem cost-effective for a short stay, short-term rentals become far more financially advantageous as the length of your stay increases. This is because Airbnb’s rates remain consistently high, often including service fees, daily rates, and cleaning fees. Meanwhile, with short-term rentals, although tenants are responsible for building maintenance fees, utilities, and sometimes a brokerage fee, the longer you stay, the more these costs are spread out, making the monthly rent considerably lower than Airbnb over time.
Additionally, most short-term rentals are concentrated in premium areas like Gangnam, offering you access to prime real estate at a better price for extended stays.
2. Better Communication and Service
One of the challenges with Airbnb is having to communicate directly with the property owner. This can sometimes lead to miscommunication or delayed responses, especially if there’s a language barrier. In contrast, with short-term rentals, a real estate agent manages communication between the tenant and the landlord, ensuring faster and more reliable service. If any issues arise during your stay, you can rely on the agency to handle them efficiently, rather than trying to negotiate with an individual host.
3. Stable Contracts and Legal Protections
Short-term rentals also provide the benefit of legal and contractual stability. When you rent through a real estate agency, you sign a formal lease that outlines clear responsibilities for both the tenant and the landlord. This is ideal for anyone looking for a secure living arrangement for several months, as it provides legal protections that Airbnb doesn’t typically offer.
On Airbnb, the terms can be more fluid, and hosts may have their own set of rules that change from one property to another, which can create uncertainties for longer stays.
4. More Flexibility with Guests
In many cases, short-term rentals offer more freedom in accommodating guests. With Airbnb, hosts often impose strict rules about the number of guests allowed and may charge extra for additional people. Short-term rentals, however, usually offer greater flexibility when it comes to having friends or family stay over, without imposing additional fees.
5. Customized Furniture and Amenities
Both short-term rentals and Airbnb properties are fully furnished, but the level of amenities often varies. Airbnb rentals cater to short-term travelers and typically provide all-inclusive conveniences like toiletries, bedding, and kitchen essentials. Short-term rentals also come furnished, but you might need to provide your own shampoo, towels, or bedding.
While this might seem like a downside, for a longer stay, being able to customize your own living space is often a plus. You can tailor your rental to your personal preferences without relying on what an Airbnb host has provided.
6. Reliable Maintenance and Repairs
Another key advantage of short-term rentals is the professional management of the property. In case of any issues with the apartment, such as broken appliances or maintenance problems, real estate agents coordinate repairs more quickly and efficiently. With Airbnb, the response time and quality of service can vary significantly, depending on the individual host. Short-term rentals, by contrast, often come with more structured building management, ensuring faster repairs and fewer hassles.
7. Ideal for Premium Locations
If you are looking to stay in prime areas like Gangnam, short-term rentals offer better options for extended periods. Gangnam is known for its high-end residential properties, and securing a long-term stay there through real estate can be more financially sensible than using Airbnb, especially for those who prefer stability and better access to services.
In summary, while Airbnb may be a great option for short vacations or brief stays, short-term real estate rentals are the smarter choice if you’re staying longer. They offer better value, stronger legal protections, reliable services, and are particularly advantageous in premium areas like Gangnam. When considering the total cost over several months, a short-term rental is almost always more financially sound than Airbnb.
