Many property owners are surprised to see that two very similar homes in the same neighbourhood can have very different performance as holiday rentals.

Same building, similar size, similar location — yet one property stays booked while another struggles to attract guests.

In competitive destinations like Marbella, location alone is no longer enough to guarantee strong performance.

In this article, we explain why some holiday rental listings perform better than others in the same area and which operational factors usually make the difference.

Professional Presentation Makes a Bigger Impact Than Many Owners Expect

First impressions strongly influence booking decisions.

Listings that perform better usually invest in:

• High-quality professional photos

• Clear, well-written descriptions

• Accurate representation of spaces and amenities

Guests compare multiple listings side by side.
Small differences in presentation can significantly affect conversion rates.

Even a well-located property can struggle if it does not stand out visually.

Response Time and Communication Affect Booking Decisions

Many guests contact hosts before booking.

Listings that perform better typically offer:

• Faster response times

• Clear and helpful answers

• Consistent availability

Delayed or unclear communication can lead guests to book another property instead.

Platforms also reward fast response rates with better visibility.

Pricing Strategy Must Reflect Real Demand Patterns

Properties in the same area can perform very differently depending on how pricing is managed.

Better-performing listings usually:

• Adjust prices based on seasonality

• React to demand fluctuations

• Optimise minimum stay settings

Fixed pricing often leads to:

• Missed opportunities during peak demand

• Long gaps during quieter periods

Dynamic strategy helps align availability with actual market behaviour.

Guest Experience Drives Long-Term Performance

Strong performance is not only about getting bookings, but also about keeping listings attractive over time.

Positive guest experience leads to:

• Better reviews

• Higher platform ranking

• Increased booking confidence

Common operational factors that influence reviews include:

• Cleanliness at arrival

• Smooth check-in

• Fast problem resolution

Operational weaknesses quickly translate into lower performance.

Maintenance and Property Condition Matter More Over Time

Two similar properties may start performing equally, but over time:

• One remains well maintained

• The other slowly deteriorates

Wear and tear in holiday rentals happens faster due to:

• Frequent guest turnover

• Intensive use of appliances and furniture

Properties that are not monitored regularly may see declining performance even in strong locations.

Operational Systems Create Consistency

High-performing listings usually operate with:

• Structured cleaning schedules

• Clear guest communication templates

• Reliable technician networks

This consistency prevents small issues from becoming repeated problems.

Self-managed properties often struggle to maintain the same level of operational stability during busy periods.

Why Management Quality Often Matters More Than Location

While location attracts initial interest, management quality determines:

• Guest satisfaction

• Review scores

• Platform visibility

• Long-term booking stability

Two properties in the same area can deliver very different guest experiences depending on how they are managed.

This is why performance gaps often widen over time.

How Pass the Keys Marbella Improves Listing Performance

At Pass the Keys Marbella, we focus on optimising both visibility and operations.

We support properties through:

• Professional listing presentation

• Guest communication and support

• Pricing strategy adjustments

• Cleaning and turnover coordination

• Ongoing performance monitoring

Our goal is to ensure that properties not only attract bookings, but also perform consistently over the long term.

Contact Pass the Keys Marbella

If your property is underperforming compared to similar homes in your area, it may not be a location issue.

Our local team can review your listing and operations to identify where performance improvements are possible.

Contact Pass the Keys Marbella today to discuss how professional management can improve your rental results.

👉 Book a free call with Pass the Keys Marbella to discuss Airbnb management options for your home:

🔗 https://calendly.com/ana-torrens-passthekeys

Sometimes small changes make a big difference.