4 Reasons Buying a Unique Property for Airbnb Is a Smart Investment
In today’s short-term rental market, any old property just doesn’t cut it. Sure, any home can be elevated with great design (and that’s our specialty!), but truly savvy investors know the real magic happens when you start with a unique property and then invest in a killer design.
Think treehouses, domes, tiny homes, luxury yurts, shipping containers, or even houseboats! These one-of-a-kind stays capture interest, and bookings, because they offer something money can’t usually buy: an experience, and a story to tell.
Pictured: Casa Doma, Gravenhurst, ON
The Power of the “Wow” Factor
Modern Airbnb guests aren’t just looking for a bed and a bathroom. They’re searching for memorable, immersive stays. The kind that makes them say, “You have to see this place!”
Most guests today are also willing to pay top dollar for these experiences. According to AirDNA, unique properties falling under Airbnb’s “unique stays” category (separate from standard homes, condos, and traditional B&Bs) consistently command higher nightly rates and stronger occupancy.
Pictured: Living Space, Casa Doma
Why Unique Properties Win
1. Built-in Marketing Appeal
Unique stays practically market themselves. The design, the setting, the experience… it’s all Instagram gold! Guests love to share photos and stories from their trip, which means free exposure and organic reach for your listing.
Bonus: When you’re marketing your property on social media and building a brand outside of Airbnb, this content is also invaluable to ensure you can remain consistent with posting, and creating your content doesn’t become too much of a chore.
2. Higher Earning Potential
Guests expect to pay more for something extraordinary. Whether it’s a mountaintop A-frame or a lakeside dome, unique stays often outperform standard homes in both nightly rates and occupancy.
Pro Tip: Even if you’re starting with a “standard”, builder-grade property, you can achieve higher earning potential and wow-factor by adding unique amenities to your property. Think domes in the backyard, climbing structures or even unique pools or sauna experiences.
Pictured: Kids zone at The George in Broken Bow, OK
3. Differentiation in Crowded Markets
In areas saturated with average listings, a unique stay instantly stands out. You’re not competing on price or rooms anymore, you’re competing on experience.
4. Emotional Connection
When guests stay somewhere special, they remember how it made them feel. That emotional connection leads to better reviews, repeat bookings, and more word-of-mouth buzz.
Case Study: Casa Doma, Gravenhurst, Ontario
Recently, we helped bring a truly unique property to life in Gravenhurst, Ontario, tucked deep in the woods of the Muskoka region.
Casa Doma blends an A-frame, dome house, and treehouse into one unforgettable retreat. With a screened porch, hot tub, and family-friendly activities like foosball, ping pong, air hockey, and cornhole, it’s designed for play and relaxation.
Inside, we embraced a modern Japandi-meets-treehouse style with bold rugs, playful wallpaper, and earthy yet vibrant tones. Even the dome’s tricky corners were reimagined as cozy lounges, game zones, and photo-worthy nooks — making every inch of the property an experience in itself.
The result? A stay that’s not only beautiful but buzz-worthy. Guests leave feeling like they’ve discovered something truly special — and they can’t wait to tell their friends (and post about it).
The Takeaway
While design can transform any property, choosing a unique foundation gives you a powerful head start. The modern traveler values experiences, creativity, and connection, and properties that deliver those things rise to the top of the market, both in visibility and profitability.
If you’re ready to invest in a short-term rental that stands out, start by thinking differently. Dream bigger. Look for properties that make people say, “I’ve never stayed anywhere like this before.”
And when you’re ready to turn that dream into a guest-favorite destination, Pink Wall Designs can help you design and brand your unique stay for maximum impact.
Book a Complimentary Consultation
We specialize in designing properties that stand out from the crowd, and we’re experts in short-term rental market research. Whether you’re looking for the perfect property, or you’ve found it and now you’re looking for help bringing it to life, we would love to connect with you.
Let’s talk! Book your complimentary consultation with our team today.
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