The short-term rental market in 2025 is fiercely competitive. Guests are searching with intent, and the properties that tick the right boxes are the ones securing consistent bookings and five-star reviews. It is no longer enough to offer a clean home in a good location. Travellers are actively filtering for the details that make their stay more comfortable, seamless, and memorable.
At Air Design, we see these trends first-hand across our collection of homes in Sydney and Melbourne. We know what makes a property stand out in the search results and what keeps guests coming back. Below are the five amenities that we see guests searching for in 2025, with practical tips to help you implement them in your own property.
1. Reliable High-Speed WiFi for Remote Work
Remote and hybrid working are here to stay, and guests are unwilling to compromise on internet quality. WiFi is one of the first filters travellers use when searching. Listing “Free WiFi” is no longer enough, it needs to be reliable and fast.
Why it matters:
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Digital nomads book for longer stays and are willing to pay higher nightly rates.
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Families often need multiple devices connected at once.
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Poor WiFi is one of the most common causes of negative reviews.
What you can do:
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Upgrade to fibre-optic or NBN where available.
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Provide a speed test screenshot in your listing photos.
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Add a dedicated work nook with a desk, chair, and good lighting.
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Label this space in your listing photos as “Work From Home Ready.”
2. Wellness-Oriented Features
Travellers are prioritising their health, even while away from home. A property that supports wellness feels restorative and memorable, setting it apart from generic listings.
Ideas to include:
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Provide yoga mats or light gym equipment.
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Style bathrooms with soft lighting, fluffy towels, and spa-like touches.
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Offer filtered or mineral water systems.
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Incorporate natural materials (linen bedding, timber furniture).
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Highlight outdoor features like morning sun spots or garden spaces.
Why: Guests are looking for “slow living” stays where they can recharge, not just sleep.
Air Design tip: When listing online, highlight these details to not only make photos more engaging but also help guests imagine themselves living in the space.
3. Outdoor Living Spaces
One of the most searched amenities in 2025 is access to usable outdoor space. Guests crave fresh air, nature, and areas where they can gather.
What attracts guests:
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Balconies with comfortable seating.
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Courtyards styled with greenery and outdoor lighting.
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BBQs or fire pits for entertaining.
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Waterfront access or even just a sunny deck with views.
What you can do now:
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Add simple outdoor furniture (bistro sets, lounge chairs).
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Use outdoor rugs, planters, and lanterns to create atmosphere.
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Photograph these spaces at golden hour for maximum appeal.
4. Fully Equipped Kitchens
Cooking is back on the agenda for travellers. In 2025, guests expect kitchens to be functional, well-stocked, and visually appealing.
What to stock:
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Quality cookware (pots, pans, sharp knives).
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Coffee machines or high-quality kettles.
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Utensils for baking, roasting, and serving.
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Pantry basics (oil, salt, pepper, herbs).
Styling touches:
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Colourful or unique ceramics.
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A dining space styled with fresh flowers or place settings.
Why it matters: Families and groups filter for “kitchen” as a must-have, and listings that show inviting dining experiences stand out in crowded markets.
5. Smart Home Comforts
Smart technology has shifted from “nice to have” to “expected.” Guests value convenience, sustainability, and security, and smart features provide all three.
Top upgrades to consider:
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Smart locks for seamless check-in.
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Energy-efficient climate control.
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Smart lighting with dimmers.
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Voice assistants for entertainment or local info.
Why guests love it:
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No more fumbling with keys.
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Confidence in security.
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A feeling that the home is up-to-date and well cared for.
Travellers in 2025 are not simply booking accommodation, they are booking an experience. At Air Design, we transform homes into high-performing short-term rentals that guests cannot resist. From styling and photography to guest-ready checklists and dynamic pricing, we manage the details that matter.
Ready to elevate your property? Get in touch with Air Design today.
