Physical Characteristics of High-end and Luxury Airbnb listings in Inner Bangkok : the Case of Apartments and Condominiums

Abstract

This article presents physical characteristics of the most common grades of Airbnb apartments and condominiums. Grades of each property types defined by quality level from low to luxury, using four criteria including 1) buildings and exterior, 2) dwelling units and room compositions, 3) utility, facility, and interior design, and 4) common facilities. The samples of 250 listings in Watthana and Khlong Toei districts in inner Bangkok were examined using mixed of qualitative and quantitative research methods. Pearson’s Chi-Square were performed to test the relations between physical characteristics and grades of property types of Airbnb.

          The research revealed that over 60% of Airbnb listings for both property types are high-end and luxury grades. High-end listings represented upper-middle income housing, while luxury represented high-income housing. Building age of Airbnb apartments are 11-20 years old, where condominiums are lesser than 10 years. Thus, condominiums have higher quality of common facilities, for example garden and recreation area, lobby, fitness center, and swimming pool. The most common unit size and room compositions are studio or one-bedroom at the size that not larger than 31 m². Spaces in dwelling units are well-separated between bedroom and living room using light wall or solid wall. The kitchen is fully equipped. Bathroom are separated with wet and dry area. Interior design are varied from classic, contemporary, and minimal with the light colors. Hence, the significant (p<0.01) characteristics between the two grades of Airbnb apartments and  condominiums is unit size, where luxury has much larger spaces than high-end. Thus, the suggestions for property owners whom interested in joining Airbnb is to renovate the unit size smaller than 30 m² and use the contemporary interior design with the lighter tone of furniture to attract guests.