5 Common Mistakes Property Owners Make When Renting in Hurghada
Owning a property in Hurghada can be a rewarding investment—when managed correctly. With the city’s growing popularity among tourists and short-term renters, it’s easy to assume that listing your apartment online will immediately start generating income. But many property owners find themselves frustrated, overwhelmed, or losing money due to common and avoidable mistakes. If you’re planning to rent out your apartment in Hurghada, avoiding these pitfalls can be the difference between a thriving rental and a costly headache.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the top 5 mistakes owners make and show you how to stay ahead of them.
Mistake #1: Poor Pricing Strategy
One of the most overlooked elements of rental success is pricing. Many property owners set a flat rate based on what they ‘feel’ the apartment is worth, or worse, copy a neighbor’s price without understanding the factors behind it.
But pricing your apartment without market research can lead to:
– Long vacancy periods due to being overpriced
– Missed income opportunities if you’re underpriced
– Negative guest perception if the value doesn’t match the rate
The Hurghada rental market is dynamic. Prices fluctuate based on:
– Seasonality (peak vs low tourism seasons)
– Proximity to tourist attractions and beaches
– Apartment size, amenities, and views (like a sea view or rooftop access)
– Competitor activity on platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com
A smart pricing strategy includes:
– Regular monitoring of competing listings
– Dynamic pricing tools that adjust based on demand
– Weekend and holiday rate adjustments
– Occasional discounts to fill last-minute gaps
Mistake #2: Weak Online Presence
Your online listing is your storefront. It’s the first impression potential guests will get of your apartment—and it can make or break your bookings. Many owners upload poorly lit photos, write minimal descriptions, or fail to translate listings into multiple languages.
What goes wrong:
– Low visibility on booking platforms due to incomplete profiles
– Low click-through rates because of unattractive visuals
– Mistrust from international guests who expect professionalism
Best practices:
– Use high-resolution professional photos that showcase lighting, layout, and lifestyle
– Include detailed, benefit-focused descriptions
– Translate your listing to at least English, German, and Russian
– Enable instant booking with clear house rules
Mistake #3: Lack of Guest Communication
Responding slowly or unclearly to guest inquiries is a major red flag. In the short-term rental world, guests often choose properties based on responsiveness.
Common issues:
– Delayed replies to questions
– Misunderstandings due to language barriers
– Lack of clear instructions for check-in/out
Solutions:
– Use automated messaging tools
– Provide multi-language support if possible
– Send a clear welcome pack with directions, rules, and contact info
Mistake #4: Inconsistent Cleaning and Maintenance
Cleanliness is one of the most important factors in guest satisfaction. Even a beautifully designed apartment will get poor reviews if guests find it dirty or broken.
Risks of ignoring cleaning/maintenance:
– Negative reviews and refund requests
– Health and safety concerns
– Damage that worsens over time
Prevention:
– Hire professional cleaners
– Schedule regular inspections
– Provide cleaning supplies and train your staff
Mistake #5: No Financial Tracking
Without proper tracking, it’s easy to lose sight of your profits and expenses.
Dangers of no tracking:
– Underestimating costs like utilities, cleaning, repairs
– Overlooking seasonal performance trends
– Missing tax documentation
Recommendations:
– Use property management software
– Review income/expense reports monthly
– Adjust your strategy based on financial data
Conclusion
Renting out your apartment in Hurghada can be both profitable and enjoyable—if done right. By avoiding these 5 common mistakes, you increase your chances of attracting great guests, earning higher returns, and building a strong rental reputation. Whether you’re managing one apartment or a portfolio, the right knowledge and support can make all the difference.
Next Article
Coming up next: How to Price Your Hurghada Apartment Smartly for Maximum Profit. Stay tuned for a deep dive into pricing strategies that help you maximize income and occupancy.