How to List Your Property as a Shortlet in Nigeria

Listing a property as a shortlet in Nigeria can turn an underused apartment, furnished home or serviced residence into a source of recurring income. But putting a property online is only the first step. A successful shortlet needs the right location, suitable furnishings, accurate pricing, professional presentation, clear house rules and a reliable system for handling bookings and guests.

The process also requires more than uploading a few photographs and waiting for reservations. Property owners and managers need to determine whether the property is suitable for short stays, prepare it for guests, understand their legal and contractual obligations, create an accurate listing, establish a pricing strategy and maintain the property to the standard promised to guests.

City Spaces & Bookings gives Nigerian property owners and managers a way to list shortlet apartments and serviced apartments, set their own prices and availability, establish house rules and receive bookings through the platform. The platform currently offers free listing and allows hosts to retain control over their property, pricing and calendar.

Start listing your property on City Spaces & Bookings

What Does It Mean to List a Property as a Shortlet?

A shortlet is a furnished accommodation offered to guests for temporary stays rather than rented under a conventional long-term tenancy.

The stay could be for one night, several nights, a week or longer, depending on the property and the host’s booking rules.

Shortlets can include one-bedroom apartments, larger family apartments, serviced residences, furnished homes and other suitable accommodation. The appeal is that guests can often access more space and home-style facilities than they would receive from a conventional hotel room.

For the owner, the model offers an alternative to a long-term rental arrangement. Instead of committing the property to one tenant for a year, a shortlet allows the owner or manager to make the property available to multiple guests over time.

That flexibility, however, comes with additional operational responsibilities. The property has to be cleaned, maintained, inspected and prepared between stays. Guest communication must be handled efficiently, and availability must remain accurate.

Is Your Property Suitable for Shortlet Hosting?

Before creating a listing, determine whether the property is actually suitable for short stays.

A property does not need to be luxurious to perform well. What matters is whether it provides a clean, comfortable and reliable experience that matches what guests are likely to expect from the location and price.

Consider the following:

Location: Is the property in an area where people are likely to need temporary accommodation?

Accessibility: Can guests reach the property without unnecessary difficulty?

Security: Is the building, estate or surrounding environment appropriate for short-term guests?

Utilities: Can you provide dependable electricity, water, internet and other essential services?

Space: Is the apartment suitable for the number of guests you intend to accommodate?

Furnishing: Is it properly furnished for temporary living rather than simply furnished enough to satisfy a long-term tenant?

Management: Can you respond to enquiries, coordinate check-in and deal with maintenance issues?

These questions matter because shortlet guests generally have different expectations from long-term tenants. A tenant may be prepared to furnish an apartment gradually. A shortlet guest expects the accommodation to be ready when they arrive.

Check Whether You Are Allowed to Operate the Property as a Shortlet

This is one of the most important steps and one that property owners should not skip.

Owning or renting an apartment does not automatically mean you can operate it as a shortlet.

You need to consider the terms of your lease, landlord arrangements, estate rules, residents’ association requirements, building management policies and applicable state or local regulations.

City Spaces & Bookings’ current host terms explicitly place responsibility on hosts to understand and comply with laws, regulations and third-party contracts that apply to their listings. The terms also note that some locations or types of short-term accommodation may require registration, permits or licences.

This is particularly important because shortlet regulation can differ between Nigerian states and municipalities.

For example, Lagos has specific rules affecting short-let and hospitality operations, including tax and licensing considerations. Property owners should therefore verify the requirements that apply to their specific property and business structure rather than assuming that a rule applicable in one state automatically applies nationwide.

If you are uncertain about your obligations, speak with an appropriate lawyer, tax professional or relevant government authority before launching the property.

Prepare the Property Before Listing It

Your listing can attract the first enquiry, but the property itself determines whether guests are satisfied.

Start with the fundamentals.

The apartment should be thoroughly cleaned and decluttered. Furniture should be functional rather than simply decorative. Beds should have clean, comfortable bedding, bathrooms should be properly maintained, and kitchen equipment should work as described.

Check the things guests often notice immediately:

• Mattress and bed condition
• Cleanliness of bathrooms
• Water supply
• Electricity
• Air conditioning
• Wi-Fi
• Lighting
• Kitchen appliances
• Furniture
• Television
• Curtains and window coverings
• Doors and locks
• Parking
• General security
• Pest control
• Fire and safety equipment

You do not necessarily need to provide every luxury amenity. But everything you advertise should work.

A modest apartment with reliable electricity, good Wi-Fi, clean bathrooms and comfortable furniture can create a better guest experience than a luxury-looking apartment with unreliable essentials.

Furnish the Property for the Type of Guest You Want

Your target guest should influence how you furnish the property.

A business-oriented apartment may benefit from a desk, comfortable chair, strong Wi-Fi, convenient charging points and a quiet environment.

A family apartment may need more seating, a functional kitchen, dining space and practical storage.

A premium leisure property may justify investment in features such as a swimming pool, smart television, balcony, entertainment facilities or upgraded interior design.

The goal is not to copy every feature offered by competing shortlets. It is to create a property that serves a clear purpose.

If your apartment is near a business district, for example, reliable connectivity and workspace may generate more value than spending heavily on decorative items.

Take Professional Property Photos

Photography is one of the most important parts of a shortlet listing because potential guests cannot inspect the apartment physically before booking.

Your photographs should accurately represent the property.

Photograph every important area, including:

• Exterior and entrance
• Living room
• Bedrooms
• Bathrooms
• Kitchen
• Dining area
• Workspace
• Balcony or outdoor space
• Swimming pool
• Gym
• Parking
• Security features
• Important views or surrounding facilities

Use natural lighting where possible and keep the apartment clean and properly arranged before taking photographs.

Avoid excessive editing that makes the property look significantly different from reality.

The purpose of professional photography is not to make an average apartment look luxurious. It is to help the right guest understand exactly what they are booking.

That becomes even more important because City Spaces & Bookings requires hosts to provide complete and accurate listing information and keep listing content, including photographs, up to date.

Write a Shortlet Description That Answers Real Questions

A good property description should help a guest decide whether the apartment fits their needs.

Do not simply write:

“Beautiful luxury apartment in a serene environment with modern facilities.”

That tells the guest very little.

Instead, explain what the property actually offers.

For example, a useful description could explain that the apartment is a two-bedroom furnished property in Lekki, suitable for up to four guests, with Wi-Fi, air conditioning, a fully equipped kitchen, parking and 24-hour security, while also identifying nearby areas that may be relevant to guests.

The description should answer:

• What type of property is it?
• How many bedrooms are there?
• How many guests can stay?
• Where exactly is it located?
• What amenities are available?
• Is parking available?
• What is the power arrangement?
• Is Wi-Fi available?
• Who is the property suitable for?
• Are there important restrictions?
• What makes the property different?

Be specific rather than promotional.

Be Completely Accurate About Your Property

Accuracy is not just good customer service. It is fundamental to maintaining trust.

If your property has two bedrooms, list two bedrooms.

If the apartment has one bathroom, do not describe it as having two.

If Wi-Fi is available only in certain circumstances, explain that.

If electricity depends on a generator or inverter, communicate the arrangement clearly.

If the swimming pool is shared rather than private, state that.

If a facility is currently unavailable, update the listing.

City Spaces & Bookings’ host terms specifically require hosts to provide complete and accurate information, disclose deficiencies and restrictions, and keep listing information and calendar availability up to date.

This protects both sides. Guests know what they are booking, while hosts reduce the likelihood of complaints caused by incorrect expectations.

Decide How Much to Charge for Your Shortlet

Pricing is one of the biggest decisions a new host has to make.

There is no universal shortlet price in Nigeria because rates vary according to city, neighbourhood, property size, furnishing, demand, season and amenities.

Start by researching comparable properties.

Look at apartments with similar:

• Location
• Number of bedrooms
• Guest capacity
• Quality
• Amenities
• Security
• Accessibility
• Property type

Do not compare a basic one-bedroom apartment with a premium serviced apartment simply because they are in the same city.

Consider Your Operating Costs

Your nightly rate needs to cover more than rent or mortgage costs.

Consider:

• Cleaning
• Laundry
• Electricity
• Generator fuel
• Internet
• Water
• Maintenance
• Replacement of damaged items
• Security
• Staff or property management
• Platform-related charges
• Taxes and other applicable obligations

The goal is to establish a rate that is attractive to the market while still making the business financially sustainable.

Use Different Rates When Appropriate

You may not need one price throughout the year.

Demand can change according to weekends, holidays, major events, business periods and other factors.

You can also consider different pricing for longer stays if that makes economic sense.

City Spaces & Bookings allows hosts to set their preferred rates and dates, giving property owners control over their pricing and availability.

Set Your Availability Calendar Properly

One of the easiest ways to create booking problems is to have an inaccurate calendar.

If your property is unavailable because of maintenance, personal use or another booking channel, block those dates.

If you accept a booking elsewhere, update the calendar promptly.

An accurate calendar helps prevent double bookings and unnecessary cancellations.

This is particularly important for hosts who advertise the same property on multiple platforms.

If you use more than one booking channel, establish a routine for synchronising availability.

Establish Clear House Rules

House rules help protect the property and establish expectations before the guest arrives.

Your rules might cover:

• Maximum number of guests
• Check-in and check-out
• Smoking
• Parties and events
• Noise
• Visitors
• Pets
• Parking
• Use of facilities
• Damage
• Security
• Waste disposal

The rules should be reasonable and clearly communicated.

Avoid creating an unnecessarily long list of restrictions that makes the property difficult to use. Instead, focus on rules that protect the apartment, neighbours and guest experience.

City Spaces & Bookings also requires hosts to disclose applicable restrictions and house rules as part of the listing information.

Create a Reliable Check-In Process

Your guest should know what to do when they arrive.

Decide whether check-in will be handled personally, by a property manager, through a security desk, with a lockbox or through another access arrangement.

Whatever method you choose, make it straightforward.

Provide the guest with the information they need before arrival, including:

• Exact location
• Directions
• Check-in time
• Contact person
• Access instructions
• Parking information
• Important building rules
• Emergency contact information

If a guest arrives after a long journey and cannot figure out how to access the apartment, even a beautiful property can quickly become a poor experience.

Build a Cleaning and Maintenance System

Shortlet hosting is an operational business.

Every checkout creates another turnover process.

The apartment needs to be inspected, cleaned and prepared before the next guest arrives. Linen and towels need to be changed, consumables replaced and any damage identified.

Create a checklist rather than relying on memory.

A basic turnover inspection can cover:

Bedrooms: bedding, pillows, lights, air conditioning and furniture.

Bathrooms: water, drainage, toiletries, towels and cleanliness.

Kitchen: appliances, utensils, refrigerator and cooking equipment.

Living area: furniture, television, remote controls, Wi-Fi and lighting.

Safety: locks, smoke detectors, fire extinguishers and other applicable safety equipment.

Exterior: parking, entrance and access areas.

The faster you identify problems, the easier they are to fix before the next guest arrives.

Decide Whether You Will Manage the Property Yourself

Some owners manage everything themselves. Others use property managers, cleaners or dedicated shortlet management companies.

Self-management can provide greater control but requires time.

You may need to respond to enquiries, manage bookings, coordinate cleaners, handle check-in, solve maintenance problems and communicate with guests.

If you live in another city or have a demanding full-time schedule, professional management may make more sense.

The important thing is to decide this before accepting bookings.

A property can generate demand and still perform poorly if nobody is available to manage the guest experience.

List Your Property on City Spaces & Bookings

Once the apartment is ready, you can create your listing on City Spaces & Bookings.

The platform’s current host process is built around four main stages: create the listing, set pricing and calendar availability, accept suitable bookings, and receive payment through the platform.

Step 1: Create Your Listing

Start by providing the essential information about the property.

This includes the property type, location, description, bedrooms, guest capacity, amenities, photographs and relevant rules.

The objective is to give a potential guest enough information to make an informed decision.

Step 2: Add Your Photos and Description

Upload your best accurate photographs and write a description that explains what the guest will actually experience.

Do not exaggerate the property’s features.

The strongest listing is not necessarily the one with the most impressive language. It is the one that makes the property easy to understand.

Step 3: Set Your Price and Availability

Determine your nightly rate and make your availability calendar reflect the dates on which guests can actually book.

If your pricing changes for certain periods, ensure the appropriate rates are applied.

Step 4: Set Your House Rules

Make the property’s expectations clear before guests book.

This reduces misunderstandings and gives you an opportunity to screen bookings against the requirements of your property.

Step 5: Manage Booking Requests

City Spaces & Bookings states that hosts can review guest requests, ask questions and confirm stays on their terms.

Use this stage to make sure the booking is appropriate for your property’s rules and capacity.

Step 6: Receive Your Earnings

Once bookings are completed according to the platform’s processes, hosts receive their earnings through the platform’s payment system. City Spaces & Bookings currently advertises secure payouts directly to the host’s bank account.

Always review the current platform terms for the applicable payment and host conditions.

How to Make Your Shortlet Listing Stand Out

There are likely to be several furnished apartments competing for the same guest.

Standing out does not require making unrealistic claims.

Instead, identify your property’s genuine strengths.

Perhaps it has:

• An excellent location
• Reliable power
• Strong Wi-Fi
• A dedicated workspace
• A fully equipped kitchen
• Exceptional security
• A large living room
• Multiple bedrooms
• A swimming pool
• Free parking
• A quiet environment
• A particularly good view
• Easy access to a business district

Lead with the features that actually matter to your target guest.

A business traveller may immediately notice “dedicated workspace and reliable Wi-Fi.” A family may respond more strongly to “three bedrooms, fully equipped kitchen and secure parking.”

Your listing should communicate value to the right audience rather than trying to appeal to everyone.

Use Reviews to Build Credibility

New hosts often have a disadvantage: they have no guest reviews yet.

That is normal.

Focus on delivering a good experience consistently.

Accurate descriptions, clean rooms, responsive communication and reliable facilities increase the likelihood of positive guest feedback.

City Spaces & Bookings highlights verified guest reviews as one of the benefits hosts can use to build credibility on the platform.

Do not try to manipulate reviews. A small number of genuine positive reviews is more valuable for a sustainable hosting business than artificial feedback.

Keep Your Listing Updated

A shortlet listing should not be treated as something you create once and forget.

If you replace the sofa, add a washing machine, remove a facility, change the rules or alter the property’s capacity, update the listing.

The same applies to photographs.

If the apartment looks substantially different from the photographs online, guests may arrive with expectations that the property cannot meet.

City Spaces & Bookings’ host terms require hosts to keep listing information, photographs and calendar availability up to date.

Treat your listing as a living sales and information page for the property.

Understand Your Responsibilities as a Shortlet Host

Being listed on a marketplace does not transfer ownership or legal responsibility for the property to the platform.

City Spaces & Bookings’ terms state that the platform does not own, control or manage the listed accommodations and that hosts remain responsible for understanding and complying with applicable laws, regulations, contracts and tax obligations.

That means you should independently consider matters such as:

• Landlord permission
• Estate or residents’ association rules
• Applicable licences or registrations
• Tax obligations
• Safety requirements
• Insurance where appropriate
• Building restrictions
• Guest capacity
• Local hospitality requirements

The specific requirements depend on your location and business structure, so do not assume that a general online checklist replaces professional advice.

How to Calculate Whether Your Shortlet Is Profitable

Revenue is not the same as profit.

Suppose a property earns ₦150,000 per night and is occupied for 15 nights in a month.

That produces ₦2.25 million in gross accommodation revenue before expenses.

You still need to account for cleaning, electricity, internet, maintenance, staff, platform charges, taxes and other costs.

A simple way to evaluate the business is:

Gross revenue = nightly rate × occupied nights

Then subtract the costs required to operate the property.

You should also account for vacant nights.

A property charging ₦200,000 per night but sitting empty most of the month may generate less annual revenue than a well-managed property charging ₦130,000 with stronger occupancy.

That is why pricing should be based on both rate and demand.

Should You List on More Than One Platform?

Multi-platform distribution can increase visibility, but it also creates management challenges.

If you list the same property on several platforms, your availability needs to remain accurate across all of them.

A double booking can create serious problems for both the host and guest.

Before expanding to multiple channels, make sure you have a reliable process for managing calendars, pricing, guest communication and cancellations.

For a new host, starting with one platform can sometimes make the operational side easier to control while you learn what guests actually want.

Common Mistakes New Nigerian Shortlet Hosts Make

Listing Before the Property Is Ready

Do not accept guests while the apartment is still being renovated or furnished.

Setting the Price Based on Emotion

The fact that you spent a lot furnishing the apartment does not automatically mean the market will support your desired nightly rate.

Using Poor Photos

Dark, cluttered photographs can make a good apartment look unappealing.

Overpromising

If the property does not have a feature, do not advertise it.

Ignoring Maintenance

A broken air conditioner or leaking bathroom can quickly turn into a guest complaint.

Failing to Block Personal Dates

If you use the property personally, block those dates immediately.

Not Reading Building Rules

An estate or landlord may have restrictions that affect shortlet operations.

Treating Every Guest the Same

Different guests have different needs. Business travellers, families and groups may all evaluate the same apartment differently.

Focusing Only on Occupancy

High occupancy at an unsustainable price does not necessarily mean a profitable business.

A Practical Shortlet Listing Checklist

Before publishing your property, confirm that you have:

• Confirmed that shortlet use is permitted
• Checked applicable local requirements
• Prepared and furnished the apartment
• Tested electricity and water
• Confirmed internet availability
• Installed or checked appropriate safety equipment
• Taken clear, accurate photographs
• Written a detailed property description
• Listed all important amenities
• Set a realistic guest capacity
• Established your nightly rate
• Considered longer-stay pricing
• Added your available dates
• Written clear house rules
• Established check-in and check-out procedures
• Created a cleaning and maintenance process
• Decided who will handle guest communication
• Reviewed the platform’s host terms
• Created a process for handling maintenance and emergencies

Once these pieces are in place, the listing becomes much more than an advertisement. It becomes the operating foundation for the shortlet.

Frequently Asked Questions About Listing a Shortlet in Nigeria

Can I list my apartment as a shortlet if I have never hosted before?

Yes. You do not need years of hosting experience to create a listing. City Spaces & Bookings specifically states that both first-time and experienced hosts can use the platform.

However, being new to hosting means you should spend more time preparing the property and establishing your operating processes before accepting your first booking.

Does it cost money to list a property on City Spaces & Bookings?

The current host page states that listing is free, meaning there is no upfront cost simply to create a listing. Hosts should still review the platform’s current terms for any applicable booking, payment or other charges.

Can I choose my own shortlet price?

Yes. City Spaces & Bookings states that hosts set their own prices and dates.

Your price should nevertheless reflect the local market, property quality, demand and operating costs.

Can I control which dates my property is available?

Yes. Hosts can manage their availability calendar and block dates when the property is unavailable.

What type of property can I list?

City Spaces & Bookings currently focuses on apartment inventory, including shortlets and serviced apartments across Nigeria. The homepage also presents property-owner options for shortlet apartments and related accommodation categories.

Do I need permission to turn a rented apartment into a shortlet?

You should check your tenancy or lease agreement and obtain any permission required by your landlord, estate or building management. You should also check applicable laws and regulations.

Do not assume that being a tenant automatically gives you the right to operate the property as short-term accommodation.

Start Listing Your Shortlet Property

Listing your property as a shortlet in Nigeria is relatively straightforward from a technical perspective. The more difficult part is building a property and operating system that can consistently deliver what the listing promises.

Start by confirming that you are permitted to host. Prepare the apartment properly. Take accurate photographs. Write a useful description. Set a realistic price. Establish house rules. Keep your calendar updated. Then focus on the operational side: cleaning, maintenance, guest communication and reliable check-in.

City Spaces & Bookings provides the infrastructure for Nigerian property owners and managers who want to put their accommodation in front of travellers looking for short stays. Hosts can create a listing, control pricing and availability, manage booking requests and receive payouts through the platform.

The platform’s current host process is designed to take you from creating the listing through pricing, booking management and payment, while keeping the property under your control.

If your apartment is ready for shortlet guests, the next step is to put it in front of people actively searching for accommodation.

List your property on City Spaces & Bookings and start reaching guests across Nigeria.

A strong shortlet business starts with a good property, but it grows through accurate listings, sensible pricing, consistent service and a booking process that both hosts and guests can trust.