Thinking of building a vacation home in Greece and renting it out on Airbnb or Booking.com? Smart move.
But here’s the catch: designing for short-term rental success isn’t the same as designing a home for yourself.
Greek villas do get booked—especially in high season. But what’s left last-minute? The overpriced, overdecorated, or poorly laid out ones.
The truth is, many are rented not because they’re great—but because they’re available.
Design still matters. A lot. Even small, budget-friendly rentals can stand out if they’re smartly planned and visually appealing. The ones that book faster, earn better reviews, and command higher off-season rates are the ones that give guests something decent to live in—something that just feels good.
If you want your home to perform as a rental, you need to design it to rent well from the start.
Here’s what guests are actually looking for—based on experience, guest behavior, and what we’ve seen work (and flop) in real builds.
1. Bedrooms Matter More Than You Think
In the rental world, more bedrooms = more income.
But it’s not just about quantity—it’s about quality:
En-suite bathrooms: Shared bathrooms are deal-breakers for couples or groups.
Separation: A little space between rooms helps avoid noise and creates a more premium feel.
2. Design Moments That Sell the Booking
Most bookings happen because of a photo.
You need:
One hero image (view + pool + pergola is a winning combo)
Clean, modern interiors that photograph well
Soft natural light, even indoors
Focal points: think stone wall, sculptural staircase, oversized doors, or olive trees framed in glass
We design homes that are beautiful in person—but also optimized to stand out on screen. It’s not vanity—it’s strategy.
3. Shade Is Luxury
A pool’s great. But if guests can’t enjoy it after 11am because of direct sun, you’ll get complaints.
Your outdoor space needs:
Deep covered seating with a dining table
Shade near the pool, not just inside
Pergolas, not just umbrellas
Materials that stay cool underfoot
People imagine relaxing outdoors in Greece. Make that image real and comfortable.
4. Kitchens That Work for Groups
Even if they’re going out to eat, guests want the option of cooking together.
A rental-friendly kitchen is:
Open-plan and social
Includes a dishwasher, full-size fridge, good lighting
Has an adjacent outdoor dining area (with shade!)
Bonus points for a small pantry, labeled storage, and counter space that lets 2–3 people prep together.
5. Design for Cleanability and Maintenance
Guests come and go. The house has to bounce back quickly.
Smart rental designs include:
Durable flooring and easy-to-clean grout
Simple fixtures with fewer joints and grooves
Hidden storage for linens, cleaning tools, owner belongings
Durable paint and washable surfaces
It’s about protecting your investment, not cheapening it.
6. Don’t Forget the Guest Experience
Think about the full rental journey:
Where do they drop bags when they arrive?
Is it easy to find light switches at night?
Can they charge a phone by the bed?
Is there a quiet corner for Zoom calls or reading?
Where do wet towels go after the pool?
These seem small—but they’re what turn “nice” reviews into raving ones.
7. Think Beyond Style—Design for Performance
Yes, it should be beautiful. But it also needs to:
Maximize privacy between guest zones
Capture breeze and natural light
Minimize heat gain in summer
Provide cross-season comfort (spring/fall bookings matter)
Store owner items securely when rented
A well-designed villa is easy to live in, easy to rent, and earns without friction.
Build It Like a Business
If you plan to rent your Greek home—even just part-time—design it like a rental product from the start.
That doesn’t mean sterile or boring. It means thoughtful. Practical. Desirable. Something guests scroll past others to book. And something that holds up over time—financially, emotionally, and physically.
Need help designing your rental villa? You can book a complementary consultation using this form here.
