Technology has become entrenched in every aspect of our daily lives. There is now nothing that cannot be done via a computer. However, a computer does not necessarily mean an office, a 9-to-5 schedule, phones, etc.
There are workers who have rejected the conventional way of working and have chosen a more alternative approach. They do not commute to a workplace, and their work can be done from anywhere in the world. This category is known as Digital Nomads.
Who are considered digital nomads?
Digital Nomads are either self-employed freelancers or work for a company or organisation remotely. Their work is carried out from any location on the planet, and this is the primary reason someone chooses to become a digital nomad.
This, of course, presupposes that the nature of the work of digital nomads does not require physical presence and that they are individuals who enjoy travelling. Someone who is afraid to travel by plane, boat, or train would not choose this way of working, as to be considered a digital nomad, one must wish to experience different cultures and societies.
How digital nomads choose locations and properties for their stay
Digital nomads have the flexibility to change cities, countries, and even continents whenever they wish. The cost of travel is an expense that most people find challenging. Consequently, digital nomads, especially freelancers, choose clients from countries with high wage rates while residing in countries with a low cost of living to maximise their profits.
Greece is one such country with a low cost of living, no matter how paradoxical this may sound to us. The country ranks among the top choices for digital nomads in Europe, a fact attributed to its pleasant climate, quality of life, and endless entertainment options until the early hours, as well as the low cost of living compared to central and northern European countries.
The reasons why digital nomads primarily choose properties through short-term rentals rather than long-term ones are:
Flexibility in Accommodation. Short-term rental properties are a more attractive option compared to long-term rentals, as they can be rented for a few weeks or months without the commitment of long-term contracts required for long-term leases. This flexibility is the main reason that digital nomads opt for properties via platforms like Airbnb.
Comfort and Amenities. Another equally important reason for choosing properties through short-term rentals is that the majority are fully equipped with everything a professional needs to work from their personal space: high-speed Wi-Fi, comfortable workspaces, and home amenities such as a kitchen and a washing machine. In contrast, long-term rental properties are usually unfurnished or not tailored to the needs of travellers.
Location and Options. Digital nomads often choose accommodations that allow them to live near local attractions and enjoy the culture of the area. Short-term rental properties, such as those offered on platforms like Airbnb, are typically located in central and tourist areas, providing easy access to cafés, restaurants, and co-working spaces. Conversely, long-term rental properties may be situated in less appealing locations for travellers.
Simplicity in Bookings. Short-term rental platforms offer the ability to easily and quickly book accommodation without the contracts and other complex processes required for long-term leases. This is the ideal solution for those needing flexible dates for their stay.
Digital nomads and benefits for property owners
Digital nomads represent a group of travellers who significantly contribute to the economy of a place, as they spend a large portion of their earnings on accommodation, food, transport, and entertainment.
According to relevant studies, their stay in each property averages around two to three months and includes both low and mid-season, which greatly benefits owners of short-term rental properties. The duration of their stay minimises the maintenance costs of the property, which also yields greater profits for owners.
Additionally, digital nomads have created online communities through which they exchange information about locations and accommodations where they have stayed. This information is shared and propagated, meaning that a property can quickly become well-known within a well-organised community.
What should an Airbnb property have to be considered digital nomad friendly?
As discussed in a previous paragraph, digital nomads are professionals. The first and foremost feature they look for when selecting accommodation through a short-term rental platform is high-speed internet (at least 100 Mbps), necessary for the programs required for their work, for uploading and downloading files, and for conducting video calls. It is advisable to mention the internet speed on the property listing on Airbnb and other short-term rental platforms.
However, a fast connection alone is not sufficient, as there needs to be a place to set up a laptop for digital nomads to perform their work. Therefore, immediately after fast internet, having a suitable workspace, such as a desk or a table at an appropriate height for use as a working desk, a comfortable chair, and even an extra monitor (many professionals use two or three monitors to perform multiple tasks simultaneously, one on each screen) would certainly be a positive feature of a property.
The importance of proper lighting in the workspace shouldn’t be overlooked, whether natural or artificial, as it plays a significant role, especially during long working hours.
Beyond these, any additional amenities, such as printers, scanners, smart devices (e.g., smart TVs), free parking, and views of points of interest, are even more appealing, not just for digital nomads but for anyone interested in choosing a property with more conveniences.
Owners should consider making their property digital nomad-friendly by adjusting its availability. For instance, if a property is only available during the high season, it might attract this group of professionals if it were available year-round.
Many factors need to be considered, but there are numerous positive aspects to making the property available to digital nomads.