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The impact of remote work: how to adapt your property for digital nomads
Make the most of the rise in remote work to attract digital nomads.
Leticia Heres · · 3 min read
To adapt a property for digital nomads, you need to offer a stable connection, a comfortable workspace, an equipped kitchen, self check-in and conditions suited to stays of several weeks or months. It is also worth highlighting how close the property is to transport, supermarkets, gyms and coworking spaces in the listing description.
The rise of remote work has changed the way many people live and travel. More and more professionals are choosing to work from anywhere in the world, which has given rise to a growing segment of travellers known as digital nomads. For owners of holiday and mid-term flats, this is a great opportunity to attract this kind of guest, who usually look for longer stays and value certain specific comforts. It is what we call workation in holiday lets: combining remote work and holidays in the same property.
If you want to adapt your property to attract digital nomads, here are some key recommendations:
1. Fast, stable internet
A powerful internet connection is a digital nomad's number one requirement. Make sure you offer a speed of at least 100 Mbps and a stable connection in every part of the home. You can also add a Wi-Fi signal booster or a wired connection in the work area.
2. A comfortable, practical workspace
Not every property has an office, but it is essential to create an ergonomic work corner. Some features to consider:
- A large desk and an ergonomic chair.
- Good lighting, ideally natural light.
- Several sockets and extension leads with USB ports.
- An attractive, tidy background for video calls.
3. Long stays and special rates
Digital nomads usually stay weeks or months in one destination. Offering long-stay discounts can make your property more attractive. You can also include extra services such as a weekly clean or access to nearby gyms. This trend ties in with the boom in business travel and holiday flats, another mid-stay guest profile looking for the same comforts.
4. A well-equipped kitchen
As many digital nomads prefer to cook at home, a fully equipped kitchen is a big plus. Make sure you include the essential utensils, a good-quality coffee maker and plenty of storage space.
5. Shared spaces and places to relax
The balance between work and rest is key for this kind of guest. An outdoor space, such as a balcony or terrace with comfortable chairs, can make all the difference. It is also a good idea to include a cosy living area with entertainment options such as books, a Smart TV and access to streaming platforms.
6. Location and nearby services
Digital nomads value properties with good public transport links and close to cafés, coworking spaces, supermarkets and gyms. If your property is in an area with these amenities, highlight it in your listing description.
7. Automation and easy check-in
As many digital nomads arrive at irregular times, offering a self check-in system with electronic locks or key safes will make their arrival easier. You can also include a digital guide with instructions for the home and local recommendations.
8. Reviews and community
Digital nomads often choose where to stay based on reviews. Encourage reviews from previous guests and highlight the features that make your property ideal for this profile. And if your property is in a community with other digital nomads, you can mention it as a selling point.
Conclusion
Adapting your property for digital nomads can increase demand and secure longer, steadier bookings. If you are wondering whether this guest profile pays off more than the traditional holidaymaker, compare the differences in holiday lets vs long-term lets. With a minimal investment in strategic improvements, you can turn your property into an ideal space for this growing market. Make sure you highlight these features in your listings and stand out in a sector that is constantly changing.
If you want to put some of these strategies into practice in your home, at beBalmy we'll be happy to help. You can contact us through this form, or send a WhatsApp message.
Frequently asked questions
What does a flat need to be let to digital nomads?
A stable connection, a comfortable workspace, an equipped kitchen, self check-in and conditions suited to stays of several weeks or months. It is also worth highlighting in the listing how close it is to public transport, supermarkets, gyms, cafés and coworking spaces, which is what this profile values when choosing accommodation.
What internet speed does a digital nomad need?
The guide recommends offering at least 100 Mbps and a stable connection in every part of the home. To strengthen it, you can add a wifi signal booster or a wired connection in the work area, because internet is the main requirement for anyone working remotely.
How do you set up a workspace in a holiday flat?
You do not need an office, but you do need an ergonomic work corner: a large desk and an ergonomic chair, good lighting, ideally natural, several sockets and extension leads with USB ports, and an attractive, tidy background for video calls.
Is it worth offering long-stay discounts to digital nomads?
Yes. Digital nomads usually stay weeks or months in a destination, and offering long-stay discounts makes the property more attractive. You can add services such as a weekly clean or access to nearby gyms. Adapting the home to this profile can increase demand and secure longer, steadier bookings.
How do I make arrival easy for a guest who arrives at any hour?
With a self check-in system, using electronic locks or key safes, because many digital nomads arrive at irregular times and this way they do not depend on someone waiting for them. Round it off with a digital manual containing the home's instructions and local recommendations.
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