How much does it cost to furnish a 2-bed Airbnb in Cape Town?: The real cost of furnishing a standout Airbnb in Cape Town
- Liesa Jossel, owner: Home Stagers Cape Town
- Nov 12, 2024
- 2 min read
Updated: Aug 25
The Airbnb market is competitive. In Cape Town alone, there are more than 25 000 listings. Many investors quickly discover it’s not so easy to get booked. To stand out, you need to offer something special compared to the identical-size apartment next door and the dozens of others in your building.
So what does it actually cost to furnish a two-bedroom Airbnb?
It varies with size, finishes, and quality, but even the basics add up quickly.
For example, a good king bed — the kind guests rave about in reviews — costs upwards of R20 000. Then you still need mattress protectors, quality bedding in duplicates, a headboard, side tables, lamps, curtains, rugs, and art.
A single mid-range bedroom setup can easily top R50 000, before delivery or installation. And that’s just the bedrooms. The lounge, dining, kitchen, bathrooms, and outdoor areas all need to be equipped. Guests expect a space that feels curated and complete, not something pieced together from budget stores.
The hidden costs people forget
Beyond furniture, investors often forget about:
Delivery fees from multiple suppliers
Assembly of flat-pack furniture
Electricians and plumbers for fittings
Returns when items arrive damaged
Storage and secure receiving of deliveries
The sheer time it takes to source, compare, and coordinate everything
I’ve managed projects where more than 20 deliveries had to be scheduled, checked, and stored before installation day. That’s a full-time job on its own.
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Why hiring a decorator saves you money (and headaches)
A decorator ensures every piece fits, both in style and size. I’ve seen oversized sofas swallow tiny apartments simply because no one measured properly.
I know which suppliers deliver on time, which finishes actually last, and where to get the best service. I also have the storage, staff, and systems to manage deliveries, quality checks, and installation day so you don’t have to.
Most importantly, I design with your return on investment in mind. Guests book memorable, comfortable spaces. They return. They leave glowing reviews. And that means higher occupancy and higher nightly rates.
The bottom line
A realistic budget for furnishing a two-bedroom Airbnb is often upwards of R250 000. It’s an investment — but when done professionally, it pays back in bookings and repeat guests.
If you want to make real income, you need a professional-level offering. That means quality, consistency, and design that tells a story. When your Airbnb looks like it belongs on a “favourite stays” list, guests take notice. So does the algorithm. And so will your income.
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