Does SA have enough accommodation for the officials, fans and tourists expected here during the Fifa 2010 World Cup? The situation seems less clear-cut than Fifa and local organisers initially projected. And that suggests a moneymaking opportunity for local homeowners.
At the end of October Fifa’s accommodation agency, Match, was to start offering online accommodation at fifa.com for the general public in hotels, guesthouses and B&Bs. But soccer tourists who want only a bed for a few nights won’t necessarily book through the Fifa website - which leaves a gap for private homeowners.
The internet has been flooded with people marketing private accommodation. Experts predict a flurry of bookings in December, when fans will learn who will play where and when. Estate agents and suburban families alike are hoping to earn a pile during the tournament.
If you decide to rent out your home or flat you could earn around R1 000 a person a day - so the owner of a comfortable three-bedroom suburban home could earn R6 000 a day.
Former soccer player and TV sports presenter Gary Bailey says there’s nothing to stop ordinary people providing accommodation to 2010 visitors - but use a reputable agent to provide marketing exposure and protection.
He has teamed up with Seeff Properties to give homeowners a way to market their properties. Seeff will arrange advertising, rent collection and property inspections.
Estate agents will probably require a 50 per cent upfront deposit and a damage deposit from visitors. They’ll also check their creditworthiness, take care of the paperwork, do inspections and welcome guests.
Seeff is looking for people who can make their entire homes or apartments available for at least a week, says director Ian Slot.
“We’re not talking spare rooms,” he says. “Homeowners must check everything is in working order before handing their properties to us. They’ll probably also have to take out extra insurance. We can organise that for them.”
