Airbnb Host Fees: What Percentage Does Airbnb Take?

Airbnb has established itself as one of the leading platforms for holiday and short-term rentals. However, many property owners still have doubts about how much Airbnb actually charges for each booking. In this article, we explain in detail how host fees work in 2025, what percentage the platform takes, what additional costs may arise, and how to optimise your profits as a property owner.

What are Airbnb host fees?

Airbnb host fees are commissions automatically deducted from the total amount of each booking. These fees cover the services offered by the platform: payment processing, customer service, protection insurance, advertising your listing, among others. Depending on your profile and configuration, these fees can vary considerably.

What percentage does Airbnb take?

In 2025, Airbnb applies two main commission models: the split fee and the host-only fee. The exact percentage depends on the model you have activated in your account and the country or region in which you operate.

1. Split fee

This model is primarily applied to private hosts and is the most common for standard accounts.

- The host pays a fixed commission of 3% on the booking subtotal (nightly rate plus cleaning fee).

- The guest pays an additional 14% to 16%, visible as a “service fee” during the booking process.

This system distributes the cost between both parties, although it can generate some friction with guests when they see the final price increased.

Example:

If a booking costs 100 euros per night and 20 euros for cleaning are added, the subtotal is 120 euros.

- The host pays 3% of 120: 3.60 euros.

- The guest pays, for example, an additional 15%: 18 euros.

- The host receives 116.40 euros.

- The guest pays 138 euros.

2. Host-only fee

This model is mandatory for professional hosts, especially those who use property management software, channel managers, or have multiple accommodations.

- The host assumes 14% or 16% of the subtotal as the sole commission.

- The guest does not pay any additional service fee.

This model is more transparent for guests, as the price they see is the price they pay. However, the impact on host profitability can be greater if prices are not adjusted well.

How much does it cost to list a property on Airbnb?

Listing an accommodation on Airbnb is free. The platform does not charge for creating the accommodation profile, uploading photos, or receiving visits. You only pay when a booking is confirmed, with the corresponding fees applied depending on the chosen model.

Airbnb and Channel Managers or iCal

If you manage your accommodation with professional software or a channel manager like Smoobu, Guesty, or Beds24, Airbnb will automatically apply the host-only fee model. This means you will pay a higher percentage (around 15%), but the guest will not see any additional commission.

It is also important to know that if you use iCal synchronisation, even if it is a more basic solution, Airbnb may consider that you manage multiple channels and change your commission model to a professional one.

Airbnb fees for bookings in different currencies

When the guest pays in a currency different from the one you have set as a host, Airbnb automatically performs the conversion. In this process, a currency conversion fee (usually between 2% and 3%) is applied.

This cost does not appear itemised as an additional commission but is reflected in a less favourable exchange rate for the host.

Other costs to consider on Airbnb

VAT on commissions

In countries like Spain, Airbnb charges VAT on its commission. This is not applied to the total booking price, but to the portion that Airbnb keeps. In most cases, this tax is 21%.

This VAT is reflected in the monthly invoice and can be deducted if you declare your income as a freelancer or business.

Cleaning fee

Airbnb allows hosts to charge an additional cleaning fee. This amount is not subject to additional commissions from Airbnb, although it is included in the subtotal on which the general commission is calculated. The host must set it competitively and justify it with a good level of cleanliness.

Co-hosts

The platform allows you to add co-hosts to help manage the accommodation. You can share income according to the percentage you agree upon with them. Airbnb allows automatic payment splitting, which facilitates management among several people at no extra cost.

Penalties for cancellations

If you cancel a booking as a host, you may face financial penalties ranging from 50 to 100 euros. Additionally, your listing will temporarily lose visibility, and Airbnb may block the cancelled dates on your calendar.

If the guest cancels, what you are paid will depend on the cancellation policy you have chosen (flexible, moderate, or strict).

Other indirect costs

Beyond Airbnb commissions, as a host, you will have to bear other costs:

- Utilities (water, electricity, gas, WiFi)

- General accommodation maintenance

- Replacement of hygiene products or textiles

- Additional insurance in case of damages not covered by AirCover

- Professional cleaning services

- Investments in decoration and equipment

Why is it important to understand how much Airbnb charges?

Having clarity about associated commissions and expenses allows you to set realistic and profitable prices, calculate the actual profit margin per booking, and decide whether it is worthwhile to keep your accommodation exclusively on Airbnb or combine it with other channels.

Furthermore, proper planning helps you comply with your tax obligations and avoid surprises in your monthly income.

Can you avoid paying commissions to Airbnb?

The only way to avoid Airbnb commissions is to receive bookings outside the platform. If you have a loyal customer base or a good digital presence, you can encourage your guests to book directly with you for future stays.

It is important to be careful with Airbnb's policy, as it expressly prohibits negotiating bookings outside the system when contact has been initiated through its platform. If detected, your account may be suspended.

How to reduce reliance on Airbnb

A smart way to reduce costs in the medium term is to have an access automation and remote management solution, allowing you to scale your business with fewer commissions and more control.

For example, solutions like Raixer offer an alternative for hosts who want to digitise their accommodations and operate more autonomously. Its smart lock system allows you to control access from your mobile, generate temporary entry codes, and manage automatic check-ins, allowing you to operate remotely, even if you reduce your reliance on platforms like Airbnb.

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Airbnb host fees in 2025 depend on the model you use, the origin of your guests, your management method, and your technological tools. While Airbnb offers great visibility, it also comes with commissions and hidden costs that are important to be aware of.

To maximise your income, review your pricing strategy, analyse whether the current model benefits you, and explore ways to professionalise your management without losing profitability.

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