September 02, 2025

39. From 3% to 15.5%: How Airbnb’s New Fee Impacts Your Profits

20 minutes

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Link: Airbnb Roadmap Accelerator Course

Link to the Airbnb Roadmap Website

Episode Summary
Big changes are coming to Airbnb’s fee structure—and hosts need to be ready. Starting October 27, 2025, Airbnb is scrapping the split-fee model and moving to a single host-only fee of 15.5%. In this episode, I break down exactly what this means for you as a host or future investor, how it impacts your nightly rates, and what adjustments you need to make to protect your bottom line. I also share my personal take on the pros and cons of this shift, how it stacks up against Vrbo and Booking.com, and practical steps you can take inside tools like Hospitable and PriceLabs to stay competitive.

Key Takeaways

Airbnb is moving from a split fee (3% host / 12–14% guest) to a 15.5% host-only fee.

Example: A $100/night listing will net hosts only $84.50 after October 27, 2025 (down from $97).

To protect profits, hosts should increase nightly rates by about 12.5%.

Competitor platforms: Vrbo is now the cheapest at 8%, Booking.com is 15%, and Airbnb jumps to 15.5%.

Expect market “chaos” for 6+ months as some hosts raise rates and others don’t.

Guests may perceive Airbnb as “more expensive,” not realizing it’s a fee shift.

Hosts using Hospitable/PriceLabs can automate price increases across platforms.

Why Listen to This Episode?
If you’re an Airbnb host—or planning to invest in your first short-term rental—this fee change directly impacts your ROI, pricing strategy, and competitiveness in the market. This episode gives you a clear action plan to avoid losing profits and stay ahead while other hosts may be caught off guard.

Mentioned in the Episode

Sign up with Hospitable: Every dollar counts when it comes to investing. Save $30 when you sign up under the link below! Save time and money today!

Link: https://hospitable.com/?grsf=brittany-qvwa2r

Want to learn how to launch an Airbnb?: Every dollar counts when it comes to investing. Save $50 with the Promo-code: 5STARPODCAST

Link: Airbnb Roadmap Accelerator Course

Connect with Me on Instagram: Follow me @airbnbroadmappodcast for behind-the-scenes content, tips, and updates.

Let’s Connect
Thinking about how Airbnb’s new fees will impact your property? DM me on Instagram at @theairbnbroadmap with your questions or share your pricing strategy! I’d love to cheer you on and help you adjust.

Work With Me
Want step-by-step support in scaling your Airbnb business? Check out the Airbnb Roadmap Accelerator—my course designed to help you confidently launch and manage your STR with the systems, tools, and strategies I use in my own business.

Chapters
00:01 Life update: Back issues + missed episode
04:45 The big Airbnb fee change explained
07:32 Real-world math: $100/night before vs. after fees
09:33 Market chaos: Competing with hosts who don’t update pricing
11:04 Comparing Airbnb to Vrbo & Booking.com
13:25 Direct booking movement and why Airbnb is cracking down
15:40 Why Airbnb might advertise this as “no more guest fees”
18:00 Homework: How to adjust your rates in Hospitable & PriceLabs
20:00 Final thoughts and prep for October 27

Subscribe and Share
Enjoyed this breakdown? Make sure to subscribe to The Airbnb Roadmap on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, and share this episode with a fellow host who needs to hear it before the new fees hit.

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