Airbnb is rewriting the rules for hosts.
Starting this fall, Airbnb will roll out a new host only fee model:
1. No more split fees where guests pay 14% and hosts pay 3%.
2. Instead, hosts will cover a flat ~15.5% commission, and guests will see the full price upfront.
đ
 Timeline:
October 27, 2025Â â Mandatory for hosts using property management systems (PMS).
December 1, 2025Â â Most other hosts transition.
Brazil hosts â Separate 16% fee structure.
What it means for hosts:
âď¸ More transparent pricing â guests see no added service fee.
âď¸ Airbnb claims trial markets saw up to 17% more bookings.
â ď¸ But higher visible nightly rates may hurt competitiveness if hosts donât adjust their strategies.
â ď¸ Long stays (28+ nights) lose the reduced fee (~10%) benefit, now charged at the full ~15%.
đĽÂ My take:
This aligns Airbnb more closely with Booking.comâs model, shifting power (and responsibility) to hosts. Transparency could boost trust and conversions, but hosts need to rethink pricing to stay competitive.
If youâre a host or property manager, the big question is:
Do you eat the cost for higher visibility?
Or raise rates to protect your margins?
Either way, itâs clear: the game has changed.
