When it comes to renting out your vacation property, platforms like Booking.com and Airbnb are often the go-to choices for many hosts. They offer global visibility, easy-to-use interfaces, and a steady stream of guests. But are you truly maximizing your earnings with these platforms? The hidden costs of commission fees could be taking a bigger bite out of your profits than you realize.
The Cost of Convenience
Both Booking.com and Airbnb operate on a commission-based model, meaning they take a percentage of each booking you receive. On the surface, this seems reasonable—after all, you only pay when you get a booking. But let’s break down what that really means.
- Booking.com: Typically, Booking.com charges hosts a commission of 15% on each booking. In some cases, this can go up to 20% if you’re using their additional services or promotional tools. So, if your property rents for €1,000 a week, Booking.com will pocket €150 to €200 of that income.
- Airbnb: Airbnb’s fee structure is slightly different, but still costly. For most hosts, Airbnb takes around 3% of the booking subtotal. However, for hosts using their “Host-only fee” structure, which is mandatory in some regions, Airbnb takes 14% to 16%. That means for a €1,000 booking, you could be losing up to €160 to Airbnb.
These percentages might not seem like much at first glance, but they add up quickly, especially if your property is consistently booked. Over time, that’s thousands of euros that could have stayed in your pocket.
Why a Flat Annual Subscription Could Be Your Best Move
Now, consider an alternative: a flat annual subscription model. Instead of paying commissions on every booking, you pay a fixed fee for the entire year. This approach offers several key advantages:
- More Money in Your Pocket: With a flat subscription fee, you know exactly how much you’re paying, regardless of how many bookings you receive. There are no surprises, no increasing costs with more bookings. It’s a model that benefits high-occupancy properties, ensuring that more of your income stays where it belongs—with you.
- Simplicity and Peace of Mind: Managing finances becomes much easier. You don’t have to calculate how much each booking is costing you in commissions, and you won’t be caught off guard by unexpected fees.
- Freedom to Grow: A fixed fee model encourages you to grow your business without worrying about increasing fees. The more successful you are, the better value you get from your subscription.
Make the Switch
HousesofEurope, is changing the game for property owners. Instead of giving up a significant chunk of your earnings with every booking, you pay a single, predictable fee. Plus, with added benefits like video listings and instant payouts via PayPal or Stripe, these platforms offer everything you need to succeed—without the hefty commission.
When it comes to maximizing your profits, the choice is clear. Why pay more in commission fees when you can keep more of what you earn with a flat annual subscription? It’s time to rethink how you list your property and make a move that benefits your bottom line.
By making this switch, you’ll not only save money but also gain more control over your rental business. Don’t let commission fees eat into your profits—choose a platform that supports your growth and success.
