The short-term rental industry is one of the fastest-growing industries globally, and 2025 is no different! More and more travellers are choosing vacation rentals instead of hotels, and there is a massive demand for reputable co-hosts and independent short-term rental managers.
If you’re just looking to make money on the side or create a full-time business, co-hosting is an easy way to get started in the fast-growing short-term rental economy, and it can be very profitable.
Is Airbnb Co-Hosting on Airbnb Profitable?
One of the common questions new co-hosts ask is, “Is Airbnb co-hosting profitable?” The short answer is “yes”, it can be very profitable.
As a co-host on Airbnb, you can earn a percentage of each booking (generally between 10% and 25%) for managing the day-to-day operations of your hosts, such as communicating with guests, managing check-in, and performing maintenance of the property.
Airbnb Co-hosts can make thousands of dollars every month, sometimes without managing or owning a single property, especially in high-demand markets. Airbnb Co-hosting allows you to earn extra income each month, and if you can co-host several properties, you can earn even more profit if you can co-host luxury properties or niche properties.
In addition to income, the benefits of co-hosting include flexibility for your time, low start-up costs, and gaining valuable property management experience.
How to Become a Short-Term Rental Property Manager
Becoming an Airbnb property manager suits those with strong organisational, communication, and problem-solving skills, along with market knowledge.
- Gain relevant experience and skills: Experience in hospitality, property management, or customer service is beneficial. Understand the Airbnb platform.
- Build a Portfolio: Start by co-hosting for friends or family to gain experience and testimonials.
- Determine your fees: Research local rates (typically 15-25% of revenue) and decide on your pricing model.
- Create a business plan: Outline your services, target market, pricing, and financial projections. New to Airbnb hosting? Check out our full guide on how to start an Airbnb business.
- Understand local laws and regulations: Research all relevant short-term rental rules and tax obligations.
By following these steps, you can establish yourself as a reliable and professional short-term rental property manager.
Short-Term Rental Essentials Checklist
Guest experience is what you’ll be judged on. Here’s a checklist of short-term rental essentials that every host or manager should have on their premises:
- Smart Lock for keyless entry
- High-speed Wi-Fi
- High-quality sheets and bath towels
- Self-check-in instructions for guests
- Local guidebook or welcome manual
- Basic kitchen supplies and cleaning essentials
- Noise and occupancy monitors
- Property management software
A completed checklist like this will contribute to smooth operations and better guest reviews, which will improve your rankings and lead to direct bookings.
How to Start an Airbnb Management Company
Thinking bigger? If you’re hoping to grow this side hustle into a business, here’s a quick guide to starting an Airbnb management company:
- Create a Brand: Create a business name that is easy to remember, a logo and a web page or site.
- Register your Business: Register your self-employed business with limited company status in the UK, and make sure you’re abiding by local regulations and have the correct licenses to operate a business.
- Define Your Service: Define your services, it could be cleaning service, guest communication, key exchanges, etc. Pricing services can attain market rates as Airbnb partners.
- Get the Insurance: Get your property insurance and liability insurance obtained. This is for when things can go wrong.
- Use Property Management Tools: Management platforms specifically built for multiple properties to help you execute and deliver needs. Lodgify or Uplisting are great management platforms.
By offering value-added services and maintaining high standards, your Airbnb management company can stand out in a competitive market.
Tips to Boost Direct Bookings
Relying solely on Airbnb isn’t sustainable long-term. Here’s how to increase direct bookings and boost your profit margins:
- Build a Booking Website: Use tools like Lodgify or Boostly to set up your booking site.
- Leverage Social Media: Promote your properties on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.
- Use SEO and Blog Content: Rank for local travel and accommodation keywords to drive organic traffic.
- Offer Incentives: Provide discounts or extras for repeat guests who book directly.
These tips for direct bookings not only lower your dependency on Airbnb but also give you greater control over your revenue.
What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed on Airbnb?
While Airbnb has solid security measures, scams can still occur. Here’s what to do if you get scammed on Airbnb:
- Stay Calm and Document Everything: Make sure you take screenshots and track all messages and receipts.
- Contact Airbnb Support Immediately: Use the app or website to file a report to support.
- Contact the Guest (if safe): There are often misunderstandings, so see if you can clarify any issues with the guest before you escalate.
- Report to Authorities: If you’ve had property stolen or damage made to your property, report it to local police and Airbnb.
- Prevent Future Incidents: Use security deposits and ID verification, and have very clear house rules.
Prevention is the best cure. Stay proactive and always stay within the confines of the Airbnb platform to prevent scams.
Airbnb co-hosting and short-term rental management offer rewarding opportunities in 2025, whether you’re looking to earn extra income or build a scalable business. With the right tools, strategies, and commitment to guest satisfaction, anyone can succeed in this space.
So, if you are considering how to manage a short-term rental property or start an Airbnb property management company, now is the time to make the leap. The future of short-term rentals is bright. Are you ready to host it?
