YouCheckInn explains the change in Airbnb service fees and what hosts need to know prior to the entry into force of this new policy. As from 13 October 2026, Airbnb is changing its commission model in Europe. This development will have a direct impact on the income of property owners, management companies and all short-term rental professionals using the platform.
Until now, the service fees were split between the traveller and the host. From now on, a single commission of 15,5 % will be applied to the host, while the traveller will see an all-inclusive price directly, just like on Booking.com.
What impact for landlords?
Until now, many hosts could only afford to pay around 3 % in service fees. Under this new model, those who do not adjust their rates will see their net income fall.
Two choices are therefore available to owners:
- maintain their current prices and accept a drop in profitability; ;
- increase their prices to protect their revenues, at the risk of becoming less competitive.
Why many hosts prefer to wait
Since this announcement, Airbnb peer support groups have been very busy. Many hosts are recommending not to switch over to the new system immediately.
Indeed, as soon as the option is accepted, the new rates apply to the dates still available in the calendar. Bookings that have already been confirmed are not changed, but future nights put up for sale are. Many hosts therefore prefer to wait until the final weeks before 13 October in order to analyse their pricing strategy.
A battle that is getting closer to Booking.com
With this development, Airbnb is moving even closer to Booking.com's business model: more transparent displayed pricing for travellers and a commission borne directly by the host.
This harmonisation will make it easier to compare prices between platforms and will strengthen competition between major online booking players.
The YouCheckInn analysis
This development highlights a reality: platform rules can change rapidly. For hosts, it is becoming essential not to depend on a single booking channel.
The best strategy remains to diversify booking sources, develop direct bookings and digitise the entire traveller journey.
At YouCheckInn, we support property owners and management agencies with tools that simplify inventories, contracts, deposits, check-ins/check-outs and guest arrivals, whilst enabling them to maintain control over their business, whatever platform changes may occur.
