Airbnb now charges 15.5%: How UK hosts can reduce costs and boost bookings across multiple channels

Understanding the 15.5% Airbnb fee

Airbnb’s new structure is due to take effect by 1st December 2025 and places the entire commission on the host rather than splitting it between host and guest. The immediate effect is that your net earnings shrink unless you adjust your pricing or strategy. For hosts who rely heavily on Airbnb, this shift can have a noticeable impact on annual income.

This change means that the cost difference between self managing on a single platform and using a professional listing solution has narrowed dramatically. For many owners, a broader approach now delivers far better value.

Why relying on one booking channel increases risk

Putting all your bookings through a single platform leaves you vulnerable to changes in fees, search ranking adjustments or seasonal dips specific to that site. UK hosts often notice fluctuating performance depending on local events, weather patterns, school holiday timing and traveller behaviour.

Expanding your reach helps you bring in bookings from different types of travellers, including families, international visitors and guests who prefer traditional booking sites.

Common issues when relying on one platform

• Sudden drops in visibility due to algorithm updates
  
  

• Seasonal swings that affect occupancy and earnings
  
  

• Higher cancellations during peak months
  
  

• Reduced resilience if fees or policies change
  
  

• Limited reach compared with a multichannel approach
  
  

How working across multiple channels reduces cost pressure

Multichannel distribution means spreading your property across a broad network of booking sites. This usually leads to higher occupancy, more consistent booking flow and better resilience against platform changes.

When managed well, this strategy can increase revenue enough to offset higher commission costs and protect your long term profitability.

Benefits include

• Increased bookings through global exposure meaning more revenue

• Access to more traveller groups searching on different platforms
  
  

• Higher exposure in both domestic and international markets
  
  

• More stable occupancy across the year
  
  

• Better chances of filling mid week and shoulder season dates
  
  

• Less dependency on any one platform’s commission model
  
  

Hosts who take this approach often see stronger year round earnings, even when market conditions shift.

How Travelnest helps UK hosts grow bookings for only a small increase in total cost

With Airbnb now at 15.5%, Travelnest’s 20% total rate gives hosts much greater value for only a small additional cost. That small uplift brings expert support, consolidated calendars and exposure across more than 30 booking sites.

What Travelnest adds beyond Airbnb

• Listing optimisation across major platforms to improve search performance
  
  

• Personalised support from property experts who understand your region
  
  

• Dynamic pricing adjustments to match local demand
  
  

• High quality photography setup guidance
  
  

• A single calendar that removes admin and prevents double bookings
  
  

• Access to multiple international booking sites in one place
  
  

• Consolidated communication and simpler workflow for busy owners
  
  

These features combine to help hosts earn more while spending less time managing tasks. You can explore examples of how multichannel distribution works in practice in the Travelnest News and Insights section.

Practical steps to get started with a multichannel strategy

If you want to build a more resilient approach, start with three simple actions.

1. Review your current booking mix

Understanding how much you rely on Airbnb will help you estimate how commission changes will affect your income.

2. Improve listing quality

Optimised photos, descriptions and amenities lead to higher conversion rates and stronger performance across all channels.

3. Work with a partner who manages distribution for you

Multichannel management requires coordination, pricing and platform knowledge. Using a service that handles these tasks simplifies your workload and ensures your property appears consistently across every site.

Final thoughts

Airbnb’s 15.5% host fee may feel like a challenge, but it opens up an opportunity to rethink your strategy. By expanding your reach, improving your listings and taking advantage of expert support, you can boost bookings and build a more stable income stream throughout the year.

Travelnest is designed to help holiday rental owners make the most of every channel, every season and every guest opportunity.Sign up today.