Position reviewed on 18 October 2026
The Airbnb Help Centre describes a transition from split fees to a single fee. Under the single-fee structure, most hosts are charged 15.5%; exceptions apply, and using property management software is among the cases where this structure is mandatory.
The split-fee structure, where it still applies, is described as typically charging hosts 3%. Therefore, “Airbnb always takes 3%” is not a suitable assumption for a new budget.
The official transition update, updated on 13 October 2026, refers to moving the relevant software users to the single fee. Check the actual reservation, because an older confirmation may follow a different structure from a new one.
Which amount is used for the calculation?
The base includes the accommodation price and additional host charges, such as cleaning, while excluding taxes and the guest service fee. Where VAT applies to Airbnb's service, the official help states that it is included in the displayed service fee.
This does not mean the amount reaching your bank account is profit. To see what remains, match that payout against the expenses and payments that follow.
Hypothetical reservation example
Assume four nights at €100 and a €50 cleaning charge, with a single fee of exactly 15.5%. The hypothetical base is €450, the fee is €69.75 and the balance after the platform is €380.25, before other deductions or obligations.
If the cleaning partner invoices €50, the balance falls to €330.25 before management, consumables and other expenses. The cleaning charge paid by the guest does not automatically remain available in full for that work.
To hypothetically retain €100 after a 15.5% fee, the corresponding base price is 100 divided by 0.845, approximately €118.34. Simply adding €15.50 to €100 does not give the same result, because the fee is calculated on the new price.
How to check the payout
Keep each reservation's original value, discounts, additional charges, commission, any refunds and final payment. If one bank transfer combines several reservations, reconcile individual transactions first and then the total.
Separately check what a guest would pay for the same dates and number of people. This lets you assess the competitiveness of the total price without confusing a commercial comparison with your own margin calculation.
If you use several channels, create a separate calculation for each and verify its actual reservations. The same displayed price may leave a different balance when the commission base, discounts or agreed additional charges change.
What to agree with your manager
The management fee is a separate contractual charge and needs a clear calculation base. Ask for written confirmation of whether it is calculated before or after platform commission and whether it includes cleaning amounts or refunds.
At Hostions, the fee is 14% of net rental income, after deducting platform commission and the cleaning charge.
In the example above, the base is 450 − 69.75 − 50 = €330.25 and the fee is 330.25 × 14% = €46.24, rounded to cents. The hypothetical Airbnb commission of 15.5% is separate from our fee.
The platform pays reservation proceeds directly to you. Management is settled at the close of each calendar month. The corresponding cleaning cost is charged to your card 3 days before the scheduled work.
Bring an actual reservation breakdown, with the guest's personal details concealed, to the discussion about management fees. To discuss your own property costs, gather your assumptions and request an initial estimate.
