An Airbnb co-host helps run your listing while you stay the host, usually for a share of each booking. A property manager takes the whole job off your hands. Houst puts UK co-host fees at about 10% to 25% of gross booking revenue, and Airbnb says many co-hosts are paid either a percentage or a fixed amount for each booking.
What could your home earn?
Free and instant. Nobody rings you unless you ask them to.
Key takeaways
- A co-host helps run your listing; a manager runs the whole home.
- You can add up to 10 co-hosts to an Airbnb listing and remove them yourself.
- Always ask whose account your listing will sit on.
- A manager usually lists your home on several sites, not just Airbnb.
- Co-hosting usually costs less, because it covers less.
Co-host or property manager: what's the difference?
| Airbnb co-host | Full property manager | |
|---|---|---|
| Who is the host? | You stay the host, and the co-host helps | The manager runs the listing for you |
| Typical UK fee | About 10% to 25% of gross bookings (Houst) | About 12% to 25% of bookings (see our fee table) |
| How they're found | Often through Airbnb's Co-Host Network, available in the UK (Airbnb) | Directly, through a management company |
| Sites listed on | Usually Airbnb | Usually Airbnb, Booking.com, Vrbo and more |
| Cleaning, linen, repairs | Agreed task by task | Usually all arranged for you |
| Your involvement | Medium | Low |
Want it all handled?
A co-host still leaves you answering for the home: the late check-in, the broken shower, the review you didn't see coming. Guestwise takes on the whole job from 12% + VAT, across Airbnb, Booking.com and Vrbo, with a local manager who knows your home.
Contents
What is an Airbnb co-host?
A co-host is someone you add to your own Airbnb listing to help you. Airbnb says you can add up to 10 co-hosts to a listing, from family members and friends to someone you've hired. You choose what each co-host can see and do.
Crucially, the listing stays yours. If you part ways, you can remove a co-host yourself, and Airbnb says a removed co-host won't be able to update the listing, accept or decline booking inquiries, view the calendar or message guests.
What does a property manager do?
A property manager takes on the whole job. That usually means listing your home on several sites, not just Airbnb, setting prices, answering guests, arranging cleaning and laundry, dealing with repairs, and sending you a monthly statement.
What are the main differences?
- Scope: co-hosting can be as little as answering messages. Management covers everything.
- Platforms: a co-host usually works on Airbnb only. A manager usually lists your home on Booking.com and others too.
- Your time: with a co-host, you often still arrange cleaners and repairs. With a manager, you don't.
- Cost: co-hosting usually costs less, because it covers less.
Whose account should your listing sit on?
If your listing sits on your own Airbnb account, with your manager or co-host added to help, you keep your reviews if you ever switch. If it sits on someone else's account, moving it usually means starting again with no reviews. Always ask before you sign. Read Switching management company.
Which suits you, a co-host or a manager?
A co-host suits you if you live nearby, have your own cleaners and want help mainly with guest messages.
A property manager suits you if you live further away, work full time, want to be listed on several sites, or simply want the income without the work.
Frequently asked questions
Can I start with a co-host and move to full management later?
Yes. Many owners start by getting help with messages, then hand over more as bookings grow.
Does a co-host get paid through Airbnb?
Airbnb lets co-hosts receive a share of payouts on your listing, if you set it up that way. A property manager usually takes their fee from your monthly statement instead.
Who is responsible if something goes wrong?
As the listing owner, you remain responsible to Airbnb for your listing. That's another reason to choose a co-host or manager you trust, and to agree in writing who does what.
Can a co-host manage Booking.com too?
Only if they have separate access to your Booking.com account. A property manager normally manages every site for you.
How many co-hosts can I add on Airbnb?
Airbnb says you can add up to 10 co-hosts to a listing.
Related guides
Sources
This is general information, not legal, financial, tax or insurance advice. Market figures are averages as of the date shown above and change every month. Speak to a qualified professional before you act on anything here.