Vrbo is the platform many UK hosts forget. It's built for whole homes, it's popular with families and groups, and its host fees are far lower than Airbnb's or Booking.com's. If you have a larger home, it can be worth a place on your calendar. Here's how it works.
What could your home earn?
Free and instant. Nobody rings you unless you ask them to.
Key takeaways
- Vrbo lists whole homes only, and is popular with families and groups.
- Hosts pay about 8% per booking: a 5% commission plus a 3% payment fee.
- Guests pay a separate service fee, which raises the price they see.
- In Brighton, only 14% of short-let listings are on Vrbo, so competition is lower.
- Keep your calendars in sync if you list on more than one site.
Contents
What is Vrbo?
Vrbo, short for Vacation Rentals by Owner, is a booking site owned by Expedia Group. It only lists whole homes, not rooms, which makes it popular with families and groups who want a house to themselves.
How much does Vrbo charge hosts?
Much less than the big two. Hostfully explains that Vrbo charges hosts a 5% commission on each booking plus a 3% payment processing fee, which comes to roughly 8% of the rental amount.
The 5% applies to the nightly rate plus fees you set, like cleaning, but not to refundable deposits. Vrbo used to offer an annual subscription instead of commission, but Hostfully notes that Vrbo no longer accepts new subscribers.
Do guests pay a fee too?
Yes. Zeevou explains that Guests also pay a separate service fee at checkout. That doesn't come out of your payout, but it makes the total price guests see higher, so price competitively.
Who books on Vrbo?
Mostly families and groups looking for a whole home, often for a week or more. Larger homes with gardens, parking and space for everyone tend to do well. In Brighton, BNBCalc's data shows Vrbo (14%) of short-let listings are on Vrbo, against 81% on Airbnb, so there's less competition.
Is Vrbo worth it for your home?
- Likely yes for larger homes, family-friendly houses, and homes that suit longer stays.
- Less likely for studios and small flats aimed at couples and weekend breaks.
Listing on Vrbo alongside Airbnb means keeping two calendars in step. Read How to sync calendars and avoid double bookings.
Would you rather someone else ran the platforms?
Every platform has its own calendar, inbox, fees and rules. Keeping them all in step, day and night, is a job in itself. That job is what we do, for 12% + VAT of what each booking earns. If your home doesn't earn, neither do we.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Vrbo take from hosts?
About 8% per booking, made up of a 5% commission and a 3% payment processing fee.
Can I still get a Vrbo subscription?
Vrbo no longer accepts new subscribers, so new hosts pay per booking.
Is Vrbo cheaper than Airbnb for hosts?
Yes. UK Airbnb hosts now pay around 15.5%, against about 8% on Vrbo.
Can I list a room on Vrbo?
No. Vrbo only lists whole homes.
Should I list on Vrbo and Airbnb together?
Often, yes, for larger homes, as long as your calendars stay in sync.
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.