Airbnb vs Vrbo in 2026: A Multi-Platform Strategy for Maximising Revenue
The short-term rental market continues to evolve. Airbnb dominates urban and short-stay bookings, while Vrbo remains the preferred choice for high-value leisure stays and family travel. With policy and fee updates in 2026, the focus for professional property managers has shifted from simply achieving occupancy to precise revenue management.
At Curated Property, we use a multi-platform strategy, leveraging the strengths of both Airbnb and Vrbo to maximise both bookings and net revenue.
Fee Structures and Profitability
Airbnb
Hosts are now responsible for a mandatory host-only fee of 15.5 per cent, or 16 per cent in Brazil. Guests no longer pay a separate service fee. Hosts must adjust their rates to compensate for this change and maintain healthy margins.
Vrbo
Hosts pay a five per cent commission on software-connected accounts, while guests continue to pay a service fee of six to fifteen per cent. For hosts, the overall cost is lower than Airbnb, but guest prices can be higher, influencing booking decisions.
Success is not about choosing the “best” platform. It is about understanding fee structures and pricing strategically to maximise returns on each booking.
Audience Demographics
Airbnb attracts younger travellers, particularly Millennials and Gen Z. Solo and small group bookings are common, with longer stays becoming more frequent in urban markets.
Vrbo appeals to families and older travellers, typically booking well in advance and cancelling less frequently. Guests on this platform often seek whole-home experiences in traditional holiday destinations.
Property Type Performance
Urban apartments and studios perform strongly on Airbnb, which captures the majority of bookings in high-density areas.
Large holiday homes with four or more bedrooms perform best on Vrbo, particularly in coastal or resort destinations. Homes with premium amenities such as pools, large kitchens and high guest capacity benefit from Vrbo’s family-oriented audience.FAQ
Will automation make the experience feel impersonal?
Not when it is implemented thoughtfully. Automation ensures the right messages are delivered at the right moment, while your team handles the personal touch where it matters most.
Do I lose control over how my property is managed?
Absolutely not. Systems handle repetitive tasks, freeing your team to focus on exceptions, bespoke requests, and meaningful guest interactions. You maintain full oversight at every step.
How quickly can improvements be seen?
Owners typically notice smoother operations, faster response times, and improved reviews within the first few weeks of implementing proactive processes.
Is this approach suitable for all types of properties?
Yes. While it is particularly effective for luxury homes and high-end rentals, structured management and thoughtful automation improve the experience for any property portfolio.
Policy Changes and Operational Impact
Cancellation policies have tightened in 2025.
Vrbo now applies tiered penalties for host-initiated cancellations, including unresolved access issues, which can result in a full charge of the reservation value.
Airbnb holds hosts accountable for the cost of rebooking guests or covering an equivalent alternative.
These changes mean that manual access management and communication carry higher risks. Automating these processes and synchronising calendars in real time is now essential to protect both revenue and reputation.
Why a Multi-Platform Approach Works
Relying on a single platform is rarely optimal. Airbnb provides volume and occupancy security, while Vrbo captures high-value bookings that maximise operational efficiency.
At Curated Property we adopt a multi-platform strategy. We synchronise calendars across Airbnb and Vrbo to avoid double bookings, adjust rates for each platform’s fee structure, and maintain consistent guest communication. This approach allows us to combine occupancy, profitability and guest satisfaction.
FAQs
Which platform is best for managers with multiple properties?
Professional managers benefit from listing on both Airbnb and Vrbo. Airbnb provides high booking volume, while Vrbo delivers premium, family-focused bookings.
Is the Airbnb host-only fee mandatory?
Yes. All professional accounts now operate on the 15.5 per cent host-only model.
Does Vrbo charge hosts?
Hosts pay a five per cent commission, and guests pay a separate service fee. The net cost to the host is typically lower than Airbnb, but guest prices differ.