Airbnb is abolishing the split fee—the sharing of its commission—this coming October. This change is expected to affect the pricing strategy of thousands of properties, as the way the platform calculates its commission is fundamentally shifting.
What this means in practice
Until now, Airbnb applied the split fee model. The host paid a commission of around 3% (plus VAT where applicable), while the guest was charged a separate service fee, which could reach up to 14%.
From 13 October 2026, this changes for individual property managers within the European Economic Area (EEA), a policy that had already been rolled out for professionals. Airbnb’s commission rate will now be a flat 15.5%, borne entirely by the host.
An example:
With a split commission:
- Host price for one night: €100
- The host received: €97
- The guest paid: approximately €114-115
From 13/10/2026:
- Host price for one night: €100 (if they keep the same price)
- The guest will pay: €100
- The host will receive: €84.50
Therefore, if a host continues to charge €100 per night for their property, they will need to adjust their pricing so that, after the 15.5% deduction, their net income remains the same as before.
Why the commission model is changing
- Simpler pricing. Airbnb used to deduct a commission from both sides; now, the fee is unified.
- An end to nasty surprises. There used to be a discrepancy between the price set by the host and the final price seen and paid by the guest.
- Greater transparency. The cost of each booking becomes much clearer.
- Easier comparison with Booking.com. Airbnb prices will no longer have the variance they previously showed for the exact same property.
Where you need to pay attention
Special attention must be paid to discounts and special offers, as these parameters can significantly impact your net profit once the new commission is deducted.
Furthermore, individual hosts should be particularly mindful of the tax implications when adjusting their property prices. Increasing the nightly rate could inadvertently lead to higher taxation.
The dual impact of ending the split fee
For guests, this change means that the price displayed on Airbnb will now be much closer to the actual cost of the stay, without significant additional service charges added at checkout.
For hosts, however, the new model requires a careful review of their pricing policy. Those who do not adjust their prices in time may see a significant drop in their net revenue, even though the booking will appear cheaper to the guest.
Through systematic monitoring of changes and a deep understanding of short-term rental platform regulations, Sparrow ensures that every new measure or practice is implemented promptly and correctly. This allows property owners to focus entirely on hospitality, free from unnecessary worries.
