The trend of co-hosting on Airbnb has become increasingly popular on social media platforms, with individuals sharing tips and guides on how to make money without owning any property. This practice involves contracting with a host to earn commissions or negotiate flat monthly fees, with the ultimate goal of arbitraging rentals into profitable Airbnbs and eventually buying properties. In October, Airbnb launched a co-hosting marketplace where hosts and co-hosts can connect and negotiate working relationships, garnering interest from tens of thousands of potential co-hosts.
Co-hosts take on tasks that overlap with traditional property managers, including decorating properties, managing guest communications, handling check-ins and checkouts, and coordinating cleaning processes. Some argue that smaller property management companies may see a threat from co-hosts, although larger companies believe that co-hosting is a positive development, especially for casual hosts who need assistance. While some challenges may be faced by co-hosts similar to those of professionals, the impact of a strong Airbnb co-hosting push can be seen in property management companies like Vacasa shedding a significant number of properties.
Co-hosts are essentially property managers, however, they may not be registered businesses or have business insurance, which can lead to potential issues with municipal authorities. Property management companies like AvantStay see the co-hosting trend as an opportunity to differentiate themselves by offering a holistic hospitality approach and expertise in property management. Despite differing opinions on the impact of co-hosting on the industry, Airbnb believes that there is room for both large property management companies and co-hosts to coexist, with co-hosts providing a more localized service option.
Co-hosts must maintain a review score of 4.7 or higher to remain visible on Airbnb’s host-co-host matchmaking network, with advocates noting that tasks can often be performed remotely depending on the host’s requirements. Airbnb’s co-host model is not seen as a direct threat to property management companies, especially since the market remains fragmented. Henrik Kjellberg, CEO of Awaze, views co-hosts as similar to smaller vacation rental management companies, handling properties that may not receive many direct bookings. The co-hosting model on Airbnb is seen as a stepping stone for hosts who are not yet ready to fully scale or professionalize their operations.
However, the ultimate goal of co-hosts is to eventually purchase their own properties, indicating that co-hosting can act as a way to gain experience and capital to enter the real estate market. The influx of potential co-hosts on platforms like TikTok and YouTube reflects the growing interest in alternative ways to make money through Airbnb without the traditional ownership of properties. As the co-hosting trend continues to evolve, property management companies are exploring ways to leverage this trend to provide specialized services and attract property owners seeking passive management strategies. Overall, the industry is witnessing a shift towards more innovative and collaborative approaches to property management through co-hosting on Airbnb.
