Airbnb’s latest fee restructure has sharply raised costs for holiday home managers, increasing commission rates from 3% to 15.5% overnight and causing notable concern in the large group accommodation market.
Sallie Hendrick, Bookings Manager at Landed Houses, which offers a portfolio of large holiday homes throughout the UK, says such changes are likely to push more travellers and property owners towards booking directly.
“When platform fees reach 15.5%, someone has to absorb that cost,” says Hendrick. “Either owners of large holiday homes see their margins slashed, or guests booking for big groups pay inflated rates. Neither scenario serves families and groups looking for large holiday homes, where personal service and value are paramount.”
Under the revised policy, which came into effect on 27 October 2025, hosts connected through property management platforms now cover the full service charge. As a result, hosts must generally raise their prices by around 18% to keep earnings stable.
This has substantial implications for large group hire properties, many of which command high weekly rates for events, celebrations, and holiday gatherings. Even a small percentage shift can add thousands of pounds to the cost.
“Direct booking eliminates these platform fees entirely,” Hendrick explains. “For guests searching for large holiday homes for weddings, family reunions, or celebrations, booking direct means better rates and fairer returns for property owners, while maintaining the personalised concierge service that groups expect.”
With guests in this market often seeking advice and tailored recommendations, direct contact with specialists remains a key advantage. Landed Houses’ online platform allows potential guests to receive personalised support without incurring the 15.5% additional platform cost.
As commission-based platforms continue increasing fees, direct booking looks set to gain further traction among group travellers organising major occasions.
