As the idea of traveling places comes to your mind, what is the first thing you think about? Certainly, it is an exciting and incredible experience, but at a reasonable price. Isn’t it? This affordability is the reason behind the ever-growing popularity of Airbnb: the one-stop destination for all travel lovers that allows them to discover renting prospects, whether in terms of a small apartment or in a castle. With people being very keen on traveling, it is no wonder Airbnb and similar vacation rental apps have become impressive business ideas. So, if you are wondering how you can use this idea to create an app like Airbnb and make a profit, then you are in just the right place. Here, we will be analyzing the business model and important features of Airbnb that set it apart so that you can develop an app like Airbnb, a similar yet unique platform. Let’s begin with the guide to help you build an app like Airbnb. This article will also give you an idea of the cost to create an app like Airbnb.

What Is Airbnb?

Before we discuss how to build an app like Airbnb , let’s begin with Airbnb, which is an online marketplace for people where they can find out & book extraordinary accommodations across the globe using their smartphones or tablets. These platforms connect people to amazing travel experiences that are pocket-friendly. It offers unique adventures for people as they can rent anything from a single room to an apartment, a suite, a yacht, a castle, or even a houseboat.

Airbnb describes itself as this peer-to-peer online marketplace and home-stay networking enabling people to list/rent short-term stays/lodging in residential properties. These are quite interesting solutions that make it easier for people to find a place that makes them feel comfortable and offers them a view that they like so that things are easier for them. Now, the accommodation cost obviously varies. However, it is always decided by the owner of the selected property. Airbnb earns its revenue by charging a percentage of the service fees from the hosts and guests with each booking.

Airbnb Overview

Airbnb’s headquarters is in San Francisco, and it was founded in the year 2008. The idea was originated by Joe Gebbia and Brian Chesky in 2007 when they failed to afford the rent for their apartment. It was then that they turned their living room into this bed and breakfast for three guests & offered them homemade breakfast.

create an app like Airbnb

If you are keen on improving your business with a versatile utilization of this kind, then you can begin to develop an app like Airbnb.

Develop an app like Airbnb that makes your extra property a source of income and offers the audience a place where they feel at home.  Having an interesting and aesthetically strong place to accommodate your clients is a great idea.

Read Also: Cost to Develop Ticket Booking Apps like Stubhub

Business Perspective of developing an app like Airbnb

When planning to build an app like Airbnb, one must keep in mind the two main groups of their target audience, i.e. hosts & guests. Thinking about each of them will be your step successful step toward your project.

The hosts would bring on the application some super cool places that would make it easier for the guests to have a comfortable homestay without being worried about the local formalities. Along with this, they may find some guidance in the new city.

The guests would make sure that the places are taken care of well. Also, this is an interesting way to generate money from a dead investment. The guest would support the hosts to make money and keep the property maintained.

create an app like Airbnb

Airbnb has changed the way people see their property. It doesn’t just offer interesting solutions but also a regular source of income in the tourist season. Sometimes, people take these places for rent on a weekly and monthly basis, making it a more convenient and credible source of income.

How Does Airbnb Work?

Before we learn how to build an app like Airbnb? Airbnb works by booking hosts all across the world, and to make an app like Airbnb, you must follow suit. Today, Airbnb is providing services in more than 190 nations, and by using this platform, people can’t just book a room but also rent their room or maybe house out. It functions simply where people need to register and fill up their profile. Then, they can explore various options in the place they want to visit and estimate how much the Airbnb app cost them, and then it can be rented out. Needless to say, the app has incredibly made people’s lives easier by making traveling super easy for them.

The market capitalization of Airbnb worldwide from 2020 to 2023

market airbnb
  • There are currently over 4+ million Airbnb hosts worldwide and 6+ million active listings on the platform.
  • In 2022, the global revenue of Airbnb was 8.4 billion U.S. dollars.
  • In 2023, Airbnb’s market capitalization was valued at 73.34 billion U.S. dollars, up from 54.13 billion U.S. dollars the previous year.
  • 2022 – Airbnb reported total assets worldwide amounting to 16.04 billion U.S. dollars.
  • Airbnb now has a 20+% market share of the vacation rental industry
  • Airbnb has more than 150 million worldwide users that have booked over 1 billion stays

Source

Who are the probable competitors of Airbnb

Ever since the concept of Airbnb entered the market, several other businesses have introduced their apps as well. Hence, the competition is pretty high, and so are the chances of earning huge revenues. Today, Airbnb is not the sole platform that lists and books accommodations across the world. Here, we have mentioned a few other firms that have build an app like Airbnb and have made their mark with their offerings. Top app in the market that will inspire you to build an app like Airbnb.

Hopper – Vacation Rental App

Hopper - create an app like Airbnb

Hopper is primarily known as a travel app that helps users find and book flights and hotels. While Hopper is not a dedicated home rental app, Hopper offers a “Hopper Stays” feature that allows users to book vacation rentals and homes in addition to hotels. The Hopper app provides recommendations and deals on accommodations for travelers, including both traditional hotels and vacation rental properties.

Vrbo (Vacation Rental By Owner) HomeAway:

create an app like Airbnb

Vrbo (also known as HomeAway) is a dedicated vacation rental platform that connects property owners with travelers looking for vacation rental properties. Users can search for and book vacation homes, condos, cabins, and other types of rental properties in various destinations. Vrbo allows homeowners to list their properties for rent and travelers to browse and book accommodations for vacations and getaways.

Booking.com – Hotels and Vacation Rental Home

Create an app like Airbnb

Booking.com is a comprehensive travel booking platform that covers a wide range of accommodations, including hotels, hostels, and vacation rentals. Users can search, compare, and book accommodations across a wide range of destinations worldwide.

FlipKey

FlipKey

The famous TripAdvisor owns this big company Flipkey. Does it have many users with the highest quality rates owing to the manual verification program by the website’s employees? It has around 5000 special deals going on daily for everyone.

HomeStay

HomeStay vacation home rental

HomeStay is a vacation rental platform that specializes in providing unique and personalized accommodations hosted by local hosts. With over one million global listings, HomeAway offers the same range of services and some others, like their own insurance program, while also operating a few more regional sites on this horizon, like VacationRentals, TravelMob, & VRBO. HomeStay Users can find a variety of lodging options, including private rooms, entire homes, and more intimate, local experiences. HomeStay focuses on connecting travelers with hosts who can offer a more personal and immersive experience during their stay.

Essential Features to Develop an App Like Airbnb

Finding the right set of features to develop an app like Airbnb is the most challenging task. We make it a point that the features that are integrated into your application are well-designed and focus on a certain set of users. The more customized the application, the easier it is to drive sales and earn money. Does it sound like a plan? Well, it is!

Read Also: Travel Planner Mobile App Development Cost and Key Features

To build an app like Airbnb there will be three kinds of users in the system:

  • Front-end User: Customer & Host
  • Back-end User- Admin
User PanelHost PanelAdmin Panel
Signup-Sign-inHome listingLogin
Refine Search/FilterListing ApprovalDashboard
Place BookingManage Booking RequestRole-based dashboard
Online PaymentPayment SettingManage Users
Personalized FeedsTransaction historyManage Booking
View AmenitiesMake OffersManage promotions & gift cards
Add to FavoriteContent ManagementManage payment
Manage ProfileManage referral/invites
Social SharingReal-time Reporting & analytics
Refer & EarnManage Booking request
Message SystemPush Notifications
RemindersManage Amenities
Coupon/Gift Cards
Cancel Booking
Guidebook
Manage Notification
Review

The Business Model to Develop an App Like Airbnb

Airbnb business model

When talking about the business canvas of Airbnb, we need to remember it is interesting and has multiple elements to generate money. Our app development experts share here the basic elements that make it easier for them to build an app like Airbnb that can easily be monetized.

Value Your Key Partners

The people who would be interacting with the application are to be cared for. The users, service providers, and the hosts. The feature set should take care of each of them.

Be a Part of Key Activities

Once you hire an on-demand mobile app development firm, you need to be a part of the process to build an app like Airbnb. One of the important things to be focused on when you decide to build an app like Airbnb, all you need to do is

  • Take care of product development.
  • Build host networks and manage hosts.
  • Build travelers network

Right Technology Stack

Using the right technology stack is also an important thing that you need to focus on. When working on such applications one needs to take care of

  • Development team
  • Technology stack
  • Resources and Hosts

Platforms

You need to decide if you want a native application that works either on Android or iOS or do you want a hybrid one. Also, see if you want to have a web app or would continue only with the software.

These are just a few points that you need to focus on. There are a lot more interesting things that are to be discussed that are mentioned below.

Advanced Features to Consider to Develop an App Like Airbnb

The additional features that you would need to integrate while Airbnb-like app development to make it amazing are:

process to make an app like airbnb

Registration: Same as for most travel apps, here as well, the user first needs to register via their email ID and phone number. Once the user has agreed to your terms & conditions, the registration process will be complete. The estimated time to develop this feature can be around 12 hours, so that the cost would be somewhere around $300.

User Profile: Here, the user will be required to enter their personal information. However, as the app developer creates an app like Airbnb, he would need to build a platform to create two types of profiles, the same as Airbnb: one for guests and the other for the host. Here, information such as email ID, phone number, user name, birth date, sex, residence address, and other crucial descriptions need to be entered by the user. Once it’s done, their profile will be created. User profile ID will allow you to keep a record of every customer of your and their favorite destination and tours, etc. Accordingly, you can send notifications for special offers. Integrating this feature in the app takes around 24 hours, and the cost is approx $600.

Also Read – Hotel Booking App Development Cost and Key Features

Filters: Once the registration process is over, the users can begin their search accordingly. Like, if a user is a tourist, then he can begin searching for suitable accommodation in their desired city. They will come across hundreds of options to pick from as per their budget. However, in the case of a host, he can lend his house for rent or a lease for a certain period. Like, if someone is offering their house/villa for rent, then they must provide suitable details regarding it, like what kind of house, the information regarding rooms, and whether it can be rented privately or the guests can share it. Then, the price details will follow.

The guests will also be needed to provide certain information like where they would like to spend their vacation, the room type they are looking for, check-in & check-out dates, and the total number of people that accompany them. Additionally, one can filter search for more detailed information like offered amenities, bed types, and neighboring places such as parks, markets, etc. Guests will also be able to avail information regarding local restaurants, cuisines, languages, and a lot more. The estimated time & cost to develop this feature is 32 hours and $800, respectively.

Global Currency Support: While making payments, users should be at ease. Hence, it is best that you provide a currency converter API that would convert the payment value according to the chosen currency via Google currency API.

Reporting & Analytics: Real-time reporting is crucial, as it allows the admin to stay updated and analyze overall app summary, like completed bookings, active bookings, canceled bookings with a time range, payments, reviews, registered users, etc.

Personalization: This functionality will enable the user to get specific results based on the following factors: like Location, Booking History, and booking behavior. There will be a need for API integration to fetch data.

Payment Gateway: To create an app like Airbnb and a similar online payment process for bookings, payment API needs to be integrated like WorldPay, Sagepay& PayPal.

Cloud Storage: This functionality allows the system to store the data on the cloud. This way, the system will be able to access & manage data from anywhere and anytime.

CRM Integration: This feature is used to enhance marketing via SMS & emails. Here, the admin deals with user analytics, promotions, communication, and email templates.

Live Chat: For this, Live Chat API needs to be integrated like Zapier, Zopim & LiveChat, etc.

HTML Embed: This feature is great from the marketing point of view, as it allows the users to embed HTML of any of the list to the platform. Here, the system will show HTML code, which the user can copy & paste on another platform.

Multi-language support: This functionality enables the host to choose the desired language for listing.

Social Media API: This needs to be integrated into the system through which the user will be able to share the listing with their friends, as well as invite the user & host.

Read Also: AI Based Travel App Like Hopper

CMS Integration: This functionality is required to manage app content, both in the text as well as Image form. Thus, CMS integration is crucial for content management.

Room Details: Once the filter feature is integrated, next is providing a feature that provides details regarding different variants of room for the accommodation. Thus, when guests search for a specific room to meet their requirements, they will be presented with the best options. Usually, the guests pick rooms based on various criteria such as images shown, room view, ratings & reviews, room description, direction, location, tariff, and terms & conditions.

Tourist: Travel App Developed By Octal IT Solution

Also, the guests can check the details of the host of the particular property. They can know what can be the maximum stay period of that property, the services to be offered, and whether there will be any additional charges to avail of those services. Developing this feature will be a lengthy process, and hence it will take around 180 hours. The whole development procedure in the case of these specific features is divided into several categories, with each of them taking its own time for grinding. It will require variants, room info, host profile, available dates, booking feature & much more. This will cost somewhere around $4500.

Translation Feature: This feature is really important for apps like Airbnb, as it will be helpful for tourists and guests to translate the whole information in a language they are comfortable with. Here, the text will be sent to Google Translator, and then it will be translated into the language desired by the user. The integration of this feature will cost $200 and 8 hours to develop.

Also Read – How to Develop Hotel Management App Development

Incorporate Maps: With the help of maps, the guests will be able to locate that specific place of stay along with the filtration option. This would give them a rough idea regarding the neighboring location next to their house, the hotel. It takes 32 hours to implement these features, and the cost would be approx—$ 800.

Back-end: This indeed is the most critical aspect of any app development, and with it being linked with the server, it is very much the app’s backbone. No app can ever be complete without the development of the backend. However, app developers must be very cautious as well as patient, as this task is really time-consuming and painstaking. Its integration takes over 160 hours while it costs a whole of $4000. Also, ensure here that you take the help of third-party apps for room booking. This will make your app a whole lot better.

octal it solution

Guide: This component is associated with the map, and it will start functioning as a user chooses to stay in a location. Then, the feature guides the user regarding sightseeing & other must-visit spots. It will take 10 hours to develop this feature at $250.

Messaging: This functionality is crucial to create an app like Airbnb as it reaches your targeted audience from time to time to communicate important matters. SMS via messenger or push notifications can be sent to the users for instant communication. On average, it takes 80-100 hours and $2500 to develop this functionality.

Feature for Hosts: This functionality will allow the hosts to lease or rent out their place for the stay at the price they want to charge. They require giving a commission to the firm for each booking. They have to make an account and provide their details. Roughly it will take 80 hours and $2000 to develop this feature.

Add to favorites: This section is quite crucial to create an app like Airbnb as it allows you to know the response for your app from the target audience. Here, the user can choose their favorite place/ hotel, and they can again search for the same spot upon the next visit over there. It takes 6 hours and a cost of $150 to create this feature.

Friends Invitation: here, the user can invite his friends or family to join the mobile app. It takes 8 hours and $200 to develop this feature. Next, let’s understand how you can earn money through this app.

Monetization Model to create an app like Airbnb Well, in the case of Airbnb, it directly makes money: It charges its users. It charges a fee to guests and hosts alike. Now, the guest fee ranges from 6-12%, as per the size of the reservation subtotal. So, the higher the subtotal, the smaller the reservation fee percent, and that is non-refundable upon cancellation. For hosts, Airbnb charges a 3% host service fee.

What Team is Required to Develop an App Like Airbnb

To make an app like Airbnb, you would need a team of experts that includes:

  • Mobile App Developers (iOS and Android)
  • Front End Developer
  • Backend Programmers
  • App Development Project Manager
  • QA and App Testing Team

How much does Development cost to create an app like Airbnb

Well, the cost of developing an app like Airbnb depends on a number of factors, such as:

  • Choice of Platforms (Android or iOS, or both)
  • Number of persons employed in the project (Project manager, UX/UI Designer, QA Analyst, Apple or Android Developer)
  • Region of the App Development Company (Airbnb app cost is lesser in Asian countries)
  • The technical complexity of Features & App Testing

Once, all of the above factors are considered, To create an app like Airbnb with basic features may cost $25000-$30000, while an app with advanced features and working on both iOS and Android platforms will cost up to $100,000.

Wrapping It Up!

If you want to create an app like Airbnb, then you have already delayed. There are a lot of similar solutions, but there are a few loops that can be integrated with your solution to make it stand a few steps ahead of your work.

Frequently Asked Questions

Client Review

THE AUTHOR
Digital Marketing Manager
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Driven by a deep curiosity and a thirst for knowledge, Mann constantly seeks to uncover the latest trends and innovations in the tech industry. His ability to dive into complex concepts and distill them into engaging content sets him apart as a reliable source of information for his readers.

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