How Much Does It Cost to Build an App Like Airbnb?

Everyone enjoys exploring new places. We hunt for reasons to break free and venture into unknown territories. Journeys lead to creating lovely memories that we can treasure forever.

When considering travel, we always think of suitable accommodations and affordable meals. Airbnb is a top site for great, affordable rental deals.

Few Statistics:

  • Analysts expect the demand for the Global Online Travel Market Size and share to reach USD 1,835.6 billion by 2028. This anticipates a 14% CAGR growth in the share over the next few years.
  • Airbnb evaluate its worldwide assets at above US$16 billion.
  • Travel and tourism add US$7.71 trillion to the worldwide economy.
  • Airbnb has covered more than 100,000 cities for better accommodation.
  • Six guests check in Airbnb at every second.
  • Airbnb has 150 million users across the globe.

How Airbnb works?

Airbnb connects hosts and guests for short-term rentals. Here is an clarification of the procedure:

Overview of Platform

Airbnb is a platform where hosts lend out their rooms or properties. Guests can choose from various options. The platform also provides support for travel-related services and experiences.

How Hosts List Properties

  • Make a Listing

Hosts must set up an account. Then, they can advertise their properties for rent. They should share details like the lodging type, location, amenities, and policies.

  • Add a photo or description

It includes pictures and detailed explanations that can draw in potential visitors. Hosts can also determine pricing, availability, and booking terms.

  • Establish pricing

Hosts can set a nightly fee. They can discount extended stays and adjust prices for demand or special events.

  • Listing

After finishing the listing, hosts publish it on Airbnb so potential guests can see it.

How Guests Book Stays?

  • Search and Explore: Visitors search for lodging by location, dates, and preferences. Users can sort results based on factors such as cost, features, and types of properties.
  • Listings Review: Visitors can see property info, photos, and guest feedback. They can also review the host’s profile and abide by the house rules.
  • Sending a Booking Request or using Instant Book: Use a booking request or Instant Book; it is in the host’s hands. Yet, Instant Book can secure the reservation immediately without the host’s approval.
  • Payment: Airbnb has a secure payment system that guests can use to make payments. After check-in, Airbnb holds the funds for 24 hours to confirm the check-in process.
  • Confirmation and Communication: After booking, guests receive a confirmation. It includes check-in guidelines and their reservation. They can also send messages to the host through Airbnb’s messaging platform.

How Hosts and Guests Interact

Companies determine app development costs by tallying the hours spent creating features.

  • Guests need to follow the instructions given at check-in. The instructions may include using a smart lock, meeting a host, etc.
  • Airbnb has a messaging platform. Guests can use it to contact the host if any issues arise.
  • Guests can check out per the host’s instructions. These may include cleaning and returning the keys.

Reviews and Ratings

  • Both hosts and guests need to write reviews.
  • This feedback helps future users make informed choices. It also encourages responsibility and excellence.
  • Both parties rate each other from one to five stars. This influences their status on the platform.

Airbnb’s Role

  • Airbnb charges both hosts and guests a service fee for bookings. Hosts usually pay a 3% fee on each reservation. The establishment charges guests a service fee ranging from 5% to 15%.
  • Airbnb handles all transactions and has a secure payment system. This ensures that hosts and guests are safe. 
  • Airbnb has customer support and a resolution center. They help with any issues during reservations.

Airbnb Business Model

Many Start-ups come with many business model to establish their own companies. Airbnb business model has an innovative approach, informs service app design and reveals its inner workings. 

  • The business structure of Airbnb is very straightforward.
  • There are property hosts in each city. List temporary rentals on Airbnb to earn from their properties.
  • You can contain particulars about ownership, rentals, and check-in and checkout periods.
  • People seeking lodging can browse the Airbnb website for rental options.
  • They can select from the various choices based on their likes and dislikes.
  • They can communicate with the hosts to receive specific information about the properties.
  • Airbnb is an intermediary connecting people and service providers, and it earns commissions.

Top Features to Include in Apps like Airbnb

When developing mobile apps like Airbnb, you need to consider different functions. These functions serve the guest, host, and hosts’ needs and provide an easy user interface. Below are a few key aspects to take into account.

  • Guest Profile: This includes the guest’s photo, contacts, and a verified ID. It also has a background check, reviews, and ratings from past stays.
  • Host Profile: This lets hosts share their properties’ amenities and details. It comprises identity confirmation, background checks, and a schedule for managing availability.
  • Property info: It includes size, room details, and amenities. It also has room photos from different angles. It also includes other charges.
  • Booking Info: It has room availability and instant booking. It also has tools to manage requests, like accepting or canceling them.
  • Search Function: The guest should check availability by city, neighborhood, and address. The function should allow selecting check-in and checkout dates and guests.
  • Filter Options: Filter by price, room type, and amenities. The host should have many ways to collect payments. These contain credit cards, debit cards, and digital wallets. You should make all transactions using encrypted payment gateways. Host should buy SSL certificate in order to secure the payment or use an encrypted platform for receiving payment
  • Communication: The host should have in-app messaging for the host-guest chat. Guests should receive timely updates about bookings. Even the host can give the guests a virtual experience of the rooms via video call.
  • Reviews and Ratings: The website should let guests rate the host. The host should also be able to rate and review the guests.
  • Safety and Support: A system should confirm guest identity via government ID. The host must provide emergency contact information and support to the guest. To provide better service, we need 24/7 customer support.
  • Admin and Analytics Tools: The admin must be able to supervise listings, accounts, and bookings. Consider user behavior tracking, revenue tracking, and other metrics.

How to build an app like Airbnb?

You need a team of developers and designers to create a platform like Airbnb. If you are new to app development, create a small viable product (MVP). It examines your idea before significant investment. Below are the steps that will give insight about how to build an app like Airbnb.

  • Target Audience

When you want to develop an app, you need to identify your audience. You need to know the location and users’ likes. You must also know the audience type. You must build an app that meets their needs.

  • Outline App’s Features

After identifying the target audience, outline your app’s features. Always consider the features that keep your app ahead of competitors.

  • Development Platform

You must prepare an app for dissimilar platforms, like iOS and Android. It depends on the demographics. Select a platform that targets your audience and goals.

  • Development Team

App development requires specific skills. Therefore, hire a team of developers to build your app. Get the finest team that comprehends your objectives and offers outstanding results.

  • App’s Interface

The app’s interface plays an essential role in its popularity. A user interface should be friendly, easy to navigate, and intuitive. You need a designer to make an intuitive app that meets your target audience.

  • Backend Development

You should choose a server like Node.js, Ruby on Rails, or Django and use databases like MySQL and MongoDB. You need to develop or integrate an API for payment collection.

  • App Testing

Before launching an app, you need to test the application and fix any bugs before its launch. It will provide users a memorable experience of your application.

  • App Update

Issue fixes through regular updates maintain app competitiveness. You should also consider users’ feedback as they use your app and encounter problems.

Cost to build an app like Airbnb

Deciding the precise cost of building an app like Airbnb is complex. Many factors affects the Cost to build an app like Airbnb. They include the platform, team size, and use of outsource or in-house dev work. Other factors are using advanced features, customizing the design, and the technology used.

The approximate cost of such an app with minimal design and features starts from $30,000 to $50,000. Adding special features, advanced technology, and different functionalities could extend the budget. The image underneath displays the time duration, type of app, and cost.

Cost to build an app like Airbnb

Companies determine app development costs by tallying the hours spent creating features.

Conclusion

Traveling today is more comfortable due to advancements in app development. A new feature could boost the value of a travel app like Airbnb. Additionally, remember to consider the two recipients: hosts and travellers. It is crucial to know that, by keeping their interests in mind, you have achieved much of your success. Companies set the cost for development services based on their timeframes and hourly rates for building mobile app features.



Sudeep Bhatnagar
Co-founder & Director of Business
Sudeep Bhatnagar

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