Vrbo to Move to Flat 12% Commission in Bid to Catch Up to Airbnb
Vrbo, Expedia Group's vacation rental brand, said it is transitioning hosts and property managers to a flat 12% fee starting October 29. Property managers connected to a property management system currently pay a 5% fee, while hosts not connected to a PMS pay an 8% commission. About 55% of listings globally connect to Vrbo through PMS software, including 51% in the U.S., according to AirDNA. The host note did not address guest fees, which currently sit at 11-14%, but a vacation rental expert familiar with Vrbo's plans said the company intends to drastically reduce them; Vrbo's FAQ said travelers will in most cases still see a service fee.
Impact and considerations
The commission change directly alters host and property-manager unit economics and could affect pricing and supply stability when corporate travel programs source vacation rentals.
Key points
- Vrbo is moving hosts and property managers to a flat 12% fee starting October 29.
- PMS-connected property managers currently pay 5%, while hosts without a PMS pay 8%.
- About 55% of Vrbo listings globally connect via PMS, including 51% in the U.S., per AirDNA.
- The host note did not address guest fees, currently 11-14%, but an expert said Vrbo plans to drastically reduce them.
- Vrbo's FAQ said travelers will in most cases still see a service fee.
Sources and time
- Primary source
- Skift
- Other sources
- 0
- First source publication
- 30 Sept 2026, 06:30
- Page published
- 30 Sept 2026, 06:51
- Last updated
- 30 Sept 2026, 06:30
- Original links
- Skift Feed：Vrbo to Double Commissions as It Plays Catch-Up to Airbnb (opens in a new tab)Primary source · en · Published 30 Sept 2026, 06:30