How to Build a Website Like Airbnb in 2025

Want to build the next Airbnb? Makes sense, since Airbnb has set the standard for online marketplaces. It not only offers products but also fosters connections between sellers and buyers.

But instead of googling “how to create a website like Airbnb” and ending up in the loop of copy-paste solutions, Ascendix can help you focus on turning unique vision into a custom platform that stands out in a crowded market.

From defining your niche to choosing the right tech stack and ensuring a seamless user experience, our team is ready to guide you through each step of the process.

Key Takeaways:

• We provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to build a website like Airbnb;
• You’ll understand Airbnb’s business model and the functionality that drives its success;
• Explore how platforms like Airbnb operate and what makes them work.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to build a website like Airbnb

Any big endeavor needs a thoroughly mapped out plan. To build another website like Airbnb, follow these five steps:

1. Find your concept and set out the idea;
2. Choose the technology stack to build a website like Airbnb;
3. Identify the must-have features and functionality;
4. Focus on UX/UI design;
5. Launch MVP and map out your growth strategy.

When the priorities are set right, you’re ready to start working on creating another website like Airbnb which meets your business goals.

Step 1 – Find concept and validate your idea

Preface: Before Airbnb, finding a place to stay often meant browsing through overpriced hotels or taking a chance on unreliable vacation rentals.

When starting to build a website like Airbnb, keep in mind your users. Their frame of reference is a solution that fixes issues quickly and effectively. We created some common questions you can ask yourself before creating a website like Airbnb:

What gaps exist in the current market?

How is the market segmented?

What unique value can my platform provide?

Having established the pains, you are ready for the deeper research:

• Conduct competitor analysis to validate your concept;
• Define your target audience (e.g. eco-friendly cabins, unique treehouses, urban lofts, family-friendly homes);
• Establish what sets your platform apart from existing players in the market.

Market Research

With a clear vision in mind, the next crucial step is to conduct thorough market research. This process involves three key areas of focus: analyzing market demands, studying existing competitors, and understanding your user personas.

Analyze Market Demand and Trends
We believe that understanding the current demand in any market is a must. So, when building a website like Airbnb, our team recommends looking into trends that indicate what buyers, tenants, and sellers are looking for. This involves researching emerging neighborhoods, popular property types, and the features that attract clients. In our opinion, conducting surveys and gathering social media insights can help build the winning strategy.

Study Existing Competitors
Our team has found that understanding competitors, their strengths and weaknesses allows you to identify opportunities for your future idea. We recommend jotting down the following: What services do competitors offer that resonate well with users? Are there shortcomings in their platforms that you can address?

Understand User Personas
To design an effective property marketplace, you must recognize the diverse personas involved in real estate transactions. Typically, there are three primary groups:

1. Buyers/Tenants are primarily focused on acquiring a property that meets their needs. They look for homes in desirable neighborhoods that offer essential amenities, such as schools, parks, and shopping. Our take: Your platform needs a simple, customizable search tool that helps users quickly find properties matching their needs. Also, we advise asking for feedback to continuously improve features.
2. Brokers/Agents/Realtors are real estate professionals serve as intermediaries between buyers and sellers. Their primary need is to list properties effectively and connect with potential clients. We believe that the tool must enhance property visibility, and facilitate communication with clients.
3. Sellers/Landlords aim to showcase their properties to attract potential buyers or tenants. They seek a platform that enables them to highlight their property’s unique features and reach a broader audience. Our thoughts: features such as virtual tours, high-quality images, and detailed descriptions, are essential for attracting interest. Additionally, understanding market trends and pricing strategies can help with positioning properties competitively.

What do clients expect from real estate marketplaces? | AscendixTech

By acknowledging the distinct needs of these personas, you can cater to a wide array of preferences while maintaining a user-friendly experience for all.

Choose a business model

Selecting an effective business model is a part of your marketplace success. The right model not only drives revenue but also shapes user experience and engagement.

Here are six business models you can consider for generating income on your platform:

1. Commission
2. Membership
3. Listing fee
4. Lead fee
5. Freemium
6. Featured listings/ads

#1. Commission

This model involves charging a flat fee or a percentage of each transaction that occurs on your marketplace. It aligns your revenue with user activity, ensuring that you benefit as transactions increase.

Our opinion: This model is particularly effective for marketplaces with high transaction volumes, as it allows for scalable income growth.

#2. Membership

In a membership model, users pay a subscription fee to access your platform. This can create a reliable and recurring revenue stream. You can offer different tiers of membership, providing varying levels of access to features and services.

Ascendix’s viewpoint: This model encourages community building and fosters user loyalty by incentivizing long-term commitment.

#3. Listing Fee

Charging a listing fee requires providers to pay each time they post a property on your platform. This approach can help maintain a high standard of listings, as providers may be more selective and strategic about what they choose to promote.

Our team believes: It ensures that your marketplace generates revenue from the sheer act of listing properties.

#4. Lead Fee

The lead fee model charges providers for access to potential customers’ contact information. This can be especially lucrative if your platform generates high-quality leads.

Our stance: By providing valuable connections, you create a win-win scenario where providers can expand their clientele while you benefit from the access fee.

#5. Freemium

With a freemium model, core features of your marketplace remain free for all users, while advanced functionalities are available for a fee. This model lowers the barrier to entry, attracting a broader audience.

Ascendix’s insights: It allows users to experience the value of your platform before committing financially, increasing the likelihood of conversion to paid features.

#6. Featured Listings/Ads

This model allows providers or businesses to pay for increased visibility through featured listings or advertisements. By charging for enhanced exposure, you help providers attract more attention to their offerings while generating additional income for your marketplace.

What we think: This approach is beneficial for both your platform and the providers looking to stand out.

Combining two or more of these models can also be a viable strategy. This way, you can tailor your revenue generation approach to fit the business and user base.

Choose a solution type

Now, it’s time to choose a solution type and hire professionals. Our team knows that there are two options when building a website like Airbnb: custom development or integration solutions.

Custom development is a completely unique approach that involves creating a platform from the ground up with personal business requirements.

When to Choose Custom Development:

• If your platform needs specific functionalities that aren’t available in existing solutions;
• When you anticipate rapid growth or need a solution that can evolve with your business;
• If you want to stand out in a competitive market with distinctive features and tailored user experience.

On the other hand, integration solutions involve using existing software tools and platforms, connecting them through APIs to create a cohesive user experience. This approach is often faster and more cost-effective.

When to Choose Integration Solutions:

• If you need a more affordable solution that requires less upfront investment;
• If your platform needs only standard features and doesn’t require unique customizations;
• When speed is a priority.

At Ascendix, we specialize in custom development services designed to meet your specific needs. Additionally, we have expertise in integration solutions, and we can help enhance your existing systems.

Step 2 – Tech Stack Required to Build a Website like Airbnb

Now that you’ve outlined your vision, it’s essential to explore how to build a website or a vacation rental site like Airbnb in terms of its architecture.

The technology stack you choose will not only shape the development process but also impact the performance, scalability, and user experience of your platform. Below is a comprehensive overview of the recommended technologies approved by our tech team:

Component	Technologies	Description
Frontend Development	JavaScript (React, Vue.js, Angular); HTML5; CSS3	The frontend frameworks and languages used for building the user interface, enabling a dynamic and responsive design.
Backend Development	Ruby on Rails; Node.js/ Nest.js; Strapi; Java / Spring; Python (Flask, Django)	Frameworks and tools for server-side logic, data processing, and API integration, crucial for handling business operations.
Automation Frameworks	RSpec; Capybara; Cucumber	Tools for testing and automating the validation of your application to ensure functionality and user expectations are met.
Databases	MySQL; MongoDB; PostgreSQL; Firebase	Storage solutions for managing data, enabling efficient retrieval and management of user information, listings, and transactions.
Infrastructure	Azure; AWS; Digital Ocean; Heroku	Cloud platforms for hosting and deploying your application, providing scalability, security, and flexibility.
Web Application Server	Nginx; Puma	A server designed to handle concurrent requests efficiently, ensuring fast performance even under heavy traffic.
Containers	Docker; Kubernetes	Technologies for containerizing and orchestrating applications, enabling efficient deployment, scaling, and management of software across distributed systems.

 

Step 3 – Define the Functionality Needed to Build a Website like Airbnb

Creating a successful rental marketplace similar to Airbnb requires careful consideration of its essential functionalities. Since Airbnb has evolved significantly over the past decade, new marketplace entrepreneurs can learn from its development journey. Here’s a structured approach to defining the core features your marketplace will need from day one.

Feature Category	Functionality	Description
Profiles and Listings	User Accounts	Users should be able to create and manage their accounts, add property listings and update them.
	Listing Management	Hosts need to create, update, and publish their rental listings. Well-designed profile and listing pages enhance user trust and boost conversion rates.
Map and Location Search	Location-Based Search	Implement a robust search engine that allows users to find listings in their desired locations.
	Map Integration	Visualizing listings on a map helps users understand their options and proximity to landmarks.
Online Payments	Payment Processing	Facilitate secure online payments for bookings, ensuring convenience and safety compared to cash transactions.
	Transaction Commission	Enable the marketplace operator to charge a commission on each booking.
Availability and Booking	Calendar Functionality	Allow providers to specify availability for their listings, preventing double bookings. Users should only see listings available for their selected dates.
	Automated Status Updates	Once a booking is made, the listing should automatically become unavailable for the reserved period.
Two-Sided Reviews	Mutual Feedback	Implement a review system that allows both guests and hosts to review each other, enhancing user confidence in the booking process.
Delaying Payments/ Holding Funds	Payout Delays	Consider holding payments until after the rental period has ended to foster trust between parties.
Admin Tools	Marketplace Management	Admin tools should include user notifications, content moderation, transaction oversight, and access control. Effective management is key to maintaining a healthy marketplace environment.
	Help Desk Ticketing System	A support management system that helps resolve any claims or concerns from clients.

Let’s take a closer look at functionalities using the example of “Help desk ticketing system”. The following example demonstrates how this feature can facilitate communication, track issues, and ensure timely resolutions.

• Organized workflow: Tickets can be sorted by priority, status, or category for better visibility.
• Clear communication: Built-in chat features ensure swift and transparent conversations between all parties involved.
• Comprehensive details: Each ticket provides essential information, including deadlines, location, and attached documents, to aid quick decision-making.

Would like to build a tailored solution for your business? The Ascendix team is ready to assist. Let’s bring your vision to life with innovative technology!

Step 4 – Focus on Intuitive UI/UХ Design

An intuitive UI/UX design is a cherry on top before you’re ready to launch the MVP.

Design should smoothly guide users from browsing listings to completing bookings. Because, let’s face it, sometimes we do judge a book by its cover. So, the key elements to keep in mind:

• Simplicity: Aim for a clean, straightforward design. Remove distractions and ensure key functions, such as search and booking, are easy to find.
• Responsive Design: Optimize your website for all devices. A mobile-friendly design ensures users can effortlessly navigate and book from their smartphones or tablets.
• Trust Elements: Include features that instill confidence, such as user reviews, high-quality images, and transparent pricing.

For more on creating a compelling design, explore our UI/UX design services.

Step 5 – Launch MVP

Rolling out a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) is a pivotal moment in building a website like Airbnb. An MVP allows you to introduce your platform with core features while keeping development time and costs manageable.

Steps to Launch an Effective MVP:

Why Learn from Airbnb?

Airbnb offers some valuable lessons for anyone interested in building a platform in the hospitality space or even other industries.

Here’s why Airbnb is worth learning from:

With millions of listings worldwide, Airbnb has transformed the way people travel and find accommodations. According to recent statistics, Airbnb has about 150 million active users and thousands of new listings added daily, solidifying its position as a leader in the hospitality sector.

Airbnb AI Features

AI Airbnb solutions were created to enhance both guest and host experiences on its platform. Below, we outlined key areas where Airbnb AI features improve the service on the website:

• Airbnb AI for image sorting: Airbnb has developed a computer vision model trained on over 100 million images. This AI automatically categorizes listing photos by room, improving navigation for potential guests and boosting conversion rates.
• Airbnb AI-powered quick replies: Hosts can easily select from pre-generated, accurate responses, saving time and improving communication. At Ascendix, we understand the importance of effective communication, which is why we offer our own framework for developing AI chatbots. We can help you integrate similar functionalities into your MVP when building a platform like Airbnb.
• AI Airbnb reservation screening technology: Airbnb AI feature that screens reservations, identifying high-risk bookings based on factors like guest-to-bedroom ratio, event dates, and guest history.

Want to boost your website with AI features? Contact our team to gain a competitive edge with AI. Our expertise spans various key areas in AI technology, and we’ve successfully worked on projects that elevate user experiences and boost operations. Here are some examples of our frameworks:

1. AI-powered personalized search, offering users tailored results based on their preferences and history, improving both satisfaction and engagement;
2. Our AI-based pricing estimation provides accurate property valuations and adaptive pricing that adjusts to demand for high-traffic locations and dates, maximizing profits;
3. We’ve also created AI amenity detection, which scans listing photos to identify features like appliances, streamlining the listing process. Additionally, our AI fraud prevention technology strengthens security by detecting suspicious activities, complementing reservation screening systems.

Airbnb Business Model

The Airbnb business model combines the sharing economy with innovative technology. Its primary focus is on connecting hosts and guests from around the world. Below is a look at how AI supports and enhances the business model for Airbnb.

Key Components of the Airbnb Business Model:

Fee Structure Airbnb earns money through a fee structure that applies to both hosts and guests. The fee is divided into two categories:

• Split-fee:
  • Host fee: Hosts typically pay a 3% fee, which is deducted from the booking subtotal. This fee can vary depending on location or cancellation policies.
  • Guest fee: Guests pay a fee that can be up to 14.2% of the booking subtotal. This fee is influenced by the length of stay, with lower fees applied for stays longer than three months.
• Host-only fee: Airbnb deducts this fee from the host’s payout, which generally ranges between 14-16%. The fee varies based on factors such as cancellation policies and monthly stays.

Airbnb Monetization Model

Airbnb employs a multifaceted monetization strategy that primarily revolves around service fees charged to both guests and hosts.

In addition to the standard service fees, Airbnb may impose a Value-Added Tax (VAT) depending on local and international tax regulations. This adds an extra layer of complexity to the pricing, as it varies by region.

Another emerging monetization avenue for Airbnb is promoted listings. This model involves elevating certain listings to the top of search results, increasing their visibility. This strategy is particularly effective for last-minute offers, driving greater engagement and bookings. However, to maintain user trust, it is crucial that only high-quality listings are promoted to prevent dissatisfaction among users.

Top 10 Airbnb Competitors & Alternatives

While Airbnb is a staple marketplace for the real estate niche, there are some worthy alternatives which we recommend knowing of. Here are top 5 Airbnb Alternatives to consider in 2024:

1. Booking – offers diverse range of accommodations;
2. Tripadvisor – AI-powered itinerary planning tool;
3. Vrbo – specializes in whole-home rentals;
4. Expedia – provides bundle travel services;
5. HomeAway – focused on family-friendly vacation rentals.

Our team prepared a quick overview of 10 Airbnb alternatives for you to get a better understanding of the industry. Or, perhaps, discover new platforms.

1. Booking

🔹Founded: 1996

🔹Number of listings: Over 28 million

🔹Operates in: 220+ countries and territories

In modern days Booking.com is known for its vast selection of accommodations and global reach.

As part of The Priceline Group, Booking is one of the largest online travel agencies in the world. Its management and easy booking process ensure that users can book with confidence, whether they’re looking for an affordable city apartment or a luxury resort.

Booking.com key features are:

• Wide range of accommodation options including hotels, hostels, apartments, and vacation rentals;
• Instant booking and confirmation;
• Multi-language support and customer service;
• Free cancellation on most properties.

What is Booking business model? – Booking.com operates on a commission-based model, earning money by charging property owners a percentage of each booking made through its platform.

Airbnb VS Booking: Airbnb focuses more on vacation rentals and unique stays, including private homes and shared spaces, whereas Booking.com includes a wider range of accommodations, such as hotels and resorts. Booking.com typically offers instant booking, while many Airbnb rentals require host approval before confirmation.

2. Tripadvisor

🔹Founded: 2000

🔹Number of listings: Over 8 million

🔹Operates in: 49 countries

Since 2000 Tripadvisor has cemented itself as a go-to platform for millions of travelers. It’s known to offer reviews, recommendations, and booking services for various travel needs.

What started as a simple review site has evolved into a comprehensive travel companion. Now, Tripadvisor offers an AI feature (currently in beta) which helps you plan the upcoming trip. You get personalized recommendations based on your travel destination, dates, group size, and interests. Powered by OpenAI’s generative AI, this tool creates customized, day-by-day itineraries that include suggestions for attractions, dining, and experiences.

Tripadvisor key features are:

• Comprehensive travel-related content including attractions, restaurants, and hotels;
• Price comparison tool;
• Ability to book hotels, flights, restaurants, and experiences.

What is Tripadvisor business model? – Tripadvisor earns revenue through native advertising, cost-per-click advertising, and commissions on bookings made through its platform.

Airbnb VS Tripadvisor: Tripadvisor is primarily a review and comparison site with booking capabilities, whereas Airbnb is primarily a vacation rental marketplace. Airbnb focuses on unique stays with local hosts, while Tripadvisor offers a broader range of travel services and booking options.

3. Vrbo

🔹Founded: 1995

🔹Number of listings: Over 2 million

🔹Operates in: 190 countries

Vrbo (Vacation Rentals by Owner) is a well-known player in the vacation rental market. Vrbo is part of the HomeAway group, owned by Expedia Group. Because of this, properties listed on Vrbo are also automatically shown on Expedia, giving them access to over 112 million visitors each month. This boosts visibility for property owners, reaching far beyond Vrbo’s usual audience.

Vrbo key features are:

• Focus on whole-house rentals, ideal for families and groups;
• Property reviews and owner ratings;
• Secure online booking;
• Filter options for amenities (e.g., pet-friendly, pools).

What is Vrbo business model? – Vrbo operates on both a subscription model for property owners and a pay-per-booking commission model.

Airbnb VS Vrbo: Vrbo focuses more on whole-house rentals, whereas Airbnb offers a variety of rental types, including private and shared rooms. Both platforms charge service fees, but the fee structure may differ.

4. Expedia

🔹Founded: 1996

🔹Number of listings: Over 1 million properties

🔹Operates in: 70+ countries

Looking for a platform that offers more than just vacation rentals? Expedia is a service provider where users can book flights, hotels, car rentals, and vacation packages all in one place.

The platform offers a wide range of accommodation options, including private homes and apartments, alongside its more traditional hotel listings. Its integrated system lets travelers organize all parts of their trip, from transportation to lodging, with ease.

Expedia’s network also includes platforms like Vrbo, Hotels.com, and Orbitz.

Expedia key features are:

• Comprehensive travel services including flights, hotels, vacation packages, and car rentals;
• Bundle deals for flights and hotels;
• Member rewards and discounts.

What is Expedia business model? – Expedia makes money through a combination of commissions, booking fees, and advertising.

Airbnb VS Expedia: Airbnb specializes in vacation rentals and unique experiences, while Expedia offers a wide range of travel services including flights and hotels. Airbnb typically focuses on more personal stays with individual hosts, compared to the more traditional hotel experiences on Expedia.

5. FlipKey

🔹Founded: 2007

🔹Number of listings: Over 830,000 properties

🔹Operates in: 179 countries

FlipKey, a subsidiary of TripAdvisor, began in 2007 as a house-swapping service before shifting its focus to vacation rentals. Acquired by TripAdvisor in 2008, FlipKey now offers over 830,000 rental listings.

One key feature is the integration of TripAdvisor ratings, giving users access to reviews directly on each listing—a reminder of how valuable guest feedback is for building trust.

FlipKey key features are:

• Focus on vacation rentals;
• Secure booking process;
• Integration with Tripadvisor for reviews and property details.

What is FlipKey business model? – FlipKey charges owners a commission on each booking made through the platform.

Airbnb VS FlipKey: FlipKey is more like Airbnb in focusing on vacation rentals but has a smaller market share. FlipKey benefits from integration with Tripadvisor for additional visibility and user reviews.

6. HomeAway

🔹Founded: 2005

🔹Number of listings: Over 2 million properties

🔹Operates in: 190 countries

HomeAway is a vacation rental platform that provides a wide array of vacation rental options, primarily focusing on whole-home rentals suitable for families, offering more space and privacy than traditional hotels.

The platform ensures a secure booking process and targets family-friendly travelers who prioritize comfort and a home-like environment.

In 2015, Expedia Group acquired HomeAway for $3.9 billion, expanding its portfolio of travel booking options. This acquisition marked a significant step in Expedia’s strategy to broaden its presence in the vacation rental market, which had been rapidly growing but remained distinct from traditional hotel bookings. Despite being under Expedia’s umbrella, HomeAway continues to operate with autonomy from its headquarters in Austin, Texas.

HomeAway key features are:

• Wide range of vacation rental options;
• Secure booking process;
• Focus on family-friendly properties.

What is HomeAway business model? – HomeAway operates on both subscription and commission-based models for property owners.

Airbnb VS HomeAway: HomeAway and Airbnb both focus on vacation rentals, but HomeAway places a stronger emphasis on whole-house rentals suitable for families. Airbnb offers a broader range of stay types, including more unique and urban properties.

7. HomeToGo

🔹Founded: 2014

🔹Number of listings: Over 18 million

🔹Operates in: 25 countries

 

HomeToGo, based in Berlin, is a vacation rental platform that has quickly grown in popularity.

One key feature of HomeToGo is its partnerships with established rental companies, which helps reduce the risk of fraudulent or low-quality listings. This approach enhances reliability and makes it easier for travelers to find trusted accommodations.

While HomeToGo doesn’t directly handle bookings for all its listings, guests might be redirected to partner sites to complete their reservations. This structure gives travelers access to a diverse selection of vacation homes while maintaining confidence in the quality of the options provided.

HomeToGo key features are:

• Meta-search engine for vacation rentals;
• Aggregates listings from multiple providers;
• Price comparison and filtering.

What is HomeToGo business model? – HomeToGo earns revenue through affiliate commissions from partner sites when a booking is made.

Airbnb VS HomeToGo: HomeToGo is a search engine that aggregates listings from various platforms including Airbnb, while Airbnb is a direct booking platform. HomeToGo offers price comparisons across different platforms, whereas Airbnb provides direct listings with hosts.

8. Wimdu

🔹Founded: 2011

🔹Number of listings: Over 350,000 properties

🔹Operates in: 120 countries

Wimdu, with over 350,000 vacation rentals, offers a wide variety of options, from luxury villas on the Spanish coast to studio apartments in Paris. While its listings are smaller compared to Airbnb, Wimdu remains a solid choice, especially for European travelers, as it’s based in Germany.

Powered by the vacation rental search engine HomeToGo, Wimdu operates as a metasearch platform, aggregating listings from various sources. This allows travelers to explore global destinations while often finding more local options in Europe. However, since Wimdu pulls listings from other platforms, users may be redirected to HomeToGo or partner sites to complete their bookings.

Wimdu key features are:

• Focus on urban short-term rentals;
• Integration with HomeToGo for broad search capabilities;
• Secure booking process.

What is Wimdu business model? – Wimdu earns revenue through a commission-based model from bookings.

Airbnb VS Wimdu: Wimdu focuses more on urban rentals and city apartments, similar to Airbnb’s early days. Airbnb offers a broader range of property types, including more unique stay options.

9. Agoda

🔹Founded: 2005

🔹Number of listings: Over 2 million

🔹Operates in: 200 countries and territories

Agoda, based in Singapore, is an online travel booking site in Asia, featuring 2 million listings that include hotels and private homes.

Beyond accommodations, Agoda provides airport transfer services and has a loyalty program called “PointsMAX.” Travelers can earn points for each booking, which can be redeemed for discounts on airline tickets.

Agoda key features are:

• Wide range of accommodation options, including hotels, hostels, and private homes;
• Specializes in Asian destinations;
• Price match guarantee.

What is Agoda business model? – Agoda operates on a commission-based model, earning revenue from bookings.

Airbnb VS Agoda: Agoda focuses on a blend of hotels and private rentals, with a strong emphasis on Asia. Airbnb offers more unique and localized stays, whereas Agoda offers more traditional hotel-style options as well.

10. Plum Guide

🔹Founded: 2016

🔹Number of listings: Over 30,000 properties

🔹Operates in: 30 countries

Plum Guide, a London-based start-up, aims to enhance the luxury vacation rental market.

The company emphasizes unique experiences and provides 24/7 guest support along with local recommendations. This commitment to quality has contributed to Plum Guide’s growing reputation as a trusted provider of luxury rentals.

With 30,000 listings across 30 countries, Plum Guide maintains a sense of exclusivity, only allowing the top 1% of homes to be featured. To qualify, properties must pass a rigorous assessment known as the Plum Test, conducted by hospitality experts.

Plum Guide key features are:

• Curated selection of high-quality homes;
• Rigorous vetting process for properties;
• 150-point checklist for quality assurance;
• Personalized service and concierge options.

What is Plum Guide business model? – Plum Guide earns revenue through a commission on each booking made through the platform.

Airbnb VS Plum Guide: Plum Guide offers a highly curated selection of homes, focusing on quality and luxury, whereas Airbnb offers a broader range of property types and price points. Airbnb has a wider range of unique and diverse stay options, while Plum Guide ensures a consistent level of service and quality.

 

The Rise of Airbnb

Airbnb’s origin story began in 2007 when two San Francisco based designers Joe Gebbia and Brian Chesky came up with a brilliant idea. They proved the saying, “necessity is the mother of invention.”

They decided to turn their apartment into a temporary lodging space for a major design conference in town. They set up air mattresses in their living room and called it “Air Bed & Breakfast,” offering affordable accommodations to conference attendees.

Their idea struck a chord with a few guests who appreciated the personal touch of staying in a home instead of a hotel. Encouraged by this initial success, Gebbia and Chesky partnered with Nathan Blecharczyk and launched the Airbnb platform in 2008.

What is Airbnb?

Airbnb is an online platform that connects people who want to rent out their homes or apartments with travelers looking for short-term stays. It’s a popular marketplace where property owners can list their spaces for rent, and visitors can easily find unique places to stay around the world.

Simply put, if you create an app like Airbnb, it works as a one-stop site for homeowners to offer vacation rentals and for guests to book comfortable and affordable accommodations.

Since its inception, Airbnb allowed hosts to list their homes and travelers to discover unique places to stay, fundamentally changing the landscape of short-term lodging. Airbnb’s growth was driven by the vision of a community-driven marketplace, proving that necessity is indeed the mother of invention.

Fast forward to 2024, Airbnb’s success story is reflected in its impressive financial performance. Let’s take a look at the revenue stats.

Airbnb Q1 2024 earnings—quick overview:

• Q1 revenue reached $2.1 billion, an 18% rise year-over-year;
• Net income was $264 million, marking a 126% increase from Q1 2023;
• Airbnb launched “Guest Favorites” to enhance reliability and improve guest experiences;
• The increase for booking for events like the solar eclipse and upcoming Olympics, showcasing Airbnb’s ability to cater to large gatherings;
• Active listings grew by 15%, with notable increases in Asia Pacific and Latin America, maintaining high quality by removing low-rated listings.

*You can read the details here

Airbnb Q2 2024 earnings—quick overview:

• Q2 revenue reached $2.75 billion (up 11% year-over-year);
• Hosting popularity surpassed 8 million active listings;
• Record revenue during the July 4th week in North America.

*You can read the details here

Our Experience in Building Real Estate Marketplaces

It’s official, you are set out to build a website like Airbnb. To seal the deal, you need to have good support in the face of experts.

So, when choosing a software development partner for your real estate marketplace, it’s essential to ask:

• How long have they been in the industry, and what’s their track record?
• Do they truly understand real estate and have the experience to back it up?
• Will they offer continued support beyond the initial project?

Please note that not all development companies can meet these needs. At AscendixTech, we combine deep industry knowledge with nearly two decades of hands-on experience. This allows us to act as both developers and trusted consultants, understanding your market and the challenges you face right from the start.

One of our standout projects is MarketSpace, a custom platform we developed to help brokers promote listings and manage client relationships. It integrates seamlessly with existing systems like Salesforce or Dynamics 365, providing brokers with a user-friendly way to market properties and interact with customers.

MarketSpace doesn’t just serve brokers, though. It also empowers agents to share a curated set of listings with potential buyers or tenants, making it a two-sided platform that meets the needs of both brokers and clients. Some of its key features include:

• Advanced map-based property searches;
• Secure deal rooms for smooth transactions;
• Collaborative spaces for easy communication;
• Customizable reporting tools;
• Comprehensive search and filtering options;
• Data-rich dashboards with insightful visualizations.

Ascendix’s strong focus on real estate software means we deliver premium solutions tailored to the industry’s unique needs.

Searching how to build a website like Airbnb? We can guide you through every step:

1. Discovery & Research: We work with you to understand your vision through workshops, interviews, and use case studies, ensuring we design a solution that fits your business goals.
2. Technical Proposal & Assessment: We help define the right tech stack, map out the project scope, set timelines, and agree on budget and engagement models that work for you.
3. Team Setup: We assign a dedicated team for your project. If needed, we can even recruit additional talent from our global network to ensure success.
4. Development Kickoff: We start building, keeping you in the loop with regular updates to ensure everything stays on track and aligned with your expectations.

At Ascendix, we know what it takes to build a platform like Airbnb, and we’re ready to help bring your real estate marketplace to life.

Check out our case studies and get in touch to start the conversation!