Airbnb’s recent fee adjustment has caused significant disruption in the large holiday home sector, with commission charges for managed listings rising from 3% to 15.5% in a single change.
Sallie Hendrick, Bookings Manager at Landed Houses, which focuses on providing large homes for group stays across the UK, suggests that the increase is likely to speed up the movement towards direct booking.
“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 system, implemented on 27 October 2025, property managers using software integrations must now pay the full service charge. Analysts note that to avoid losing revenue, hosts are expected to raise prices by around 18%.
For larger holiday properties such as manor houses, farmhouses, and country estates, where bookings often range from £3,000 to £25,000, this fee rise represents a substantial increase in the overall cost of each stay.
“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.”
In the market for large group stays, guests often appreciate curated support and direct communication over automated search results. Landed Houses offers direct specialist advice and verified availability without applying platform commission.
As online travel platforms continue to review and increase their pricing structures, direct booking is set to become an increasingly attractive option for group accommodation seekers.
