If you are looking up how to build an app like Airbnb, your mind is already made up. You know travel is booming, and mobile apps are where the future of hospitality lives. Still, big ideas often bring big questions, and that is why you search further.

Building Airbnb like apps isn't just about having a good concept. It is about what made Airbnb successful and how you can put that into a great scaling product. You should know the base features, the business model, and the development approach.

With the right strategy, you may put together an app that does as well for its users as Airbnb does.

That is exactly what this guide will cover. We’ll walk you through the business model of Airbnb, its important features, step-by-step building process, and costs. After reading this guide, you will get a clear understanding of building other apps like Airbnb.

So, let’s get started.

What is Airbnb and How Does It Work?

Airbnb is an online platform that connects travelers with hosts offering vacation rentals and unique stays.

For one hundred years, hotels ran the travel industry. They were a convenient option but often lacked personability. Many travelers looked for more than what was put out in the standard rooms and identical experiences.

That's where Airbnb came into existence as a revolutionary idea. While hotels are convenient, they fall short in terms of that personal touch and in the overall immersive experience that travelers are looking for. 

At the core of what we see in Airbnb is the human need for connection and truth. They put forth a platform that is more than just a place to stay. Instead, it is a chance for guests to connect with local culture and community.

What sets Airbnb apart is that it does not own any properties at all. Instead, it functions as a go-between for hosts and travelers,  earning a commission on each of the reservations.

Guests and hosts may chat directly, put forth questions, and sort out details before booking. Travelers have access to affordable options that are alternatives to hotels. This model reshaped hospitality, making Airbnb a trusted name in travel worldwide.

So, How Does Airbnb Work?

Airbnb presents a very easy-to-use app and website, which is for both guests and hosts, with different features and processes. Here is a look at how it plays out for each:

How Does Airbnb Work for Travelers?

• Sign Up/Login: Travelers may sign up with their email or social media.
• Profile Setup: Complete your profile by adding your name, photo, ID, and contact info.
• Search and Filter: Check out options that fit what you are looking for, which includes filters like price, location, property type, and amenities.
• Booking: Once you find your ideal location, book it, and you will get a notification via SMS and the app.
• Payment: Pay with Google Pay, credit or debit cards, PayPal, Apple Pay, and more.
• Travel and Enjoy: Once your booking is confirmed, all that is left for you is to travel, relax, and enjoy your stay!

How Does Airbnb Work for Hosts?

• Sign Up: Hosts can register with us via the app or website, which also includes social media and email options.
• Property Listing: Upon registration, hosts post information on their property, which includes the location, type of accommodation, and guest capacity.
• Photos and Pricing: Hosts put up actual photos of their space (which at times may be taken by professional Airbnb photographers) and set a price for which guests will pay.
• Communication with Travelers: When a guest asks about bookings, hosts go over the accommodation details, house rules, and special requests.
• Booking Confirmation: Hosts may approve or turn down booking requests, which will be based on availability and personal choice.
• Payment: Once the guest checks in, hosts receive payment within 24 hours.
• Relax: Once the booking is complete, hosts may relax and not worry about it.

Why Build an App Like Airbnb?

Building Airbnb like apps is a smart business move because the travel and vacation rental market is growing fast. The global vacation rental industry is expected to reach $105.7 billion by 2025, and Airbnb itself keeps growing with billions in yearly revenue. This proves the model works and has strong earning potential.

Proven Business Model

Airbnb has already shown that connecting property owners with travelers is a successful idea. When you build your own version, you don’t have to start from scratch. You follow a model that already works and can scale as your user base grows.

Customization and Branding

Custom-built Airbnb-like apps let you design everything the way you want. You can create a unique look, add special features, support niche markets, or offer better tools than your competitors. You’re not limited by ready-made templates or clone scripts.

Scalability and Flexibility

With a custom app, you can easily add new features as your business grows. It can integrate smoothly with systems like CRM, ERP, or real estate software. You can also build advanced features like analytics, dynamic pricing, or multiple revenue streams.

Better Security and Compliance

A custom app gives you full control over security. You can add strong encryption, fraud detection, and country-specific compliance features. This builds user trust and helps you avoid risks that come with generic clone products.

Long-Term Cost Efficiency and Innovation

Even though custom development costs more at the start, it saves money later. There are no license fees, no limits, and no restrictions. You can upgrade, innovate, and improve your app anytime. This helps you build a long-lasting, competitive platform.

Core Features to Include in an Airbnb Like App

As you set out to build an Airbnb clone app, features will make or break your success. Airbnb didn’t just put together a rental platform; they created an experience. From easy sign-up processes to which bookings fit in with what travelers had in mind from the get-go, and secure payment methods, each feature was designed for a smooth trip for both guests and hosts.

For any successful Airbnb like app development, you need to carefully design features for three main panels: Travelers App, Host App, and Admin Panel. Let’s break it down.

1. Travelers App Features

Travelers are the heart of your app. They should have a simple, quick, and enjoyable experience.

• Sign-up/Log-in: Easy sign-up via your email, mobile number, or social media account, which also includes security authentication.
• Profile Management: Customers are able to update personal info, change passwords, and protect their accounts.
• In-App Chat: Immediate support to our executive teams and hosts to resolve issues.
• Push Notifications: Alerts for your reservations, updates, discounts, and reminders.
• Search & Filters: Expanded choices on price, location, room type, amenities, and flexible booking.
• Host Interaction: Hosts may be messaged by guests before booking to go over the details.
• Payment Options: Multiple forms of payment (cards, PayPal, Google Pay, Apple Pay) for your convenience.
• Wishlist: Save your favorites, and we will notify you of price drops.
• Booking & History: See at a glance your present and past bookings.
• Coupons & Discounts: Include promo codes and referral coupons.
• Geolocation: Map out which stays you are interested in.
• Help & FAQ: Self-help options, which also include support when you need it.
• Rate & Review: Allow guests to share their input.
• Sharing: Share our property links around and also invite your friends to download the app.

2. Host App Features

Hosts need easy-to-use tools for listing properties and booking. The more control that is put at their disposal, the better their experience.

• Host Sign-up: Sign up with your email, phone number, or social account.
• Profile Management: Enter your personal and contact information securely.
• Property Listing: Post out property details, including images, amenities, price, and dates of availability.
• Approval System: Accept or deny guest requests based on availability.
• Messaging: Reach out to travelers directly and confirm bookings.
• Guest Ratings: Report on guest behavior during stay.
• Account Management: Omit personal and property info.
• Help Section: Easy access to help for questions and FAQ’s.
• Sharing Option: Share the app with other hosts or post it on social media.
• Booking & Revenue History: Track and report on all payment history.

3. Admin Panel Features

The admin panel is the control center. It maintains security, organization, and smooth operation of the app.

• Dashboard: Platform activity report, which includes users and bookings.
• Info Management: Check out and post new listings or take down flagged properties.
• Booking Records: Record past, present, and future booking activity.
• Feedback & Complaints: Review and resolve issues, fix differences, and handle complaints.
• Insights & Reports: Develop metrics from data to track user behavior and fuel app growth.

In the design of your mobile apps, include these panels and their key features, which will, in turn, present you with a strong hospitality solution development platform to compete in today’s travel tech space.

Step-by-Step Process to Create App Like Airbnb

Travel and hospitality businesses are increasingly exploring Airbnb like app development because it has proven to be a profitable venture. To create a website like Airbnb, you need to follow a structured step-by-step process that ensures your idea is executed properly and turns into a sustainable business. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the essential steps:

1. Develop a Business Plan

A million-dollar idea is a dream until it is supported by a solid business plan. In a market that has hundreds of travel apps at present, you require a roadmap that details your vision, goals, and what makes you unique. A well put together business plan for your Airbnb clone app helps you to determine your target audience, to analyze your competitors, and what will make your app stand out. This is the foundation of travel app development like Airbnb.

2. Decide the Platform

Before you develop app like Airbnb, you need to choose the right platform. It may seem at first that we should go for both iOS and Android at the start, which is fine, but that can be very expensive and time-consuming. Instead, start with what your target audience is mainly using. You can add the other platform later. Choose between native or cross-platform development, think of performance, cost, and user experience. Once you've chosen, you can begin building the foundations of your Airbnb-like app.

3. Craft the UI/UX Design

Your users will judge your app in the first few seconds, so design matters. Begin by creating wireframes or prototypes to visualize the app flow. A clean, intuitive design is key to ensuring that guests and hosts have a seamless experience. Concentrate on creating a user-friendly interface for an Airbnb-like app that simplifies the process of booking stays, listing properties, and facilitating communication between users. Prioritize a distinctive UX design strategy that is not only visually appealing but also enhances the interaction between guests and hosts on the platform.

4. Build Core Functionalities

At the beginning, you don’t need to replicate every feature of Airbnb. Instead, create an MVP (Minimum Viable Product) with central features such as:

• User profiles
• Booking systems
• Search and filter options
• Payment gateways
• Messaging

Focus on the guest, host, and admin interfaces. Incorporate your unique selling proposition (USP) to differentiate your app in the hospitality solution development space.

5. Work on the Backend

The backend is the foundation of your app. It handles data storage, API connections, security, and business logic. You have an option to develop it from scratch or leverage Backend-as-a-Service (BaaS) products to conserve time. A strong backend will help the app run smoothly and scale as your user base expands.

6. Test Thoroughly

Skipping on testing is a recipe for disaster. Perform functional testing, UI/UX testing, usability testing, and performance testing to eliminate bugs, crashes, and lags. Quality QA ensures that your Airbnb clone app is reliable, secure, and ready to deliver a smoother experience.

7. Launch and Plan Future Updates

Once testing is complete, your app is ready for launch. Submit it to the app stores and start gathering feedback from early users. Keep your app fresh by adding innovative features, improving performance, and rolling out timely updates. Continuous upgrades are crucial to staying competitive in the travel and hospitality market.

How Much Will It Cost to Build a Travel App Like Airbnb?

One of the most common questions businesses ask is: “How much does an app like Airbnb cost?” The reality is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Every app is unique, and the cost of Airbnb like app development depends on the platform choice to the complexity of features, the complexity of the app, and the technology stacks you are using in the Airbnb like app development. However, based on industry averages, the cost of developing an Airbnb-style travel app typically falls between $30,000 and $250,000+.

Here’s a clear breakdown:

Launch Your Own Hospitality Solution with 7span

Traveling today is simpler, smarter, and more connected than ever. Platforms like Airbnb have set new standards by offering comfort and variety at every traveler’s fingertips. If you’re inspired to build your own hospitality app, now is the right time.

Success in this space requires the right execution more than just an idea. Designers, developers, project managers, and testers all work together to turn concepts into powerful products. 

Instead of trying to juggle everything yourself, you can hire dedicated developers from 7Span to make the process smooth. With our expertise in mobile app development, we help you craft seamless hospitality solutions that attract users, build trust, and scale effortlessly.