With the launch of Airbnb’s Co-Host Network, vacation rental managers are wondering if it’s a potential threat to their business or a new opportunity for growth. The network is still relatively small, with about 10,000 co-hosts worldwide at launch, but Airbnb is heavily promoting these co-hosts as a premium option for homeowners. The average rating for co-hosts is highlighted at 4.86 stars—higher than the 4.62 average for larger property management companies. This emphasis on high service quality raises a key question: if co-hosts are rated so highly, why would a homeowner choose a property manager over a co-host?
Yet, after diving deeper, the Co-Host Network may actually be a growth opportunity for property managers who are open to adapting. Some co-hosts on Airbnb’s list manage as many as 130 listings, suggesting that these aren’t just small local hosts—they’re likely professional operations. By positioning themselves as co-hosts, property managers may avoid certain restrictions, keep listings under individual owners’ names, and even expand in regulated areas. So, let’s explore whether Airbnb’s Co-Host Network is truly a threat or a new growth channel for savvy property managers.
1. What Does the Co-Host Network Look Like?
Defining the Co-Host Network
The Co-Host Network is a system designed by Airbnb to connect property owners with experienced co-hosts who can help manage or even fully operate their listings. This co-management includes tasks like guest communication, booking management, cleaning, and maintenance. Essentially, it’s a flexible, customizable management solution.
Where It’s Available
Currently, the Co-Host Network includes over 10,000 co-hosts across 10 countries, such as the U.S., Canada, France, and Australia. Airbnb has plans to expand this network even further in 2025, increasing its global reach.
Range of Services
Co-hosts offer a wide range of services, from handling bookings, check-ins, and guest inquiries to setting up listings, adjusting pricing, and managing maintenance. Property owners can choose the level of support they need, making it an adaptable service for owners with different management needs.
Who Are the Co-Hosts?
Here’s where it gets interesting: while Airbnb markets the Co-Host Network as a way to find local, hands-on support, many co-hosts aren’t small, independent hosts at all. They’re professional property managers handling dozens, sometimes even hundreds, of listings. So, Airbnb’s “local co-host” approach includes larger operations disguised as friendly neighborhood co-hosts.
2. Why Did Airbnb Create the Co-Host Network?
Responding to Host Demand
Airbnb created this network partly to meet host needs. According to Airbnb, 40% of hosts surveyed said they’d host more if they had some help. The Co-Host Network is meant to provide that support, making it easier for property owners to manage listings and attract more people to the platform.
Driving More Supply
Expanding the supply of available properties is a key part of Airbnb’s strategy. In 2023 and 2024, Airbnb focused on “Making Hosting Mainstream,” encouraging more people to list their homes and increasing availability. By offering an easy way to access co-hosts, Airbnb hopes to attract more new listings and boost availability for guests.
Creating a Platform for Entrepreneurs
Airbnb is also tapping into a broader platform strategy. Just like Amazon or Etsy, Airbnb wants to empower entrepreneurs—not just property owners listing homes, but also property managers building businesses around Airbnb. By making it easier for co-hosts to support property owners, Airbnb strengthens its ecosystem and potentially keeps these listings exclusive to its platform.
Keeping the “Local Host” Image
Co-hosted properties tend to keep the owner’s name as the official operator, even if a professional manager handles the daily tasks. This approach allows Airbnb to maintain its “local host” branding, showcasing listings as individual-operated, despite the involvement of larger management companies. It’s a smart way to meet demand while keeping up the appearance of local, neighborhood-based hosting.
3. Is It Really New?
The Co-Host Network is both new and not new. Airbnb has been testing co-hosting since 2018, initially with French property management company Luckey Homes. The concept has been live in France for at least three years, but what’s new now is the branding as the Co-Host Network and an upgraded interface that makes it more accessible and visible to hosts.
4. How to Become a Co-Host: Eligibility Criteria
Airbnb has set specific standards to ensure that only high-quality hosts can join the Co-Host Network. To qualify, co-hosts must:
- Have a guest rating of at least 4.8 stars,
- Host a minimum of 10 stays or 100+ nights within the past year,
- Maintain a cancellation rate under 3%, and
- Complete identity verification.
These standards help ensure that Airbnb’s recommended co-hosts are reliable and experienced, which is good for property managers who already meet these criteria and want to join the network as a way to connect with more clients.
5. Threat or Opportunity for Property Managers?
So, is Airbnb’s Co-Host Network a threat or an opportunity for property managers?
Potential Threats
On the downside, the network may increase competition, as it encourages smaller operators who might offer lower-cost services. This could lead to narrower profit margins across the industry. Additionally, relying on Airbnb’s platform might make property managers more dependent on it, potentially reducing their control over their own business.
Potential Opportunities
However, the Co-Host Network can also be an exciting growth channel. For property managers with strong reviews and a quality portfolio, joining the network may open up a new pipeline for leads. By meeting Airbnb’s requirements, property managers can attract more clients looking for reliable, high-quality co-hosts.
Conclusion
So, what we’re seeing is Airbnb using the Co-Host Network to play to its strengths in a couple of ways:
- Encouraging Growth on Their Platform: Airbnb is leveraging the entrepreneurial spirit of property owners and managers, giving them tools to expand their business within Airbnb’s ecosystem, which ultimately benefits Airbnb itself.
- Maintaining the “Local Host” Image: While Airbnb promotes a community of “local hosts,” a large portion of these listings are actually managed by professional property managers, just rebranded as co-hosts. This lets Airbnb keep the charm of local hosting while relying on the consistency that property managers provide.
Ultimately, Airbnb’s Co-Host Network doesn’t have to be seen as a threat to property managers. By adapting to Airbnb’s framework, meeting the eligibility standards, and presenting themselves as co-hosts, property managers can tap into a new stream of clients while staying competitive. For those willing to embrace this approach, the Co-Host Network could be an exciting new growth channel.
