Is Airbnb management worth it? Why the fees deliver more

Is Airbnb management worth it? Discover how short-term rental managers like Staivo boost income, guest reviews, and occupancy — all with no upfront costs or hidden fees.

by Staivo Editorial Team

Table of Contents

• Why do homeowners hesitate to hire Airbnb managers?

• Is Airbnb management worth it? The numbers prove it

• A homeowner’s story: how management made a difference

• Time is money: the hidden cost of DIY hosting

• What does an Airbnb manager actually do?

• Unlock your property’s potential with Staivo

Let’s face it. If you’re asking, “Is Airbnb management worth it?” you’re not being naive — you’re being smart.

Whether you’re running a full-time short-term rental (STR) or renting out a holiday home part-time, paying someone else to handle what you’ve been managing yourself can feel unnecessary, even wasteful. Management fees may look like they eat into your profit.

But here’s the catch: what if those numbers don’t tell the whole story?

What if Airbnb management isn’t a cost, but a tool for higher income, better reviews, and real peace of mind? This blog unpacks common concerns and shows why Staivo-managed properties consistently outperform DIY hosting.

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Why do homeowners hesitate to hire Airbnb managers?

Most STR owners hesitate to outsource their hosting — and it’s easy to see why.

Maybe you:

• built your own listing,

• found a dependable cleaner,

• watched hours of YouTube tutorials on pricing, and

• feel proud of your setup.

Or perhaps you’ve heard the horror stories — friends tied into rigid contracts, poor visibility, slipping reviews, and disappointing returns.

For many, the biggest hesitation is cost. Questions like:

• “How much do Airbnb managers charge?”

• “What if bookings aren’t strong enough to cover the fees?”

• “Why pay for something I can do myself?”

All valid concerns. But beneath them is a bigger issue: the returns aren’t keeping up with the effort. Bookings stall, reviews are inconsistent, and the hours you spend managing creep higher each week.

Sooner or later, something has to give.

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Is Airbnb management worth it? The numbers prove it

Here’s what most hosts don’t realise: according to AirDNA, from July 2024 to June 2025, professionally managed short-term rentals in Australia earned 39% more monthly revenue and achieved 43% higher average daily rates (ADR) compared to self-managed listings.

Professionally managed properties:

• Avg. monthly revenue: $5.7k

• Avg. daily rate: $421.40

Self-managed properties:

• Avg. monthly revenue: $4.1k

• Avg. daily rate: $294.30

That’s an annual revenue gap of $19.2k. So while management fees may feel like an extra cost, the financial gains outweigh them by far.

With Staivo, the difference can be even greater. Properties optimised under Staivo’s approach see up to 36% more bookings. And because fees are only charged when bookings happen, there’s no risk or upfront expense — just results.

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A homeowner’s story: how management made a difference

One Australian homeowner shared their experience after switching from DIY hosting to full-service management with Staivo.

“At first, I wasn’t sure. You wonder if it’s just marketing hype. But what stood out was the quick responses and consistent communication. Guests noticed it, too — reviews started mentioning how helpful and responsive the service was.”

Since partnering with Staivo, the homeowner saw better presentation, stronger reviews, and higher income than expected:

“There’s consistency in how the property is presented, and that really drives positive feedback. Earnings have actually gone beyond what I expected. The portal is simple and easy to use, which helps because I don’t have time to dig into every detail.”

They’ve even recommended management to neighbours:

“It’s hard to manage properly if you don’t have the time. Handing it over just takes the weight off, especially when there’s a reliable team behind you.”

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Time is money: the hidden cost of DIY hosting

“How much do Airbnb managers charge?” is only half the question.

The real question is: What is your time worth?

Here’s what DIY hosts juggle weekly:

• replying to guest messages,

• coordinating cleaning and changeovers,

• setting pricing (often sub-optimally),

• handling reviews and complaints,

• updating seasonal content,

• dealing with lost keys, Wi-Fi issues, or lockouts,

• arranging maintenance and invoices.

Even at just 8 hours per week, that adds up to over 400 hours a year.

Many hosts say, “I’m saving money by doing it myself.” But if the result is stress, missed opportunities, or being stuck at one property… are you really saving?

With Staivo, you only pay when bookings happen. That means no upfront cost, no hidden fees — and no midnight messages.

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What does an Airbnb manager actually do?

STR management fees seem high until you see what’s included. With Staivo, it’s easier to ask: What don’t they do?

Here’s what Staivo covers in its all-inclusive Airbnb management service:

• Listing optimisation: High-performing, competitive listings refreshed regularly.

• Professional photography & styling: Homes photographed to Staivo’s standards earn up to 24% more bookings.

• Revenue management: Local pricing experts adjust beyond algorithms — for events, demand shifts, or unique features — to maximise earnings.

• Cleaning & restocking: Reliable, vetted cleaners deliver hotel-level quality with every stay.

• Guest communication & vetting: All messaging and screening handled, with 10% higher ratings for communication.

• Maintenance coordination: From repairs to supply runs, everything is resolved quickly and cost-effectively.

• Multi-channel distribution: Listings across Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com and more for wider reach and occupancy.

• Owner portal access: Real-time insights into bookings, earnings, reviews, and property upkeep.

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Unlock your property’s potential with Staivo

Searching for “how to manage my Airbnb property” ends here. Staivo’s approach isn’t about charging at every turn or locking you into rigid systems. It’s about flexible, full-service support designed around your goals.

And because Staivo only earns when you do, getting started is risk-free.

You’re already paying a fee — in late nights, missed bookings, and hours spent managing. Why not pay a fee that pays you back?

👉 Get your free earnings estimate with Staivo today.