How much do you really keep from a short-term rental?
What the guest pays isn't what the owner keeps. Using a specific example, we show which costs to take into account with a short-term rental, how a manager's commission is calculated and what to look out for when comparing offers.
A guest pays €500 for a weekend stay. At first glance, that looks like a nice income for two nights. But the booking platform’s fees, cleaning and possibly a manager’s fee all have to come out of that sum.
And that’s not the end of the costs.
One stay, specific figures
Let’s look at an illustrative example of a two-night stay with a 20% manager’s commission.
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Price of the stay paid by the guest | €500 |
| Booking platform fee | −€64 |
| Cleaning, laundry and supplies | −€70 |
| Base for calculating commission | €366 |
| Manager’s commission (20%) | −€73.20 |
| Balance after these costs | €292.80 |
This is an illustrative calculation. Actual costs and the commission rate depend on the specific property and the agreed terms.
So from a €500 stay, after these items are deducted, the owner is left with €292.80.
But that still isn’t net profit. From this amount the owner also covers their own running costs, such as utilities, internet, maintenance and other expenses related to the property. Any taxes and legal obligations also need to be taken into account.
Costs that are often forgotten
With a short-term rental, it isn’t enough to look only at the nightly price. You need to know what the operation itself costs.
- Cleaning and laundry: these costs usually arise after every stay. In larger properties they can make up a significant share of expenses.
- Utilities: in winter especially, heating a chalet or holiday home can have a big effect on the result.
- Maintenance and wear: bed linen, towels, crockery, appliances and small repairs all need regular investment.
- Supplies: cleaning products, toiletries and other items for guests.
- Time spent on the rental: communicating with guests, handling bookings, arrivals, inspections and unexpected situations.
This last item is often overlooked. If you manage the rental yourself, you don’t have to pay anyone for this work, but you do give up your own time.
Why length of stay matters too
Imagine two stays at the same property: one for two nights and the other for four.
With the longer stay, total income can be higher while the cost of the final clean stays about the same. Per night, the longer stay can therefore work out better.
That doesn’t mean longer stays are always better.
During the most sought-after dates, it can make sense to set a minimum stay. Off-season, a reasonable discount that attracts guests for more nights can help instead.
What matters is keeping an eye not just on occupancy, but on the income left after costs.
What to ask when choosing a manager
When comparing offers, it doesn’t pay to decide on the commission rate alone. Two managers can charge the same percentage but provide different services or calculate commission on a different base.
So before signing an agreement, check:
- What is the commission calculated on? The full price of the stay, or only after certain costs are deducted?
- Are there fixed monthly fees? Do you pay in months with no bookings as well?
- How are cleaning and laundry charged? At actual cost, or with a markup?
- What does the commission include? Guest management, setting prices, cleaning, inspections, coordinating repairs?
- How much work is left with you? Will you have to deal with guests, maintenance or unexpected situations in person?
The lowest commission doesn’t automatically mean the best deal. What counts is the overall result of the rental, the scope of services and the time management saves you.
How we calculate commission
We calculate our commission on accommodation income after booking platform fees and cleaning costs are deducted.
We charge no fixed monthly fees for management itself. Cleaning and laundry are charged at actual cost, with no markup. Any repairs and materials are charged separately under the agreed terms.
Every month we prepare an overview of income, costs and commission, so you know how your rental is doing.
Want to know what the calculation could look like for your property?
At a free consultation we’ll go through its potential, the likely costs and a suitable way of working together.
