Ultimate Blueprint For Developing App Like Airbnb: Features, Cost, & How-to Guide

Our ultimate app development guide covers essential features, estimated costs, and a detailed how-to guide for a successful launch.
Guide to Develop App like Airbnb | Binmile

The simple concept of renting their property for travelers has become a booming market. Weโ€™re talking about the good old Air Bed and Breakfast or apps like Airbnb. The rental app development solution is a peer-to-peer marketplace that provides accommodation-renting services worldwide. It offers a wide range of unique and personalized accommodations, from cozy apartments to luxurious villas, catering to diverse traveler preferences. Airbnb, in particular, has become synonymous with the sharing economy, connecting hosts with guests in over 220 countries and regions worldwide. Its user-friendly interface and transparent booking process have made it a preferred choice for millions of travelers seeking authentic experiences.

With a market share of 30.50% in the reservation and online booking market over the past years, Airbnb has become one of the most popular and profitable rental websites in the world. This leaves nearly 70% for others to grab the opportunity and build apps like Airbnb in USA. However, developing rental apps like Airbnb requires a deep understanding of the market, the necessary features, and the technical intricacies involved. One must understand what makes it unique, successful, and game-changing. What business model does Airbnb implement to make a profit? What is an efficient way to build a similar website? This blog aims to provide a comprehensive mobile app development guide on how to make an app like Airbnb, equipping aspiring entrepreneurs with the knowledge and tools to create a successful and competitive app in the sharing economy.

Essential Steps for Developing an App Like Airbnb: A Comprehensive Guide

Airbnb had over 8 million active listings in more than 220 countries and regions and over 100,000 cities and towns with listings by the end of 20203, while it intends to reach 1 billion guests annually by 2028. It has revolutionized the hospitality industry, connecting travelers with unique accommodations worldwide.

However, before start discussing how to make a camping app like Airbnb, conduct a detailed business plan outlining your goals, revenue model, and marketing strategy. Next, to ensure a solid foundation for your app, letโ€™s help you with apps like Airbnb’s development guide:

Steps for Developing an App Like Airbnb | Step-by-Step Process | Binmile

#1: Define Core Features and User Experience

Outline the essential features your app needs to provide a seamless experience for both hosts and guests. Focus on key functionalities such as user registration, property listings, search and filter options, booking management, messaging systems, and payment processing. Also, prioritize creating an intuitive user interface that offers ease of use, is versatile, and has visual appeal. You can also incorporate features like virtual tours or AI-powered recommendations to stand out from competitors and deliver a more immersive experience to users.

#2: Choose the Right Technology Stack

Selecting the appropriate technology stack is crucial for efficient development and scalability with factors like programming languages, frameworks, and databases when making your decision. Consider using cloud services like AWS or Google Cloud for scalability and reliability. Integrating third-party APIs for maps, payments, and messaging can save development time and enhance functionality. Popular choices for mobile app development include:

  • Frontend: React Native, Flutter, or Swift/Objective-C for iOS and Android.
  • Backend: Node.js, Ruby on Rails, or Python (Django).
  • Database: PostgreSQL, MySQL, or MongoDB.

#3: Develop and Secure the MVP

You could also test the productโ€™s viability and gather feedback from early customers to help inform future product development. Thus, go with MVP development services that include core features; this approach allows you to launch faster and gather user feedback for future improvements. Implement robust security measures to protect user data and transactions and conduct thorough testing, including unit tests, integration tests, and user acceptance testing, to ensure a stable and bug-free application. Pay special attention to performance optimization and cross-platform compatibility.

#4 Rigorous Testing and Quality Assurance

As a part of your app development services, adopting testing is more than fixing problems. It’s also about establishing quality standards and implementing checks and balances to ensure the end product meets said standards. Conduct various types of testing, including:

  • Unit testing: to test individual components of the app.
  • Integration testing: for testing how different components interact.
  • User acceptance testing: testing the app from a user’s perspective.
  • Security testing: identifying and addressing potential vulnerabilities.

#5: Implement Monetization and Growth Strategies

Develop a clear app monetization strategy, typically involving commission fees on bookings. Consider additional revenue streams like featured listings or premium host services. Implement user acquisition tactics such as referral programs, social media integration, and content marketing. Focus on building trust within your community through user reviews, verification processes, and responsive customer support.

#6: Launch, Gather Feedback, and Iterate

Prepare a comprehensive launch plan, including beta testing with a select group of users. Develop a marketing strategy to create buzz and attract early adopters. After launch, closely monitor user behavior and gather feedback through in-app surveys and analytics tools. Use this data to prioritize feature updates and bug fixes. Continuously iterate on your app, introducing new features and improvements based on user needs and market trends.

Want to Develop an App like Airbnb? Discuss your requirements with our experienced mobile app developers who can help you launch a top-notch Airbnb-style app!

Hire App Developer! Thanks for contacting us. We'll get back to you shortly.
CTA Image

Must-Have Features for Your Apps Like Airbnb

To have a rental app like Airbnb, you need to offer a plethora of features just like the company to both its guests and hosts alike. Here are some of the top features that anyone looking to enter the on-demand rental industry might want to make sure are available in their app, like Airbnb:

  • Sign up and sign in.
  • Account: notification, payment methods, transaction history, booking history, a referral from Facebook or email, wishlist
  • Instant booking to eliminate the waiting time to book a property at their convenience without having to wait for confirmation from the host.
  • User profiles, reviews, and recommendations
  • Multiple payment/payout options
  • Multiple language and currency support
  • Search functionality: Search by destination, check-in and check-out dates, no. of guests, price slider, property type
  • Messaging: Inbox for each user (host and customer)
  • Host: A host has functionalities like managing listings, reservations, and policies.
  • Identification for Hosts and Customers: to prevent fraud and for security purposes

How Much Does It Cost to Build Apps Like Airbnb?

Thereโ€™s not a ballpark estimate as to how much it costs to build rental apps like Airbnb. However, to give you an average app development cost, it can be anywhere between within the range of $40,000 and $300,000.

Type of Application Average Cost
Basic $40000 to $60000
Intermediate $60000 to $90000
Advanced $90000 to $300000, or more

Revenue Model for Apps Like Airbnb

How Does an App Like Airbnb Works | Binmile

Airbnb allows guests to explore and choose appropriate rooms on the platform and gives property owners free listings. There are two primary revenue streams for the company:

  • Commission from Property Owners (Hosts): It charges hosts a flat 14-16% commission, but it varies on cancellation policy and duration of stay.
  • Transaction Fee from Travelers (Guests): It levies a 3% transaction fee on the booking amount from travelers for each confirmed reservation.

Elevate Your Rental Business With A Well-Functioning & Feature-rich App - Partner with Us for Comprehensive Development & Innovative Solutions!

CTA Image

Closing Statement

We have so far seen the way Airbnb has revolutionized the way people find places to stay. Traditionally, travelers relied on hotels for accommodation, but vacation rental apps like Airbnb have made the difference. The sharing economy offers a promising avenue for entrepreneurs seeking to create innovative and sustainable businesses. However, to develop apps like Airbnb that not only compete with established platforms like Airbnb itself but also contribute to a more efficient and equitable economy, youโ€™d need a proper strategy, a deep understanding of the market, and a commitment to providing exceptional customer experiences.

Additionally, you can seek the assistance of a leading travel app development company that can offer innovative solutions for a rental app like Airbnb utilizing cutting-edge technology to help you connect travelers with homeowners and offer a platform that fosters trust, community, and sustainable tourism.

Author
Arun Kumar Sharma
Arun Kumar Sharma
AVP - Technology

Latest Post

Generative AI in Product Development Guide | Binmile
Oct 03, 2024

Future of Design: Generative AI in Product Development Revolutionizing Process

With the advent of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, IoT, machine learning, and generative AI, they have been redefining how businesses offer, develop, and even deliver digital products. Amongst these transforming technologies, it Getโ€™s […]

Django vs Flask | Best Python Web Framework | Binmile
Sep 27, 2024

Django vs Flask: Which Python Web Framework Should You Choose for Your Next Project?

Web frameworks have been essential in helping developers create interactive web apps, websites, and online platforms. Amongst several frameworks, Python is the most commonly used. And well-known for building powerful web applications. However, the real […]

Digital Transformation in Commercial Payments | Binmile
Sep 26, 2024

Digital Transformation in Commercial Payments: A Revolutionary Shift in Financial Transactions

Digital technology has compelled business owners to adopt digital payment solutions, while traditional payment methods are being replaced with more personalized, efficient, and secure alternatives. This digital transformation in commercial payments is reshaping the landscape […]