Beginning December 7th, 2020, software connected (API) hosts in Italy, Spain, and the UK will be moved to Airbnb's host only commission model. On January 1st, 2021 those currently enrolled at the 14% rate will be moved to the 15% rate.
API-connected Airbnb hosts in Greece and Croatia were already moved to this model on September 1st, 2020. On November 1st API-connected hosts in Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, and Thailand will move to this model as well.
Expect 15% to be the introductory rate only, and for Airbnb's model to eventually mirror that of Booking.com's. For U.S. hosts, BDC charges 15% on all fees: nightly rate, cleaning, pet fees, etc. And this does not include host credit card processing fees.
I predict Airbnb hosts will pay a minimum of 18% after they have adjusted to paying Airbnb 15%. After all, what's 3% more if they are content with 15%? Airbnb's investors will want to see Airbnb's take rate of host transactions to be at least that of BDC.
Most OTAs (online travel agencies) roll out changes gradually. They are typically introduced as a "voluntary pilot test" like this one was back in 2019. Then gradually hosts are quietly moved over until the policy becomes a requirement. Savvy hosts were paying attention to this test when it was first introduced. Expect Vrbo to follow suit. They have alluded to a host commission model for a long time, and they often emulate Airbnb.
If you want travelers to book your listing on a platform that will forever remain free for hosts and travelers, get listed on Houfy. It's a word of mouth book direct marketplace. Tell your departing guests to use Houfy next time. Join the Say Yes to Houfy facebook group.
Houfy allows you to ask for a signed rental agreement, collect and control your damage deposit, and you can collect ID from your guest. I connected a Square account to my Houfy listing and Square deposits my funds within two business days after a guest books and pays.