How to Make an App Like Airbnb

For almost ten years, traveling in unfamiliar environments has become easier. Apps like Airbnb have played a big role in this. Since Airbnb’s launch, it has received praise for its innovative approach. The platform allows users to connect with trustworthy hosts. It also helps travelers save money on accommodations. Additionally, Airbnb makes it easier to experience a destination like a local. 

But did it all happen that quickly?

In 2007, they had just one website idea when they first started. Since then, Airbnb has grown significantly. Today, 45.6 million people in the United States use Airbnb, according to Statista. The platform has gained widespread popularity, as reported on Airbnb’s official website. It continues to expand, attracting more users every year.

Given how popular the Airbnb app is, would you like to follow in its footsteps? Would you like to create an app similar to Airbnb? Continue reading this blog to learn how to work with a travel app development company and hire dedicated developers.    

What is Airbnb?

Airbnb is a travel app development company that provides a single platform for apartment rentals worldwide. Airbnb offers an appealing marketplace for landowners. It is also perfect for those seeking short-term rentals or lodging.

If you develop an app similar to Airbnb, it opens up a vast internet marketplace. Through this network, homeowners who offer vacation rentals can connect with tourists in need of lodging. This will help you connect those looking for lodging with others who have properties available.

Due to its alluring potential, Airbnb has long since changed the way people search for apartments. Travelers who fly abroad and book a private room from a local family, for instance, will experience a cozy, homey atmosphere since Airbnb allows visitors to experience a little bit of local culture and stay in a real neighborhood. Isn’t that an awesome experience?

Furthermore, even in their most basic form, websites such as Airbnb are utilized by both “hosts,” who are property owners who have decided to rent out their properties, and “guests,” who use the service to make reservations.  

Going forward, your Airbnb substitute won’t succeed unless you carefully and methodically examine the app development process. Let’s find out what they are.

Key Features Of Airbnb

The features and functionality you incorporate into a website like Airbnb are crucial. As a result, be sure to include both the fundamental ones and those that will facilitate use for both hosts and guests.

The following are essential components needed for an online marketplace such as Airbnb:

1. Roles and Authorization

Travelers and hosts are the two categories of platform users. The latter disclose the specifics of their accommodation and publish it. Visitors can view all of the alternatives, get detailed information, book any listed real estate, or get in touch with the owner. The positions are standard for an online marketplace such as Airbnb.

Additionally, suppliers and customers can switch roles at any time thanks to the authentication mechanism. For instance, you have a vacant villa up for rent today; you’ll most likely be traveling to another city for work and need lodging.

2. Information From A Personal Profile

It should be easy and convenient for users to change their settings. For example, they could choose to change their phone number, email address, password, and other account settings. This functionality increases trust between your Ruby on Rails marketplace and its clients.

The most valuable data is filled in by both platform sides. The locations, kinds, and costs of the accommodations are specified by the sellers. What is the cost of lodging in a specific location, then? The information provided by the host will inform a traveler.

3. Maps Available Online

Customers can use this feature to find the best accommodations in the region. Additionally, it offers a sorting method for searching the region and obtaining a brief sample of a property that includes the name, price, and a few images. Additionally, the system displays the most popular lodgings according to user views and visits. On websites like Airbnb, this feature is frequently utilized.

4. Messaging Feature

You shouldn’t overlook a feature as important as messaging while thinking about creating a website similar to Airbnb. It is essential since it enables guests to communicate with hosts about any information, like arrival time, delays, number of guests, etc.

5. System for Managing Reservations

This is one of Airbnb’s key characteristics. When tourists look for lodging, they want to reserve it for a specific day. In this manner, a homeowner is notified and has the option to accept or reject the reservation. The following factors make the marketplace more adaptable than Booking.com:

• Before confirming a reservation, hosts have the chance to address any concerns
• If providing lodging is not feasible, homeowners may turn down a request.
• When a guest has a variable travel schedule, the booking system development can be modified for that specific period.

6. System of Notifications

Push notifications make it feasible for hosts and guests to get to a certain webpage as quickly as possible. It operates rather simply: you receive a notification, click on it, and a page is instantly shown. In this way, it speeds up numerous procedures and significantly improves the customer experience on a marketplace similar to Airbnb. Isn’t that quite convenient? Users of your online marketplace, including hosts and travelers, will be able to stay informed at all times thanks to this functionality.

7. Payments Made Online

Travelers and hosts can submit and receive payments for their services thanks to Airbnb’s architecture. The creation of online payment systems have to be founded on secure and user-friendly design.

8. Options For Cancellation

The host may establish terms for cancellation of the reservation if the traveler’s plans change. Enhancing the experience of both hosts and visitors when using a marketplace such as Airbnb is beneficial.

10. Dates Are Flexible

A flexible search for accommodations has grown more important as more individuals work from home. Where to spend weekends or off-peak days is up to the travelers. The date range is extended to 12 months at Airbnb. The “I’m flexible” option on Airbnb has been used 500 million times, according to Brian Chesky.

11. An Engine for Translation

Airbnb has started translating ratings and descriptions into more than 60 languages. The function operates automatically, so you don’t need to click on translation buttons. Additionally, when new content is added, the engine gets better over time.

12. Support From Community

Strong community support is essential for an online marketplace such as Airbnb. This feature gives hosts and guests round-the-clock access to support services that address platform users’ issues.

In addition to the fundamental functioning, you need to think about the features of each platform while deciding how to launch a website similar to Airbnb.

Cost To Build An App Like Airbnb

The initial app development cost for the majority of travel apps is determined by a number of criteria, including  

• Size and location of the team,
• Platforms for deployment,
• The quantity of specialists and software developers
• The features and technological intricacy of real estate apps
• Volumes and the tech stack,
• Degree of personalization in the design,
• Options for app architecture and more

Nevertheless, if you were to think about creating an app similar to Airbnb, it would take about 130 days for software engineers to complete, and the cost would range from USD 60,000 to USD 160,000, depending on the project’s needs, goals, and hours (ask the project manager for information like targets, and procedures).  

Here is a guide on the cost of producing an app if you’re interested in learning more specifics. To gain a better understanding, refer to the table below. 

Although this is only a basic analysis of the factors affecting the cost of production parameters, it may have an impact on the costs of iOS, Android, and the web. The average cost of manufacturing will be calculated using the anticipated development time for each attribute, which will vary from business to business and from nation to nation, in order to evaluate the application’s pricing. Additionally, there may be a mobile app development business that bills on an hourly basis.

Cost Estimation for Sub-Features in Development

Understanding the cost of developing specific sub-features helps provide clarity on the budget required for your project. Below is a breakdown of the estimated development hours, hourly rates, and total costs associated with key sub-features like user profiles and verification systems. These estimates ensure a transparent understanding of the potential investment.

By analyzing this table, businesses can better plan their budgets and prioritize features effectively.

Factors To Be Considered To Build An App Like Airbnb

Developing a software similar to Airbnb necessitates thorough preparation and evaluation of numerous crucial aspects. These elements improve user experience, security, scalability, and long-term profitability in addition to guaranteeing the app’s functionality. Here are some important factors to think about:

1. Market Research and Validation

Thorough market research is essential before beginning to design an app similar to Airbnb. Comprehending the target audience, property owners’ requirements, and passengers’ wants will direct the complete procedure. You may define distinctive characteristics that set your platform apart from the competition by examining current competitors and spotting market gaps. User input is crucial at this point. You should learn about the problems people have when making hotel reservations and how to improve the process. 

2. User Experience (UX) and Interface Design (UI)

The success of any platform is primarily determined by how easy it is to use. Focusing on smooth navigation and user-friendly interfaces for both hosts and visitors is crucial for an app like Airbnb. Listing, booking, and perusing properties should be simple and pleasurable processes. Retaining users requires quick loading times and mobile responsiveness. Professional, high-quality photos of properties should be prominently presented because visual appeal is also crucial. The user interface should also facilitate safe payment methods and simple communication between hosts and visitors. Creating a visually appealing and consistent design that embodies the brand identity aids in gaining users’ confidence and trust.

3. Technology Stack

The performance, scalability, and security of the application depend on the technological stack selection. Both front-end and back-end components should be part of the technology stack so that the application can manage many users, numerous transactions, and real-time data processing. Cloud services like Amazon Web Services (AWS) or Google Cloud Platform (GCP) for hosting and data storage, Node.js or Ruby on Rails for backend frameworks, and React Native or Flutter for cross-platform mobile app development are examples of frequently used technologies. Functionality will be further improved by integrating third-party APIs for features like SMS notifications, mapping (Google mapping), and payment gateways (Stripe, PayPal).

4. Payment Integration

One of the most important features of software similar to Airbnb is a safe and effective payment system. This system must be secure for users to trust it with their transactions. The platform should support various payment options. These can include digital wallets, debit cards, and credit cards. To give users freedom, payment gateways like PayPal, Stripe, or regional payment methods ought to be integrated. To safeguard sensitive data, the app must also adhere to industry standards like PCI-DSS and have robust security measures like data encryption. Additionally, users must be able to easily manage payment transactions, process refunds, and make deposits. Enhancing user happiness can also be achieved by providing features like location- and demand-based dynamic pricing.

5. Authentication and User Profiles

For a platform to be safe and trustworthy for both hosts and guests, user authentication is essential. Using multi-factor authentication (MFA), social media logins, email/password combinations, and other robust login methods helps preserve security and safeguard user data. Additionally, the app needs to let users construct comprehensive profiles including their past interactions’ ratings, reviews, and preferences. While guest profiles should keep track of their booking history and preferences, host profiles should show property data, availability, and pricing. Reviews and ratings are essential for fostering positive encounters and increasing both parties’ credibility.

6. Geolocation and Search Functionality

To enable users to search for properties based on their location and preferences, an app similar to Airbnb needs strong geolocation capabilities. A mapping API that shows properties in real-time, like Google Maps, must be coupled with this feature. Advanced search filters that let users enter parameters like price range, property type, amenities, and ratings should also be included in the app. A user-friendly interface that allows hosts to post their homes with precise location, availability, and other critical facts is essential. The search experience can be further improved by providing tailored suggestions based on user behavior and previous reservations.

7. Security and Privacy

Ensuring user privacy and security is crucial because of the sensitive data involved in property booking and rentals. Protecting this data helps maintain user trust and prevents legal issues. To achieve this, data encryption and secure payment methods are essential. Additionally, privacy policies must comply with GDPR or other relevant legal standards. Furthermore, elements that facilitate a safe environment include identity verification procedures, secure messaging between hosts and visitors, and the opportunity to report fraudulent activities. Protecting users and the platform itself from malicious assaults and fraudulent activity is made easier with a well-implemented security system.

8. Scalability and Performance

When creating an app similar to Airbnb, scalability is a crucial factor. When your platform expands, it should manage more users, transactions, and data smoothly. This ensures no performance issues arise. To achieve this, scaling resources as needed is essential. Cloud infrastructure like AWS, Google Cloud, or Azure makes this possible. Optimizing app performance means reducing load times. It also ensures the platform can handle high traffic volumes. This way, you prevent performance dips or outages during peak times. As the app grows internationally, load balancing, database optimization, and CDN (Content Delivery Networks) integration can help ensure seamless operation.

9. Legal Compliance

It is necessary to consider legal and regulatory limitations while creating a platform like Airbnb. Local laws governing short-term rentals differ from one another. These rules might differ greatly between cities and even between nations. They cover topics like zoning, tax rates, insurance, and rental agreements. It’s essential to ensure the platform complies with these regulations. Doing so will protect both users and hosts. It will also help avoid penalties or legal action. The platform should include clear rental agreements, terms of service, cancellation policies, and dispute resolution procedures.

10. Customer Support and Communication

Having a dependable customer support system is essential when creating an app similar to Airbnb. If users have queries or issues, they should be able to get support fast. Numerous channels, including phone, email, and in-app messaging, should offer this help. Issues with payments, reservations, or property conflicts can be promptly resolved with the use of a live chat facility. It allows guests and hosts to resolve matters promptly. Additionally, a well-organized FAQ section and detailed help guides can empower users to solve problems independently. 

11. Continuous Upkeep and Updates

Monitoring the app’s performance after it starts is essential. Regularly collecting user input is crucial. This allows for timely updates to the app. Maintenance includes fixing bugs and improving functionality. Ensuring compatibility with the latest hardware and operating systems is also crucial. Additionally, adding new features can help keep the app competitive. For example, loyalty programs or virtual tours can enhance the user experience. Regular security updates are vital to safeguard user data. 

Step-By-Step Guide on How to build an app like Airbnb

A few factors need to be taken into account in order to create a formidable rival to Airbnb. So, let’s move the emphasis from theory to more useful advice. In this manner, you’ll be able to pinpoint the precise elements that are essential for future success.

Step 1: Generate a Concept

Without a strategy and an idea, you can aimlessly wander aimlessly! Therefore, having a vision and putting your high-level business plan for the booking service in writing is the first step in developing an application from scratch. As you are aware, there are hundreds of travel and home rental apps available in various niches on the many mobile app stores; nevertheless, only a small number of these apps stand out and dominate the Airbnb booking business model canvas. 

Step 2: Select a Platform

It’s a fallacy that a cross-platform product will have a large user base. It’s a fact that choosing one of the platforms—iOS or Android—at the outset is the safest option when developing a new software similar to Airbnb. Selecting a single platform for your application at the outset improves the device environment. Depending on the user experience, you may decide to develop for multiple mobile app platforms. Analyze the market and assess how the target audience reacts to your product. 

Android holds the largest market share, with almost 70% of the user base. In contrast, iOS accounts for only 25% of the market for mobile operating systems

Step 3: Create a User Interface Design

With the assistance of qualified app and software developers and designers, you can begin creating your app as soon as the concept is complete and the platform is configured to meet your objectives. This stage consists of 

• Wireframes
• Prototypes 
• Mockups
• Sketches, etc.

One of the primary reasons to design the app’s user interface (UI) before coding is that it enables you to achieve your graphics and visual objectives. The backend development team’s software engineers should simply write code according to the visual guide’s instructions in order to make the various visual features usable. 

Step 4: Include Special Features of Airbnb

Nowadays, it’s more typical to begin with a basic Airbnb feature list while figuring out how to create an app similar to Airbnb. For instance, the primary features of the Airbnb app are divided into three categories, including   

• Features of the Host
• The Features of the Guest
• Features of the Administrator

You can work with a top travel app development company that specializes in creating on-demand apps to create such exclusive features. Additionally, you may hire a dedicated app developers to create the MVP if you simply want to test your app in the market.

Are you curious about how to create an MVP? Get the MVP guide in its entirety from this blog.

A few more features can be added to the MVP version in order to create an app that is solely similar to Airbnb.

Step 5: Launch and Test

The testing team will decide when to join the phase after your development team has finished creating the travel app. The team of quality assurance analysts checks to see if your created Airbnb-like solution is functioning properly. To ensure that users have a positive experience and viability, any defects should be fixed and retested. The mobile application is prepared for user launch after debugging is complete. Consider step 6, which is to maintain the app clone in accordance with demands and technological lessons, if you wish to remain in the market for a longer period of time.

Conclusion

Did you find the research of the business plan for creating an app similar to Airbnb interesting, people? Have any of the following factors inspired you to design your own travel app in order to make millions of dollars in modern gig economy: the procedure, Airbnb features, Airbnb competitors, and app development cost? 

Tell me who doesn’t enjoy traveling if you’re still unsure about whether the internet travel sector will continue to grow in the future. Isn’t it adored by all? Therefore, investing in a travel app such as Airbnb will undoubtedly result in a substantial profit for your firm. But don’t panic if you’re having trouble coming up with concepts for your own apps! Get in touch with the top travel app development company right now.

FAQ

Does Airbnb make a lot of money?

The rate of growth in the sector makes becoming an Airbnb host highly profitable. A 2021 study shows that over 2.58 million rental properties in the US are seasonally occupied. This growth reflects the increasing demand for short-term rentals. It highlights the potential for hosts to generate significant income by tapping into this trend.

Can I create an Airbnb of my own?

Put your space on the list. Listing your space is totally free. Only when a reservation is confirmed does Airbnb collect a service fee. Usually equal to 3% of the subtotal of your reservation, this fee supports Airbnb’s operational expenses, including host safeguards, round-the-clock customer service, and more.

Which kind of Airbnb makes the most money?

Full apartment rentals are the best option for Airbnb hosts who want to earn a career on the hospitality site. Our investigation found that income after expenses ranged from $15,000 to $31,000, and rates for whole flats are far greater than those for single rooms.

How can a novice start an Airbnb account?

You must investigate competition, financial possibilities, and property Locations before starting an Airbnb business

• Verify the laws and ordinances in your community
• Make a plan for your business
• Create a legal organization
• Organize your taxes
• Invest in insurance
• Get your property ready for visitors
• Make your listing public