Quick Summary
Choose the right property, register on Airbnb, follow legal rules, and set up your space attractively to start your Airbnb business in India.
Airbnb hosting in India offers flexible income, higher profits than regular rentals, and strong demand in tourist hotspots and major cities.
Boost bookings by using high-quality photos, writing clear descriptions, offering top-notch service, competitive pricing, and spotless cleanliness.
Starting an Airbnb business in India is a smart way to earn passive income by renting out your home, apartment, or spare room. The Airbnb business model helps you connect with travelers looking for affordable short-term stays. This guide explains what an Airbnb business is, how to start an Airbnb business, and practical steps to make it profitable.
Airbnb is an online platform that connects travelers with local hosts offering short-term stays in homes, apartments, and unique properties like cabins, treehouses, and villas. The Airbnb business model allows individuals to earn income by renting out their space to guests. With over 7 million listings in more than 220 countries and regions, Airbnb provides flexible, affordable alternatives to traditional hotels.
Are you interested in learning how to start an Airbnb business in India? Here are six simple steps to help you launch and turn it into a full-time job. From securing necessary permissions to preparing your property, pricing your listings competitively, and providing a great guest experience, each step is crucial for success.
Let’s get started!
One can start by reviewing other listings in the area on Airbnb, especially those with high ratings and bookings. Airbnb business requires an understanding of the travel trends in the market, along with local as well as tourist demands. Also one can do a competitor analysis by checking their prices, properties, and listings, etc.
Identify the local attractions, such as museums, parks, restaurants, and events, that could draw visitors to the area. This helps position your property better by promoting its proximity to popular destinations. Check the (public transport, airports, highways) in your area. This can affect the attractiveness of your listing, especially in terms of convenience for guests.
Starting an Airbnb business requires securing all necessary permissions to avoid legal issues. Operating without valid licenses can lead to complications with authorities, and it’s important to inform the Resident Welfare Association (RWA) about renting out rooms to prevent security concerns.
Depending on the location, hosts may need to obtain various permissions, such as No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from cooperative societies or the RWA, as well as municipal approvals.
Understand the type of customers who are most likely to stay at your property. Are they tourists, business travelers, families, or solo adventurers? Knowing this helps in tailoring your listing and amenities (e.g., if you target business travelers, you might want to provide a work desk, Wi-Fi, and a quiet environment). Gather insights from past guest reviews in your area to understand their pain points or what they value the most (e.g., cleanliness, location, amenities).
Once you’ve secured the necessary permissions, you can start preparing your property to ensure comfort and safety for your guests. Equip the space with essential amenities like refrigerators, microwaves, tea and coffee machines, and geysers. Ensure that the rooms offer privacy for a relaxing stay, and keep the property stocked with clean bedsheets, towels, and toiletries. If there’s a kitchen, provide basic utensils for guest use.
These preparations will enhance the guest experience and increase your chances of receiving positive ratings:
Setting the right price for your Airbnb property is crucial for profitability. As a host, consider all expenses to determine a competitive rate that ensures good profits, keeping in mind that Airbnb charges a flat 3% service fee on the reservation amount.
Avoid pricing your property too high, as guests will compare it to others with better facilities. Research similar properties in your area to establish a rate that covers your costs, provides guest comfort, and generates profit per booking.
For further assistance, consider consulting with experts on the Airbnb business.
When listing your property, it’s essential to be honest and transparent, avoiding any exaggeration or concealment of issues. Misleading guests can lead to lower ratings and fewer bookings. Highlight the unique features of your property that set it apart from others, and always include the latest photos to help guests understand its size and attributes.
Having staff on hand to manage your property, bookings, check-ins, and maintenance is highly recommended, especially if you don’t primarily live there. Airbnb allows for up to three co-hosts per property, which can be beneficial in sharing responsibilities during peak seasons.
To make sure guests feel safe, it is important to equip the property with basic health and safety supplies, such as a first aid kit, fire extinguisher, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and emergency exit plans. Ensuring that these items are easily accessible would demonstrate my commitment to guest safety. The property must follow Airbnb’s Enhanced Cleaning Protocol, which involves strict cleaning procedures between each guest, including sanitizing high-touch areas like door handles, light switches, and remotes.
As an Airbnb host, you would have to rely on their built-in booking system. The platform provides easy tools to manage reservations, set pricing, and establish house rules. To streamline the process, a system of automated booking confirmations and reminders for guests can be set up. This includes confirmation emails, pre-arrival instructions, check-in/check-out details, house rules, and a customer service desk. A proper and efficient booking system is crucial for a successful Airbnb business.
Airbnb business is not just about hosting guests; it also offers opportunities for locals to sign up for Airbnb Experiences, where they can provide guided tours of local attractions. These experiences allow travelers to explore their surroundings with knowledgeable locals, such as trekking in nearby hills or going on nature trails. To get started, locals can apply to the Airbnb business, which will verify the application and the proposed experience, usually taking about a week for a response.
Optimize the listing, use promotions, social media, and cross-list on other platforms to maximize exposure. use social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest to market the property. Posting aesthetically pleasing photos of the property, local attractions, or guest experiences could help generate interest. Paid ads could also be used for targeted marketing to Positive reviews play a huge role in marketing. Encourage guests to leave feedback after their stay for each specific customer segment.
Here’s a quick comparison of average Airbnb nightly rates and occupancy rates in top Indian cities. Use this to estimate your earning potential before you start your Airbnb business.”
| City | Avg. Airbnb Nightly Rate (₹) | Occupancy Rate (%) |
| Mumbai | 2,500 – 4,000 | 65% – 75% |
| Goa | 3,000 – 5,500 | 75% – 85% |
| Delhi | 2,200 – 3,500 | 60% – 70% |
| Bangalore | 2,000 – 3,500 | 60% – 70% |
| Jaipur | 1,800 – 3,000 | 55% – 65% |
Starting an Airbnb business in India is becoming a popular choice for those with spare properties or unused spaces. The financial year 2020 saw Airbnb India generating around 687 million Indian Rupees, highlighting the potential for success in this market.
This trend not only benefits the travel and tourism industry but also presents a fantastic opportunity for individuals looking to start a side business with minimal investment. With the right approach, anyone can tap into this growing market and earn extra income even by doing the Airbnb business without owning property.
How much you can earn from Airbnb in India depends on your property type, location, pricing, and occupancy rate. On average, hosts in major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Goa, and Bangalore can earn between ₹20,000 to ₹1,50,000 per month. Properties in tourist hotspots or with unique features, such as sea views or heritage design, can earn even more. Consistently providing a great guest experience and earning positive reviews can help maximize your Airbnb income.
Yes, Airbnb is legal in India, but hosts must follow local regulations. You may need to register your property as a homestay or bed-and-breakfast with the state tourism department, depending on your location. Some cities require trade licenses or registration under the Shops and Establishments Act. Hosts should also obtain No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from housing societies or local authorities. Additionally, income from Airbnb is taxable, and GST may apply if your earnings exceed ₹20 lakh annually.
By utilizing these tips, you can increase your sales and provide a great experience for your visitors.
Here’s a general overview of the taxes associated with Airbnb rentals in India:
To attract more bookings on Airbnb, having a high rating is essential. With many listings available, competition among hosts can be fierce, making it important to make your property stand out. Good ratings not only help your listing appear higher in search results but also build trust with potential guests. Positive reviews reflect a great guest experience, encouraging more travelers to choose your property.
Airbnb owners face various challenges, including managing guest expectations, handling maintenance issues, and navigating local regulations. They must also deal with competition from other listings and ensure consistent cleanliness and quality.
Balancing these responsibilities while providing excellent service can be demanding. Here are some of the challenges:
| Aspect | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Property Options | Wide selection including houses, apartments, houseboats, and even castles. | Listings may not match expectations; guests can face disappointment if hosts misrepresent properties. |
| Listing Fees | Hosts can list properties for free, including descriptions, photos, and personal profiles. | Airbnb charges service fees to both guests and hosts, which can increase the overall cost. |
| Pricing Control | Hosts decide their rates—per night, week, or month—giving them financial flexibility. | In some locations, taxes like VAT or rental income taxes may apply to hosts and guests. |
| Search Customization | Guests can filter by price, location, amenities, or property type and even use keywords to narrow searches (e.g., “near Louvre”). | None |
| Additional Services | Offers experiences such as tours and classes hosted by locals, along with restaurant recommendations and reviews. | None |
| Payment & Insurance | Guest payments are held for 24 hours after check-in to ensure smooth transactions. Hosts receive up to $3 million in damage protection via AirCover. | Host insurance doesn’t cover everything (e.g., rare valuables, pets), and hosts may experience inconvenience from damages. |
| Legal Compliance | Airbnb provides tools to help with tax reporting, like Form 1099 for U.S. hosts. | Not all locations permit Airbnb rentals; hosts may need permits or licenses, depending on local zoning laws. |
Airbnb business offers flexibility, extra income opportunities, and unique experiences but comes with added responsibilities, fees, and potential risks.
Some More Useful Reads
Starting an Airbnb business in India presents an exciting opportunity for property owners to generate passive income, especially with the growing demand for unique and affordable accommodations. By following the essential steps—such as securing the right permits, understanding the local market, preparing your property, and pricing it competitively—you can set your business up for success. While the Airbnb business does come with its challenges, such as maintaining guest satisfaction and navigating regulations, the rewards are significant for those who manage their listings effectively. With careful planning, consistent effort, and attention to guest experience, you can turn your Airbnb venture into a profitable and sustainable business in 2025 and beyond.
Deep dive into our Business section to read about more such interesting and emerging business ideas, trends, and tips.
According to Futurestay, rentalpreneurs listing their properties on Airbnb can earn anywhere from ₹8,30,000 annually as extra income to ₹2,49,00,000 for those looking to turn it into a full-time business.
The earnings depend upon the type of properties, the rent it produces, and the number of bookings in a month. Airbnb has the option to rent properties from private rooms to villas. So, based on the property size, amenities, location, and transport facilities, the bookings happen, and based on it, the property owner earns.
The steps to start an Airbnb business are –
1. Get Required Permits
2. Organize the Space
3. Price the Airbnb Property
4. List Property on Airbnb
5. Hire the Help
6. Host Airbnb Experience for Travellers
The cost of opening an Airbnb in India is approximately ₹2,90,000 to ₹16,50,000, depending on the property setup, location, and furnishing materials.
Airbnb is a global online platform that connects hosts with guests for short-term rentals. Hosts can earn income by renting out rooms or entire properties, while guests benefit from cost-effective, home-like alternatives to traditional hotels.
Yes, you can list your property on Airbnb, regardless of where or how large it is.
Authored by, Amay Mathur | Senior Editor
Amay Mathur is a business news reporter at Chegg.com. He previously worked for PCMag, Business Insider, The Messenger, and ZDNET as a reporter and copyeditor. His areas of coverage encompass tech, business, strategy, finance, and even space. He is a Columbia University graduate.
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Chegg India does not ask for money to offer any opportunity with the company. We request you to be vigilant before sharing your personal and financial information with any third party. Beware of fraudulent activities claiming affiliation with our company and promising monetary rewards or benefits. Chegg India shall not be responsible for any losses resulting from such activities.
