2025 is here, which is the perfect time to start your own Airbnb – It can be your New Year’s resolution to launch within the next few months. Having your own business is stressful at times but brings a lot of joy and reward. Not only will you get to keep your profits and decide how much to reinvest, but you also get to decide on your holidays and no longer need to report to someone higher up – although, you will have to keep on top of your customer service to keep your buyers happy.
Setting up your own Airbnb involves many different things, which is why it can be useful to put together a spreadsheet to keep on top of things. You’ll need a website, a payment system, accounts software, a photographer for your property, and a marketing strategy, amongst other things.
To help give you some inspiration, we have put together our guide on five things to setting up your own Airbnb in 2025 – good luck!
Payment system
If you have an Airbnb, then you are going to need a payment system. There are various companies that you can use as a payment system all offering their own USP’s. Most payment merchants will take a small percentage of the transactions you make or will charge you a monthly subscription, you just need to think about which one you prefer. You will also need to decide on the types of cards you are going to accept, will you be taking a debit card, credit card or Amex (Amex can charge a higher percentage)? Here is a useful guide to payment processing, if you want to learn more.
Website created
Every business must have a website as a website shows credibility and is a useful marketing tool (even if you don’t plan to sell from it). Your website will be one of the first places customers go if they want to learn more about you. They will also use your website to send to their friends if they are recommending them to visit your Airbnb. To have one created you can reach out to local agencies, you could also use a freelancer (as they are more affordable) or if you have some creativity, you could create one yourself, using a drag-and-drop builder.
Photography taken
Another important thing to consider when setting up your own Airbnb in 2025 is having good photography. No matter the type of property you are opening, having good photos to showcase your interiors is vital. You can use your photos on your website, you can use them on Airbnb itself and on your social media channels. When hiring a photographer, make sure you read the reviews and ask for example work, so you can check if you like their photography style. If you ask your friends and family members, they may also be able to recommend someone they have used in the past.
Accounts software
Every business should be using accounting software as it makes keeping track of your finances a lot easier. By using accounting software for your Airbnb, you will be able to keep track of your expenses, keep up-to-date with your profits and run payroll for it (if you hire staff to look after your property). You will also be able to use your accounting software to help with your tax return which you will have to file at the end of the year.
There are various accounting software packages that you can sign up for. All vary in offering, so make sure you do plenty of research to find the right one for you. If you are a small business, you may be able to use software like Quickbooks, larger businesses may prefer to use Xero or Sage. You can always ring their customer help lines to speak to them about their software and how it can help you.
Setting up an Airbnb is something you will never regret, so although you will be nervous, just go for it and try your best. With the right consistency and dedication, you will put yourself in the best position to succeed. And if you don’t at least you know you tried, a lot of people don’t after all.
What would you recommend to someone setting up their own Airbnb in 2025? Which of the above tips did you find most useful? Is there anything missing in our guide that you think we should be adding? Let us know in the comment box below, we look forward to hearing from you.
You may also like to read;
