The world of vacation rentals can be dynamic, especially when it comes to managing an Airbnb property. Whether you’re a host looking to sell your Airbnb listing or a new owner stepping into the rental arbitrage game, understanding how to transfer an Airbnb listing is critical.
At 10XBNB, we specialize in helping hosts and property managers maximize their rental potential.
This Airbnb Tips guide will walk you through the process, answer key questions, and provide unique insights to ensure a smooth transition for your Airbnb property.
What Does It Mean to Transfer an Airbnb Listing?
When we talk about transferring an Airbnb listing, it typically involves passing the management or ownership of an Airbnb property from one host to another—often a new owner or co-host.
This could happen when you sell a property, hand it over to a property manager, or even transition it to a family member or business partner. While Airbnb doesn’t have a direct “transfer” button, with careful planning, you can effectively move a listing to a new account or owner while preserving its value, bookings, and reviews.
For those in real estate or vacation rental markets, transferring ownership of an Airbnb listing can be a lucrative move. But how exactly does it work? Let’s go.
Can an Airbnb Listing Be Transferred?
Yes, an Airbnb listing can be transferred, but it’s not as simple as clicking a button. Airbnb ties listings to individual Airbnb accounts, meaning you can’t directly transfer an Airbnb listing from one account to another.
However, there are workarounds to achieve this. For example, a current host can invite a new host or co-host to manage the property, or the new owner can recreate the listing under their own account.
At 10XBNB, we’ve seen hosts successfully transfer their listings by leveraging co-hosting features or rebuilding the listing strategically.
The key is maintaining the property’s reputation—think reviews, high-quality photos, and existing bookings—while ensuring guests experience no disruptions.
Can I Transfer Airbnb to Someone Else?
If you’re a host looking to sell your Airbnb property or pass it to a new owner, the process requires coordination.
Airbnb allows you to add a co-host to your listing, which is a great first step. A co-host can manage check-ins, bookings, and guest communication, effectively taking over operations.
However, to fully transfer ownership, the new owner will need to create their own Airbnb account and listing.
Here’s a unique tip from 10XBNB: When transferring to a new owner, share access to professional photos and detailed descriptions from the original listing.
This ensures the new listing hits the ground running and maintains its appeal to guests. Check out our guide on writing a good Airbnb description for tips on crafting a standout listing.
Why Transfer an Airbnb Listing?
There are several reasons a host might want to transfer an Airbnb listing:
- Selling the Property: A real estate agent or owner might sell an Airbnb property to a buyer who wants to continue renting it out.
- Delegating Management: A busy host might hire a property manager or co-host to handle day-to-day tasks like cleaning services and check-ins.
- Retirement or Relocation: A host moving away might transfer the listing to a new host or local property manager.
- Partnership Changes: Business partners might shift responsibilities, requiring a new account to take over.
For real estate agents specializing in vacation rentals, transferring an Airbnb listing can add value to the selling price.
Positive reviews, a history of bookings, and clear contractual obligations, including security deposits, make the property more attractive to potential buyers.
Preparing for the Transfer
Gather Necessary Documents
Before you can transfer your Airbnb listing to a new owner, it’s crucial to gather all the necessary documents.
This includes property deeds and titles, rental agreements, financial records, tax documents, and insurance policies. Having these documents in order will not only streamline the transfer process but also provide the new owner with a comprehensive understanding of the property’s history and financials.
This step is essential for ensuring a smooth transition and maintaining the property’s operational integrity.
Assess Listing Performance
Evaluating your listing’s performance is a key step in preparing for the transfer. Look at metrics such as occupancy rates, revenue growth, guest reviews, and average daily rates.
Understanding these metrics will help you present a clear picture of the listing’s strengths and weaknesses to the new owner. Additionally, consider the impact of seasonal demand and local events on your bookings. This information will be invaluable for the new owner as they plan their management and marketing strategies.
Prepare Financial Records
Accurate and up-to-date financial records are essential for a smooth transfer process. This includes income statements, expense reports, balance sheets, and tax returns.
Providing these documents will help the new owner understand the financial performance of the property and make informed decisions about its future management. Clear financial records also build trust and transparency, which are crucial for a successful transfer.
Step-by-Step Guide to Transfer an Airbnb Listing
Here’s how to transfer an Airbnb listing effectively:
Step 1: Evaluate the Property and Listing
Before you transfer, assess the Airbnb property’s performance. Look at property reviews, current bookings, and market demand. A strong listing with positive reviews is a goldmine for a new owner.
Step 2: Communicate with the New Owner
Clear communication is key. Whether it’s a buyer, co-host, or property manager, ensure they understand the listing’s history, special requests from guests, and contractual obligations like security deposits or cleaning fees.
Step 3: Add a Co-Host (Optional)
If you’re not selling the property but want to delegate, invite a co-host via your Airbnb account. They can manage check-ins, respond to guests, and handle bookings while you remain the primary host.
Step 4: Share Listing Details
Provide the new owner with professional photos, descriptions, and pricing details. This helps them recreate the listing seamlessly under their own account.
Step 5: Recreate the Listing
The new owner creates a new listing on their Airbnb account. To transfer reviews, Airbnb allows hosts to link previous guest feedback with permission from the original host—a process called “transfer reviews.” Contact Airbnb support for assistance.
Step 6: Handle Existing Bookings
Coordinate with the new owner to honor current bookings. Guests expect a smooth check-in process, so ensure a smooth transition by sharing schedules and guest details.
Step 7: Update Ownership Details
If the property is sold, update real estate records and notify Airbnb of the change. The new owner sets their own pricing and rules moving forward.
For more strategies, explore our Airbnb Tips category for expert advice tailored to hosts and new owners.
Managing Current Bookings and Guest Experience
Ensure Smooth Transition for Guests
Ensuring a smooth transition for guests is paramount when transferring your Airbnb listing to a new owner. Start by notifying all current and upcoming guests about the change in ownership and management. Provide them with the new owner’s or property manager’s contact information to ensure they know who to reach out to for any needs.
It’s also important to maintain all guest services and amenities during the transition. Coordinate closely with the new owner to ensure a seamless handover of guest communications and services. By prioritizing guest experience and maintaining clear communication, you can uphold the property’s reputation and ensure a positive experience for both the new owner and the guests.
Is It Possible to Merge Two Airbnb Accounts?
No, Airbnb doesn’t allow merging two Airbnb accounts. Each account is tied to a unique email and identity. If a host wants to consolidate properties under one account, they’ll need to recreate listings manually or transfer management to a co-host.
For new owners taking over multiple Airbnb properties, this means starting fresh with a new account for each listing.
Can I Delete My Airbnb Listing and Make a New One?
Yes, you can delete an Airbnb listing and create a new one, but proceed with caution. Deleting a listing erases its history—reviews, bookings, and search ranking—which can hurt its visibility. If you’re selling to a new owner, it’s better to keep the original listing active until the transfer process is complete.
A smarter approach? Have the new owner recreate the listing while you maintain the original. This preserves the property’s reputation until the new listing gains traction. Learn more about boosting visibility in our post on increasing Airbnb listing views.
Unique Insights from 10XBNB
At 10XBNB, we’ve worked with countless hosts, real estate agents, and property managers to optimize vacation rentals. Here are some exclusive tips for transferring an Airbnb listing:
- Leverage Local Events: Highlight upcoming local events in the new listing to attract more bookings. It’s a small tweak that can set the property apart.
- Transfer Reviews Strategically: Work with Airbnb support to move positive reviews to the new listing. This preserves guest trust and boosts market appeal.
- Stage for Success: Before the sale, consider staging the property to impress potential buyers. Check out our Airbnb staging ideas for inspiration.
- Tax Considerations: Selling an Airbnb property has tax implications. Consult a real estate agent specializing in short-term rentals to understand capital gains or deductions.
Challenges of Transferring an Airbnb Listing
Transferring ownership isn’t without hurdles. Here are common pitfalls and how to avoid them:
- Guest Confusion: Many guests book months in advance. Notify them of the change to avoid surprises at check-in.
- Lost Reviews: Without transferring reviews, the new listing starts from scratch, which can hurt bookings.
- Algorithm Reset: Airbnb’s algorithm favors established listings. A new listing to a new owner might take time to rank. See our Airbnb algorithm tips to recover quickly.
Selling an Airbnb Property: Real Estate Tips
For real estate agents and owners, selling an Airbnb property with an active listing is a unique opportunity. The property’s rental income, positive reviews, and existing bookings can justify a higher selling price. Here’s how to market it:
- Highlight Revenue: Share profit data with potential buyers to showcase the Airbnb property’s value.
- Partner with a Property Manager: A skilled property manager can ensure a smooth handoff, reassuring buyers.
- Bundle with a VRBO Listing: If the property is also on VRBO, transfer the VRBO listing too for added appeal.
Curious about taking over as a new owner? Our post on Airbnb listing new owner dives deeper into the process.
Co-Hosts vs. New Owners: What’s the Difference?
A co-host assists the primary host with tasks like managing guests and cleaning services, while a new owner takes full ownership of the property and listing. For hosts who don’t want to sell, adding a co-host is a low-commitment way to transfer responsibilities without losing control.
VRBO vs. Airbnb: Transferring Across Platforms
If your property is dual-listed, transferring a VRBO listing follows a similar process. The new owner creates a VRBO account and rebuilds the listing, ideally carrying over reviews and photos. At 10XBNB, we recommend syncing both platforms for maximum exposure—check our vacation rental copywriting guide for cross-platform tips.
Parting Thoughts
Transferring an Airbnb listing requires careful planning, clear communication, and a focus on guest experience. Whether you’re a host looking to sell, a real estate agent helping clients, or a new owner stepping into the vacation rental market, the process can be streamlined with the right approach. At 10XBNB, we’re dedicated to helping hosts and new owners succeed—hit the ground running with our expert resources and turn your Airbnb property into a thriving business.
Have questions about your specific transfer? Drop us a line—we’re here to help!
