How to Build an App Like Vrbo

In 2025, the vacation rental market is booming, expected to reach $84.26 billion, with projections soaring to $113.45 billion by 2030.

This growth is fueled by travelers seeking unique, home-like stays over traditional hotels. Platforms like Vrbo are leading this shift, offering personalized experiences and tips for renters that resonate with modern tourists.

Getting started with building an app like Vrbo (stands for Vacation Rentals by Owner) now positions you at the forefront of this expanding market.

As an experienced IT service provider, we understand the nuances of developing such platforms. Our expertise ensures your app is user-friendly, secure, and scalable.

Why Build an App Like Vrbo in Today's Market?

Demand for vacation rentals is skyrocketing.. Travelers want more than hotel rooms - they want private, cozy, and affordable places that feel like home.

That's why sites like Vrbo are more popular than ever.

If you're looking to build a vacation rental app, now is the right time. The world is traveling again. People are booking longer stays.

They're also traveling with family, friends, and even pets. Vacation homes fit these needs better than hotels.

Let's break down the reasons:

• Rising Demand: People prefer rentals with kitchens, outdoor space, and privacy.
• Post-Pandemic Behavior: Travelers want flexibility.

  They choose places where they can cook, relax, and stay longer.

• Earning Opportunity: Many property owners want to list their homes and earn extra income.
• Digital Growth: More people book trips through apps and mobile devices than ever before.

With smart vacation booking app development, you can tap into this growing market. A well-built app helps travelers find what they want and helps hosts manage bookings with ease.

You're not just building an app. You're building a platform that connects people and creates trust, just like Vrbo.

Key Features of a Vacation Rental App Like Vrbo

When building an app like Vrbo, the goal is to create a seamless, secure, and efficient experience that connects property owners with travelers.

Here are the key features that make an app like Vrbo stand out:

Search and Discovery

One of the most important aspects of a vacation rental app is helping guests easily find the right property. Your app should offer advanced search filters that allow users to sort by:

• Location: Find properties in specific areas or near popular attractions.
• Price: Browse homes within their budget.
• Size & Amenities: Choose properties with the right number of rooms and desired features (e.g., pet-friendly, pool, Wi-Fi).
• Availability: See which homes are available on their preferred dates.

A simple and intuitive interface ensures that users can quickly find what they need.

Listing Management for Property Owners

For property owners, an app like Vrbo should make listing and managing their properties simple. Features include:

• Easy Listing Creation: Property owners should be able to upload photos, add descriptions, and set prices quickly.
• Availability Calendars: Sync calendars to avoid double bookings.
• Communication with Guests: Built-in messaging tools to answer questions or clarify booking details.

These tools help owners stay organized and manage their properties efficiently.

Booking and Payment Processing

A smooth booking and payment process is essential for both guests and hosts. Key features here include:

• Reservation Management: Guests should be able to book properties instantly, while owners can confirm or decline requests.
• Secure Payment Processing: Payment gateways like Stripe or PayPal should be integrated to handle transactions safely.
• Cancellation & Refunds: The app must clearly outline cancellation policies and automatically process refunds when applicable.

This ensures trust and convenience for both users.

Communication Tools

Effective communication between guests and hosts is crucial. The platform should include:

• In-App Messaging: A built-in chat system for real-time communication.
• Booking Details: Share check-in instructions, house rules, and other key information through messaging.

By providing an easy way to communicate, users can clarify details before and during their stay.

Reviews and Ratings

Trust is vital in any marketplace. A review and rating system allows:

• Guests to Rate Hosts: After their stay, guests can leave feedback about the property and their experience.
• Hosts to Rate Guests: Property owners can rate the behavior of their guests, helping build a trustworthy community.

Reviews help future users make informed decisions, ensuring transparency and credibility.

Customer Support

Unexpected issues can arise during bookings or stays. A responsive customer support system is crucial, offering:

• 24/7 Help Desk: Assist both guests and hosts with any concerns or questions.
• Dispute Resolution: Address problems like cancellations or misunderstandings promptly.

Customer support is essential for resolving issues and maintaining a positive user experience.

Security and Trust

Ensuring the security of personal and financial information is a top priority. Features include:

• User Verification: Property owners and guests should go through verification processes to confirm their identity.
• Secure Payment Gateways: Safeguard sensitive payment data through secure processing systems.
• Privacy Protections: Make sure personal information is encrypted and stored securely.

These features build trust, helping users feel safe when using the platform.

Mobile Accessibility

In today's world, many users expect to browse, book, and manage bookings on the go. A mobile-friendly design or dedicated app allows users to:

• Search and Book: Browse listings and make bookings anytime, anywhere.
• Manage Listings: Property owners can update details and respond to messages while on the move.

Mobile accessibility ensures a convenient experience for all users.

These features are essential when creating an app like Vrbo to ensure it's both competitive and user-friendly.

If you're planning to build a vacation rental app, focusing on these key functionalities will help ensure success in the market.

Read Also: How to Build a Money Transfer App

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How to Build an App Like Vrbo

Creating a vacation rental app like Vrbo starts with a solid plan. Whether you're launching a startup or expanding an existing travel business, each step in the process matters-from research to launch and beyond.

Start with Market ResearchBegin by understanding how people use vacation rental apps today.

Look at what Vrbo, Airbnb, and others do well. Pay attention to what users complain about in reviews. This helps you find gaps you can fill. Use surveys and interviews to validate your idea and make sure there's a real demand for what you're building.

Choose a Business Model That FitsDecide early how your app will make money. Will you take a commission per booking, offer paid plans for hosts, or mix in premium features? Your monetization model should support growth while keeping the user experience smooth and trustworthy.

Focus on Features That MatterStart simple with the basics: listing properties, searching with filters, booking securely, and managing user accounts.

Once those are in place, you can add extras like personalized suggestions, in-app chat, and reward programs. Don't overload the first version-prioritize what helps users most.

Design a User-Friendly ExperienceGood design makes people stay. Keep it clean, fast, and easy to navigate.

The goal is to make booking or listing a property feel effortless. Use calming visuals and intuitive layouts to create a positive user experience on both mobile and desktop.

Build and Test Your MVPYour Minimum Viable Product should focus on solving one core problem well.

It's not about adding every feature at once. Launch your MVP to a small audience, gather feedback, and improve based on real usage. This helps reduce costly mistakes down the line.

Add Secure Payments and Location FeaturesTrust is critical. Use reliable tools to process payments securely and protect user data.

Location-based features also play a big role, helping users find nearby rentals and improving search results. If you're going global, support different currencies and languages.

Test Everything Before You Launch Don't skip quality assurance. Test the app on different devices and networks.

Fix bugs, fine-tune the experience, and make sure every feature works as expected. Both manual and automated testing will help catch issues before users do.

Launch Smart and Market RightA strong launch plan sets the tone. Promote your app through social media, influencer partnerships, and tech platforms.

Offer early deals to attract your first users. Track engagement from day one and refine your strategy based on real-time feedback.

Maintain, Update, and Grow Post-launch, stay active. Fix problems quickly, keep communication open, and release updates based on user needs.

Regular improvements not only boost performance but also build trust and long-term loyalty.

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Tech Stack to Build a Vrbo-like App

Choosing the right tech stack is like building the foundation of a house. If it's strong, your app runs smoothly, grows easily, and stays secure.

If not, you may face performance problems, bugs, or higher costs down the road.

Let's break down the essential technologies needed to build an app like Vrbo. These tools help you manage everything-from the user interface to data storage and real-time features.

Frontend Technologies

This is the part your users interact with-the screens, buttons, and search options.

• React Native or Flutter: These let you build for iOS and Android using a single codebase.

  This saves time and money.

• HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript: Useful for the web version of your app.

These tools make sure the app is fast, responsive, and works well on different screen sizes.

Backend Technologies

This is where bookings are handled, messages are stored, and payments are processed.

• Node.js (JavaScript) or Django (Python): Great for building scalable apps quickly.
• Express.js: Often used with Node.js to handle routing and server logic.

Your backend must be fast, reliable, and able to scale as more users join.

Database

You'll need to store lots of data-property details, user accounts, bookings, reviews, and payments.

• PostgreSQL: Ideal for structured data and high performance.
• MongoDB: A great choice if you want a flexible, NoSQL option.

Pick a database that fits your app's size and complexity.

Payment Gateway Integration

Your users must feel safe when paying for bookings. You also need a system that works globally and handles refunds.

• Stripe or PayPal: Both are secure, easy to integrate, and support multi-currency.
• Razorpay (good for India and nearby markets)

These tools also help with tax calculations and payment tracking.

Cloud Services

Cloud platforms help you host your app, scale quickly, and manage storage.

• Amazon Web Services (AWS) or Google Cloud Platform (GCP): These handle storage, backups, and more.
• Firebase: A good option for real-time features and small-scale apps.

Using cloud services cuts down the need for in-house servers and IT costs.

APIs and Integrations

To build a feature-rich app, you'll likely need third-party services.

• Google Maps API: For location-based search and navigation.
• Twilio API: For in-app messaging and verification texts.
• SendGrid or Mailchimp: To send booking confirmations and emails.

APIs save development time and add more power to your app.

Admin Panel

The admin dashboard is where you manage listings, users, payments, and disputes.

• Use tools like React.js for the frontend of your dashboard
• Use Laravel or Node.js to power admin functionalities

This panel helps you stay in control of your app's performance and user experience.

How Much Does It Cost to Build an App Like Vrbo?

Creating a vacation rental app like VRBO involves many moving parts, and your total cost depends on several key factors.

Think of it like building a house - the more rooms, features, and custom touches you add, the more you'll spend. Let's look at what drives the cost.

Key Factors That Affect the Price

• App Features: If you're only launching with the basics like property listings, search, and booking, the cost stays lower.

  But adding features like messaging, reviews, or calendar syncing will increase the budget.

• Design Complexity: A clean, simple design is quicker and cheaper to build.

  Custom designs with animations and advanced UX will take longer and cost more.

• Platform Choice: Are you building for iOS, Android, or both? Adding a web version too? Each extra platform increases development time and cost.
• Location of Your Team: Developers in the U.S.

  or Europe charge higher rates than those in Asia or Eastern Europe.

  Outsourcing can save money if you work with an experienced and reliable team.

• Third-Party Integrations: Using services like Stripe for payments or Google Maps for location adds value, but also brings extra costs.

Budget Range

To give you an idea, a basic version of the app (MVP) could start at around $50,000 to $100,000. If you plan to launch a full-featured app with advanced tools and custom experiences, you might be looking at $150,000 to $300,000 or more.

Don't forget the cost of ongoing maintenance and future updates, it's not just a one-time spend.

A Smart Way to Start

Instead of building everything at once, consider starting with an MVP. This helps you test the market and get feedback fast, without blowing your budget.

You can always add new features based on user needs later.

How to Monetize Your Vrbo Clone App

Turning your Vrbo-style vacation rental app into a money-making business isn't just possible; it's smart.

With more people booking travel online than ever before, the demand is already there. But how do you earn revenue from the app? Let's break it down into real, proven strategies.

Commission on Bookings

This is the most common and reliable model. You earn a percentage from each booking made on your platform. For example, charge hosts a 10% to 15% fee for every successful reservation.

It's a win-win: hosts only pay when they earn, and you get steady income as your app grows.

Featured Listings for Hosts

Give hosts the option to promote their properties. For a fee, they can boost their listings to appear higher in search results or on the homepage.

It's a great way to generate extra revenue while helping hosts get more bookings.

Premium Subscriptions

Offer a free version for regular users, but provide added benefits with a monthly or yearly subscription. This could include:

• Early access to new listings
• Lower service fees
• Extra profile visibility

In-App Advertising and Partnerships

Work with local businesses like restaurants, tour operators, or car rental companies. You can run ads in the app or earn through affiliate links.

Just be sure the ads don't disrupt the user experience.

Service Fees for Guests

Some platforms charge guests a small service fee on each booking. This helps cover support, security, and platform improvements.

Read Also: How to Build a Booking App

How to Monetize Your Vrbo Clone App

Once your vacation rental app is live, there are several ways to generate revenue without compromising user experience:

Charge Commission on BookingsTake a percentage (10-15%) from each successful booking.

You can also charge guests a separate service fee, ensuring earnings only come from completed transactions.

Paid Listings and PromotionsAllow hosts to pay for featured placements on the homepage, priority search results, or special badges, helping them get more visibility while creating a steady revenue stream.

Premium SubscriptionsOffer membership plans with perks like early access to listings, lower fees, or advanced analytics for hosts.

This creates a consistent income while rewarding loyal users.

In-App Advertising and Local PartnershipsPartner with local businesses to run targeted ads or affiliate links, ensuring the ads remain relevant and unobtrusive to users.

Guest Service FeesCharge a small service fee to guests for platform operations, secure payments, and other trust-building features, like identity verification.

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Why Hire a Professional Vacation Rental App Development Company?

Creating a vacation rental app like VRBO is a big project. It's more than just code and design. You need a team that understands tech, travel, user behavior, and business.

Here's why working with a professional vacation rental app development company makes all the difference:

End-to-End Tech Consultation

Experts don't just build apps-they help you shape the right product. From picking the best tech stack to planning features, a professional team gives smart advice based on what works in the real world.

Scalable Architecture Planning

Your app might start small, but what happens when more users join? A skilled team will build a backend that grows with your business, without slowing down or crashing.

UX That Converts

Looks matter. So does ease of use. A pro team designs clean, user-friendly interfaces that help guests book faster and keep property owners happy.

Compliance and Data Privacy

User data must be protected. A good app development partner knows how to build secure systems that follow global rules like GDPR or CCPA.

This builds user trust and keeps your app safe from legal trouble.

Working with a seasoned real estate app development company helps you launch faster, avoid costly mistakes, and build something users truly trust.

Conclusion

Creating an app like VRBO takes more than just a great idea. You need the right team, the right technology, and a clear plan to succeed in a competitive market.

At Coders.dev, we bring years of experience in travel and real estate app development to help you build smart, scalable, and user-friendly platforms.

Whether you're starting small or planning to go big, our expert developers, designers, and tech consultants are here to turn your vision into reality.

From backend to UI, we cover it all.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) :

How do I attract property owners to list their properties on my vacation rental app?

To attract property owners, offer competitive pricing, a user-friendly dashboard, and easy listing management tools.

You can also provide free trials, targeted advertising, and features like professional photography services or marketing insights to help them showcase their properties effectively.

What are some types of effective marketing strategies to promote a vacation rental app like Vrbo?

Leverage social media platforms, collaborate with travel bloggers and influencers, and run referral programs to generate word-of-mouth.

Additionally, SEO optimization for your app's website, targeted ads, and partnerships with local tourism agencies can boost visibility and attract more users.

How do I handle disputes between guests and hosts?

To manage disputes, implement a clear and transparent dispute resolution process within the app. Provide automated workflows for resolving issues like payment disputes, damages, or cancellations.

Having a dedicated support team and clear terms of service that outline acceptable behavior can help prevent and resolve conflicts quickly.

Can I build a vacation rental app without hiring a development team?

While it's possible to use app-building platforms or no-code tools for simple versions, creating a full-fledged vacation rental app like Vrbo will typically require custom development.

It's important to hire at least a development team or work with an agency that specializes in app creation for scalability and security.

How can I manage multiple currencies and languages in my vacation rental app?

Integrating multi-currency and multi-language support can be achieved by using payment gateways that support international transactions, such as Stripe or PayPal, and APIs like Google Translate or localization libraries.

You can provide a language and currency toggle in the settings to cater to a global audience.

What are the maintenance costs for running a vacation rental app like Vrbo?

Maintenance costs can include hosting, security updates, bug fixes, customer support, and periodic feature upgrades.

Depending on the app's scale and complexity, annual maintenance can range from 15-20% of the initial development cost. Continuous monitoring and optimization to ensure smooth performance are also important.

Build Your Own Vrbo-Inspired Rental App with Coders.dev

Want to create a high-performing vacation rental app like Vrbo? At Coders.dev, our expert developers specialize in building scalable, secure, and feature-packed platforms for the travel and hospitality industry.

From real-time booking to interactive maps and smooth user experiences, we bring your vision to life with precision and speed.

Let's build your Vrbo-style app today!