Houst Property Management Review

Choosing the right Airbnb management service can feel like a balancing act—how do you find someone who can maximize your rental income without adding stress to your life? Previously known as Airsorted, Houst promises to be that solution, offering full-service Airbnb management, from guest communication to pricing optimization and cleaning.

Though Houst operates in several international markets, including Europe and Australia, they currently don’t serve the U.S. market. Property owners in the U.S. will need to look for other options.

With claims of boosting rental income by up to 56%, it’s no wonder many hosts globally turn to Houst for support. In this review, we’ll dive into their services, strengths, and potential drawbacks, so you can decide if Houst is worth keeping an eye on as they continue to grow internationally.

For our top options, check out our review of the best Airbnb property management companies.

What is Houst?

Houst, originally known as Airsorted, was founded in London in 2015 by James Jenkins-Yates. The company began by focusing on making Airbnb property management hassle-free for hosts, handling everything from guest communication to cleaning and maintenance. In 2020, it rebranded as Houst to reflect its broader services across multiple short-term rental platforms beyond Airbnb.

Houst offers a full-service management solution, helping property owners with listing optimization, pricing strategies, guest vetting, and property maintenance. It has expanded its operations globally, managing properties in over 20 cities across various countries. The company uses a combination of technology and human expertise to streamline the hosting process, providing 24/7 support to both hosts and guests.

Services Provided by Houst

Houst offers a comprehensive suite of services designed to make short-term rental management effortless for property owners. They take care of everything, ensuring a seamless hosting experience and optimized revenue. Here’s an overview of the key services:

• Listing Creation and Management
  Houst handles the entire process of creating and optimizing your property listings across multiple platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com, using professional photography and copywriting to attract more bookings.
• Pricing Optimization
  By utilizing advanced algorithms and market data, Houst continuously adjusts your nightly rates to ensure competitive pricing and maximize occupancy.
• Guest Communication
  Houst manages all guest communications 24/7, handling inquiries, bookings, and post-stay feedback to ensure high guest satisfaction.
• Cleaning and Maintenance
  They coordinate regular housekeeping, laundry services, and necessary maintenance to keep your property in top condition between guests.
• Guest Vetting and Check-ins
  Houst screens guests and manages the entire check-in process, ensuring a smooth and secure experience for both hosts and guests.
• Property Insurance and Protection
  Houst offers coverage for guest damage, public liability, and loss of income, giving hosts peace of mind​.

Onboarding Process and Costs

Getting started with Houst involves a straightforward onboarding process. First, property owners receive a free estimate and consult with a new homes advisor to determine the best plan based on their financial goals. Once aligned, Houst will take professional photos of the property and create optimized listings across major platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com.

The property typically goes live within one to two weeks. After that, owners can track earnings, bookings, and guest details through Houst’s host dashboard. Houst also handles day-to-day operations, including guest vetting, communication, and property maintenance.

In terms of costs, Houst charges a management fee ranging from 10-20% of rental revenue, depending on the plan and contract length. The flexible plan, suitable for part-time hosts, includes a 20% fee plus a £24.99 monthly account fee. Full-time hosts benefit from lower fees with longer contract commitments. Guests cover cleaning fees, and additional charges like key security and platform maintenance are factored into a small monthly platform fee.

Customer Reviews and Satisfaction

When it comes to customer reviews, Houst holds a respectable rating of 4.6 stars on Trustpilot. Users frequently praise the company's responsiveness, with many mentioning that Houst promptly addresses inquiries and resolves issues efficiently.

Reviewers also highlight the cleanliness and convenience of the properties, noting that apartments are often well-equipped, quiet, and located near key attractions. Many customers appreciate the balance between location convenience and the peaceful atmosphere of the properties Houst manages.

On the flip side, some common complaints revolve around high fees and inconsistent service quality. Some property owners feel that Houst’s service is not always as reliable as promised, particularly when it comes to cleaning standards and guest management. Additionally, a few users have expressed concerns about the overall value they receive compared to the costs involved.

Takeaway

Overall, Houst offers a solid solution for property owners looking to simplify Airbnb management. With a high rating on Trustpilot, it’s clear they are a trusted option in many markets. However, their services come with a few caveats, such as higher fees and occasional complaints about inconsistent cleaning standards.

While they operate in several international markets, they don’t yet serve the U.S., meaning American hosts will need to look elsewhere. If you’re in a market where Houst operates, they might be a good fit for your property management needs.