Vacasa Review 2025: Is It Still Worth It for Vacation Rental Owners?

Vacation rental management in 2025 is more competitive—and more complex—than ever. With new regulations, higher guest expectations, and platforms constantly changing their algorithms, many owners are turning to full-service property managers to avoid the headaches. Vacasa remains one of the biggest names in the game, offering nationwide service, tech-enabled tools, and hands-off hosting. 

But is bigger still better? With a growing field of rivals offering similar—or even better—services for lower fees, Vacasa’s value isn’t as clear-cut as it once was. In this article, we’ll break down what Vacasa offers today, how it stacks up against alternatives, and whether it’s still the right choice for your vacation rental in 2025.

On our list of the best Airbnb property management companies we ranked Awning above Vacasa for its better pricing, more complete service offering, and nationwide footprint.

What Is Vacasa?

Vacasa is a vacation rental management company founded in 2009 by Eric Breon and Cliff Johnson in Portland, Oregon. The idea stemmed from Breon's own challenges in managing his family vacation home in Long Beach, Washington, leading to the creation of a company aimed at streamlining the vacation rental process for homeowners.

Over the years, Vacasa expanded its services beyond property management to include real estate offerings, assisting clients in buying and selling vacation homes through a network of expert agents. The company also developed proprietary technology platforms to optimize rental income and enhance guest experiences.

Vacasa's growth strategy included significant acquisitions, such as the purchase of TurnKey Vacation Rentals in 2021, which added over 6,000 properties to its portfolio.  By 2025, Vacasa managed over 35,000 vacation rentals across North America, Belize, and Costa Rica.

In a notable development, Vacasa was acquired by Casago, a premier vacation rental property management company, in a deal completed on April 30, 2025. The acquisition, valued at approximately $130 million, marked a significant consolidation in the vacation rental industry.

Despite the acquisition, the Vacasa brand continues to operate, focusing on providing full-service vacation rental management and real estate services, now under the broader umbrella of Casago's operations.

What Services Does Vacasa Offer?

Vacasa markets itself as a full-service vacation rental manager—and to its credit, it does cover most of what owners need to run a successful short-term rental without lifting a finger. Here’s a quick look at the core services Vacasa provides:

• Guest-Ready Prep: From interior design help to stocking supplies and securing local permits, they get your place ready for bookings.
• Professional Listings: Includes HD photography, 3D tours, SEO-optimized descriptions, and posting to major platforms like Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com.
• Dynamic Pricing & Marketing: Uses tech and data to adjust nightly rates and boost visibility year-round.
• Guest Communication: 24/7 support before, during, and after stays. They also screen guests and handle reviews.
• Housekeeping & Maintenance: Regular cleaning, inspections, and handling of minor repairs.
• Taxes & Reports: They collect local taxes and provide financial reports to simplify filing.

It’s designed to be hands-off—but not everything is included in the base fee (more on that later).

Where Is Vacasa Available in 2025?

Vacasa is still going strong across North America and parts of Central America. As of 2025, they manage properties in 35 U.S. states, plus Canada, Mexico, Belize, and Costa Rica. That’s a wide footprint, but it’s worth noting that some states—like Arkansas, Connecticut, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Jersey, North Dakota, Ohio, Rhode Island, and West Virginia—remain outside their coverage.

If your property falls within one of their active markets, Vacasa will likely be ready to jump in. They manage a wide range of vacation homes, including cozy cabins, modern condos, lake houses, beachfront bungalows, golf villas, mountain chalets, and even motel-style rooms. Whether it’s a rustic retreat or a luxury villa with a hot tub and fireplace, Vacasa aims to handle it all—though it’s always smart to double-check your location and home type before moving forward.

How Does Vacasa Work?

Vacasa promises a hands-off experience for vacation rental owners—but what does that actually look like? Here’s a breakdown of how the process works from the moment you reach out to them to the daily management of your property.

Getting Started with Vacasa

The process starts by entering your property address on Vacasa’s website to get a rental income estimate. If the numbers look good, you’ll speak with a Homeowner Consultant who walks you through what to expect. After that, Vacasa sends a local team member to assess the property, coordinate onboarding, and make sure everything is guest-ready—from permits to linens to professional photos. Once your listing goes live across platforms like Airbnb, Vrbo, and their own site, the management officially kicks in.

What Owners Can Expect Day-to-Day

Vacasa handles just about everything: guest communication, reservations, dynamic pricing, cleaning, restocking, and property maintenance. Local teams respond to guest needs 24/7 and keep an eye on the property between stays. You’ll still have access to a homeowner dashboard where you can block off dates for personal use, check financials, and make requests. You won’t need to lift a finger—but you can always stay in the loop.

Vacasa Fees and Pricing (2025 Update)

Vacasa's fee structure remains somewhat opaque in 2025. While they advertise a single, all-inclusive management fee, the exact percentage isn't publicly disclosed and varies based on factors like property size, location, and type. However, industry sources and homeowner reports indicate that Vacasa's management fees typically range between 25% and 35% of the property's monthly rental income .

This fee encompasses a suite of services, including professional home care, 24/7 guest support, marketing, and dynamic pricing strategies.

In addition to the management fee, Vacasa offers optional services at extra costs:

• Interior Design Services: Guided design consultations start at $99, while more comprehensive packages range from $599 to $1,199, depending on the property's needs.
• Linen Program: This includes supplying, laundering, and replacing bedding and towels, with fees varying based on property size and usage .
• Smart Home Upgrades: Installation of smart locks, noise monitoring devices, and Wi-Fi routers are available, often with promotional discounts.
• Hot Tub Maintenance: Regular servicing, including water testing and chemical balancing, is offered for properties with hot tubs, with fees dependent on service frequency.

When comparing Vacasa to competitors, transparency becomes a notable differentiator. For instance, Evolve charges a flat 10% management fee, clearly stated on their website, but offers a more limited range of services . Awning, another competitor, provides full-service management with fees typically ranging from 10% to 15%, depending on the property and location.

Regarding payouts, Vacasa processes homeowner earnings on a monthly basis. Owners can choose between direct deposit or receiving a physical check. Through the Vacasa homeowner portal, users can access detailed monthly statements, track bookings, and monitor their property's performance in real-time.

Additional Services and Technology Add-Ons

Vacasa markets itself as full-service, but not everything is bundled into the base management fee. If you're expecting a completely hands-off experience, you'll likely need to tack on a few extras.

For starters, Vacasa offers a smart home program—think smart locks, Wi-Fi routers, and noise monitoring—but it’s optional and comes at an added cost. Same with their interior design packages, which range from basic setup advice to full furnishing services. If you have a hot tub, Vacasa can handle water testing, cleaning, and maintenance, but again, it’s an upsell.

There's also an insurance option that covers damage, liability, and even bed bugs for a nightly fee. And while every owner gets access to an online dashboard and mobile app, tools like performance tracking and maintenance requests are more about convenience than bells and whistles.

Bottom line: helpful features, but a lot aren’t free.

Pros and Cons of Vacasa

Like any vacation rental manager, Vacasa has its share of benefits and tradeoffs. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Pros:

• ✅ Wide coverage: Operates in dozens of U.S. states plus international markets like Mexico and Costa Rica
• ✅ Hands-off management: Ideal for passive owners who want full-service support without the day-to-day hassle
• ✅ Real estate help: Offers tools and guidance for buying or selling vacation rental properties

Cons:

• ❌ Higher fees: Often more expensive than competitors, especially when optional services start adding up
• ❌ Customer service concerns: Reviews are mixed—some owners report issues with responsiveness and support
• ❌ Lack of transparency: Pricing details and contract terms aren’t always clear upfront, which can be frustrating for new owners

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Vacasa Reviews: What Owners and Guests Say

Vacasa is a mostly positive but slightly mixed bag—solid in some areas, frustrating in others.

On Trustpilot, Vacasa holds an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 based on thousands of reviews. Over at the Better Business Bureau (BBB), it averages 4.04 out of 5, which is considered decent. But don’t stop at the star ratings—the details matter.

Guests tend to love Vacasa properties for their locations, views, and overall aesthetics. When everything goes smoothly, the experience is great. But when things go wrong—like missed cleanings, broken amenities, or delayed responses—poor communication and customer service are common complaints.

For owners, high fees, surprise charges, and difficulty getting support are recurring themes. Many feel left in the dark when issues arise, especially if they’re remote.

Here’s a quick snapshot:

In short: Many are happy with Vacasa’s services. But if you’re a hands-off owner, there are risks worth considering.

Vacasa vs. Competitors (2025 Update)

In 2025, the vacation rental management landscape is more competitive than ever. While Vacasa remains a significant player, several companies offer compelling alternatives. Here's how Vacasa stacks up against Awning, Evolve, and AvantStay:

Vacasa vs. Awning

Fees & Transparency: 

Vacasa's management fees typically range from 25% to 35% of gross revenue, varying by location and property type. In contrast, Awning offers a more transparent pricing structure, with fees starting at 15% of revenue across all markets and property types.

Service Scope:

Both companies provide full-service property management, including listing creation, dynamic pricing, guest communication, housekeeping, and maintenance. However, Awning emphasizes personalized service and sustainable growth, ensuring each property receives high-quality attention.

Coverage:

Vacasa operates in over 35 U.S. states, as well as in Canada, Mexico, Belize, and Costa Rica. Awning, now part of RedAwning, offers nationwide coverage across the U.S.

Bottom Line:

If you're seeking a cost-effective, full-service management solution with transparent pricing, Awning may be a preferable alternative to Vacasa.

Vacasa vs. Evolve

Service Model:

Vacasa offers full-service property management, handling everything from guest communication to cleaning and maintenance. Evolve operates on a half-service model, focusing on marketing, booking management, and guest support, while leaving tasks like cleaning and maintenance to property owners or third-party vendors.

Fees:

Evolve charges a flat 10% management fee, making it one of the most affordable options in the market. Vacasa's fees are higher, typically between 25% and 35% of gross revenue.

Transparency:

Evolve is known for its straightforward pricing and clear service offerings. Vacasa's fee structure can be less transparent, with additional charges for certain services.

Bottom Line:

For property owners comfortable managing on-the-ground operations, Evolve offers a budget-friendly option. Those seeking a more hands-off experience may prefer Vacasa's comprehensive services, despite the higher cost.

Vacasa vs. AvantStay

Target Market:

Vacasa caters to a broad range of property types and locations. AvantStay specializes in high-end, group-oriented vacation rentals, often focusing on luxury properties with 4+ bedrooms.

Services:

Both companies offer full-service management. AvantStay distinguishes itself with in-house, award-winning interior design services and a focus on curated guest experiences.

Fees:

AvantStay's management fees start at 15% of revenue, which is competitive for the luxury market segment. Vacasa's fees are generally higher, ranging from 25% to 35%.

Bottom Line:

For owners of upscale properties seeking a boutique management experience, AvantStay offers specialized services at a competitive rate. Vacasa remains a strong option for a wider array of property types and locations.

Who Should Use Vacasa?

Vacasa is best suited for vacation rental owners who want to be as hands-off as possible. If you're a part-time or remote investor with limited time to manage bookings, cleanings, or guest communication, Vacasa’s full-service approach could be a good fit. It’s especially convenient if you own multiple properties or live far from your rental.

On the flip side, if you're the kind of host who enjoys being involved—maybe you like chatting with guests, setting your own prices, or managing cleaners directly—Vacasa might feel too distant or restrictive. The same goes if you’re budget-conscious. With service fees often higher than competitors, DIY-minded or cost-sensitive owners may prefer a leaner alternative or a hybrid model that gives them more control.

Final Verdict: Is Vacasa Worth It in 2025?

Vacasa still checks a lot of boxes for vacation rental owners who want a full-service, mostly hands-off experience. They offer nationwide coverage, strong guest marketing, and solid tech—but at a cost. Compared to 2024, not much has changed: the same complaints about high fees and inconsistent support still pop up. 

Meanwhile, competitors like Awning are gaining traction with clearer pricing and more flexible service. If you’re a busy, remote owner looking to offload the day-to-day, Vacasa might work. But if you’re watching your margins or want more control, there are better options out there. Ultimately, whether Vacasa is “worth it” depends on how involved you want to be—and how much you're willing to pay for convenience.