In 2007, when Brian Chesky and Joe Gebbia couldn’t afford to pay their rent, the duo turned their loft into a sleeping space with three airbeds which they then rented out for $80. By 2011 that fledgling business, Airbnb, had sold its millionth bed night, and had become the largest accommodation operator in the world.
Providing alternative accommodation to hotels – where individual rooms or entire properties can be rented at a fraction of the cost of hotel rooms – the Airbnb model has been wholeheartedly embraced here.
Irish listings have soared in the past couple of years, with 7,200 hosts listed in September 2015.
Since 2009, more than 400,000 guests have used Irish Airbnb properties, with an average nightly spend of €85.
Nearly two-thirds of the visitors were European and stayed in the Dublin area between October 2014 and September 2015. So far Irish hosts have earned a total of €17.3 million through the site.
Recent developments here mean that the income generated from being a host is not covered under Rent-A-Room relief, so earnings are liable for income tax.
Some of the accommodation offerings are in beautiful buildings and superbly furnished properties where decor inspiration comes as an added bonus. For anyone restoring a period house or just seeking ideas for colour and soft furnishings an Airbnb property – or even browsing through the site – can aid with design dilemmas.
