Many people think of Airbnb as something for young travellers or full-time hosts, but in reality, retirees and mid-life homeowners are among the platform’s most successful and well-reviewed hosts. If you have a spare room, annexe, or even a second home you’re not using, hosting occasionally could be a smart way to bring in extra income during retirement or while planning for it—without a long-term commitment.
In fact, Airbnb has reported that senior hosts (aged 60+) often receive higher ratings and earn more per booking than younger hosts, thanks to the care, cleanliness, and thoughtful touches they provide. Some UK hosts make anywhere from £200 to £1,000 a month, depending on location and how often they host.
In this article, we explore whether Airbnb might be a good fit for you, especially if you’re thinking about downsizing, your children have moved out, or you want to ease into retirement with a little more financial flexibility.
Why consider hosting on Airbnb?
For many people heading toward retirement, income becomes more fixed, and every bit of flexibility can help. Hosting on Airbnb allows you to:
- Earn supplemental income to support your lifestyle
- Let your home or spare space work for you
- Meet new people (on your terms) or rent remotely with self-check-in options
- Host as often—or as little—as you like
Even a few nights a month could make a noticeable difference. Some hosts use Airbnb just during holidays, local events, or the summer months.
Hosting may also help you cover rising living costs, like energy bills or home maintenance, which often increase in later life.
Ideal if you’re not ready to downsize (yet)
We’ve previously written about downsizing your home for retirement, but some people aren’t quite ready to move just yet.
Hosting on Airbnb can be a transitional step—allowing you to test living with less space, or simply offset costs while staying put. It’s also helpful if you want to downsize in the future but are waiting for the right time or market.
It can also serve as a way to explore how you feel about hosting and whether it suits your lifestyle before making more permanent changes.
What do you need to get started?
You don’t need to renovate your home or be an interior designer to start. You’ll need:
- A clean, comfortable space (private room or entire property)
- Basic furnishings and safety features (working smoke alarm, lock on the door)
- Photos and a written description (Airbnb helps with this)
- A willingness to follow local regulations and guest standards
Setting up a listing takes about 30–60 minutes, and Airbnb provides tools to guide you through writing descriptions, setting prices, and uploading images. Once you’re live, managing bookings can be done via email or their mobile app.
The platform handles payments, ID verification, and security deposits. You’re always in control—you decide the dates, the rules, and the price.
Flexibility matters
The beauty of Airbnb is that it’s not all or nothing. Many hosts list their space for just a few weekends a year, or for short periods when they’re travelling or staying with family.
You can pause your listing at any time. There are no contracts, no fees to sign up, and no pressure to host regularly.
You can also use tools like instant booking or manual approval to manage requests, giving you full control over who stays and when.
Is it safe?
Airbnb has a number of safety features, including:
- Guest reviews and ID verification
- Host guarantees and insurance
- The ability to decline bookings or set house rules
Many older hosts report positive experiences, especially when they start slowly. You can require a government ID, a verified profile, and even reviews from other hosts before accepting a guest.
Still, it’s worth starting with small steps—maybe hosting one night a month or welcoming guests only when you’re home. You can also invest in a lockbox or smart lock to avoid late-night key handovers.
Want to try it?
If you’re thinking about it, you can learn more and create a hosting account using the link below. There’s no cost to sign up:
Whether you’re looking to top up your pension, prepare for retirement, make use of empty space after the kids move out, or save for travel, hosting on Airbnb could offer just the right level of flexibility and income for your lifestyle.
