Fáilte Ireland can fine anyone listing an unregistered property up to €5,000
Scenic ruins near Killarney. Photo: Getty
Owners of holiday cottages and mobile homes, converted garages and granny flats are increasingly bypassing platforms such as Airbnb and Booking.com and advertising their properties directly to consumers on Facebook, to avoid paying commission.
One private Facebook group, called Holiday Homes in Ireland for Rent, has amassed more than 118,000 members since it was set up in 2021.
The property owners, who would typically pay commission to Airbnb, do not list their rates publicly. Instead, members send a private message (PM) to get a price for their preferred holiday dates.
The all-island Facebook group allows tourists to book directly with property owners, without paying the fees and charges they would incur with Airbnb.
Homeowners renting properties for more than 21 days have to register with Fáilte Ireland
Some owners of holiday property use the Facebook group to promote their listings on Airbnb and Booking.com, but offer discounts for direct bookings – and consumers can post their requests for holiday accommodation.
One Airbnb superhost based in the west, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said: “By cutting out the middleman, the group ensures the guest gets a cheaper deal and we’re not paying the platform fees.”
Scenic ruins near Killarney. Photo: Getty
The move towards increasingly using social media for listings comes amid stalled plans to ramp up regulation of short-term lettings.
Under proposed new laws, homeowners renting properties for more than 21 days have to register with Fáilte Ireland. The tourism body can levy fines against anyone who lists a property without a valid registration number, with fines of up to €5,000.
All short-term tourism rental properties would also need to apply for planning permission to continue trading, which has only been secured in a handful of cases to date.
Rental profits earned on Airbnb are taxed at rates as high as 52pc
The superhost doubts that moving listings to social media will enable property owners get around the new rules whenever they do come into effect.
“I can’t see a short-term let being advertised on a supermarket noticeboard without a registration number,” she said. “While there will be people who will break the law, they’ll face fines. All you’ll need is a nosy or begrudging neighbour to report you.”
Airbnb shares information on Irish hosts’ rental income with the Revenue Commissioners. Rental profits earned on Airbnb are taxed at the host’s marginal rate, which can be as high as 52pc, depending on their other income.
