New research from the vacation rental management platform Hospitable uncovers that a significant portion of independent short-term rental (STR) hosts are increasingly opting to avoid large, traditional property management companies (PMCs). This shift is driven by a desire for greater control, flexibility, and profitability.

According to the findings from an upcoming report, nearly 80% (79.7%) of hosts are not planning to engage a property management company in the next year. The primary factors influencing their decision are the elevated costs associated with PMCs (82.2%) and a strong wish to maintain direct control over their guest experience and property operations (58.4%).

The report reveals that more than one in eight hosts who previously relied on a PMC have reverted to self-management, showcasing dissatisfaction with traditional management methods.

Hosts express that independence grants them enhanced flexibility to adjust pricing and policies based on market changes (48.8%) and improved guest interaction and property upkeep (63.7%). The profitability is also higher for hosts without management fees (54.7%).

A notable factor contributing to this trend is technology; an impressive 96.8% of hosts deem it essential for maintaining competitiveness, equipping them with tools to manage guest communication and pricing autonomously.

This trend signifies a larger transformation in the short-term rental industry where hosts increasingly value authentic guest experiences and local market knowledge—attributes they often find lacking in larger corporate PMCs. Consequently, many are opting for complete independence or are looking to collaborate with smaller, locally based managers that offer personalized service and comprehensive market understanding.

Pierre-Camille Hamana, CEO and Founder of Hospitable, mentioned: “Our research demonstrates a rising confidence among independent hosts. They are choosing independence not out of necessity but out of capability. The right technology empowers today’s hosts to efficiently manage operations, guest relations, pricing, and communications while maintaining profitability and quality. This level of control is remarkably influential.”

Hamana also acknowledges the importance of property management companies in the ecosystem, although self-management is becoming a popular and sometimes preferred choice for many hosts.