If you rent out an apartment, holiday home, or private accommodation, you have probably already asked yourself the same question: how much does your own website actually cost, and does it make sense alongside Booking.com, Airbnb, and similar portals?
In short: it depends on your goals and scope. But one thing is clear — in the long run, having your own website reduces dependence on portals, helps increase the share of direct bookings, and gives you greater control over pricing, rules, and guest communication.
Below, we provide an overview of what most affects the price, the realistic cost ranges, and how to choose a model that makes sense specifically for your accommodation.
Why have your own website at all?
Portals are excellent for visibility and occupancy, but they come at a cost. Fees and commissions depend on the platform, market, and contract, and in practice they are often around 10–20% or more per booking.
For example, if you generate €30,000 in annual revenue, it is easy to calculate how much goes to intermediary costs. That is why more and more hosts combine portals with their own direct sales channel.
Your own website allows you to have:
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direct inquiries and bookings without intermediaries
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greater control over prices and terms
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a more professional image and a stronger brand
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better presence in Google search for local queries
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easier communication with guests before and after their stay
What affects the price the most?
1) Type of website
The biggest factor is complexity level. A simple website with basic information, a gallery, and a contact form is logically cheaper than a system with online booking, calendar synchronization, and online payment.
2) Design and level of customization
Ready-made templates are more affordable and faster to launch. A fully custom design costs more, but often communicates the property’s identity better and leaves a more professional impression.
3) Functionalities
A website becomes a true sales tool only when it includes features that simplify booking and management:
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booking system
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calendar synchronization
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multiple languages
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SEO optimization
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analytics (e.g., Google Analytics)
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integration with channels and tools you already use
4) Maintenance and technical support
Domain, hosting, security updates, and technical support are ongoing costs that should be planned in advance, not only after development is completed.
Estimated prices by category (Croatian market, 2025)
Note: these are approximate ranges. The final price depends on scope, number of languages, amount of content, and required integrations.
1. Basic “DIY” solutions (€100–200 per year)
Platforms like Wix, Squarespace, or WordPress.com can be a good starting option if you are testing the market or have one property. The advantage is low cost; the limitation is lower flexibility and fewer advanced customization options.
2. Template + professional customization (€500–1,500)
A common choice for smaller hosts. Typically includes responsive design, basic SEO, a gallery, a contact form, and basic integrations. For 3–4 units, this is often a very good value-for-money option.
3. Professional website with booking system (€1,500–4,000)
A solution for hosts who want a more serious share of direct bookings. It includes stronger functionality: online booking, calendar synchronization, multilingual support, payments, and better SEO preparation.
4. Advanced digital solution (€4,000–10,000+)
Designed for larger properties or groups of units that use the website as a key sales channel. It includes deeper integrations (PMS, channel manager, CRM), content strategy, automation, and more advanced reporting.
Hidden costs many people overlook
When planning your budget, also account for:
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domain (most often €10–15 per year)
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hosting (depending on quality and performance, often €50–300 per year)
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maintenance and updates (if handled by a professional/agency)
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content (professional photos, video, copy)
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translations (English, German, Italian, and other languages relevant to your market)
In practice, content (photos + high-quality copy) often makes the biggest difference in the number of inquiries.
Subscription as an alternative to one-time development
A monthly subscription model for accommodation-focused platforms is becoming increasingly common. Instead of a higher initial investment, you pay a monthly fee, and the package most often includes:
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a ready-made, optimized website
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booking functionality
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calendar synchronization
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technical support and maintenance
The typical range is approximately €20–80 per month, depending on the number of units and included options.
Advantage: lower entry cost and less technical work for the owner.
Possible drawback: less customization freedom compared to a fully custom solution.
How to choose the option that makes sense for you?
Before deciding, answer four practical questions:
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How many units do you rent, and what is your annual revenue?
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How many bookings come through portals, and how much do you pay in fees/commissions?
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Do you have time to maintain the website yourself?
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Who is your ideal guest, and in which languages should your content be available?
If you leave a significant amount on portals each year, a quality website with direct-booking features often pays off faster than it seems.
Conclusion
The price of a website for apartments can range from almost zero to a serious investment — and every option has its place. The most important thing is to choose a model that matches your business stage and the goal you want to achieve.
A website is not just a “design cost.” It is a sales channel that, with proper execution, can reduce dependence on intermediaries and increase the value of every booking.
If you are not sure where to start, begin with a financially realistic option today — and upgrade it as your accommodation business grows.