1. Fee comparison

MadeComfy fees

MadeComfy charges 15-25% + GST of booking revenue for full management. Rates are quote-based and vary by city and property type. The full-management-only model means no partial or à la carte service - you get the complete package or nothing. A minimum commitment of three months applies. Cleaning and linen are typically charged to guests via a cleaning fee rather than absorbed into the management percentage.

Houst fees

Houst starts at 14% for full management with no setup fee, no minimum commitment on standard terms, and no lock-in contracts. The fee covers dynamic pricing, 24/7 guest communication, professional photography, multi-channel distribution, STRA registration handling and a live owner dashboard.

The fee gap in practice

MadeComfy's minimum rate of 15% + GST versus Houst's published 14% creates a gap of at least 1% plus the GST component. On a Sydney property earning A$10,000/month, that is A$100+/month or A$1,200+/year before considering the GST addition. On higher-earning properties the gap compounds. Whether MadeComfy's Airbnb partnership status and market experience generates sufficient additional revenue to offset this depends on the specific property.

2. Service comparison

Airbnb Selected Partner status

MadeComfy holds official Airbnb Selected Partner status - the only major full-service STR management company in Australia to do so publicly. This means MadeComfy has a direct relationship with Airbnb, access to partner resources, and a degree of platform endorsement that independent operators do not have. For owners who place weight on an Airbnb-endorsed operator, this is MadeComfy's clearest differentiator.

Houst does not hold Airbnb Selected Partner status but operates at global scale with strong distribution relationships across Airbnb, Booking.com and Vrbo. Houst's platform relationships are driven by volume rather than formal partnership designation.

Service model

MadeComfy offers full-service management only - listing, dynamic pricing, guest communication, cleaning coordination, linen, multi-platform distribution and STRA compliance. They do not offer partial or co-hosting arrangements. A minimum three-month commitment applies.

Houst similarly offers full management as the core product, with the owner dashboard providing real-time transparency into what is being managed and how the property is performing.

Compliance handling

Both handle mandatory STRA registration in NSW (A$65 before listing, A$25 annual renewal) and Victoria's 7.5% short-stay levy (in effect from January 2025). Sydney's 180-night non-hosted cap tracking should be confirmed as part of onboarding with either company.

Geographic coverage

MadeComfy covers Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Gold Coast and Canberra. They do not operate outside Australia and cannot manage properties for under three months. Houst operates in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane in Australia, plus 20+ cities globally.

Owner reviews

MadeComfy's ProductReview.com.au profile contains a meaningful number of complaints around undisclosed charges and fees beyond the headline management percentage. Always request a comprehensive written breakdown of all possible charges before signing - not just the headline management percentage.

3. Where each company has an edge

Where MadeComfy has an edge

Airbnb Selected Partner: The only major Australian STR manager with formal Airbnb endorsement. For owners who specifically want an Airbnb-endorsed operator, no other full-service company on this list matches this.

Australian market depth: MadeComfy is an Australia-founded company with deep experience in the Australian regulatory environment - STRA registration, trust accounting obligations, state levy management.

Full-service only: The all-in model removes any ambiguity about what is managed. No partial services means no grey areas about who is responsible for what.

Canberra coverage: MadeComfy covers Canberra, which Houst does not.

Where Houst has an edge

Published pricing from 14%: Houst's transparent starting rate allows owners to make an informed comparison before going through a sales process. MadeComfy requires a consultation to get a quote.

No minimum commitment: Houst's standard terms do not require a minimum 3-month commitment. MadeComfy's 3-month minimum limits flexibility.

Global footprint: For owners with properties outside Australia, Houst's global platform is directly relevant. MadeComfy cannot manage international properties.

Fee transparency: MadeComfy's ProductReview complaints around undisclosed charges are a genuine concern. Houst's published pricing and clear fee structure reduce the risk of unexpected deductions.

4. Which is better for different property types

Sydney and Melbourne investment properties

Both are strong operators in these markets. For owners who specifically want Airbnb's endorsement of their management company, MadeComfy is the relevant choice. For owners who want published transparent pricing, no minimum commitment and a real-time dashboard, Houst is preferable. Before signing with MadeComfy, request a comprehensive written fee schedule covering all possible charges beyond the headline percentage.

Properties in Canberra

MadeComfy is the only operator of the two that covers Canberra. Houst does not operate there.

Multi-market Australian portfolios

Both cover Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. For portfolios that include international properties, Houst is the only relevant choice.

New hosts entering the market

MadeComfy's full-service-only model and Airbnb partnership status can be reassuring for first-time hosts who want a clear, endorsed starting point. Houst's published pricing and no-lock-in terms offer flexibility for owners who want to try professional management without a long-term commitment.

5. Head-to-head summary

• Fee: Houst from 14% published vs MadeComfy 15-25% + GST quote-based - Houst wins on transparency and starting rate
• Airbnb partnership: MadeComfy is official Airbnb Selected Partner vs Houst no formal status - MadeComfy wins for Airbnb-endorsed operators
• Minimum commitment: Houst no lock-in vs MadeComfy 3-month minimum - Houst wins on flexibility
• Coverage: MadeComfy Sydney/Melbourne/Brisbane/Gold Coast/Canberra vs Houst Sydney/Melbourne/Brisbane + 20 cities globally - depends on where your property is
• Fee transparency risk: MadeComfy has ProductReview complaints about undisclosed charges vs Houst published pricing - Houst lower risk
• Global properties: MadeComfy Australia-only vs Houst 20+ cities globally - Houst for international owners

For city-specific comparisons where both operate, see: best Airbnb management companies in Sydney and best Airbnb management companies in Melbourne. For further context, see Airbnb management fees guide and is Airbnb management worth it.

6. FAQ

Is MadeComfy better than Houst in Australia?

MadeComfy's Airbnb Selected Partner status and Australian market depth are genuine differentiators. Houst's published pricing from 14%, no minimum commitment and global platform are equally genuine advantages. The better choice depends on whether you prioritise Airbnb's endorsement and Australian specialisation, or fee transparency and flexibility.

What are MadeComfy's management fees?

MadeComfy charges 15-25% + GST of booking revenue for full management. Rates are quote-based and vary by city. A 3-month minimum commitment applies. Always request a comprehensive written breakdown of all charges - not just the headline percentage - before signing.

Does MadeComfy operate outside Australia?

No. MadeComfy is an Australia-only operator covering Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Gold Coast and Canberra. For properties in the UK, Europe, UAE, South Africa or New Zealand, Houst is the relevant choice.

Is MadeComfy an official Airbnb partner?

Yes. MadeComfy holds official Airbnb Selected Partner status - the only major full-service STR management company in Australia to do so publicly. This means a formal relationship with Airbnb rather than just using the Airbnb platform.

Does Houst operate in Australia?

Yes. Houst operates in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane in Australia, alongside 20+ cities globally including Edinburgh, London, Paris, Dubai and Auckland.

This guide reflects publicly available information as of June 2026. Fee structures and service offerings change - always confirm directly with both companies before signing. This is not financial advice.