How To Find An Airbnb For Sale: An Investor’s Guide

What if instead of “Airbnb For Stay” you searched for “Airbnb for Sale” and found a vacation home and rental in the same space? A vacation could also bring you revenue! 

In 2023, the vacation rental industry was valued at $82.63 billion globally and is expected to grow at a 5.3% CAGR from 2024 to 2023. 

Owning a short-term rental has become popular as Airbnb offers high returns and flexible income. As more travelers are choosing short-term rentals over hotels because they provide an authentic experience of the area they’re visiting, investors have also become more interested in this sector. 

Finding Airbnbs for sale takes a lot of research and time! We’ve put together a guide to help you with it. 

Why Should You Find An Airbnb For Sale?

1. Higher Income Potential: Airbnb properties often generate more revenue than traditional rentals due to higher nightly rates and strong demand. 
2. Faster Return on Investment (ROI): With the right location and pricing strategy, short-term rentals can pay off initial costs much quicker. A well-placed Airbnb can boost ROI in as little as 3-5 years compared to traditional rentals.
3. Personal Use & Flexibility: You can enjoy your property whenever you want, while still earning income when it’s not in use.
4. Portfolio Diversification & Market Growth: Investing in short-term rentals adds variety to your portfolio and taps into a growing market.

How To Find Airbnb Properties For Sale?

Follow this step-by-step guide to finding the right Airbnb for Sale:

Step 1: Define Your Investment Goals

Before you start hunting for properties, define what success looks like for you. 

Your goals will shape where you buy, what type of property you choose, and how you set up your business for profitability.

• If you’re aiming for strong cash flow: Look for markets with steady year-round tourism, high occupancy rates, and affordable property prices. Vacation destinations, college towns, and major business hubs often fit the bill.
• If long-term appreciation is your priority: Focus on up-and-coming neighborhoods where infrastructure projects, economic growth, or tourism initiatives are driving property values higher over time.

Set a clear investment budget early on. Factor in more than just the base price — you’ll also need to budget for expenses such as:

• Initial setup costs: furnishings, renovations, STR licensing and permitting (if required)
• Ongoing expenses: cleaning fees, utilities, Wi-Fi, property management, insurance, maintenance, and Dynamic Pricing tools like PriceLabs to optimize your nightly rates and occupancy

Step 2: Find High-Demand Markets with Data

You should look at multiple locations before finalising one. Think about the kind of Airbnb you want to create and the experience you want to provide.

• Cozy cabin fits better in a mountain town
• Chic studio makes more sense in a busy downtown area
• Beach house shines in coastal vacation markets

Compare multiple locations to find the best market that would maximize your investment.

Read more: How To Create Airbnb Valuation Of A Vacation Rental Property?

You should use a mix of:

• Work with agents who specialize in short-term rental investments. They’ll help you find Airbnb-ready homes and navigate local regulations.
• Use sites like Zillow or Realtor.com and search for terms like “vacation rental” or “short-term rental property” 
• Find discounted or foreclosed properties on sites like Auction.com. These can be great for investors willing to renovate and add value.
• Join local meetups or real estate groups to access off-market listings and insider tips on Airbnb-friendly areas.
• Use PriceLabs to find properties with strong Airbnb revenue potential, backed by data on occupancy and pricing trends.

PriceLabs Market Dashboards can help you:

1. Spot high-demand areas by analyzing real-time booking, pricing, and supply data.
2. Understand guest behavior and seasonality, helping you predict low and high seasons.
3. Benchmark listings using 40+ customizable filters — so you can quickly see what amenities, pricing strategies, and property types are working in each market.

The goal is to match your property type to what travelers are actually looking for in that area — and the right data will make that decision a lot easier.

Step 3: Analyze Property Potential

By no, you’ll have the location finalised and a few properties shortlisted. The next step is to analyze the property’s potential for being a successful Airbnb. 

Here’s how you can analyze property potential:

1. Examine The Property

• Is the property big enough to accommodate your target guests?
• Does the layout provide comfort and privacy?
• Are there any signs of wear and tear?
• Ask for inspection reports (if one is not available, arrange for a professional inspection) and look for structural issues, water damage, and the condition of major systems.  

2. Request An In-Person Tour

• Get a feel of the space’s overall flow and vibe to plan for interior design.
• Check things that aren’t obvious in photos—like natural light, noise levels, or whether certain areas feel cramped.
• Spot opportunities to add upgrades—maybe a hot tub, extra bedrooms, or outdoor seating could boost the appeal for guests.

3. Assess Financial Potential

Once you’ve understood the property’s physical condition, shift your focus to its financial potential. You can use PriceLabs Revenue Estimator Pro to project how much the property could earn over a specific period using real-time market data. 

This tool will help you: 

• Estimate Occupancy Rate and ADR for the area
• Understand seasonal trends that may affect your pricing and demand
• Compare the potential revenue of your property to that of your competitors in the neighborhood

Read more: How to Use Neighborhood Data for Neighborhood Market Analysis? 

Key Factors To Consider When Finding An Airbnb For Sale

1. Location Analysis: Evaluate the property’s proximity to high-demand areas like tourist sites, business districts, or transit hubs.
2. Revenue and Cash Flow Forecasting: Use PriceLabs to assess the revenue you could make in the property.
3. Local Regulatory Environment: Research city or county zoning laws and regulations, licensing requirements, and registration processes.
4. Appreciation Potential: Analyze long-term real estate appreciation using platforms like Zillow or Redfin to predict future value increases.
5. Competitive Landscape: Determine the market saturation level. Highly saturated areas may experience pricing pressure, while under-supplied markets could offer better opportunities.
6. Property Layout and Design for Short-Term Rentals: Invest in smart home technology (e.g., keyless entry, lockbox, temperature control) and high-demand amenities like fast Wi-Fi, quality kitchen equipment, or hot tubs to enhance guest experience and increase ratings.
7. Capitalization Rate (Cap Rate): Calculate the cap rate to measure the return on the investment relative to the property price. A typical cap rate for short-term rentals should be 8-12%, depending on location.
8. Tax Implications: Analyze property tax rates, local sales tax on short-term rentals, and income tax treatment for Airbnb hosts in the area.

Final Thoughts On Investing in an Airbnb

Investing in an Airbnb property isn’t just about buying a piece of real estate—it’s about creating a reliable income stream while owning a home in a desirable location. But it’s important to remember that not every property will deliver a solid return as a short-term rental.

In the past, finding the right property could feel overwhelming and uncertain. But today, tools like PriceLabs make the process much easier. 

With the Market Dashboard, you can compare different locations, spot areas with high demand, and track pricing trends, giving you a clearer sense of where your investment will thrive. The Revenue Estimator shows you projected earnings, so you can make a confident decision before purchasing.

By taking a data-driven and thoughtful approach, you can avoid common pitfalls, maximize your profits, and turn your Airbnb investment into a smart and successful venture.