Best Countries to Start an Airbnb Investment (2024)

Are you considering starting an Airbnb business? Learn below what are the top countries currently to start your investment and earn the most out of it.

Best Countries to Start an Airbnb Investment: Factors

It can be rather subjective what makes a good place to start an Airbnb. Some people prefer warm weather and some prefer the beach. Others may like a cosmopolitan feeling, or the country side.

Regardless of personal preferences, let’s try to address some of the main factors to determine the success of your Airbnb business.

The main factors to determine whether an Airbnb is a good investment are: regulations, infrastructure, seasonality, cost of real estate, taxes and rental yields.

Airbnb Investment: Country and City Regulations

Before considering an Airbnb investment, one should know what regulations may affect the performance or viability of the business venture.

In San Francisco, CA, you can only rent your premises on Airbnb for up to 90 days a year. You must also be a full-time resident of the place you are renting (for example a room in your house). Berlin is another city with restrictions, you can only rent up to 90 days per year if the place is not your primary residence.

Another regulation aspect to be considered is owning real estate. In some countries, you may face restrictions to buy real estate if you are not a citizen of that country. This laws are becoming more flexible, and in many cases incorporating a company in the given country would solve this problem.

Finally, if you want to live in the same country as you are investing on your Airbnb project, you may need a residence permit. This varies greatly and will also depend on your citizenship, but it is good to check it before hand.

Airbnb Investment: Country Infrastructure

Another thing to bear in mind in your project is the country infrastructure. While owning a beach resort in Nicaragua may sound tempting, the infrastructure will certainly impact your quality of life and inflow of tourists.

Make sure you prioritize regions easily accessible by road, railways and airports. Ideally, places with an international airport at a 50 km range should be a good idea.

Airbnb Investment: Seasonality

Seasonality is one of the key aspects of any hospitality related investment. With Airbnb is no different. While some cities like Paris or Rome tend to have an influx of tourists year round, other cities are not that privileged.

Locations subject to seasonality tend to have a lower, overall earnings. However, it may not be the case, if the season is long or expensive enough to make up for the rest of the year.

A great tool to analyze seasonality is Airdna.co.

Airbnb Investment: Costs of Real Estate, Taxes and Rental Yields

Finally, probably the main part of any real estate investment are costs. Firstly, we should consider the cost of acquiring real estate, and then its operational costs. Then, taxes and rental yields are also very relevant to your investment.

The cost of real estate is especially critical to assess where you can actually acquire units to rent. Some of the most visited cities in the world like London, New York and Tokyo have also some of the most expensive per square feet / meter prices.

Taxes are also a huge detail you should consider before investing. The tax from your Airbnb income varies greatly from country to country, usually ranging from 3% to 25% in most countries.

Finally, there are the rental yields. They will determine how long you will have to rent your Airbnb unit to recover the investment made.

Best Countries to Invest in Airbnb

Now let’s check our list of the best countries to start an Airbnb Investment.

5 – Colombia

Colombia definitely deserves a place in our list and it ranks high in many important aspects for an Airbnb investment.

Best Countries to Start an Airbnb Investment (1)

Touristy cities like Cartagena and Medellin have low prices per square meter / foot and decent occupancy rates.

Colombia is also one of the safest countries to travel in South America. The country also has great weather year-round, and acquiring a residence permit is also quite easy.

4 – Spain

Spain is one of the tourist hot spots in Europe and it is easy to understand why. Better than that, you can find great opportunities for bargain prices if you look beyond cities like Madrid and Barcelona.

Best Countries to Start an Airbnb Investment (2)

The Iberian country also has a relatively affordable cost of living. Cities like Valencia, Malaga and Seville have pretty low cost per square meter for Western European standards.

Regulations and bureaucracy are some of the worst aspects of investing in Spain. Taxes are high and the amount of red tape is very high.

3 – Poland

Poland might not be the first country which you might consider when traveling in Europe, but it does offer great cities for tourism. In fact, this sector has been steadily growing in the country for the past years.

Best Countries to Start an Airbnb Investment (3)

Cities like Krakow and Wroclaw can still be a good bargain if you are considering buying a rental studio in the old town.

Poland tends to get pretty cold in winter, especially in the months of January and February. This seasonality affects the country’s performance, but it is still an excellent choice for Airbnb rentals.

2 – Montenegro and Albania

Montenegro and Albania are two excellent choices if you want to enjoy the Adriatic sea and earn from your Airbnb investment.

Best Countries to Start an Airbnb Investment (4)

With pristine beaches and mountainous landscapes, both Montenegro and Albania are highly attractive for tourists. Real estate prices are also inviting, and getting a residence permit in these countries is equally easy.

The major downside of Montenegro and Albania is the seasonality. Most of the bookings happen in the European summer season, from May to September.

1 – Cambodia

If Southeast Asia is your region of choice, Cambodia is a great place to invest in real estate. Cambodia has considerably cheaper prices and much less strict regulations than its immediate and more famous neighbor, Thailand.

Best Countries to Start an Airbnb Investment (5)

Although prices in the capital Phnom Penh are already not very attractive as they went up in the last decade, Cambodia has much more to offer. Cities like Sieam Reap is an excellent choice as has a steady flow of tourists from both Asia and Europe.

Are you looking to buy real estate or open a business abroad and don’t know where to start with? Contact us and let us help you to get things started.

Best Countries to Start an Airbnb Investment (2024)

FAQs

Where is the most profitable place to own an Airbnb? ›

The Top USA Airbnb Markets to Invest in 2022
  1. Phoenix, Arizona. Arizona is a sought-after location to secure a versatile vacation spot, so you'll rarely go wrong in Arizona. ...
  2. Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada. ...
  3. Charleston, South Carolina. ...
  4. Savannah, Georgia. ...
  5. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. ...
  6. Santa Fe, New Mexico. ...
  7. Kauai, Hawaii.

Where is the highest demand for Airbnb? ›

Best Cities in America for Investing in Airbnb
  • Nashville, TN.
  • New Orleans, LA.
  • Orlando, FL.
  • Phoenix, AZ.
  • Portland, OR.
  • San Francisco, CA.
  • Virginia Beach, VA.
  • Washington, DC.
Feb 20, 2023

Which country is best for investment property? ›

Compare the Market's index found that the Baltic nation of Lithuania is the best country for long-term investment. Scoring 18.48 out of a possible 20, Lithuania scored high with an average house price growth of 56.65% between 2015 and 2021 and an average wage increase of 39.74%.

Where is Airbnb most profitable in Europe? ›

London is the most profitable European city to host an Airbnb. Airbnb hosts are continuing to profit from the return of holidays, and with searches for 'Airbnb host requirements' increasing 200% in the past month, there is no shortage of European homeowners interested in earning a secondary income.

Is Airbnb a good investment in 2023? ›

According to the latest reports, the short-term rental industry will witness unprecedented growth in the coming years. This means that Airbnb rentals will also be profitable and prove to be a good investment for real estate investors. In this section, we will take you through the best Airbnb markets around the world.

What type of property is best for Airbnb? ›

The best type of property to invest in on Airbnb is one that gives more income and a higher occupancy rate. But it all depends on the chosen location and your target guests. For example, if you want to buy Airbnb property in a busy city, you'd probably want to invest in a small apartment or condo.

What is ROI on Airbnb property? ›

Typically between 20-30% of rental income.

What is the best profit margin for Airbnb? ›

In peak locations, AirBnB can make an 8% profit, while in more modest locations, the profit can be closer to 4%. Be sure to do research on your particular area.

Is Airbnb or rental more profitable? ›

Overall, Airbnb yields a higher nightly rate than traditional renting. Some hosts have even reported that they are able to triple the amount they would have made with traditional renting. Though, that only applies to an Airbnb that has a high occupancy rate.

Which country has highest return on investment? ›

  • United States. #1 in Invest In Rankings. ...
  • Japan. #2 in Invest In Rankings. ...
  • South Korea. #3 in Invest In Rankings. ...
  • Singapore. #4 in Invest In Rankings. ...
  • China. #5 in Invest In Rankings. ...
  • Germany. #6 in Invest In Rankings. ...
  • United Arab Emirates. #7 in Invest In Rankings. ...
  • Switzerland. #8 in Invest In Rankings.

Which country has the highest rental income? ›

Gross Rental Yield City Centre by Country 2020
RankCountryGross Rental Yield City Centre
1Trinidad And Tobago11.4
2United States10.4
3Namibia10.3
4South Africa9.9
100 more rows

Where is the highest ROI for property? ›

The state with the highest one-year ROI on residential single-family homes is Arizona with 27.42 percent, according to iPropertyManagement data. The next two highest states are Utah with 27.05 percent and Idaho with 27.02 percent.

How do I start Airbnb internationally? ›

The Top 9 Tips to Managing your Airbnb in another country
  1. Enable Self Check-in. ...
  2. Automate your Property. ...
  3. Hire a Cleaning Service. ...
  4. Engage the Services of a Reliable Maintenance Team. ...
  5. Hire Laundry Services. ...
  6. Guest Welcome Guidebook. ...
  7. CCTV for added Security. ...
  8. Hire A Co-Host.

Where to invest Airbnb in Europe? ›

Purchasing a rental property and renting it out on Airbnb is another popular real estate investment method.
...
Best cities for Airbnb investment in 2022- Europe
  • Ballstad, Norway. Ballstad is the place to go if you're looking for some excitement. ...
  • Shanklin, England. ...
  • Athens, Greece. ...
  • Marseille, France. ...
  • Funchal, Portugal.
Oct 28, 2021

Can you make money with Airbnb in Spain? ›

Here are few reasons as to why you should consider investing in Airbnb in Spain: There is a high demand for vacation rentals for both locals and tourists as it ranks 1.7 million on Airbnb's top markets by active listings. Furthermore, property value and returns remain positive (+5.6%).

Can you Airbnb all year round? ›

This means a property can't be let out on Airbnb for more than 90 days of occupied nights per year. Once your limit has been reached, Airbnb will automatically close bookings for your property until the end of the calendar year. The 90-day limit applies to both 90 consecutive days or 90 days spread throughout the year.

How much does a good Airbnb make a year? ›

Average Annual Host Revenue By Region: 2021/2020

North America is the highest earning region – the average Airbnb host in North America makes $41,026 in host earnings on Airbnb in 2021. Asia-Pacific is the 2nd highest earning region, with an average host earnings of $14,629 in 2021.

Is owning Airbnb worth it? ›

Greater revenue potential than traditional leasing

A benefit of owning Airbnb properties is earning more rental income compared to regular property leasing. While traditional rental properties work with fixed pricing, Airbnb hosts are able to adjust their pricing when they see fit.

What type of Airbnb is the most popular? ›

Taking the number one spot as Airbnb's most-liked home is this eco-cabin. With breathtaking views of the Zion Mountains, it's easy to see why it's a winner among Airbnb fans. Bah, Humbug! Wine lovers, this one's for you!

What size home is best for Airbnb? ›

People often ask, what is the best size place for an Airbnb? The answer is that there isn't one. Both huge mansions and tiny studios have their place in the market. Look for something that you are happy with and the money generated is mostly relative to the size and location of the place.

What is considered a luxury Airbnb? ›

Luxe listings are Airbnb's most luxurious rentals. Properties in the Luxe program include penthouses, manors, entire islands and more. They range from a couple hundred dollars to tens of thousands per night. Airbnb purchased Luxury Retreats International in 2017.

How much should you spend on Airbnb investments? ›

How Much Money Do You Need To Start Investing in Airbnb Rentals? The average cost to start an Airbnb sits between $3,000-$6,000. This cost will significantly vary depending on the following items: Property purchase price.

How to determine if a property is a good Airbnb investment? ›

A Step-by-Step Guide in Finding the Best Airbnb Property to Buy
  1. Location. ...
  2. Airbnb Laws and Regulations. ...
  3. Investment Property Type. ...
  4. Determine your Budget and Expenses. ...
  5. Analyze Available Properties. ...
  6. Work with an Agent. ...
  7. Do a Thorough Research. ...
  8. Use Real Estate Investment Tools.

How much do Airbnb hosts make on average per month? ›

Airbnb Host Monthly Income Ranges

15% of hosts earn $0 to $99 per month. 38% of hosts earn $100 to $499 per month. 22% of hosts earn $500 to $999 per month. 11% of hosts earn $1000 to 1499 per month.

Can you be rich from Airbnb? ›

According to online data, Airbnb business owners can make close to $100,000 per year, if not more, without owning any properties. From co-hosting to becoming a vacation rental consultant, we've compiled the top 10 ideas on how to make money on Airbnb without acquiring a property.

Is Airbnb profitable in Dubai? ›

Dubai has been named the world's most profitable city for an Airbnb landlord, with those based near the Burj Khalifa earning an average of £930 ($1,150) per night, or £339,450 per year. As a result, they stand to make enormous profits over time.

Is Airbnb good passive income? ›

With Airbnb short-term rentals, you don't have to work like an employee. Short-term rentals are passive in nature, which means that if you have a property, you can still earn even if you're not around. Add this to Airbnb's online platform, and your market potential gets wider.

Can I Airbnb my house if I have a mortgage? ›

Yes, you can rent out a house you have a mortgage on, but you'll need to inform your lender to ensure you meet the necessary requirements. There is nothing against the law about renting your home while you still have a mortgage. However, different lenders have different rules when it comes to occupancy.

Is income from Airbnb taxable? ›

Airbnb, HomeAway, VRBO, FlipKey and similar companies are required to withhold 28% of your rental income if you don't provide them with a W-9 form. In most cases, the tax on your rental income will be less than 28%.

What is the cheapest country to invest in? ›

Vanuatu. Vanuatu, an island chain in the South-Western Pacific Ocean, has the cheapest citizenship by investment program in the world, requiring an investment of just $130,000 into its government's Vanuatu Development Support Program.

How much interest does $500 000 earn a year? ›

Most competitive money market accounts offer APYs between 1.6% and 1.8%. A 1.8% APY would mean you earn $9,074.62 in the first year after depositing $500,000.

What is the safest investment with the highest return? ›

Here are the nine best safe investments with high returns:
  • High-yield savings accounts.
  • Certificates of deposit.
  • Money market accounts.
  • Treasury bonds.
  • Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities.
  • Municipal bonds.
  • Corporate bonds.
  • S&P 500 index fund/ETF.
4 days ago

Which countries prefer renting to home ownership? ›

Germany has the greatest proportion of home-renters in Europe, and Germans still prefer to rent accommodation rather than own it. Only 39 per cent of the population own the homes that they live in compared with about 60 per cent in Britain.

Which area is good for rental income? ›

Which Cities offer Maximum Rental in India?
  • Mumbai. The city of dreams, Mumbai, is among the best places to invest in property. ...
  • Delhi NCR. ...
  • Bengaluru and Pune. ...
  • Malabar Hill (Mumbai) ...
  • Juhu (Mumbai) ...
  • Tardeo (Mumbai) ...
  • Green Park (New Delhi) ...
  • Greater Kailash (New Delhi)
Mar 10, 2022

Which US city has the highest rent? ›

San Francisco
  • Median rent in December 2022: $2,975.
  • Median rent in December 2020: $2,668.
  • Percent change: 12%
Dec 18, 2022

What is the most profitable property? ›

What Types of Commercial Properties Are the Most Profitable? High-Tenant Properties – Typically, properties with a high number of tenants will give the best return on investment. These properties include RVs, self-storage, apartment complexes, and office spaces.

What is a good annual ROI for rental property? ›

The 2% rule in real estate is another simple way to calculate ROI for rental properties. According to this rule, if the monthly rent for a rental property is at least 2% of its purchase price, then odds are it should generate positive cash flow.

Is Dubai good for real estate investment? ›

UAE is known for its investor-friendly practices. An investment in Dubai attracts no annual property tax, income tax, capital gains tax, rental revenue tax, or Value Added Tax (VAT). This allows an investor to dedicate a much larger financial portfolio to purchasing property and, in turn, get higher returns.

What countries ban Airbnb? ›

Stays and experiences are offered all around the world, though we're required to comply with international regulations that restrict the use of our site by residents of certain countries or regions. Because of this, our services are not available in some places, such as Crimea, Iran, Syria, and North Korea.

Where is the best place to buy an Airbnb in the world? ›

Best Cities For Airbnb Investment
  1. 12 Best Cities For Airbnb Investment 2022. Honolulu, HI. ...
  2. Honolulu, HI. The best place to buy Airbnb property is Honolulu, Hawaii. ...
  3. Boulder, CO. Boulder, Colorado, is the second-best city for purchasing an Airbnb. ...
  4. Portland, OR. ...
  5. Boston, MA. ...
  6. Washington D.C. ...
  7. Fairbanks, AK. ...
  8. Charleston, SC.
Dec 19, 2022

How do I start an Airbnb host with no money? ›

5 Ways to Start an Airbnb With No Money
  1. Using Your Own Vacant Property. Do you have a vacant property that you want to rent out on Airbnb? ...
  2. Take Initiative on Open Rentals in your Area. ...
  3. Become an Affiliate. ...
  4. Offer Airbnb Experiences.

Which country uses Airbnb most? ›

The country with the most Airbnb listings is the United States of America, which had an average of 2,249,434 listings in 2021. The country with the second highest number of average Airbnb listings is France, with 1,209,036 in 2021. In third place is China, with 1,148,885 average listings in 2021.

Can you make money on an Airbnb in Costa Rica? ›

Considering, that Costa Rica has a lot to offer, Airbnb in Costa Rica is considered a good investment strategy with a strong return on investment.

Is an Airbnb profitable in Barcelona? ›

According to research made by Idealista, the rental yield in Barcelona is 5.2% and home values had an evolution of 4% this year. Airbnb occupancy rates by city declare that an average host in Barcelona can earn more than €27,208 during the peak season of July – August.

Which city has highest Airbnb occupancy rate? ›

Knowing the Airbnb statistics by city and comparing Airbnb daily rates can help you decide which area is best for short term rental investing.
...
Cities With the Highest Airbnb Daily Rate for 2023
  • San Leandro, CA. ...
  • Asbury Park, NJ. ...
  • Oakhurst, NJ. ...
  • Annapolis, MD. ...
  • Neptune, NJ. ...
  • Escondido, CA. ...
  • Lake Geneva, WI. ...
  • El Cajon, CA.
Feb 15, 2022

Are Airbnb owners rich? ›

According to online data, Airbnb business owners can make close to $100,000 per year, if not more, without owning any properties. From co-hosting to becoming a vacation rental consultant, we've compiled the top 10 ideas on how to make money on Airbnb without acquiring a property.

Is owning an Airbnb profitable? ›

But in high-demand areas, the nightly cost of an Airbnb can lead to higher profits. For instance, let's say you want to rent out a one-bedroom apartment in Los Angeles. As of March 2022, the average monthly cost of that apartment is $2,563, meaning you could make roughly $30,000 if your tenant signs a 12-month lease.

Is being an Airbnb owner profitable? ›

The Bottom Line. Airbnb and other short-term rental platforms can be very lucrative, especially if you are patient and willing to do the work to attract renters and keep them happy.

What is the average Airbnb income? ›

The average host in the USA made $44,235 in host earnings on Airbnb in 2021, compared to $25,553 in 2020.

Who is Airbnb's biggest competition? ›

Vrbo. As Airbnb's biggest competitor with over 2 million listings and vacation rentals in 190 countries and counting, Vrbo is the next most important website, following Airbnb, to be familiar with for your vacation rental business. Vrbo is an acronym that stands for “vacation rentals by owner”.

What are the busiest Airbnb months? ›

For hosts in North America, the peak season is between May and September. The rest of the year is classified as 'off-season', but with pockets of busy periods. Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year are all big holidays and they just so happen to be in the off-season.

How much does an Airbnb owner make a year? ›

As of Mar 4, 2023, the average annual pay for an Airbnb Owner in the United States is $74,593 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $35.86 an hour. This is the equivalent of $1,434/week or $6,216/month.

Who is the richest Airbnb owner? ›

The majority of Chesky's fortune is derived from his stake in Airbnb, an online marketplace for travel services. Chesky founded the company in 2008 with Nathan Blecharczyk and Joe Gebbia. It has 6 million listings in more than 100,000 towns and cities worldwide as of March 2022, according to the company's website.

How hard is it to run an Airbnb? ›

Renting out a property on Airbnb requires a substantial time commitment if you want to be successful. Be prepared to devote some portion of each day to the task. One advantage that traditional hotels offer is time, because booking a hotel room only requires one interaction.

What percent does Airbnb take? ›

With this structure, the entire fee is deducted from the Host payout. It's typically 14–16%, though Hosts with Super Strict cancellation policies may pay more.

How much do Airbnb hosts make a month? ›

A full 10% of Airbnb hosts earn $2,000 or more per month. On every other platform except TaskRabbit, either 0% or 1% made $2,000 per month.

How do I start an Airbnb business with no money? ›

5 Ways to Start an Airbnb With No Money
  1. Using Your Own Vacant Property. Do you have a vacant property that you want to rent out on Airbnb? ...
  2. Take Initiative on Open Rentals in your Area. ...
  3. Become an Affiliate. ...
  4. Offer Airbnb Experiences.

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