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  • 🔥 Explore 17 Trending STR Homes for Sale

🔥 Explore 17 Trending STR Homes for Sale

💰 Hill Country Venue: A Must See GEM, 21 Beds, Private Cottages & Event Venue on 4.5 Acres

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Hello STR Scout Members,

Stay ahead in the STR market with this week’s insights and opportunities:

📊 Hill Country Gem: A rare chance to own Texas's top venue for maximizing revenue growth.

🔑 STR Classifieds: Explore 17 turnkey Airbnb properties for sale.

🏠 News Nuggets: Trending news and the market pulse indicators.

🌐 International Trends: Trending Airbnb, slow travel, and lifestyle investments around the globe—explore new horizons.

Happy Scouting!

Andy Thoms
Editor, STR Scout

💡Prioritize cash flow over appreciation—steady income is key in a cooling market.

🌄 Discover the Perfect Venue in Wimberley, TX – Crafted for Unforgettable Events

🌄 Imagine Hosting Profitable Events in the Heart of Texas Hill Country 🌅

This turnkey venue on 4.5 breathtaking acres captures the essence of the Texas Hill Country, blending elegance and rustic charm to create an unforgettable experience for every occasion—from corporate retreats and wellness workshops to weddings and family gatherings. Ready to welcome up to 150 guests, this property is designed with versatility and ease in mind.

  • Price: $3,597,000

  • Expansive Space: 21 bedrooms, 11 full and 3 half baths, totaling nearly 10,000 sq. ft. on 4.58 picturesque acres

  • 9 Luxurious Cottages: Custom-built in 2021, each uniquely themed to provide both privacy and relaxation

  • Event Center: 2,400 sq. ft. of flexible indoor and covered outdoor spaces, ideal for workshops, meetings, and celebrations

  • Grand Main Log Home: 2,500 sq. ft. of carefully designed interiors with vaulted ceilings, a cozy stone fireplace, and an elegant beam staircase

  • New Pickleball Court: Add an element of fun and team-building to any gathering!

🌞 Why Texas Hill Country? 

Drawing over 5 million visitors annually, the Texas Hill Country’s scenic beauty and rich culture make it a sought-after destination, with local tourism contributing over $1.5 billion to the economy. Visitor numbers continue to grow, with events like the 2024 solar eclipse bringing even more people to this vibrant area.

📍 Prime Location 

Conveniently nestled between Austin and San Antonio and just a short drive from downtown Wimberley, this venue places guests near boutique wineries, art galleries, and fine dining, making it an ideal spot for unforgettable retreats and events.

🔑 Ready to Bring Your Vision to Life? 

Explore the possibilities with photos, videos, and floor plans. Seize the opportunity to own a one-of-a-kind hospitalty business venue in the Texas Hill Country, perfect for hosting extraordinary experiences.

Brokerage: The Remax Collection
Listing Agent: AJ Harwood
Text or Call: 512-848-6612

🌅 $1.1M | Key Largo, FL: Modern 3BD/2BA bayfront home with stunning sunset views! Built in 2021, this light-filled, custom concrete property is a successful short-term rental with 2-3 night minimums. Negotiable furnishings, low HOA, and just an hour from Miami. Embrace the Keys lifestyle or invest in a prime vacation rental! View Post

🏡 $375K | Poconos, PA: Successful Airbnb with STR permit! 4BD/2BA, 1,570 sqft home in gated community. Features new energy-efficient HVAC, spacious living areas, private decks, fire pit, and plenty of outdoor space. Ready to continue as a rental or become your private retreat. Public water and central sewer included. View Post

🏡 $900K | Sevierville, TN: Income-generating 3BD/3BA cabin in Lake Haven Cabins on Douglas Lake! Features a game room, indoor pool, and private hot tub. Fully furnished and turnkey, located near Dollywood and Smoky Mountains National Park. Perfect for STR investment or vacation retreat. Ready to earn from day one! View Post

🏝️ $799K | Fort Myers, FL: Private island 4BD/3BA, 2700 sqft home—just 2 mins to the beach by car or 5 mins by boat to open ocean! Recently updated with new roof, AC, impact windows, and electric. Projected $150-180K/year in STR revenue, NO HOA or rental restrictions. Appraised at $1.1M, must close by Dec 10th. 3% commission for buyer’s agents. View Post

🏠 $450K | St. Louis, MO: High-performing STR bringing in $70K/year! Ideal investment opportunity with proven revenue. Located on McCausland, this property is turnkey and ready for your portfolio. Financials available for serious buyers. DM for details! View Post

🏢 $400K | Spokane, WA: Beautiful 2BD/2BA condo in The Rockwood on South Hill! Spacious 1,212 sqft with open living, large kitchen with granite counters, stainless appliances, and covered deck with tree-top views. Main bedroom has double closets and en-suite with walk-in tile shower. Includes 1 underground parking spot, with option for a second, plus access to community gym. Prime location near downtown and hospitals. View Post

🌴 $799K | Panama City Beach, FL: Prime investment property! 5BD/4BA beach home, perfect for short-term rental income. Highly desirable location in popular vacation spot. Contact for more info! View Post

🏡 $374.9K | Luray, VA: Charming 3BD/3.5BA craftsman-style home with spectacular mountain views on a 0.64-acre double lot. Features include a new above-ground pool, cozy gas fireplace, main-floor primary suite with double walk-in closets, butcher block kitchen, and spacious basement office with exterior access. Ideal as a permanent home or retreat, minutes from downtown Luray, Shenandoah River, and National Park. Motivated seller—don’t miss this gem! View Post

🌊 $285K | Fertile, IA: Profitable riverfront retreat on the Winnebago River with mixed-use potential! Beautifully remodeled loft with open layout, stunning river views, 2-story deck, hot tub, and grill. Proven Airbnb success with 5-star reviews for its peaceful ambiance. Flexible first floor for residential or commercial use. High-value updates and close to local attractions. Turnkey investment with memorable guest experiences! View Post

🌄 $899.9K | Sevierville, TN: Stunning 2BD/2BA luxury cabin "Lil Cabin in the Cove" on 0.7 acres, sleeps 10! Grossing $90K+ with 5-star reviews, fully furnished and turnkey. Features include a family bunk room, game room, outdoor hot tub, fire pit, and gorgeous mountain views. Custom-built with high-end finishes, efficient 3-zone HVAC, and future bookings into 2025. Ideal investment or mountain retreat! View Post

🌵 $650K | Indio, CA: 4BD/2.5BA desert oasis in Indian Palms CC, steps from Empire Polo Grounds. Grossed $75K last year as an Airbnb Superhost-rated 4.95. Features private saltwater pool/spa, themed rooms, pool table, and BBQ. Gated community with tennis, pickleball, and 24/7 security. Perfect for festival rentals or vacation stays! View Post

🌊 $1.15M | Hot Springs, AR: Luxury 5BD/3BA lakefront home on Lake Hamilton, minutes from top attractions. STR-ready with smart home tech, outdoor kitchen, hot tub, and private boat dock. Fully furnished, high-earning rental with STR license transfer. Perfect for groups or as a private retreat. View Post

🏖️ $340K | Galveston, TX: Beachfront 2BD/2BA condo, prime STR location with repeat guests. Earns $25-30K/year. New HVAC, kitchen appliances. Listed below market at $340K. Perfect turnkey investment! View Post

🌳 $435K | Austin, TX: 1BD/1BA, 674 sqft STR just 10 mins from downtown! Walk to Barton Springs & Zilker Park. Grosses $51-55K annually. Fully turnkey—ideal for investors looking for prime location. View Post

🍇 $845K | Austin, TX Hill Country: Established STR on popular Fitzhugh Rd, near breweries, distilleries, and wineries. Prime wedding destination area! Fully furnished (few exceptions). Appraised at asking price. View Post

🏜️ $549K | Williams, AZ: Top 5 STR near Grand Canyon on 23 acres! 3BD/2BA, 1800 sqft, grossing $100K/year. Fully furnished turnkey property with new Trex deck, 10K-gal cistern, shed, and greenhouse. Popular Airbnb/VRBO retreat. View Post

🌲 $245K | Poconos, PA: Cozy cabin in Arrowhead Lake! 1BD with retro sunken living room, screened porch, and backyard views of state gamelands. Earned $35K last year with more potential as a romantic escape. Walk to Beach 2 in a top lake community. View Post

Airbnb | Short Term Rentals

🏠 Airbnb's Mixed Quarterly Results. Airbnb reported a quarterly profit of $2.13 per share, narrowly missing analysts' expectations. The company anticipates a slight increase in average daily rates for the upcoming quarter, indicating modest growth amid market fluctuations. Read more

📈 Airbnb Stock Price Target Raised. Piper Sandler has raised Airbnb's price target from $125 to $145, maintaining a Neutral rating. This adjustment reflects optimism about Airbnb's market position despite competitive pressures and fluctuating rates. Read more

🏘️ New York City's Short-Term Rental Crackdown. New York City's enforcement of stringent short-term rental regulations has led to the removal of thousands of Airbnb listings, sparking the emergence of an underground market for apartment rentals. Startups like Ohana and HostU are capitalizing on this shift by offering platforms that comply with the new rules, highlighting the evolving landscape of short-term rentals in the city. Read more

💼 Challenges in Panama's Short-Term Rental Market. Investors in Panama's short-term rental market are facing difficulties due to low occupancy rates and legal restrictions. The average occupancy rate for Airbnb properties in Panama is just under 50%, and short-term stays under 45 days in Panama City are illegal without a permit. These factors are causing investors to reconsider the viability of short-term rentals in the region. Read more

💧 Houston's Efforts to Regulate Short-Term Rentals. In Houston, city officials are addressing concerns over short-term rentals being used as "party houses." Proposed measures include implementing stricter regulations and providing residents with tools to report violations, aiming to balance the benefits of short-term rentals with community well-being. Read more

Housing

🌆 Elevated Mortgage Rates Impacting Home Sales. Mortgage rates have surpassed 7% for the first time since July, leading to a decline in pending home sales. This surge has deterred potential buyers, contributing to a stagnation in the housing market. Read more

💰 Record-High Housing Costs. The median monthly housing payment has reached a record $2,843, marking a 13% year-over-year increase. This escalation is attributed to high home prices and mortgage rates, despite an uptick in inventory. Read more

🏘️ Federal Initiatives to Boost Affordable Housing. The Biden administration plans to allocate nearly $250 million to develop approximately 30,000 affordable housing units nationwide. This initiative aims to address the housing affordability crisis by increasing the supply of affordable homes. Read more

📉 Housing Inventory Decline. Recent data indicates a decrease in housing inventory, suggesting that sellers may be withdrawing from the market. This trend could further constrain the availability of homes, impacting buyers' options. Read more

🏡 Houston Housing Market Stabilization. In Houston, single-family home sales have increased by 1.7% year-over-year, with the median price rising slightly to $335,000. Inventory has expanded to a 4.4-months supply, indicating a move toward a more balanced market. Read more

Economy

📉 Federal Reserve Cuts Interest Rates. The Federal Reserve approved a quarter-point interest rate cut on Thursday, signaling caution over the pace of future reductions. This move aims to support economic growth amid global uncertainties.

📈 U.S. Economy Grows at 2.8% Annual Rate. The U.S. economy expanded at a 2.8% annual pace in the third quarter, driven by robust consumer spending. This growth reflects resilience despite challenges such as high interest rates and inflationary pressures.

💼 Unemployment Claims Decline. Applications for unemployment benefits fell by 12,000 to 216,000 for the week ending October 26, indicating a stable labor market. This suggests that layoffs remain at historically low levels, contributing to economic stability.

💰 Core Inflation Rises More Than Expected. The core personal consumption expenditures price index, the Federal Reserve's preferred inflation gauge, rose 2.7% in September from a year earlier, exceeding forecasts. This increase highlights ongoing inflationary pressures in the economy.

🏠 Wealthier Americans Driving Retail Spending. Despite high prices, retail spending remains strong, primarily driven by affluent consumers. This trend underscores disparities in economic experiences among different income groups.

Market Pulse

Trend

Current Impact

Notable Stats

Mortgage Rates

Limited affordability and fewer buyers

Average rate: ~7.1%

Consumer Confidence

Lower spending, cautious travel behavior

Confidence Index: down by 5 points

Housing Supply

Persistent shortage supports property values

New construction down by 12% Y-o-Y

Inflation

High costs impact maintenance and guest pricing

Inflation rate: 3.5% (above target)

Federal Rate Policy

Higher borrowing costs and fewer financing deals

Fed rate target: 5.25% - 5.5%

Trending Lifestyle, Real Estate, and Airbnb Investment

Lisbon, Portugal 

Lisbon is increasingly popular among digital nomads due to its affordable cost of living, favorable visa policies, and high-speed internet infrastructure. Recent data suggests a steady increase in short-term rental demand with Airbnb occupancy rates averaging 78%. Property values continue to rise, albeit more slowly, with ROI for Airbnb investments projected at around 10% annually.

Medellín, Colombia 

Medellín's low cost of living, combined with its strong expat community and mild climate, is drawing lifestyle investors and Airbnb hosts. The city’s burgeoning digital nomad scene is supported by expanding coworking spaces and affordable housing. Airbnb occupancy hovers around 85%, with ADR (Average Daily Rate) at $65, signaling strong potential for rental revenue growth.

Bangkok, Thailand 

Bangkok is seeing a rise in Airbnb demand due to its remote work infrastructure improvements and affordable lifestyle. ADR averages around $50, making it an affordable yet lucrative market for Airbnb hosts. Property values remain competitive, with an estimated 9% ROI on Airbnb investments. Local expat community feedback underscores Bangkok’s robust amenities and favorable urban lifestyle.

Dubai, UAE 

Dubai is attracting international investors with its newly introduced remote work visa, enabling easier relocation. Cost of living remains high, but Airbnb ADR of $150 and occupancy of 75% make Dubai an attractive investment hub. Real estate values are high, but investors report stable ROI, especially in tourist-heavy areas.

Tbilisi, Georgia 

Georgia’s visa-free access for many nationalities and affordable property prices are drawing attention from Airbnb investors and digital nomads alike. Tbilisi offers a low cost of living and reliable internet infrastructure, making it appealing for remote workers. Property value growth is slow but steady, while ADR for Airbnb rentals averages around $35, with an occupancy rate of 70%.

Social Media Highlights

  • Hashtags Trending on X and Instagram: #DigitalNomadLife, #InvestInPortugal, #ColombiaRealEstate, #BangkokExpats

  • Popular Topics:

  • New Visa Options: Conversations on the benefits of new digital nomad and remote work visas in places like Dubai, Portugal, and Georgia are gaining traction, with expats sharing experiences.

  • Remote Work Infrastructure: Digital nomads are discussing coworking spaces in Medellín and Bangkok as affordable and well-equipped for remote work.

  • Destination Comparisons: Posts highlighting Medellín and Bangkok for affordable living versus high-cost investment hubs like Dubai are trending among investors seeking balanced ROI and lifestyle quality.

Reddit Insights

  • r/expat: Users in Lisbon report that while property values have risen, living costs are manageable, especially outside central neighborhoods. Digital nomads highlight the city's infrastructure, but caution about rising rental competition.

  • r/digitalnomad: Digital nomads in Tbilisi commend the low cost of living and reliable internet but mention language barriers. Discussions recommend Tbilisi as ideal for budget-conscious remote workers, though Airbnb occupancy rates can vary seasonally.

  • r/realestate: Investors in Bangkok share insights on ROI calculations, emphasizing the importance of selecting areas near tourist sites or major shopping hubs for maximizing occupancy. Some warn about high property taxes in Dubai despite the attractive ADR.

Key Takeaways

  • Emerging Hubs: Medellín and Tbilisi are emerging as prime destinations due to their affordability and supportive infrastructure for remote workers, with steady property values and attractive Airbnb returns.

  • High-ROI Markets: Lisbon and Dubai offer strong returns for Airbnb rentals, especially in central areas, though higher costs may impact affordability for longer-term stays.

  • Visa Programs and Infrastructure: Countries like Portugal, UAE, and Georgia are implementing progressive visa options to attract international remote workers, enhancing appeal for both living and investment.