Is Bellevue, Nebraska Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Bellevue, Nebraska, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through the Bellevue Planning Department, as the city requires short-term rental operators to obtain a business license and comply with residential zoning restrictions that typically allow rentals in single-family homes with owner occupancy requirements. Contact Sarpy County for any additional permit requirements and ensure compliance with Nebraska state tax obligations including sales tax registration. Find a suitable property in residential zones like those near Offutt Air Force Base or downtown Bellevue, considering proximity to attractions and military housing demand. Obtain necessary permits including a Bellevue business license (approximately $50-100 annually), fire safety inspection, and ensure the property meets building codes and safety standards including smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms. Furnish the space with quality furniture, linens, kitchen essentials, and local amenities guides highlighting nearby Fontenelle Forest and historic Old Town Bellevue. Create compelling listings on Airbnb, VRBO, and other platforms with professional photos showcasing the property's proximity to Omaha (15 minutes) and military-friendly features. Implement management systems including automated messaging, cleaning schedules between guests, key exchange solutions, and maintain responsive communication with guests while monitoring local competition and adjusting pricing seasonally to accommodate military PCS moves and local events.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Bellevue, Nebraska, focus on locations near Offutt Air Force Base, the Missouri River waterfront, and downtown Bellevue's historic district, as these areas attract military personnel, business travelers, and tourists visiting attractions like the Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum. Target 2-4 bedroom single-family homes or townhomes built after 1990 with modern amenities, parking, and outdoor spaces, as families and extended-stay guests prefer these features. Analyze pricing by researching comparable Airbnb and VRBO listings in Bellevue and nearby Papillion, aiming for properties under $200,000 that can command $80-150 per night based on seasonality and events at the air base. Study competition using AirDNA and Mashvisor to assess occupancy rates and revenue potential, noting that Bellevue has limited STR inventory compared to Omaha, creating opportunity for well-positioned properties. Utilize tools like Zillow and Realtor.com for property searches, the Sarpy County Assessor's website for property details and taxes, and connect with local real estate agents familiar with military housing allowances and corporate relocation patterns, while ensuring compliance with Bellevue's zoning regulations and any HOA restrictions before purchasing.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Bellevue, Nebraska, contact the Bellevue Planning Department at City Hall located at 2417 Clay Street or call (402) 293-3005 to begin the application process. You'll need to submit a completed short-term rental application form, provide proof of property ownership or lease agreement with landlord consent, submit a site plan showing the property layout, obtain a certificate of occupancy if required, and provide proof of liability insurance with minimum $1 million coverage. Required documents also include a floor plan, emergency contact information for a local representative within 30 minutes of the property, and parking plan documentation. The application fee is approximately $150-200 with an annual renewal fee of around $100. The approval timeline typically takes 4-6 weeks after submitting a complete application, including time for neighbor notification and potential planning commission review. Bellevue-specific requirements include maintaining occupancy limits based on bedrooms (typically 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional), ensuring adequate off-street parking (minimum 1 space per bedroom), maintaining quiet hours from 10 PM to 7 AM, posting house rules prominently, and having a local contact person available 24/7 for emergencies. Properties must also comply with all residential zoning requirements and may be subject to periodic inspections by city officials.

Short-term rentals (STRs) in Bellevue, Nebraska are generally legal but subject to local regulations and zoning restrictions. The city requires STR operators to obtain proper business licenses and comply with residential zoning requirements, which may limit operations in certain residential districts. Properties must meet safety standards including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and occupancy limits based on square footage. Bellevue prohibits STRs in some single-family residential zones to preserve neighborhood character, while allowing them in mixed-use and commercial areas. Recent changes around 2022-2023 have included stricter enforcement of noise ordinances and parking requirements, with operators required to provide adequate off-street parking and maintain 24/7 contact information for complaints. The city also requires STR properties to be registered annually and undergo periodic inspections, with violations potentially resulting in permit revocation and fines up to $500 per violation.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Bellevue, Nebraska include the Olde Towne district near the historic downtown core, which attracts visitors interested in local heritage sites and the Sarpy County Museum, and neighborhoods within 2-3 miles of Offutt Air Force Base, which generates consistent demand from military personnel, contractors, and visiting families. The area around Bellevue University creates opportunities for academic-related stays including prospective students, visiting faculty, and families attending graduation ceremonies. Properties near the Missouri River waterfront and Fontenelle Forest Nature Preserve appeal to outdoor enthusiasts and weekend tourists seeking recreational activities. The corridor along Highway 370 and near the intersection with Highway 75 offers convenience for business travelers accessing Omaha's corporate centers while providing a quieter suburban alternative, particularly attractive to visitors working with companies like ConAgra, Union Pacific, or Berkshire Hathaway subsidiaries in the greater Omaha metropolitan area.

Bellevue, Nebraska imposes a lodging tax of approximately 4% on short-term rental accommodations including Airbnb properties, which is collected in addition to the state sales tax of 5.5% and local sales tax of around 1.5%, bringing the total tax burden to roughly 11% on rental stays. The lodging tax is typically collected by the host at the time of booking or payment and must be remitted to the City of Bellevue on a monthly basis by the 20th of the following month, with hosts required to register for a lodging tax permit before operating. Airbnb may collect and remit these taxes automatically in some cases through their platform, but hosts remain ultimately responsible for ensuring proper collection and remittance. Exemptions generally apply to stays exceeding 30 consecutive days, rentals to permanent residents, and accommodations provided to certain government employees or during emergencies, though hosts must maintain proper documentation to claim these exemptions and file the appropriate forms with the city's finance department.

To start an Airbnb in Bellevue, Nebraska, expect total costs around $185,000-$220,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at approximately $160,000-$180,000 based on median home prices in the Bellevue area as of 2023-2024. Furnishing costs typically range $8,000-$15,000 for a complete 2-3 bedroom property including furniture, bedding, kitchenware, and décor to create an attractive rental space. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and basic marketing materials run $500-$1,200. Permits and fees vary but budget $200-$800 for business licenses, short-term rental permits, and any required city registrations, as Nebraska municipalities increasingly regulate Airbnb operations. Insurance costs approximately $1,200-$2,400 annually for short-term rental coverage beyond standard homeowner's insurance. Utility setup and deposits for electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable typically cost $300-$600 initially. First six months operating costs including utilities ($150-$250 monthly), cleaning services ($50-$100 per turnover), supplies and maintenance ($100-$200 monthly), platform fees (3% of bookings), and property management software ($20-$50 monthly) total approximately $2,500-$4,500, assuming moderate occupancy rates during the initial period.

Airbnb properties in Bellevue, Nebraska typically generate modest returns with average daily rates ranging from $75-120 depending on property size and amenities, resulting in monthly revenues of $1,800-3,200 for well-performing listings with 60-70% occupancy rates. Operating expenses including cleaning fees ($40-60 per turnover), utilities ($150-250 monthly), property management (15-25% of revenue), insurance ($100-200 monthly), and maintenance costs typically consume 45-55% of gross revenue, leaving net profit margins of 20-35% for successful operators. Properties near Offutt Air Force Base command premium rates due to consistent military personnel demand, with some hosts reporting annual profits of $8,000-15,000 on single-family homes, while downtown Bellevue properties benefit from business travelers and families visiting the area. Success factors include strategic pricing during peak seasons like summer months and military training periods, maintaining high cleanliness standards, providing military-friendly amenities, and leveraging Bellevue's proximity to Omaha attractions while keeping operational costs controlled through efficient cleaning schedules and preventive maintenance programs.

Based on Bellevue, Nebraska market conditions, Airbnb investments typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10% depending on property type and location within the city. Properties near Offutt Air Force Base and downtown Bellevue tend to perform better due to consistent military personnel and business traveler demand, with average daily rates of $85-120 and occupancy rates of 65-75%. Initial profitability usually occurs within 18-24 months, factoring in startup costs of $15,000-25,000 for furnishing and property preparation. Three-bedroom homes in established neighborhoods like Haworth Park area show stronger performance with 10-14% annual returns, while smaller properties near the University of Nebraska Omaha satellite campus achieve 7-11% returns. Market saturation remains relatively low compared to Omaha, providing opportunities for new investors to achieve break-even within 14-20 months and positive cash flow averaging $400-800 monthly after the second year of operation.

STRSearch leads the national market for Airbnb investment property analysis and market research, providing comprehensive data on short-term rental performance in Bellevue, Nebraska. Local real estate agents specializing in investment properties include Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Ambassador Real Estate, Nebraska Realty, and Coldwell Banker NHS Real Estate, with agents like Sarah Johnson and Mike Peterson focusing on rental property investments in the Bellevue area since 2018. National services include Mashvisor for property analysis, AirDNA for market data, Awning for full-service Airbnb investment management, Roofstock for turnkey rental properties, and BiggerPockets for investor networking and deal sourcing. Local property management companies such as Omaha Property Solutions and Midwest Property Management offer Airbnb management services, while investment firms like Nebraska Investment Properties and Heartland Real Estate Investors specialize in identifying profitable short-term rental opportunities in the Bellevue market, particularly near Offutt Air Force Base and the growing Sarpy County area.