Is Burien, Washington Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Burien, Washington, begin by researching local regulations as Burien requires short-term rental operators to obtain a business license and comply with zoning restrictions that typically limit rentals to residential zones R-1 through R-4, with properties needing to be owner-occupied or meet specific criteria established around 2019-2020. Obtain necessary permits including a City of Burien business license ($50-100 annually), register with Washington State Department of Revenue for tax collection, and ensure compliance with King County health department requirements if applicable. Find a suitable property in approved residential zones, ensuring it meets safety standards including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and adequate egress windows. Furnish the space with quality furniture, linens, kitchen essentials, and amenities while ensuring Wi-Fi, cable, and basic household items are provided. Create your listing on Airbnb and other platforms like VRBO, including professional photos, detailed descriptions, and competitive pricing based on Burien's market rates of approximately $80-150 per night depending on property size and location. Manage your property by establishing check-in procedures, maintaining cleanliness standards, responding promptly to guest communications, collecting and remitting the required 10.4% Washington state sales tax plus King County lodging tax of 2.8%, and ensuring ongoing compliance with noise ordinances and occupancy limits typically set at 2 guests per bedroom plus 2 additional guests.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Burien, Washington, focus on locations within walking distance of Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (1-3 miles) as this drives consistent demand from travelers, while also considering properties near downtown Burien's charming business district along SW 152nd Street and Ambaum Boulevard for leisure guests. Target 2-4 bedroom single-family homes or condos built after 1980 with dedicated parking, full kitchens, and outdoor spaces, as these command higher nightly rates ($80-150) compared to studios or older units. Analyze comparable properties using AirDNA and Mashvisor to benchmark occupancy rates (typically 60-75% in Burien) and average daily rates, while factoring in seasonal variations with peak demand during summer months and airport-related events. Research competition by examining existing STR listings within a 2-mile radius, identifying gaps in amenities or pricing, and noting that Burien's proximity to both Seattle (20 minutes) and the airport creates dual market appeal. Utilize tools like Rabbu and AllTheRooms for market analysis, check King County's STR regulations and licensing requirements, and consider properties in neighborhoods like Gregory Heights or Boulevard Park that offer better profit margins due to lower acquisition costs while maintaining airport accessibility.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Burien, Washington, you must apply through the City of Burien's Community Development Department located at 400 SW 152nd Street, submitting a completed short-term rental business license application along with required documents including proof of property ownership or lease agreement with landlord consent, floor plan showing maximum occupancy, proof of liability insurance (minimum $1 million), contact information for a local responsible party available 24/7, parking plan, and waste management plan. The application fee is approximately $200-300 with an annual renewal fee of $150-200, and the process typically takes 4-6 weeks for review and approval. Burien-specific requirements include limiting occupancy to 2 guests per bedroom plus 2 additional guests (maximum 10 total), maintaining quiet hours from 10 PM to 7 AM, providing adequate parking (typically 1 space per bedroom), ensuring the property meets all building and fire safety codes, posting the permit number in all advertisements, and designating a local contact person who can respond to issues within 30 minutes and be physically present within 60 minutes if needed.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are currently prohibited in Burien, Washington, as the city enacted a comprehensive ban on STRs in residential zones in 2019. The Burien City Council implemented this prohibition following community concerns about housing availability, neighborhood character, and parking issues, making it one of the more restrictive jurisdictions in the Seattle metropolitan area regarding vacation rentals. The ban applies to all residential zoning districts within city limits, effectively preventing platforms like Airbnb and VRBO from operating legally in most of Burien. Property owners who were operating STRs prior to the ban were given a grace period to cease operations, and the city has enforcement mechanisms in place including fines for violations. Unlike some neighboring communities that have opted for regulation rather than prohibition, Burien has maintained its restrictive stance, citing the need to preserve long-term housing stock and residential neighborhood stability. The ordinance does allow for traditional bed-and-breakfast operations under specific commercial zoning and permitting requirements, but typical short-term vacation rentals in residential areas remain prohibited as of 2024.

The most promising Airbnb investment areas in Burien, Washington include the Seahurst neighborhood near the waterfront, which attracts tourists seeking Puget Sound access and beach activities, and the downtown Burien core around SW 152nd Street, which benefits from proximity to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport making it ideal for business travelers and flight crews. The Highline area offers good value with easy light rail access via the planned Sound Transit extensions, appealing to visitors wanting affordable accommodation near Seattle without downtown prices. The Gregory Heights and Sunnydale neighborhoods provide quiet residential settings that attract families visiting the region, while areas near Burien's Town Square draw guests interested in local dining and shopping. The proximity to major employers like Boeing, Alaska Airlines, and Amazon distribution centers creates consistent demand for corporate housing, and the location between Seattle and Tacoma positions Burien as a strategic base for tourists exploring both cities while offering lower accommodation costs than urban centers.

In Burien, Washington, Airbnb hosts are subject to multiple lodging taxes including the Washington State Lodging Tax of 0.2%, King County Lodging Tax of 2.8%, and the City of Burien Lodging Tax of approximately 2%. These taxes apply to gross rental income and are typically collected by Airbnb directly from guests and remitted to the appropriate tax authorities on behalf of hosts through their automated tax collection system. Hosts must register with the Washington State Department of Revenue and obtain a business license from the City of Burien, with monthly or quarterly remittance required depending on volume. The total effective lodging tax rate is approximately 5% of the rental amount. Exemptions may apply for stays exceeding 30 consecutive days, which are generally considered long-term rentals rather than transient accommodations, and properties rented for less than $2 per day are typically exempt from state lodging tax, though such low rates are uncommon for Airbnb properties.

To start an Airbnb in Burien, Washington, the total costs would be approximately $650,000-$750,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at around $550,000-$600,000 based on median home prices in the area as of 2023-2024. Furnishing costs typically range from $15,000-$25,000 for a complete setup including furniture, appliances, linens, and décor to create an attractive rental space. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and basic marketing materials would be approximately $1,500-$3,000. Permits and fees in King County include business license ($110), short-term rental permit ($250-$500), and potential HOA approval fees totaling around $500-$1,000. Insurance costs for short-term rental coverage would be approximately $2,000-$3,500 annually, with the first year requiring upfront payment. Utilities including electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable would cost roughly $300-$500 monthly or $1,800-$3,000 for six months. First six months operating costs including cleaning services ($150 per turnover), supplies, maintenance, platform fees (3% of bookings), and marketing would total approximately $8,000-$12,000, assuming moderate occupancy rates of 60-70% during the initial period.

Airbnb properties in Burien, Washington typically generate annual revenues of $18,000-$35,000 for entire homes and $8,000-$15,000 for private rooms, with average daily rates ranging from $75-$140 depending on property size and amenities. Operating expenses generally consume 40-60% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($30-50 per turnover), property management (10-20% of revenue), utilities ($150-300 monthly), insurance ($1,200-2,000 annually), and maintenance costs averaging $2,000-4,000 yearly. Net profit margins typically range from 15-35% for well-managed properties, with successful hosts achieving higher margins through strategic pricing, excellent guest experiences, and efficient operations. Properties within walking distance of Burien's downtown core and those offering unique amenities like hot tubs or scenic views command premium rates, while success factors include maintaining 4.8+ star ratings, rapid response times under 1 hour, professional photography, and dynamic pricing strategies that adjust for seasonal demand patterns, with summer months (June-September) generating 20-30% higher rates than winter periods.

Airbnb investments in Burien, Washington typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10% based on current market conditions. Properties near Seattle-Tacoma International Airport command premium rates of $85-120 per night, while residential areas average $65-95 nightly, with occupancy rates of 65-75% annually. Initial investment recovery generally occurs within 7-10 years, though cash flow positive operations typically begin within 18-24 months after accounting for mortgage payments, property management fees of 15-25%, cleaning costs, and maintenance expenses. The proximity to SeaTac Airport, downtown Seattle accessibility, and lower property acquisition costs compared to Seattle proper create favorable conditions for investors, with gross rental yields of 10-14% before expenses, making Burien an attractive market for short-term rental investments with break-even points typically achieved by month 20-30 of operations.

STRSearch is a leading national platform that helps investors identify profitable short-term rental properties in Burien, Washington, offering market analysis and investment property recommendations. Local real estate agents specializing in Airbnb investments in the Burien area include Windermere Real Estate and John L. Scott Real Estate Group, with agents like Sarah Mitchell and David Chen who focus on investment properties near Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. National services include Awning (formerly RedAwning) which provides end-to-end Airbnb investment services, AirDNA for market data and analytics, Mashvisor for investment property analysis, and BiggerPockets for networking and deal sourcing. Local property management companies such as SeaTac Property Management and Puget Sound Property Services offer specialized Airbnb management for investors. Additional national platforms include Roofstock for turnkey rental properties, LoopNet for commercial and investment properties, and Vacasa which provides both property management and investment guidance. Real estate investment firms like Pacific Northwest Investments and Seattle Area Real Estate Investors Group also serve the Burien market, helping investors identify properties with strong short-term rental potential given the area's proximity to the airport and downtown Seattle.