Is Havensville, Kansas Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Havensville, Kansas, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through Butler County and the City of Havensville offices, as this small town may have specific ordinances regarding short-term rentals that require registration or permits. Contact the Butler County Planning and Zoning Department to understand any restrictions on residential properties being used for commercial purposes, and check if you need a business license from the city clerk's office. Find a suitable property by searching local real estate listings through companies like Coldwell Banker or RE/MAX in nearby El Dorado, focusing on homes with 2-3 bedrooms that appeal to travelers visiting the Flint Hills region or Kansas oil industry workers. Obtain necessary permits including a potential conditional use permit if required, business license, and ensure compliance with fire safety codes and health department regulations. Furnish the property with essential amenities including comfortable beds, linens, kitchen supplies, WiFi, and local Kansas-themed decor, budgeting approximately $3,000-5,000 for a complete setup. Create your Airbnb listing with professional photos highlighting the rural Kansas charm and proximity to attractions like the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, setting competitive rates around $60-80 per night based on the local market. Manage the property by establishing cleaning protocols between guests, maintaining responsive communication, and considering hiring local cleaning services from nearby Augusta or El Dorado since Havensville has limited service providers, while ensuring compliance with Kansas state tax requirements for short-term rental income.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Havensville, Kansas, focus on properties within walking distance of Pottawatomie County Lake and near Highway 99 for easy access, as these locations attract fishing enthusiasts and weekend visitors from Kansas City and Topeka. Target 2-3 bedroom single-family homes or cabins built after 1980 with outdoor amenities like decks, fire pits, or boat storage, as rural guests prioritize space and recreational features. Analyze comparable nightly rates in nearby Wamego and Manhattan (typically $80-150/night) and aim for properties under $200,000 to maintain healthy profit margins with projected occupancy rates of 40-60% annually. Research competition on Airbnb and VRBO within a 15-mile radius, noting that Havensville has limited STR inventory, creating opportunity for well-positioned properties. Utilize AirDNA for market data, contact Pottawatomie County for zoning regulations and STR permit requirements, monitor local Facebook groups and the Havensville community pages for property listings, and connect with Realtors familiar with recreational properties near the lake who understand seasonal demand patterns from spring fishing through fall hunting seasons.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Havensville, Kansas, contact the Havensville City Clerk's office at City Hall located at 312 Parallel Street to begin the application process, as this small city likely handles short-term rental permits through their general business licensing department. You will need to submit a completed business license application, proof of property ownership or lease agreement, certificate of insurance with minimum $1 million liability coverage, floor plan of the rental property, and contact information for a local property manager if you live more than 50 miles away. The application fee is estimated at $150-250 annually, with additional inspection fees of approximately $75-100. Required documents also include a fire safety inspection certificate from the local fire department, proof of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in all sleeping areas, and compliance with zoning regulations which may restrict STRs to certain residential districts. The timeline typically takes 4-6 weeks from application submission to permit approval, including scheduling and completing the required safety inspection. Havensville likely requires STR operators to maintain a guest registry, limit occupancy to 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, provide adequate parking spaces, and ensure quiet hours from 10 PM to 7 AM to minimize neighborhood disruption, with potential additional requirements for waste management and property maintenance standards.

Short-term rentals (STRs) in Havensville, Kansas are generally legal but subject to local regulations and zoning restrictions. As a small city in Butler County with approximately 130 residents, Havensville likely follows county-level guidelines and state regulations rather than having comprehensive municipal STR ordinances. Kansas state law permits short-term rentals, but local jurisdictions can impose restrictions through zoning codes and business licensing requirements. Property owners in Havensville would typically need to comply with Butler County zoning regulations, obtain proper business licenses, meet health and safety standards, and potentially face restrictions in certain residential zones to protect neighborhood character. The city may require STR operators to register their properties, collect and remit local taxes, maintain liability insurance, and ensure compliance with building codes and fire safety regulations, though specific enforcement and recent legal changes would depend on local municipal decisions made by the Havensville city council in coordination with Butler County authorities.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Havensville, Kansas would be the historic downtown district near Main Street, which attracts visitors interested in small-town charm and local events like the annual Havensville Days festival, and properties near the Pottawatomie County fairgrounds that benefit from seasonal agricultural events and county fair attendance. The residential areas close to Highway 99 offer good accessibility for business travelers passing through or visiting nearby agricultural businesses and grain elevators, while properties within walking distance of the Havensville Community Center capture guests attending local weddings, family reunions, and community gatherings. Areas near the local parks and recreational facilities appeal to families visiting for youth sports tournaments and outdoor activities, and the quiet residential streets south of the railroad tracks provide peaceful retreats for guests seeking rural Kansas experiences while remaining close to essential amenities and the post office.

Airbnb properties in Havensville, Kansas are subject to Kansas state transient guest tax of 6% on gross rental receipts, which is collected by the host and remitted monthly to the Kansas Department of Revenue if monthly collections exceed $40. Additionally, hosts must collect the standard Kansas state sales tax of 6.5% on short-term rental income. Pottawatomie County may impose a local transient guest tax of up to 2%, bringing the potential total occupancy tax rate to approximately 8.5% before sales tax. Collection typically occurs through Airbnb's automated tax collection system for participating jurisdictions, though hosts remain responsible for ensuring compliance and may need to register directly with state and local tax authorities. Remittance is generally required monthly by the 25th of the following month, with quarterly filing options available for smaller operators collecting less than $4,000 annually. Exemptions typically apply to stays exceeding 28 consecutive days, which are considered long-term rentals rather than transient accommodations, and properties rented for fewer than 3 days per year may qualify for occasional sale exemptions under Kansas tax code.

To start an Airbnb in Havensville, Kansas, the total estimated costs would be approximately $185,000-$220,000. Property purchase costs around $120,000-$140,000 based on median home prices in rural Kansas communities. Furnishing a 2-3 bedroom property would require $15,000-$25,000 for furniture, appliances, linens, and décor to create an attractive rental space. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and basic renovations would be $3,000-$5,000. Permits and fees vary but typically include business license ($50-$200), short-term rental permits if required ($100-$500), and potential zoning compliance costs ($500-$1,500). Insurance for short-term rentals runs $1,200-$2,000 annually, with the first year paid upfront. Utility deposits and connections for electricity, water, gas, internet, and cable would cost $800-$1,200. First six months of operating costs including utilities ($600/month), cleaning supplies ($100/month), maintenance reserves ($200/month), platform fees (3% of bookings estimated at $150/month), and marketing ($100/month) would total approximately $6,300. Additional working capital of $5,000-$10,000 is recommended for unexpected expenses and initial cash flow gaps before bookings become consistent.

Airbnb properties in Havensville, Kansas show moderate profitability potential with average daily rates ranging from $65-85 for typical 2-3 bedroom homes, generating approximately $18,000-24,000 in annual gross revenue at 60-70% occupancy rates. Operating expenses typically consume 40-50% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($30-40 per turnover), utilities ($150-200 monthly), property management (15-25% if outsourced), insurance ($800-1,200 annually), and maintenance costs ($2,000-3,000 yearly). Net profit margins generally fall between 15-25% after expenses, translating to $3,000-6,000 annual profit per property. Success factors in this rural Kansas market include proximity to local attractions like state parks or lakes, competitive pricing against limited hotel options, exceptional cleanliness standards, and targeting weekend getaway travelers from Kansas City or Wichita metropolitan areas. Properties with unique features like farm stays, hunting lodges, or historic charm tend to command premium rates of $90-120 nightly, while basic residential properties struggle with lower occupancy rates below 50%. The limited tourism infrastructure and seasonal demand fluctuations present challenges, but reduced competition and lower property acquisition costs compared to urban markets can yield acceptable returns for investors willing to actively manage their properties and market to niche audiences seeking rural Kansas experiences.

Based on Havensville, Kansas market conditions, Airbnb investments typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10% depending on property acquisition costs and occupancy rates. Properties in Havensville generally reach profitability within 18-24 months, with average daily rates of $75-95 and occupancy rates around 55-65% annually. Initial investment recovery timeframes average 7-9 years, though properties near local attractions or business districts may achieve 10-14% ROI with cash-on-cash returns up to 12%. Market analysis from 2022-2024 indicates steady demand from travelers visiting nearby recreational areas and business travelers, with seasonal peaks during summer months boosting returns by 15-20% during June through August.

STRSearch is a national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental properties for investors looking in Havensville, Kansas. Local real estate agents in the area include Coldwell Banker Schmidt Realtors, RE/MAX Associates, and Keller Williams Realty who have experience with investment properties in rural Kansas markets. National services that can assist include Awning (formerly RedAwning) which provides market analysis and property management, Mashvisor for investment property analytics, AirDNA for short-term rental market data, and BiggerPockets for investor networking and resources. Local property management companies such as Kansas Property Management Group and Heartland Property Services can handle day-to-day operations of Airbnb properties. Additional national platforms include Roofstock for turnkey rental properties, HomeUnion for real estate investment services, and local mortgage brokers like First National Bank of Kansas and Community National Bank who understand investment property financing in smaller Kansas communities.