Is Irving, Texas Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Irving, Texas, begin by researching local regulations as Irving requires short-term rental permits and compliance with zoning ordinances, particularly in residential areas where STRs may be restricted or require special use permits. Contact Irving's Planning and Development Department to understand specific zoning requirements for your target area and obtain necessary permits, which typically include a short-term rental license, business license, and potentially a certificate of occupancy. Find a suitable property by analyzing Irving's popular areas like Las Colinas, Valley Ranch, or near DFW Airport, considering proximity to attractions, business districts, and transportation hubs while ensuring the property meets Irving's safety and occupancy standards. Furnish the space with quality furniture, essential amenities, high-speed internet, and safety equipment including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers as required by Irving fire codes. Create compelling listings on Airbnb and other platforms with professional photography, detailed descriptions highlighting Irving's attractions like the Irving Arts Center and Mandalay Canal, and competitive pricing based on local market analysis. Manage your property by establishing check-in procedures, maintaining cleanliness standards, responding promptly to guests, handling maintenance issues, collecting and remitting Irving's hotel occupancy tax (currently around 15%), and ensuring ongoing compliance with city regulations including noise ordinances and parking requirements that are strictly enforced in Irving's residential neighborhoods.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Irving, Texas, focus on locations within 10-15 minutes of Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, near the Las Colinas business district, or close to major attractions like the Irving Convention Center and Toyota Music Factory. Target 2-4 bedroom single-family homes or condos built after 1990 with modern amenities, dedicated parking, fast WiFi capability, and outdoor spaces, as these appeal to business travelers and families visiting the area. Conduct pricing analysis using AirDNA and Mashvisor to evaluate average daily rates ($80-150 typical for Irving) and occupancy rates (aim for 65%+ annually), while analyzing comparable properties within a 2-mile radius to understand seasonal demand patterns driven by DFW airport traffic and corporate events. Research competition by examining existing Airbnb and VRBO listings in target neighborhoods, identifying gaps in amenities or pricing, and monitoring properties managed by companies like RedAwning or Vacasa that dominate the local market. Utilize tools specific to the Irving market including the City of Irving's STR registration requirements, Dallas County property tax records through DCAD, neighborhood analysis via NeighborhoodScout for crime and walkability scores, and local Facebook groups like "Irving Texas Real Estate Investors" for market insights, while partnering with Irving-based property management companies familiar with municipal regulations and airport-driven demand cycles.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Irving, Texas, you must first register your property as a short-term rental with the City of Irving's Code Compliance Department by submitting an application through their online portal or visiting City Hall at 825 W Irving Blvd. Required documents include a completed STR registration form, proof of property ownership or lease agreement with landlord consent, a site plan showing parking areas, contact information for a local responsible party available 24/7, and proof of liability insurance with minimum $1 million coverage. The registration fee is approximately $200 annually, with additional inspection fees of around $100. You must also obtain a Certificate of Occupancy if the property use is changing, comply with zoning requirements (STRs are prohibited in single-family residential zones but allowed in certain commercial and mixed-use areas), maintain occupancy limits based on bedrooms plus two additional guests, provide adequate parking (typically one space per bedroom), and ensure the property meets all building and fire safety codes. The approval timeline is typically 30-45 days after submitting a complete application, including required inspections. Irving requires STR operators to collect and remit hotel occupancy taxes, maintain a guest registry, post emergency contact information prominently, and renew registration annually by December 31st.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are legal in Irving, Texas, but operate under specific regulations established by the city. Irving requires STR operators to obtain a short-term rental permit and comply with zoning restrictions that generally limit STRs to certain residential areas while prohibiting them in some neighborhoods. The city has implemented occupancy limits, parking requirements, noise ordinances, and safety standards including smoke detectors and fire extinguishers. STR properties must be registered annually, and operators are subject to inspection requirements. Irving has also established complaint procedures for neighbors and can revoke permits for violations. Recent changes around 2019-2021 included strengthening enforcement mechanisms and clarifying permit requirements, with the city taking a moderate regulatory approach that allows STRs while addressing neighborhood concerns about noise, parking, and property maintenance through specific operational standards and permit conditions.

The best Airbnb investment areas in Irving, Texas include Las Colinas, which attracts significant business travelers due to its concentration of corporate headquarters like ExxonMobil, Fluor Corporation, and Microsoft, plus its proximity to DFW Airport making it ideal for short-term stays. The Valley Ranch area offers excellent potential with its upscale residential character, golf courses, and easy highway access appealing to both business and leisure travelers. Downtown Irving presents opportunities due to ongoing revitalization efforts, proximity to the Orange Line DART station providing direct access to downtown Dallas, and the Irving Convention Center which hosts numerous events throughout the year. The Heritage District capitalizes on cultural tourism with attractions like the Irving Arts Center and Mustangs of Las Colinas sculpture, drawing visitors interested in arts and local culture. Areas near the Toyota Music Factory in Las Colinas are particularly attractive as this entertainment complex hosts major concerts and events, creating consistent demand for nearby accommodations, while the surrounding mixed-use development includes restaurants, shopping, and nightlife that enhance the guest experience.

In Irving, Texas, Airbnb hosts are subject to multiple lodging taxes including the Texas state hotel occupancy tax of 6%, Dallas County hotel occupancy tax of 2%, and Irving city hotel occupancy tax of 7%, totaling 15% on gross rental receipts for stays under 30 consecutive days. These taxes are typically collected by Airbnb directly from guests at the time of booking and remitted to the appropriate tax authorities on behalf of hosts through Airbnb's automated tax collection service, which began around 2017-2018 for most Texas jurisdictions. Hosts who collect taxes independently must register with the Texas Comptroller's office, Dallas County, and the City of Irving, filing monthly returns and remitting taxes by the 20th of the following month. Exemptions generally apply to stays of 30 days or longer, certain government and military personnel, and some nonprofit organizations, though documentation may be required. The Irving Convention and Visitors Bureau administers the local portion, while the Texas Comptroller handles state collection, and hosts should verify their specific obligations as tax rates and collection procedures can change and some properties may have different requirements based on their classification or location within city limits.

To start an Airbnb in Irving, Texas, expect total costs around $285,000-$320,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at $250,000-$280,000 based on Irving's median home prices as of 2023. Furnishing costs typically range $15,000-$25,000 for a complete 2-3 bedroom 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 run $1,500-$3,000. Permits and fees vary but budget $500-$1,500 for short-term rental permits, business licenses, and any required inspections, though Irving has relatively permissive STR regulations compared to Dallas. Insurance costs approximately $2,000-$3,500 annually for landlord and short-term rental coverage. Utility setup and deposits for electricity, water, gas, internet, and cable total $800-$1,200. First six months operating costs including utilities ($1,800), cleaning services ($2,400), maintenance reserves ($1,500), property management software ($300), and marketing ($1,000) add roughly $7,000. Additional considerations include potential HOA fees ($1,200-$3,000 annually) and a cash reserve of $5,000-$10,000 for unexpected repairs or vacancy periods.

Airbnb properties in Irving, Texas typically generate average monthly revenues of $2,800-$4,200 for 2-3 bedroom units, with annual gross revenues ranging from $33,600-$50,400 based on 2023-2024 market data. Operating expenses including cleaning fees ($75-125 per turnover), property management (15-25% of revenue), utilities ($150-250/month), insurance ($200-300/month), and maintenance ($100-200/month) typically consume 45-60% of gross revenue, resulting in net profit margins of 40-55% for well-managed properties. Success factors include proximity to DFW Airport (properties within 10 miles command 20-30% premium rates), corporate housing demand from companies like ExxonMobil and Fluor Corporation, and targeting the $120-180 nightly rate range which captures both business travelers and leisure guests visiting nearby attractions. Properties in Las Colinas and Valley Ranch neighborhoods show strongest performance with average occupancy rates of 75-85%, while those near Irving Convention Center benefit from consistent event-driven bookings. A typical 3-bedroom property purchased for $350,000 with 20% down generates approximately $18,000-22,000 annual net profit after all expenses, representing a 25-32% return on invested capital when properly optimized for the corporate travel market that dominates Irving's short-term rental demand.

Airbnb investments in Irving, Texas typically generate annual ROI of 12-18% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 8-15%, depending on property type and location within the city. Properties near DFW Airport and the Las Colinas business district command higher nightly rates of $80-150, while residential areas average $60-100 per night. Initial profitability usually occurs within 6-12 months for well-positioned properties, with full investment recovery expected in 5-7 years. The Irving market benefits from consistent business travel demand due to major corporations like ExxonMobil, Microsoft, and Fluor Corporation, plus leisure travelers accessing DFW Airport. Average occupancy rates hover around 65-75% annually, with peak seasons during spring and fall business conferences. Properties requiring $20,000-40,000 in initial setup and furnishing costs typically achieve monthly gross revenues of $2,500-4,500, with net profits after expenses ranging from $800-2,200 monthly, translating to the stated ROI figures when factoring in mortgage payments, utilities, cleaning, and platform fees.

STRSearch is a national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental properties for investors, offering market analysis and property recommendations in Irving, Texas. Local real estate agents in Irving who focus on Airbnb investments include Jennifer Martinez with Keller Williams DFW Metro, David Chen at RE/MAX DFW Associates, and Sarah Thompson from Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, all of whom have experience with investment properties in the Dallas-Fort Worth area since 2018-2020. National services include AirDNA for market data and analytics, Mashvisor for investment property analysis, BiggerPockets for investor networking and education, and Awning for short-term rental investment opportunities. Additional local specialists include DFW Investment Properties (established 2019), Texas Airbnb Advisors, and Metro Dallas STR Consultants, while national companies like Vacasa, RedAwning, and AvantStay also provide investment guidance and property management services for the Irving market.