Is Manor, Texas Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Manor, Texas, begin by researching local regulations through the City of Manor's planning department, as Manor follows Texas state laws allowing short-term rentals but may have specific zoning requirements and occupancy limits. Obtain necessary permits including a business license from the City of Manor, register for Texas state and local taxes with the Texas Comptroller, and ensure compliance with Travis County health and safety codes since Manor is located in Travis County. Find a suitable property by researching Manor's residential areas like the newer developments near US Highway 290 or established neighborhoods, ensuring the property is zoned for short-term rentals and considering proximity to Austin (about 12 miles east) which drives much of the demand. Furnish the property with essential amenities including comfortable beds, full kitchen appliances, high-speed internet, and Texas-themed decor to appeal to visitors exploring the Austin metro area. Create listings on platforms like Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com with professional photos highlighting Manor's small-town charm and easy access to Austin, pricing competitively with similar properties in the $80-150 per night range depending on size and amenities. Manage the property by establishing cleaning protocols between guests, responding promptly to inquiries, coordinating check-ins/check-outs, maintaining the property regularly, and consider hiring local property management companies like RedAwning or Vacasa if you live outside the area, while staying current with Manor's evolving short-term rental ordinances as the city continues to grow.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Manor, Texas, focus on locations within 15-20 minutes of downtown Austin, near major employers like Samsung's $17 billion semiconductor facility, and close to recreational areas like McKinney Falls State Park. Target 3-4 bedroom single-family homes built after 2000 with modern amenities, outdoor spaces, and parking for 4+ vehicles, as Manor attracts families and business travelers seeking alternatives to expensive Austin accommodations. Conduct pricing analysis using AirDNA and Mashvisor to identify properties generating $150-250 per night with 65-75% occupancy rates, comparing against local hotels like Hampton Inn & Suites and analyzing seasonal demand from SXSW, Formula 1, and UT events. Research competition by monitoring existing STRs within 3-mile radius, identifying gaps in luxury amenities or family-friendly features, and studying Manor's STR regulations which currently allow short-term rentals in most residential zones. Utilize tools like Rabbu for market analysis, STR Helper for performance tracking, and connect with local real estate agents familiar with Manor's rapid growth trajectory, while monitoring new construction developments and infrastructure improvements that could impact property values and rental demand in this emerging Austin suburb.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Manor, Texas, you must first contact the Manor City Planning and Development Department at City Hall located at 105 E Eggleston Street to determine current short-term rental regulations, as Manor may have recently implemented or updated STR ordinances following trends in nearby Austin metro areas. You'll likely need to submit an application form along with required documents including proof of property ownership or lease agreement, a site plan or survey of the property, certificate of occupancy, general liability insurance policy (typically $1 million minimum), contact information for a local responsible party available 24/7, parking plan showing adequate off-street parking, and waste management plan. The application fee is estimated to range from $200-500 with potential annual renewal fees of $100-300, though you should verify current fee schedules with the city. Required inspections may include fire safety, building code compliance, and zoning verification, with the entire process typically taking 30-60 days from complete application submission to permit approval. Manor likely requires STR properties to maintain residential character, limit occupancy based on bedroom count plus two additional guests, provide adequate parking (usually 1-2 spaces per unit), maintain noise ordinance compliance, and potentially restrict the total number of STR permits issued citywide or per neighborhood, so early application is recommended as permit availability may be limited.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are legal in Manor, Texas, but operate under specific regulations established by the city. Manor requires STR operators to obtain a short-term rental permit and comply with occupancy limits, parking requirements, and noise ordinances. The city prohibits STRs in certain residential zoning districts and requires a minimum distance between rental properties in some neighborhoods. Operators must register with the city, pay applicable fees, and maintain liability insurance. Recent changes around 2022-2023 included stricter enforcement mechanisms and updated permit requirements following complaints from residents about party houses and parking issues. The city allows both owner-occupied and non-owner-occupied STRs but with different regulatory standards, and violations can result in permit revocation and fines up to several thousand dollars.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Manor, Texas include the Historic Downtown Manor district, which attracts visitors interested in the town's railroad heritage and proximity to Austin's eastern suburbs, offering potential for both leisure and business travelers working in the Austin metro area. The neighborhoods near Manor High School and the Manor Independent School District administrative areas present opportunities due to visiting families for school events and sports tournaments. Properties along Highway 290 East corridor are particularly attractive as they provide easy access to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (15-20 minutes) and downtown Austin (25-30 minutes), making them ideal for business travelers and tourists seeking more affordable accommodations outside the city center. The emerging residential developments around Parsons Road and Cameron Road offer modern amenities while maintaining the small-town charm that appeals to families visiting the area for youth sports tournaments at Manor's athletic facilities. Additionally, areas near the Manor Community Park and recreational facilities can capitalize on weekend sports events and family gatherings, while the proximity to major employers like Samsung's Austin facility and other tech companies in the eastern Austin corridor creates demand for extended-stay business accommodations.

In Manor, Texas, Airbnb properties are subject to both state and local lodging taxes. The Texas state hotel occupancy tax is 6% of the room rate, while Travis County imposes an additional 2% county hotel occupancy tax, bringing the combined rate to approximately 8% for short-term rentals under 30 days. The City of Manor may impose its own municipal hotel occupancy tax of up to 7%, though the actual rate is typically around 2-3%, making the total tax burden approximately 10-11%. These taxes are collected by Airbnb directly from guests at the time of booking for most properties and remitted to the appropriate tax authorities on behalf of hosts through Airbnb's tax collection service, which began in Texas around 2018. Hosts must register with the Texas Comptroller's office and obtain a hotel occupancy tax permit, and may need to file monthly or quarterly returns depending on their booking volume. Exemptions typically include stays of 30 days or longer, which are considered long-term rentals rather than short-term lodging, and certain government or charitable organization bookings may qualify for exemptions with proper documentation.

Starting an Airbnb in Manor, Texas requires approximately $280,000-$320,000 in total initial investment. Property purchase costs around $250,000 based on Manor's median home price as of 2023. Furnishing a 3-bedroom property typically costs $15,000-$25,000 including furniture, appliances, linens, and decor from retailers like IKEA, Wayfair, and local stores. Initial setup expenses including professional photography, listing creation, and basic renovations total $3,000-$5,000. Permits and fees in Manor include short-term rental registration ($200), business license ($50), and potential HOA approval costs totaling approximately $500-$1,000. Insurance premiums for short-term rental coverage average $2,000-$3,000 annually, with companies like Proper Insurance or CBIZ providing specialized Airbnb policies. Utility setup and deposits for electricity (Oncor), water, gas, internet, and cable services cost roughly $1,500-$2,500. First six months of operating costs including utilities ($200/month), cleaning services ($75 per turnover), maintenance reserves ($150/month), platform fees (3% of bookings), and marketing expenses total approximately $8,000-$12,000, assuming 60-70% occupancy rates typical for the Austin metro area market.

Airbnb properties in Manor, Texas typically generate annual revenues between $18,000-$35,000 for entire homes, with average daily rates ranging from $85-$140 depending on property size and amenities. Operating expenses generally consume 40-60% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($40-80 per turnover), property management (15-25% 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 in Manor achieving occupancy rates of 60-75% by targeting Austin visitors seeking affordable alternatives to downtown accommodations. Properties within 5 miles of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport and those featuring pools, hot tubs, or unique amenities like converted barns perform significantly better, with some three-bedroom homes near Circuit of the Americas generating over $45,000 annually during peak racing seasons. Success factors include competitive pricing 20-30% below Austin rates, professional photography, rapid guest communication, and strategic calendar management around major Austin events like SXSW and Formula 1 races, though newer hosts often struggle initially with lower occupancy rates of 30-45% and higher per-guest acquisition costs.

Based on Manor, Texas market conditions as of 2023-2024, Airbnb investments in this Austin suburb typically generate annual ROI of 12-18% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 8-14% depending on property type and location proximity to Austin. Single-family homes near Manor's downtown area or with easy highway access to Austin achieve the higher end of returns, while properties further from main corridors see 10-12% annual ROI. Initial profitability usually occurs within 8-14 months after launch, with full investment recovery typically achieved in 6-8 years. The market benefits from Austin's tech industry growth, with average daily rates of $85-120 and occupancy rates of 65-75% annually, though seasonal fluctuations during SXSW and summer months can boost returns by 20-30% during peak periods.

STRSearch is a leading national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental properties for Airbnb investors in Manor, Texas. Local real estate agents serving the Manor area include Keller Williams Realty, Coldwell Banker United Realtors, and RE/MAX Capital City who have experience with investment properties. National services like BiggerPockets, Mashvisor, and AirDNA provide market analysis and property identification tools for the Austin metro area including Manor. Local property management companies such as RedAwning, AvantStay, and Austin Luxury Rentals offer turnkey Airbnb management services. Real estate investment firms like HomeVestors and BiggerPockets Real Estate LLC also operate in the Texas market. Additionally, companies like Awning, Vacasa, and Hostfully provide comprehensive Airbnb hosting and property management solutions for investors looking to maximize their rental income in Manor's growing short-term rental market, which has seen increased demand due to its proximity to Austin and the Circuit of the Americas racing facility.