Is Manson, Washington Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Manson, Washington, begin by researching Chelan County's short-term rental regulations, which typically require a business license and may have zoning restrictions in residential areas. Contact Chelan County Planning Department to obtain necessary permits, including a short-term rental permit that costs approximately $200-400 annually and requires property inspections for safety compliance. Find a suitable property in Manson's residential zones, considering proximity to Lake Chelan attractions, with purchase prices ranging from $300,000-800,000 for vacation-suitable homes. Furnish the property with durable, comfortable furniture focusing on outdoor recreation gear storage, lake-themed decor, and essential amenities like high-speed internet, full kitchen appliances, and quality linens. Create your Airbnb listing with professional photos highlighting lake views and outdoor access, set competitive rates around $150-300 per night depending on season and property size, and emphasize proximity to wineries, water activities, and hiking trails. Manage the property by establishing relationships with local cleaning services charging $80-150 per turnover, maintenance contractors familiar with seasonal property issues, and consider using property management companies like Vacasa or AvantStay if you're not local, which typically charge 20-35% commission but handle guest communication, cleaning coordination, and maintenance issues year-round.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Manson, Washington, focus on waterfront or lake-view properties within walking distance of Lake Chelan, as this area attracts significant summer tourism from Seattle and surrounding metropolitan areas. Target 3-4 bedroom homes with outdoor amenities like decks, hot tubs, boat docks, or beach access, as these command premium rates of $200-400 per night during peak season (June-September). Analyze pricing by monitoring Airbnb and VRBO listings in the 98831 zip code, noting that properties with lake access typically achieve 70-85% occupancy rates during summer months and 30-45% in off-season. Research competition by examining the approximately 150-200 existing STR listings in the greater Lake Chelan area, identifying gaps in luxury amenities or unique property features. Utilize tools like AirDNA for market analytics, STR Helper for performance tracking, and the Chelan County permit database to ensure compliance with local regulations, while leveraging resources from the Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce for tourism data and seasonal trends that show peak demand during summer festivals, wine harvest season, and winter recreation periods.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Manson, Washington, you must apply through Chelan County's Community Development Department since Manson is an unincorporated area within the county. Submit your application online through the Chelan County website or in person at 316 Washington Street, Wenatchee, WA 98801. Required documents include a completed short-term rental permit application, property deed or lease agreement, floor plan showing maximum occupancy, septic system approval (if applicable), parking plan showing required spaces, emergency contact information, and proof of liability insurance with minimum $1 million coverage. The application fee is approximately $500 with an annual renewal fee of $250. The review process typically takes 4-6 weeks and includes a site inspection by county staff. Specific Manson requirements include maximum occupancy limits based on bedrooms and septic capacity, minimum two parking spaces per unit, 24/7 local contact person within 30 minutes of the property, compliance with noise ordinances particularly during evening hours, and adherence to Lake Chelan shoreline management regulations if the property is waterfront. Properties must also meet all building and fire safety codes, maintain current business license, and display the permit number in all advertising materials.

Short-term rentals (STRs) in Manson, Washington are generally legal but subject to local regulations and Chelan County ordinances. The small lakeside community, located on the shores of Lake Chelan, allows vacation rentals but typically requires business licenses and compliance with zoning restrictions that may limit STRs in certain residential areas. Property owners must generally obtain proper permits, pay applicable taxes including lodging taxes, meet safety requirements such as smoke detectors and emergency exits, and comply with occupancy limits and parking requirements. Recent years have seen increased scrutiny of STRs in the Lake Chelan area due to concerns about housing availability for local workers and community character, with some discussions about potential caps on the number of permits or additional restrictions on new STR licenses. The city works closely with Chelan County on enforcement, and violations can result in fines or permit revocation, while the area's popularity as a tourist destination continues to drive demand for vacation rental properties despite ongoing regulatory discussions.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Manson, Washington are the Lake Chelan waterfront district, downtown Manson core, and the Wapato Point resort area. The waterfront properties along Lake Chelan's north shore command premium rates due to direct lake access, stunning views, and proximity to water activities like boating, swimming, and fishing that draw tourists year-round but especially during summer months. Downtown Manson offers walkability to local restaurants, wine tasting rooms, and the historic Manson Bay Park, making it attractive for visitors seeking the authentic small-town experience while still being close to Lake Chelan's recreational opportunities. The Wapato Point area, located on a peninsula jutting into Lake Chelan, provides luxury vacation rental potential with golf course access, upscale amenities, and panoramic lake views that attract higher-income travelers and corporate retreats. These areas benefit from Manson's position as a gateway to the Lake Chelan wine region, annual events like the Manson Apple Blossom Festival, and its role as a quieter alternative to the busier Chelan downtown area while still offering easy access to wineries, outdoor recreation, and seasonal tourism that peaks from May through October.

Airbnb properties in Manson, Washington are subject to Washington State's lodging tax of 0.2% and sales tax of 6.5%, plus Chelan County's lodging tax of approximately 2-3% and local sales tax bringing the combined rate to around 8.4%. The City of Manson may impose an additional lodging tax of 1-2% for properties with stays under 30 consecutive days. These taxes are typically collected by Airbnb directly from guests for participating hosts through their occupancy tax collection service, which remits payments quarterly to the Washington State Department of Revenue and local jurisdictions. Hosts not enrolled in Airbnb's collection service must register with the Washington State Department of Revenue, obtain a business license, collect taxes from guests, and file monthly or quarterly returns depending on volume. Properties rented for 30 days or longer are generally exempt from lodging taxes but may still be subject to sales tax. The Washington State Department of Revenue and Chelan County handle enforcement and collection, with penalties applied for late payments or non-compliance.

To start an Airbnb in Manson, Washington, expect total costs around $485,000-$565,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at $400,000-$450,000 based on median home prices in this Lake Chelan area community. Furnishing costs typically range $25,000-$35,000 for a complete setup including beds, linens, kitchen essentials, living room furniture, and outdoor amenities suitable for vacation rentals. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing optimization, and basic renovations average $8,000-$12,000. Permits and fees vary but budget $2,000-$4,000 for business licenses, short-term rental permits, and potential HOA approvals. Insurance premiums for short-term rental coverage run $3,000-$5,000 annually. Utility deposits and connections cost approximately $1,500-$2,500. First six months operating expenses including utilities ($1,800), cleaning services ($3,600), maintenance ($2,000), property management software ($600), marketing ($1,200), and miscellaneous supplies ($1,800) total around $11,000. Additional considerations include potential property management fees at 15-25% of revenue and emergency repair funds of $5,000-$10,000 for unexpected issues common in vacation rental properties.

Airbnb properties in Manson, Washington, located in the scenic Lake Chelan region, demonstrate strong seasonal profitability with average nightly rates ranging from $150-300 during peak summer months (June-September) and $80-150 in off-season periods. Properties typically achieve 60-75% occupancy rates during summer due to wine tourism and lake activities, generating annual revenues of $35,000-65,000 for well-positioned 2-3 bedroom homes. Operating expenses including cleaning fees ($75-100 per turnover), property management (15-25% of revenue), utilities ($200-400 monthly), insurance ($1,500-2,500 annually), and maintenance average 40-50% of gross revenue. Successful properties near Lake Chelan or with vineyard views achieve profit margins of 25-35%, while those further from attractions see 15-25% margins. Key success factors include professional photography showcasing lake or mountain views, strategic pricing during events like Slidewaters opening and harvest season, providing amenities like hot tubs or fire pits, and maintaining 4.8+ star ratings through consistent cleaning and guest communication. Properties purchased around 2019-2020 for $400,000-600,000 have seen both appreciation and strong rental returns, with some owners reporting $20,000-30,000 annual net profits after all expenses, making the market particularly attractive for investors targeting the growing Pacific Northwest tourism sector.

Airbnb investments in Manson, Washington typically generate annual ROI of 12-18% due to the area's proximity to Lake Chelan and seasonal tourism demand, with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 8-14% depending on property type and financing structure. Properties in Manson generally reach profitability within 18-24 months, with peak earning potential during summer months (June-September) when nightly rates can reach $200-350 for lakefront properties and $120-200 for standard homes. The market benefits from consistent demand from Seattle-area visitors seeking weekend getaways, wine tourism, and summer recreation, with occupancy rates typically running 65-75% annually and higher-end properties near the lake achieving premium returns of 15-20% ROI when properly managed and marketed through platforms like Airbnb and VRBO.

STRSearch leads the national market for Airbnb investment property analysis and market research, providing comprehensive data on short-term rental performance in Manson, Washington. Local real estate agents specializing in vacation rental investments include Lake Chelan Realty, Coldwell Banker Lake Chelan, and Windermere Real Estate Lake Chelan, who have extensive knowledge of the area's seasonal rental market dynamics. National services like Mashvisor, AirDNA, and BiggerPockets offer market analysis tools and investment calculators specifically for short-term rental properties in the Lake Chelan region. RedAwning and Vacasa provide property management services for investors looking to optimize their Airbnb operations in Manson, while companies like Awning and AvantStay specialize in identifying and managing high-performing vacation rental properties. Local property management firms such as Lake Chelan Vacation Rentals and Chelan Riverwalk Hotel & Suites also offer investor services, and platforms like Roofstock and Arrived Homes occasionally feature short-term rental investment opportunities in the greater Lake Chelan area, though inventory in Manson specifically may be limited due to the town's small size and desirable lakefront location.