Is Mather, California Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Mather, California, begin by researching Sacramento County's short-term rental regulations since Mather falls under county jurisdiction, which typically requires a business license and transient occupancy tax registration with rates around 10-14%. Contact Sacramento County Planning Department to obtain necessary permits including a short-term rental permit and ensure zoning compliance, as some residential areas may have restrictions on commercial activities. Find a suitable property by purchasing or leasing in residential neighborhoods like Mather Regional Park area or near Mills Station, ensuring the lease allows short-term rentals if renting. Furnish the property with essential amenities including quality bedding, kitchen supplies, WiFi, smart TV, and safety equipment like smoke detectors and fire extinguishers, budgeting approximately $5,000-15,000 for a complete setup. List your property on Airbnb and other platforms like VRBO, creating compelling descriptions and professional photos highlighting proximity to Sacramento, Mather Airport, and local attractions. Manage the property by establishing check-in procedures, hiring local cleaning services, maintaining competitive pricing around $80-150 per night depending on size and amenities, responding promptly to guest inquiries, and ensuring compliance with Sacramento County's tax collection requirements by remitting transient occupancy taxes monthly.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Mather, California, focus on locations within 15-20 minutes of Sacramento International Airport and near Mather Regional Park, as these areas attract both business travelers and outdoor enthusiasts. Target 3-4 bedroom single-family homes built after 1990 with modern amenities, parking for multiple vehicles, and outdoor spaces like patios or yards, as families and groups visiting nearby military facilities and recreational areas prefer these features. Conduct pricing analysis by researching comparable Airbnb and VRBO listings in Mather and surrounding areas like Rancho Cordova and Folsom, aiming for properties that can generate $150-250 per night with 60-70% occupancy rates. Research competition using AirDNA and Mashvisor to analyze existing STR density, average daily rates, and seasonal demand patterns, particularly noting increased demand during summer months when Mather Regional Park and nearby lakes are popular. Utilize tools like Rentometer for long-term rental comparisons, BiggerPockets calculators for ROI analysis, and local MLS data through Sacramento Regional MLS, while also consulting Sacramento County's short-term rental regulations and connecting with local real estate agents familiar with Mather's emerging STR market dynamics.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Mather, California, you must apply through Sacramento County's Planning and Environmental Review Department since Mather is an unincorporated area, with applications submitted online through the county's permit portal or in person at 827 7th Street, Sacramento, CA 95814. Required documents include a completed short-term rental application, property deed or lease agreement, floor plan showing maximum occupancy, parking plan demonstrating adequate spaces, neighborhood notification list of properties within 300 feet, liability insurance certificate for minimum $1 million coverage, business license, and TOT (Transient Occupancy Tax) registration. The application fee is approximately $1,200-$1,500 with additional inspection fees of $200-$400, and you must register for TOT collection which is 12% in Sacramento County. The timeline typically takes 60-90 days from submission to approval, including a 30-day public comment period and required inspections. Specific Mather requirements include maximum occupancy of 2 guests per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, minimum 2 parking spaces on-site, 24/7 local contact person within 30 minutes of property, noise ordinance compliance with quiet hours 10 PM to 7 AM, annual permit renewal, and adherence to all fire safety codes including smoke detectors in each bedroom and common areas, with properties near McClellan Airport subject to additional noise disclosure requirements.

Short-term rentals (STRs) in Mather, California operate under Sacramento County's regulations since Mather is an unincorporated community within the county. As of 2023, Sacramento County allows STRs but requires hosts to obtain a Transient Occupancy Registration Certificate and comply with specific operating standards including occupancy limits, parking requirements, noise restrictions, and 24/7 contact availability. The county implemented these regulations around 2019-2020 following community concerns about neighborhood impacts. STRs must maintain occupancy limits of two guests per bedroom plus two additional guests, provide adequate parking, and cannot operate in areas zoned exclusively for agricultural use. Recent changes have strengthened enforcement mechanisms and increased penalties for violations, with the county conducting regular compliance monitoring. Hosts must also collect and remit transient occupancy taxes, maintain liability insurance, and ensure properties meet health and safety standards, making STRs legal but heavily regulated in the Mather area.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Mather, California include the neighborhoods near Mather Regional Park and the Sacramento County Airport area, which attract visitors for outdoor recreation, fishing, and aviation-related business travel. The historic Mather Field area appeals to military history enthusiasts and families visiting the nearby veterans' facilities. Properties close to the American River Parkway and Folsom Lake recreation areas (within 15-20 minutes) capture overflow tourism from Sacramento's more expensive markets while offering access to water sports, hiking, and cycling activities. The residential areas along Douglas Road and near Mather Golf Course attract corporate travelers and families visiting Sacramento who prefer quieter, more affordable accommodations outside the city center. Additionally, properties near the intersection of Highway 50 and Sunrise Boulevard benefit from easy freeway access, making them attractive to visitors exploring the greater Sacramento region, wine country day trips, and business travelers needing convenient transportation to downtown Sacramento, Folsom, or El Dorado Hills.

Airbnb properties in Mather, California are subject to multiple lodging taxes including Sacramento County's Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) of 12% on gross rental receipts for stays under 30 days, which applies to all short-term rentals and is collected by Airbnb directly from guests and remitted to the county on behalf of hosts. Additionally, hosts may be subject to California state sales tax of 7.25% plus local district taxes that can bring the total to approximately 8.75-10%, though short-term rental platforms like Airbnb typically collect and remit TOT but not sales tax, requiring hosts to register with the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) and file quarterly returns for sales tax obligations. The Sacramento County TOT is collected monthly by Airbnb and remitted to the county by the 15th of the following month, while hosts must obtain a TOT certificate from Sacramento County even when using collection services. Exemptions generally apply to stays of 30 days or longer, government employees on official business, and certain nonprofit organizations, though hosts should verify current exemption criteria with Sacramento County as regulations can change.

The total cost to start an Airbnb in Mather, California would be approximately $650,000-$750,000. Property purchase costs around $550,000-$600,000 based on median home prices in the Sacramento County area where Mather is located. Furnishing a 3-bedroom property would cost $15,000-$25,000 including furniture, appliances, linens, and decor. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and basic renovations would be $3,000-$5,000. Permits and fees including business license, transient occupancy tax registration, and potential HOA approvals would cost $500-$1,500. Insurance including landlord and short-term rental coverage would be $2,000-$3,000 annually. Utilities setup and deposits for electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable would cost $500-$1,000. First six months operating costs including utilities ($600/month), cleaning services ($100 per turnover, estimated 15 turnovers), maintenance and supplies ($200/month), platform fees (3% of estimated $3,000 monthly revenue), and marketing would total approximately $8,000-$12,000. Property taxes and mortgage costs would depend on financing terms but should be factored into the overall investment calculation.

Airbnb properties in Mather, California, typically generate annual revenues ranging from $18,000 to $35,000 for single-family homes, with average daily rates between $85-140 depending on property size and amenities. Operating expenses generally consume 40-60% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($50-80 per turnover), property management (15-25% of revenue), utilities ($150-250 monthly), insurance ($1,200-2,000 annually), and maintenance costs averaging $2,000-4,000 yearly. Properties near Mather Regional Park and those offering family-friendly amenities like pools or game rooms achieve higher occupancy rates of 65-75% compared to basic listings at 45-55%. A typical 3-bedroom home generating $28,000 annually faces approximately $16,000 in expenses, yielding net profits of $12,000 or roughly 43% margins. Success factors include proximity to Sacramento International Airport (15 minutes away), competitive pricing against nearby Rancho Cordova and Folsom properties, professional photography, and responsive guest communication. Properties managed by companies like Vacasa or RedAwning in the area report 10-15% higher occupancy rates but sacrifice 20-30% of revenue to management fees, while owner-operated properties maintain better profit margins but require significant time investment for guest services and property maintenance.

Airbnb investments in Mather, California typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10%, based on the area's proximity to Sacramento and average property values of $450,000-$650,000. Properties in Mather generally achieve profitability within 18-24 months, with average daily rates of $120-$180 and occupancy rates of 65-75% annually. The market benefits from business travelers visiting nearby Mather Airport and families visiting UC Davis, with seasonal peaks during summer months and university events driving higher returns. Initial investment requirements typically range from $90,000-$130,000 for down payments and renovations, while monthly rental income averages $2,800-$4,200 depending on property size and amenities. The timeframe to break even on initial capital investment is approximately 2-3 years, with stronger performance expected from properties within 15 minutes of major Sacramento employment centers and transportation hubs.

STRSearch leads the national market for Airbnb investment property analysis and market research, providing comprehensive data on short-term rental performance in Mather, California. Local real estate agents specializing in investment properties include Keller Williams Realty agents who focus on Sacramento County investment opportunities, RE/MAX Gold agents with Airbnb expertise, and Coldwell Banker residential investment specialists. National services include Mashvisor (founded 2014) for property analysis, AirDNA for market data and revenue projections, Awning for turnkey Airbnb investments, Roofstock for online real estate investing, and RedfinNow for quick property acquisitions. Local property management companies serving Mather include Vacasa, which expanded to Sacramento area in 2018, and regional firms like Capital Property Management and Sacramento Short Term Rental Management. Investment-focused real estate brokerages such as BiggerPockets-affiliated agents, HomeVestors franchisees, and local investor groups through Sacramento Real Estate Investors Association provide additional resources for identifying profitable short-term rental opportunities in the Mather market, which benefits from proximity to Sacramento and Folsom Lake recreational areas.