Is Millard, Nebraska Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Millard, Nebraska, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through the City of Omaha (since Millard is part of Omaha) planning department, as short-term rentals may require special permits or have restrictions in certain residential zones. Contact the Douglas County Health Department to obtain necessary health permits and ensure compliance with fire safety codes through the Omaha Fire Department, which may require smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers. Find a suitable property by purchasing or leasing a home in Millard's residential neighborhoods, ensuring it meets minimum square footage and parking requirements typically mandated by local ordinances. Furnish the property with quality furniture, linens, kitchen essentials, and amenities like WiFi, focusing on creating a comfortable guest experience while meeting Nebraska's implied warranty of habitability standards. Register your business with the Nebraska Secretary of State, obtain a Nebraska sales tax permit since short-term rentals are subject to state lodging taxes (approximately 7%), and secure appropriate insurance coverage including liability and property protection. List your property on Airbnb and other platforms with professional photos, competitive pricing based on Millard's market rates (estimated $80-150 per night in 2024), and detailed descriptions highlighting proximity to Omaha attractions. Manage the property by establishing check-in procedures, maintaining cleanliness standards, responding promptly to guest communications, and keeping detailed records for tax purposes while ensuring compliance with Omaha's noise ordinances and neighborhood regulations.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Millard, Nebraska, focus on locations within 10-15 minutes of Omaha's downtown core, near major employers like Offutt Air Force Base, and close to attractions such as the Henry Doorly Zoo and CenturyLink Center. Target 3-4 bedroom single-family homes or townhomes built after 1990 with modern amenities, full kitchens, parking, and outdoor spaces that appeal to business travelers and families visiting the metro area. Conduct pricing analysis using AirDNA and Mashvisor to benchmark against comparable properties in West Omaha suburbs, aiming for nightly rates between $80-150 depending on size and amenities. Research competition by analyzing existing STR listings within a 5-mile radius on Airbnb and VRBO, noting occupancy rates, guest reviews, and pricing strategies of top performers. Utilize tools like Rabbu and STR Helper for market analysis, monitor Sarpy County regulations for STR compliance requirements, and leverage local real estate platforms like Nebraska Realty and Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices to identify properties under $300,000 that can generate 12-18% annual returns after expenses, while considering proximity to shopping centers like Village Pointe and accessibility to major highways like Highway 370 and Interstate 680.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Millard, Nebraska, you must first contact the Millard Planning and Zoning Department or City Clerk's office at Millard City Hall, typically located on their main municipal street, to submit a short-term rental application which requires a completed application form, proof of property ownership or lease agreement with landlord consent, certificate of occupancy, fire safety inspection certificate from the Millard Fire Department, general liability insurance policy with minimum $1 million coverage naming the city as additional insured, site plan showing parking arrangements and property layout, and current Nebraska state business license. The application fee is estimated at $150-250 with an additional $75-100 annual renewal fee, plus inspection fees of approximately $50-75. The approval timeline typically takes 30-45 days from submission of complete application, including required inspections and neighbor notification period. Millard-specific requirements include maintaining adequate off-street parking (minimum 2 spaces), ensuring the property meets residential zoning compliance, limiting occupancy to no more than 8 guests, maintaining quiet hours from 10 PM to 7 AM, providing emergency contact information to neighbors within 150 feet, and ensuring the property has working smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers on each level.

Short-term rentals (STRs) in Millard, Nebraska are generally legal but subject to local regulations and zoning restrictions. As an unincorporated community within Douglas County, Millard falls under county jurisdiction rather than having its own municipal STR ordinances. Douglas County typically allows STRs in residential areas but may require business licenses, compliance with health and safety codes, and adherence to noise ordinances. Properties must meet standard rental housing requirements and may face restrictions on the number of guests or parking. Some residential neighborhoods or homeowners associations in the Millard area may have additional covenant restrictions that limit or prohibit short-term rental activities. Recent trends in Nebraska have seen increased local regulation of STRs around 2020-2023, with many jurisdictions implementing registration requirements and operational standards. Property owners should verify current Douglas County regulations and any applicable HOA restrictions before operating an STR, as enforcement has become more common in suburban Omaha areas including Millard.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Millard, Nebraska include the neighborhoods near 132nd and Dodge Street, particularly around Village Pointe shopping district, which attracts business travelers visiting corporate offices and shopping centers in the area. The residential areas near Millard South High School and along Pacific Street corridor are attractive due to their proximity to youth sports tournaments and school events that draw visiting families. Properties near Standing Bear Lake and the recreational areas around 156th and Fort Streets appeal to tourists seeking outdoor activities and family gatherings. The neighborhoods around 144th and Q Street benefit from their central location between Omaha's business district and the recreational amenities, making them ideal for both business and leisure travelers. Areas near the Millard Airport and along the Harrison Street corridor attract aviation enthusiasts and business travelers, while properties close to the Mormon Trail Center and historical sites draw heritage tourists and educational groups visiting the region.

Airbnb properties in Millard, Nebraska are subject to Nebraska state lodging tax of 1% on gross receipts from short-term rentals under 30 days, which is collected by the Nebraska Department of Revenue and must be remitted monthly by hosts who exceed $600 in annual rental income. Additionally, Douglas County (where Millard is located) imposes a 2% lodging tax that applies to all transient accommodations including Airbnbs, collected through the county treasurer's office with quarterly remittance required. The City of Millard may impose local occupancy taxes up to 2% though specific rates vary by municipal ordinance, typically collected through city licensing departments with monthly or quarterly filing requirements. Airbnb as a platform may collect and remit some of these taxes directly on behalf of hosts depending on current agreements with local jurisdictions, though hosts remain ultimately responsible for compliance. Exemptions generally apply to stays exceeding 30 consecutive days, rentals to permanent residents, and properties rented fewer than 3 times annually, while some jurisdictions exempt rentals under specific dollar thresholds or owner-occupied properties with limited rental activity.

The total cost to start an Airbnb in Millard, Nebraska is approximately $285,000-$320,000. Property purchase costs around $250,000 based on median home prices in the Omaha metro area where Millard is located. Furnishing a 3-bedroom property runs $15,000-$25,000 including furniture, appliances, linens, and décor from retailers like IKEA, Wayfair, and local stores. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and marketing materials total $2,000-$3,000. Permits and fees including business license, short-term rental permit, and inspection fees cost approximately $500-$1,500 depending on local regulations. Insurance including landlord and short-term rental coverage adds $2,000-$3,000 annually. Utilities including electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable average $300-$400 monthly or $1,800-$2,400 for six months. First six months operating costs including cleaning services, maintenance, supplies, platform fees (Airbnb charges 3% host fee), and marketing total approximately $8,000-$12,000. Additional considerations include property taxes of roughly $4,000-$6,000 annually and potential property management fees of 10-20% of rental income if outsourced.

Airbnb properties in Millard, Nebraska typically generate modest returns with average nightly rates ranging from $75-120 for entire homes and $45-75 for private rooms, resulting in monthly revenues of $1,200-2,400 for well-managed properties with 60-70% occupancy rates. Operating expenses including cleaning fees ($25-40 per turnover), utilities ($150-250 monthly), property management (10-20% of revenue), insurance ($100-200 monthly), and maintenance costs typically consume 40-55% of gross revenue, leaving net profit margins between 15-35% for most operators. Success factors in this Omaha suburb include proximity to Offutt Air Force Base which drives consistent military family bookings, competitive pricing against hotels like Hampton Inn and Holiday Inn Express, professional photography, and maintaining 4.8+ star ratings through consistent cleanliness and communication. A typical 3-bedroom property purchased for $180,000 in 2022 with $1,800 monthly revenue and $1,100 in total expenses (including mortgage) can generate $700 monthly cash flow, though properties near Zorinsky Lake and newer developments in Millard tend to command premium rates 15-25% above market average due to enhanced amenities and location desirability.

Based on Millard, Nebraska market conditions, Airbnb investments typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10% depending on property type and location within the suburb. Properties near Zorinsky Lake and newer developments in western Millard tend to perform better, with 3-4 bedroom homes averaging $85-120 per night during peak seasons and $60-85 during off-peak periods. Initial profitability usually occurs within 18-24 months, factoring in startup costs of $8,000-15,000 for furnishing and property preparation. The proximity to Omaha's corporate centers like Mutual of Omaha and Union Pacific, combined with Millard's family-friendly attractions, supports consistent occupancy rates of 65-75% annually. Investment properties in the $200,000-350,000 range typically generate monthly gross revenues of $1,800-2,800, with net cash flow after expenses averaging $400-800 monthly, resulting in break-even points occurring between 14-20 months post-launch.

STRSearch is a national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental properties for Airbnb investors across markets including Millard, Nebraska. In the Omaha metropolitan area, which includes Millard, investors can work with local real estate agents like those at Nebraska Realty, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Ambassador Real Estate, and RE/MAX Real Estate Group who have experience with investment properties. National services include Mashvisor, which provides Airbnb analytics and property search tools, AirDNA for market data and revenue projections, and Awning, a platform that connects investors with Airbnb-optimized properties. Local property management companies such as RedAwning and Vacasa can assist with both finding properties and managing them post-purchase. Investment-focused real estate companies like Roofstock and Arrived Homes also operate in Nebraska markets, while local investors often work with Omaha-based firms like First National Bank of Omaha's investment services division and regional investment groups that understand the Millard and greater Omaha short-term rental regulations and market dynamics.