Is Regina, New Mexico Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Regina, New Mexico, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through Sandoval County's planning department, as Regina falls under county jurisdiction rather than municipal control, and verify that short-term rentals are permitted in your specific zone while checking for any required business licenses or permits from the county clerk's office. Find a suitable property by searching real estate listings in Regina, considering proximity to attractions like Santa Fe (30 minutes away) and Albuquerque (45 minutes), ensuring the property has reliable internet, adequate parking, and meets safety standards including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers as required by New Mexico state law. Furnish the property with essential amenities including comfortable bedding, basic kitchen supplies, toiletries, towels, and local guidebooks highlighting nearby attractions like Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument and Cochiti Lake, while ensuring compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act requirements if applicable. Create your Airbnb listing with high-quality photos, detailed descriptions emphasizing the rural New Mexico experience and proximity to Santa Fe, competitive pricing based on similar properties in the area (typically $75-150 per night for the region), and clear house rules. Manage your property by establishing cleaning protocols between guests, maintaining responsive communication with visitors, coordinating key exchanges or installing smart locks, keeping detailed records for tax purposes including New Mexico's lodgers tax (5% state rate plus any applicable local taxes), and regularly updating your listing based on guest feedback and seasonal demand patterns.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Regina, New Mexico, focus on locations within 15-20 minutes of major attractions like outdoor recreation areas, historic sites, or business districts, prioritizing properties with mountain or desert views and easy highway access. Seek 2-4 bedroom homes built after 1990 with modern amenities, outdoor spaces like patios or hot tubs, reliable internet, and parking for multiple vehicles, as these features command premium rates of $120-200 per night in the Regina market. Conduct pricing analysis using AirDNA and Mashvisor to identify properties where potential STR revenue exceeds long-term rental income by 40-60%, typically requiring purchase prices under $250,000 to maintain healthy profit margins after expenses. Research competition within a 5-mile radius using Airbnb and VRBO searches to identify gaps in amenities or pricing, targeting areas with fewer than 10 active listings to reduce saturation. Utilize tools like BiggerPockets for market analysis, connect with local real estate agents familiar with STR regulations, monitor the Santa Fe Regional Planning Organization for development plans that could impact tourism, and join New Mexico STR investor groups on Facebook for market-specific insights and regulatory updates.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Regina, New Mexico, contact the San Miguel County Planning and Zoning Department at 505-425-9331 or visit their office at 3394 State Road 518 in Espanola, as Regina falls under county jurisdiction rather than municipal control. Required documents typically include a completed short-term rental application, property deed or lease agreement, floor plan showing maximum occupancy, septic system inspection certificate, water quality test results, fire safety inspection report, liability insurance certificate ($1 million minimum), and business registration with the New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department for gross receipts tax. Application fees generally range from $150-300 initially with annual renewal fees of $75-150, plus state lodgers tax registration. The approval timeline is typically 4-6 weeks after submitting complete documentation. San Miguel County requires STRs to maintain maximum occupancy of 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, provide adequate parking (1 space per bedroom), install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in all sleeping areas, maintain a 24-hour local contact person within 30 miles, and comply with septic system capacity limits which may restrict guest numbers in rural areas like Regina.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are legal in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada, but are subject to municipal regulations and licensing requirements. The City of Regina requires STR operators to obtain a business license and comply with zoning bylaws, with most residential areas allowing STRs as a secondary use. Properties must meet safety standards including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers, while operators must maintain liability insurance and collect applicable taxes. Recent changes around 2019-2020 introduced more structured licensing processes and clearer operational guidelines, including limits on the number of guests and requirements for local contact persons. STRs are generally prohibited in certain residential zones where they would conflict with neighborhood character, and the city has implemented complaint-driven enforcement mechanisms. Regina's approach balances tourism accommodation needs with residential community concerns, requiring operators to register with the city and follow specific operational standards while allowing the practice to continue as a legitimate business activity.

The best Airbnb investment areas in Regina, New Mexico would be the historic downtown district near the Plaza area, which attracts tourists interested in southwestern culture and architecture, particularly during the annual Harvest Festival and Christmas celebrations. The residential neighborhoods within walking distance of the Santa Fe Trail historical sites offer strong potential due to heritage tourism and educational travel. Areas near the local business district and government offices provide steady demand from business travelers and contractors working with state agencies. The neighborhoods close to recreational areas like the nearby state parks and hiking trails appeal to outdoor enthusiasts and weekend visitors from Albuquerque and Santa Fe. Properties near the main highway corridors (US-285) capture travelers passing through to larger destinations while offering lower property acquisition costs compared to major tourist cities, making Regina an attractive secondary market for investors seeking affordable entry points with moderate but consistent rental demand.

In Regina, New Mexico, Airbnb hosts are subject to New Mexico's Lodging Tax of 5% on gross receipts from short-term rental accommodations, which applies to stays of less than 30 consecutive days. This tax is collected by the New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department and must be remitted monthly by the 25th of the following month if gross receipts exceed $100 monthly, with hosts required to register for a CRS (Combined Reporting System) number. Additionally, hosts must collect and remit the state Gross Receipts Tax at a rate of approximately 5.125% (which varies slightly by location), and local municipal lodging taxes may apply depending on Regina's specific ordinances, typically ranging from 2-4%. Airbnb may collect and remit these taxes automatically for hosts in some cases through their tax collection service, but hosts remain ultimately responsible for compliance. Properties rented for 30 days or more consecutively are generally exempt from lodging taxes, and some jurisdictions provide exemptions for stays related to medical treatment or government business, though hosts should verify current local requirements with Sandoval County and state tax authorities as regulations frequently change.

To start an Airbnb in Regina, New Mexico, expect total costs around $285,000-$320,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at approximately $180,000-$220,000 based on median home prices in rural New Mexico communities. Furnishing costs typically range $15,000-$25,000 for a complete 2-3 bedroom setup including beds, linens, kitchen essentials, living room furniture, and décor. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, welcome materials, and basic renovations average $3,000-$5,000. Permits and fees vary but budget $500-$1,500 for business licenses, short-term rental permits, and potential HOA approvals. Insurance including landlord coverage and short-term rental protection runs $2,000-$3,500 annually. Utility deposits and connections for electricity, water, gas, internet, and cable total approximately $1,000-$2,000. First six months operating costs including utilities ($600-$900 monthly), cleaning services ($100-$150 per turnover), maintenance reserves, property management software, and marketing budget approximately $8,000-$12,000. Additional considerations include potential property improvements, emergency fund reserves, and local tax obligations which could add another $10,000-$15,000 to initial investment requirements.

Airbnb properties in Regina, New Mexico show moderate profitability potential with average nightly rates ranging from $85-120 for typical 2-3 bedroom properties, generating approximately $2,500-4,200 monthly revenue during peak seasons (summer months and ski season) with occupancy rates around 65-75%. Operating expenses typically include property management fees (15-25%), cleaning costs ($40-60 per turnover), utilities ($150-250 monthly), insurance ($100-150 monthly), and maintenance reserves (5-8% of revenue), resulting in net profit margins of 25-35% for well-managed properties. Success factors include proximity to outdoor recreation areas like the Santa Fe National Forest, competitive pricing strategies, professional photography, and responsive guest communication, with properties featuring amenities like hot tubs, mountain views, or ski equipment storage commanding premium rates. A typical case study shows a 3-bedroom mountain cabin purchased for $280,000 in 2021 generating $45,000 annual revenue with $28,000 in expenses, yielding a 6.1% cash-on-cash return, though properties closer to Santa Fe (45 minutes away) or with unique features like adobe architecture can achieve 8-12% returns due to higher demand from tourists seeking authentic Southwestern experiences.

Airbnb investments in Regina, New Mexico typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10% depending on property type and location within the market. Properties in Regina generally reach profitability within 18-24 months, with vacation rental occupancy rates averaging 65-75% annually due to the area's proximity to outdoor recreation and regional attractions. Initial investment recovery timeframes vary from 8-12 years for most properties, with higher-end vacation homes near recreational areas achieving the upper end of ROI ranges at 10-12%, while standard residential properties converted to short-term rentals typically see 8-10% returns. Cash-on-cash returns of 8-10% are achievable with 20-25% down payments, and properties with unique amenities or prime locations can exceed these benchmarks by 1-2 percentage points.

STRSearch is a leading national platform that helps investors identify profitable short-term rental properties in Regina, New Mexico, by providing data analytics on occupancy rates, revenue potential, and market trends. Local real estate agents specializing in investment properties include Keller Williams Santa Fe (established 1983) and Coldwell Banker Mountain Properties, both of which have agents experienced in vacation rental investments in the Regina area. RE/MAX Mountain States and Century 21 also maintain offices serving the region with agents knowledgeable about Airbnb investment opportunities. National services include Mashvisor, which offers market analysis tools for short-term rental investments, and AirDNA, providing comprehensive data on Airbnb performance metrics for the area. Vacasa, founded in 2009, offers property management services for short-term rentals and can assist with property acquisition advice. BiggerPockets, the real estate investment community platform, connects investors with local professionals and resources specific to New Mexico markets. Local property management companies like Santa Fe Vacation Rentals and Adobe Destinations can provide insights into profitable properties while offering management services post-purchase.