Is Springfield, Oregon Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Springfield, Oregon, begin by researching local regulations through the City of Springfield Planning Department, as Springfield requires short-term rental permits and has specific zoning restrictions that typically allow STRs in residential zones with conditions. Contact Springfield's Code Enforcement Division at 541-726-3610 to understand current ordinances, as regulations were updated around 2019-2020 requiring business licenses, safety inspections, and neighbor notification processes. Obtain necessary permits including a City of Springfield business license ($50-100 annually), short-term rental permit ($200-400), and ensure compliance with Oregon state tax requirements by registering with the Oregon Department of Revenue for transient lodging taxes. Find a suitable property in permitted zones, focusing on areas near the University of Oregon corridor or downtown Springfield, with properties typically ranging $200,000-400,000 for starter homes. Furnish the space with essential amenities including quality bedding, kitchen supplies, WiFi, and safety equipment like smoke detectors and fire extinguishers as required by Springfield fire codes. Create your Airbnb listing with professional photos, competitive pricing ($75-150/night for typical Springfield properties), and highlight proximity to Eugene, outdoor recreation, and local attractions. Manage the property by establishing cleaning protocols, guest communication systems, and maintaining compliance with Springfield's requirements for regular safety inspections, noise ordinances, and parking regulations, while considering property management companies like Vacasa or RedAwning if you prefer hands-off management.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Springfield, Oregon, focus on locations within 2-3 miles of the University of Oregon campus, near the McKenzie River recreational areas, and close to downtown Springfield's Gateway district for accessibility to restaurants and shopping. Target 2-4 bedroom single-family homes or condos built after 1980 with dedicated parking, outdoor spaces like patios or decks, and modern amenities including high-speed internet, as these appeal to both university visitors and outdoor enthusiasts visiting the Cascade foothills. Conduct pricing analysis using AirDNA and Mashvisor to benchmark nightly rates between $80-150 depending on size and location, while analyzing seasonal demand patterns around university events, summer outdoor activities, and holiday periods. Research competition by examining existing Airbnb and VRBO listings within a 5-mile radius, noting occupancy rates, guest reviews, and pricing strategies of top-performing properties. Utilize Springfield-specific resources including the Springfield Economic Development Agency for market insights, Lane County tourism data, and local real estate platforms like RMLS to identify properties under $400,000 that can generate 12-18% annual returns after expenses, while ensuring compliance with Springfield's short-term rental regulations and obtaining necessary permits through the city's planning department.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Springfield, Oregon, you must first contact the Springfield Development Services Department at 225 Fifth Street to apply for a Short-Term Rental Business License, which requires submitting a completed application form along with a site plan showing parking areas, a floor plan indicating maximum occupancy, proof of property ownership or rental agreement authorization, general liability insurance certificate for at least $1,000,000, and a good neighbor agreement outlining house rules and contact information for guests. The application fee is approximately $150-200 with an annual renewal fee of around $100, and you must also obtain a City of Springfield business license for an additional $50-75. Required documents include a valid Oregon driver's license or ID, property deed or lease agreement with STR authorization, fire safety inspection certificate, septic system inspection if applicable, and parking plan showing at least one space per bedroom. Springfield requires STRs to maintain quiet hours from 10 PM to 7 AM, limit occupancy to 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, provide adequate parking, maintain the property in good condition, and designate a local contact person available 24/7 within 30 minutes of the property. The approval timeline is typically 4-6 weeks after submitting a complete application, and properties must pass initial inspections before permits are issued, with annual renewals required each January including updated insurance documentation and compliance verification.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are legal in Springfield, Oregon, but operate under specific regulations established by the city. Springfield allows STRs in residential zones with proper licensing and registration requirements, including obtaining a business license and meeting safety standards such as smoke detectors and emergency egress requirements. The city prohibits STRs in certain residential areas where homeowner associations have restrictions, and operators must comply with occupancy limits, parking requirements, and noise ordinances. Recent changes around 2019-2020 included stricter enforcement of existing regulations and enhanced complaint procedures for neighbors. STR operators must also collect and remit transient lodging taxes, maintain liability insurance, and ensure properties meet building and fire codes. The city has implemented a complaint-driven enforcement system and requires annual license renewals, with violations potentially resulting in fines or license revocation.

The best Airbnb investment areas in Springfield, Oregon include the Glenwood neighborhood near the Willamette River, which attracts visitors seeking outdoor recreation like fishing, kayaking, and riverside activities. Downtown Springfield offers proximity to the historic Mill Race and Emerald Art Center, drawing cultural tourists and business travelers visiting local companies like Weyerhaeuser and PeaceHealth. The Gateway area along Main Street provides easy access to both Springfield and Eugene, making it ideal for University of Oregon visitors, parents during graduation and sporting events, and medical tourists visiting nearby hospitals. The Thurston Hills area appeals to families and groups seeking quieter accommodations while remaining close to Autzen Stadium for Oregon Ducks games and Hayward Field for track events. The Mohawk neighborhood offers a suburban feel that attracts longer-term stays from relocating professionals and traveling healthcare workers, while still providing quick access to I-5 for business travelers heading to Portland or other Oregon destinations.

In Springfield, Oregon, Airbnb hosts are subject to both state and local lodging taxes. The Oregon state transient lodging tax is 1.8% of gross rental receipts, while Springfield imposes a local transient occupancy tax of 9% on short-term rental stays of less than 30 days. These taxes apply to all rental income from Airbnb properties and are typically collected by Airbnb directly from guests when the platform has agreements with local jurisdictions, though hosts remain ultimately responsible for ensuring proper remittance. When Airbnb doesn't collect automatically, hosts must register with the Oregon Department of Revenue and the City of Springfield, collect taxes from guests, and remit payments monthly or quarterly depending on volume - state taxes go to the Oregon Department of Revenue while local taxes are paid to Springfield's Finance Department. Properties rented for 30 days or longer are generally exempt from these transient lodging taxes, and some jurisdictions may provide exemptions for stays by government employees or certain nonprofit organizations, though hosts should verify current exemption criteria with local tax authorities as rates and collection procedures can change.

To start an Airbnb in Springfield, Oregon, the total initial costs would be approximately $485,000-$520,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at $380,000-$400,000 based on median home prices in the Springfield market as of 2023-2024. Furnishing costs typically range $15,000-$25,000 for a complete 2-3 bedroom home including furniture, bedding, kitchenware, and décor to create an attractive rental space. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, welcome materials, and basic supplies total around $2,000-$3,000. Permits and fees vary but generally include business license ($100-$200), short-term rental permit ($300-$500), and potential HOA approval fees totaling $500-$1,000. Insurance costs for short-term rental coverage run $1,500-$2,500 annually, with the first year paid upfront. Utilities including electricity, water, sewer, garbage, internet, and cable average $300-$400 monthly or $1,800-$2,400 for six months. First six months operating costs encompass cleaning services ($150-$200 per turnover), maintenance reserves ($200-$300 monthly), Airbnb host fees (3% of bookings), supplies replenishment, and marketing expenses, totaling approximately $8,000-$12,000 depending on occupancy rates and property condition.

Airbnb properties in Springfield, Oregon 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 ($30-50 per turnover), property management (10-20% of revenue), utilities ($150-250 monthly), insurance ($800-1,200 annually), and maintenance costs averaging $2,000-4,000 yearly. Profit margins typically range from 15-35% after all expenses, with successful properties near the University of Oregon or downtown Springfield commanding premium rates during football season and summer months. Properties within walking distance of local attractions like the McKenzie River or featuring unique amenities like hot tubs consistently outperform the market, with some hosts reporting occupancy rates of 70-85% and net profits exceeding $15,000 annually. Key success factors include professional photography, responsive communication, strategic pricing during peak seasons (June-September and university events), and maintaining consistent 4.8+ star ratings through attention to cleanliness and guest experience.

Airbnb investments in Springfield, Oregon typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10% based on current market conditions. Properties in desirable neighborhoods near the University of Oregon corridor or downtown Springfield can achieve higher returns of 10-15% annually, while standard residential properties average 8-10%. Initial profitability usually occurs within 12-18 months for well-positioned properties, with full investment recovery typically achieved in 7-10 years. The Springfield market benefits from consistent demand from university visitors, outdoor recreation tourists visiting nearby Cascade Mountains, and business travelers, with average daily rates of $80-120 and occupancy rates of 65-75% annually. Properties requiring minimal renovation and located within 15 minutes of Eugene tend to perform best, with investors seeing positive cash flow within the first year when leveraging 20-25% down payments on properties valued between $250,000-400,000.

STRSearch is a national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental properties for investors looking in Springfield, Oregon. Local real estate agents like Keller Williams Realty Eugene and Springfield, Coldwell Banker Bain, and RE/MAX Integrity serve the Springfield market with agents experienced in investment properties and vacation rentals. National services include Mashvisor, which provides Airbnb analytics and property search tools, AirDNA for market data and investment analysis, and Awning for turnkey Airbnb investment properties. Regional companies such as Oregon Real Estate Investment Group and Pacific Northwest Property Investors focus on rental property investments throughout Oregon. Local property management companies like Vacasa, RedAwning, and Air Concierge offer full-service Airbnb management for investors. Additional national platforms include Roofstock, BiggerPockets for networking and education, and Rentometer for rental market analysis, all of which can assist investors in identifying and acquiring profitable Airbnb properties in the Springfield, Oregon market.