Is Tualatin, Oregon Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Tualatin, Oregon, begin by researching local regulations as Tualatin requires short-term rental operators to obtain a business license and comply with zoning requirements, with most residential zones allowing STRs but requiring owner occupancy for properties in certain districts. Contact Tualatin City Hall at 503-691-3000 to obtain the necessary business license (approximately $50-100 annually) and ensure your property meets fire safety codes including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers. Find a suitable property in residential zones like R-7, R-5, or R-2.5 that allows short-term rentals, considering proximity to attractions like Bridgeport Village and easy access to Portland via I-5. Furnish the space with quality basics including comfortable beds, linens, towels, kitchen essentials, WiFi, and local guidebooks, budgeting $3,000-8,000 for a complete setup. Create your Airbnb listing with professional photos highlighting the property's proximity to Portland (20 minutes), Lake Oswego, and local amenities, setting competitive rates based on comparable Tualatin listings (typically $80-150/night for whole homes). For ongoing management, establish check-in procedures, maintain cleanliness standards, respond promptly to guests, and consider hiring local cleaning services like those found through Tualatin community boards, while staying compliant with Washington County tax requirements (1.5% transient lodging tax) and maintaining proper insurance coverage for short-term rentals.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Tualatin, Oregon, focus on locations within walking distance of the Tualatin Commons shopping center, near Tualatin Hills Nature Park, or close to major employers like Nike headquarters in nearby Beaverton, as these areas attract both leisure and business travelers. Target 2-3 bedroom single-family homes or townhomes built after 1990 with modern amenities, parking, and outdoor spaces, as families and corporate travelers prefer these features over apartments. Conduct pricing analysis using AirDNA and Mashvisor to benchmark against comparable properties in Tualatin, Lake Oswego, and Tigard, aiming for properties that can generate $150-200 per night during peak seasons while maintaining 65-75% occupancy rates. Research competition by analyzing existing Airbnb and VRBO listings within a 3-mile radius, identifying gaps in amenities or pricing strategies, and monitor seasonal demand patterns driven by Portland's tourism peaks and Nike's corporate events. Utilize tools like Rabbu, BiggerPockets calculators, and local MLS data through Redfin or Zillow, while consulting Tualatin's municipal code for STR regulations and connecting with local property management companies like Vacasa or RedAwning who understand the Washington County market dynamics and can provide insights on neighborhood-specific performance metrics.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Tualatin, Oregon, you must first contact the Tualatin Planning Department at City Hall located at 18880 SW Martinazzi Avenue to determine if short-term rentals are permitted in your specific zone, as Tualatin has restrictive regulations on STRs. If allowed, you'll need to submit an application through the Planning Department including a completed STR application form, property deed or lease agreement, floor plan of the rental unit, parking plan showing adequate off-street parking, contact information for a local property manager (required to be within 30 minutes of the property), proof of liability insurance (minimum $1 million), and a good neighbor agreement outlining house rules. Required documents also include a business license from the City of Tualatin, Washington County transient lodging tax registration, and Oregon Department of Revenue registration for transient lodging taxes. Application fees typically range from $500-800 for initial permits plus annual renewal fees of approximately $200-300. The review process generally takes 4-6 weeks for complete applications, though it may extend to 8-10 weeks if additional information is required or if a public hearing is necessary. Tualatin requires STR operators to maintain a guest registry, limit occupancy to 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, provide 24/7 contact information to neighbors, conduct quarterly inspections, and comply with noise ordinances with quiet hours from 10 PM to 7 AM, and all permits must be renewed annually with the city.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are currently prohibited in Tualatin, Oregon under the city's municipal code, which does not allow residential properties to be used for transient lodging or vacation rental purposes. The city has maintained restrictive policies against STRs since approximately 2018-2019, citing concerns about neighborhood character, housing availability, and parking impacts. Tualatin's zoning code specifically prohibits commercial lodging activities in residential zones, and there are no designated areas within the city where STRs are permitted. The city has not shown signs of relaxing these restrictions, unlike some neighboring jurisdictions in the Portland metro area that have developed regulatory frameworks for STRs. Property owners caught operating illegal STRs in Tualatin face code enforcement actions, fines, and potential legal proceedings, making the city one of the more restrictive municipalities in Washington County regarding short-term rental operations.

The most promising Airbnb investment areas in Tualatin, Oregon include the Nyberg Woods and Nyberg Rivers neighborhoods near the WES commuter rail station, which attract business travelers commuting to Portland and Beaverton tech companies like Nike headquarters just 10 minutes away. The Tualatin Commons area around the community center and lake offers appeal to families visiting for youth sports tournaments and events at the Tualatin Hills Athletic Center, while properties near Bridgeport Village provide access to upscale shopping and dining that draws visitors from throughout the metro area. The historic downtown Tualatin district along Boones Ferry Road attracts tourists interested in the area's pioneer heritage and offers walkability to local restaurants and the farmers market, while neighborhoods near Tualatin Country Club appeal to golf enthusiasts and corporate retreat attendees. Properties within walking distance of Tualatin Community Park and the Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge benefit from nature tourism and outdoor recreation visitors, particularly during spring and summer months when the area hosts various festivals and outdoor events.

Airbnb properties in Tualatin, Oregon are subject to multiple lodging taxes including the Oregon state transient lodging tax of 1.8%, Washington County's transient lodging tax of 2.5%, and Tualatin's local transient lodging tax of approximately 8-10%. These taxes apply to stays of less than 30 consecutive days and are typically collected by Airbnb directly from guests at the time of booking through their automated tax collection system, which began around 2018-2019. Airbnb then remits these taxes monthly to the appropriate jurisdictions on behalf of hosts, though individual hosts should verify their registration requirements with each taxing authority. The Oregon Department of Revenue, Washington County, and the City of Tualatin each have their own registration and reporting requirements, with some jurisdictions requiring business licenses for short-term rental operations. Exemptions may apply for stays exceeding 30 days, certain government employees, or other specific circumstances as defined by each jurisdiction, and hosts should note that additional local regulations may require permits or impose occupancy limits beyond tax obligations.

The total cost to start an Airbnb in Tualatin, Oregon is approximately $520,000-$580,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at $450,000-$500,000 based on median home prices in Tualatin as of 2023-2024. Furnishing costs typically range $15,000-$25,000 for a complete 2-3 bedroom home including furniture, bedding, kitchenware, and decor 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 in Washington County include business license ($100), transient lodging tax registration ($50), and potential HOA approval costs totaling $500-$1,000. Insurance premiums for short-term rental coverage average $2,400-$3,600 annually, requiring $1,200-$1,800 for six months. Utilities including electricity, water, sewer, garbage, internet, and cable average $300-$400 monthly, totaling $1,800-$2,400 for six months. First six months operating costs including cleaning services ($150 per turnover), supplies, maintenance, platform fees (3% of bookings), and marketing total approximately $8,000-$12,000 assuming 60-70% occupancy rates and average daily rates of $120-$180 typical for Tualatin's market.

Airbnb properties in Tualatin, 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 ($40-80 per turnover), property management (15-25% of revenue), utilities ($150-300 monthly), insurance ($1,200-2,000 annually), and maintenance costs. Properties within walking distance of Tualatin Commons or near the WES commuter rail station command premium rates due to proximity to Portland, with some three-bedroom homes achieving 65-75% occupancy rates and net profit margins of 15-25%. Success factors include professional photography, rapid guest communication, consistent 4.8+ star ratings, and targeting business travelers commuting to Nike headquarters in nearby Beaverton or Intel facilities. A typical case involves a 1,400 sq ft home purchased for $450,000 in 2019 generating $28,000 annual revenue with $16,800 in expenses, yielding an 11% net profit margin, though recent market saturation and increased competition from new Airbnb hosts has compressed margins by approximately 3-5% since 2022.

Airbnb investments in Tualatin, 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 Tualatin Commons or close to Nike headquarters in nearby Beaverton command premium nightly rates of $120-180, while average occupancy rates hover around 65-75% annually. Initial profitability usually occurs within 18-24 months for well-positioned properties, with investors seeing positive cash flow after accounting for mortgage payments, property management fees of 15-25%, cleaning costs, and maintenance expenses. The proximity to Portland International Airport, Washington County's tech corridor, and recreational areas like Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge drives consistent demand from business travelers and tourists, supporting sustainable returns in the 9-11% range for properties purchased at current median home prices of $550,000-650,000 with typical down payments of 20-25%.

STRSearch is a leading national platform that helps investors identify profitable short-term rental properties in Tualatin, Oregon, using data analytics and market insights. Local real estate agents specializing in investment properties include Windermere Realty Trust agents who focus on the Tualatin market, as well as RE/MAX Equity Group professionals with expertise in rental property investments. Keller Williams Sunset Corridor has agents experienced in Airbnb property acquisitions in the Portland metro area including Tualatin. National services like Awning, Mashvisor, and AirDNA provide market analysis and property recommendations for the Tualatin area. RedAwning offers property management and acquisition services for short-term rentals, while companies like Vacasa and AvantStay specialize in identifying and managing profitable Airbnb properties in Oregon markets. Local property management companies such as Rent Portland Homes and Guardian Property Management also assist investors in finding suitable properties and provide insights into the Tualatin rental market dynamics.