Is Wimberley, Texas Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Wimberley, Texas, begin by researching local regulations through Hays County and the City of Wimberley, as the area requires short-term rental permits and compliance with zoning ordinances that typically cost $200-400 annually and may require neighbor notification within 200 feet of your property. Obtain necessary permits including a Texas sales tax permit, business license, and short-term rental permit from Hays County, while ensuring your property meets fire safety codes and has proper smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. Find a suitable property in residential zones that allow short-term rentals, focusing on areas near the Blanco River or downtown Wimberley where tourists prefer to stay, with properties typically ranging from $300,000-800,000 depending on size and location. Furnish the space with durable, comfortable furniture emphasizing the Hill Country aesthetic, including essentials like quality linens, kitchen supplies, WiFi, and outdoor furniture to take advantage of Texas weather, budgeting approximately $15,000-25,000 for a complete furnishing. List your property on Airbnb and VRBO platforms with professional photography highlighting unique features like river access, proximity to Jacob's Well, or scenic hill country views, setting competitive rates between $150-350 per night based on local market analysis. Manage the property by establishing cleaning protocols between guests, responding promptly to inquiries, coordinating check-ins/check-outs, maintaining the property regularly, and potentially hiring local property management companies like Vacasa or RedAwning if you live outside the area, while budgeting 25-30% of gross revenue for operational expenses including cleaning, maintenance, and platform fees.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Wimberley, Texas, focus on locations within 1-2 miles of the Blanco River, Cypress Creek, or Jacob's Well, as these natural attractions drive high demand year-round. Target properties with 2-4 bedrooms, outdoor amenities like fire pits, hot tubs, or river access, and rustic Hill Country charm that appeals to Austin and San Antonio visitors seeking weekend getaways. Analyze pricing using AirDNA and Mashvisor to benchmark against similar properties, aiming for $150-300 per night depending on size and amenities, with peak demand during spring break, summer months, and fall foliage season. Research competition by studying the top 20 STR listings in Wimberley on Airbnb and VRBO, noting their occupancy rates, pricing strategies, and guest reviews to identify market gaps. Utilize tools like Rabbu, STR Helper, and local market reports from Vacasa or RedAwning, while connecting with Wimberley-area real estate agents familiar with STR regulations and the tourism market driven by Blue Hole Regional Park, Wimberley Market Days, and the town's proximity to Austin's tech workforce seeking rural retreats.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Wimberley, Texas, you must first contact the City of Wimberley Planning and Zoning Department at City Hall located at 15403 Ranch Road 12, as Wimberley requires short-term rental permits for properties rented for less than 30 days. You'll need to submit a completed STR permit application along with required documents including proof of property ownership or lease agreement, a site plan showing parking areas and property boundaries, proof of liability insurance (typically $1 million minimum), a floor plan of the rental unit, contact information for a local property manager or responsible party available 24/7, and evidence of compliance with fire safety codes. The application fee is approximately $200-300 with an annual renewal fee of around $150-200. You must also ensure the property complies with Wimberley's specific requirements including maximum occupancy limits (typically 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional), adequate off-street parking (usually 1 space per bedroom), proper septic system capacity if not on city sewer, and adherence to noise ordinances and quiet hours typically from 10 PM to 7 AM. The approval process generally takes 4-6 weeks after submitting a complete application, and you may need to schedule an inspection before final approval. Once approved, you must display the permit number in all advertising and maintain compliance with ongoing requirements including guest registration, noise management, and annual permit renewal.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are legal in Wimberley, Texas, but operate under specific regulations established by the city. As of 2023, Wimberley requires STR operators to obtain a permit and comply with occupancy limits, parking requirements, and noise ordinances. Properties must maintain adequate parking spaces for guests and cannot exceed maximum occupancy based on bedroom count. The city prohibits STRs in certain residential zones and requires a minimum distance between rental properties in some areas. Recent changes include stricter enforcement of noise violations and enhanced permit renewal processes, with the city implementing a complaint-driven system for violations. STR operators must also collect and remit local hotel occupancy taxes and maintain liability insurance. The regulations aim to balance tourism revenue with neighborhood character preservation, particularly important given Wimberley's popularity as a Hill Country destination near the Blanco River.

The most attractive Airbnb investment areas in Wimberley, Texas include the Blanco River corridor properties which offer direct river access for swimming, tubing, and kayaking that draws thousands of summer visitors, the historic downtown district near Wimberley Square where tourists flock for shopping at local boutiques and dining at establishments like The Leaning Pear, and the Cypress Creek area which provides scenic hill country views and proximity to popular swimming holes like Blue Hole and Jacob's Well. The Devil's Backbone scenic drive region attracts visitors year-round for its stunning vistas and wine trail access, while properties near Wimberley Valley Winery and other local vineyards benefit from wine tourism and wedding events. Areas close to Pioneer Town and the Wimberley Market Days (held monthly from April through December) see consistent demand, and neighborhoods within walking distance of the EmilyAnn Theatre draw visitors attending performances and the annual Butterfly Festival. Properties offering hill country privacy with amenities like hot tubs and fire pits perform exceptionally well due to Wimberley's reputation as a romantic weekend getaway destination for Austin and San Antonio residents seeking escape from city life.

Airbnb properties in Wimberley, Texas are subject to multiple lodging taxes including the Texas state hotel occupancy tax of 6%, Hays County hotel occupancy tax of 7%, and the City of Wimberley hotel occupancy tax of 7%, totaling approximately 20% in combined occupancy taxes on short-term rental stays. These taxes are typically collected by Airbnb directly from guests at the time of booking and remitted to the appropriate tax authorities on behalf of hosts, though individual hosts should verify their registration status with each jurisdiction. The Texas Comptroller requires registration for state tax collection, while Hays County and the City of Wimberley have their own registration and remittance procedures that may require monthly or quarterly filings depending on revenue thresholds. Exemptions generally apply to stays exceeding 30 consecutive days, certain government and nonprofit organization bookings, and in some cases religious or charitable organization stays, though specific exemption criteria vary by jurisdiction and hosts should consult current tax codes as rates and procedures are subject to change.

The total cost to start an Airbnb in Wimberley, Texas is approximately $485,000-$565,000. Property purchase costs around $400,000-$450,000 based on median home prices in the area as of 2023. Furnishing a 2-3 bedroom property runs $15,000-$25,000 including beds, sofas, dining sets, appliances, linens, and decor to create an attractive rental space. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, welcome materials, and basic supplies total $2,000-$3,000. Permits and fees including short-term rental permits, business licenses, and HOA approvals range from $500-$1,500 depending on local regulations. Insurance for short-term rentals costs $2,000-$3,000 annually, significantly higher than standard homeowner's insurance. Utility setup and deposits for electricity, water, gas, internet, and cable run $500-$800. First six months of operating costs including utilities ($1,800), cleaning services ($3,600), property management software ($300), maintenance reserves ($2,000), marketing ($1,000), and miscellaneous supplies ($1,000) total approximately $9,700. Additional considerations include potential property management fees of 15-25% if using a management company, which would add $3,000-$5,000 to initial costs for marketing and setup services.

Airbnb properties in Wimberley, Texas demonstrate strong profitability potential with average daily rates ranging from $150-300 for typical 2-3 bedroom properties, generating monthly revenues of $3,000-6,000 during peak seasons (spring through fall) when tourists visit for river activities and events like the Market Days festival. Operating expenses typically include 25-30% for cleaning and maintenance, 3% Airbnb service fees, 8-12% property management if outsourced, utilities averaging $200-400 monthly, insurance premiums of $1,200-2,000 annually, and property taxes around $3,000-5,000 yearly for median-priced homes. Successful properties near the Blanco River or Cypress Creek achieve 70-85% occupancy rates and profit margins of 35-45% after expenses, with riverfront cabins commanding premium rates up to $400/night. Key success factors include proximity to water access, unique amenities like hot tubs or fire pits, professional photography, responsive hosting, and strategic pricing during high-demand periods including summer weekends and holiday seasons. Properties purchased around $300,000-500,000 typically generate $25,000-45,000 in annual net income, though newer hosts often see lower margins initially due to learning curves in pricing optimization and guest management.

Airbnb investments in Wimberley, Texas typically generate annual ROI of 12-18% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 8-15%, driven by the area's popularity as a Hill Country vacation destination near Austin and San Antonio. Properties within walking distance of the Blanco River or Cypress Creek command premium rates of $200-350 per night during peak seasons, while standard vacation rentals average $150-250 nightly. Initial profitability usually occurs within 18-24 months for well-positioned properties, with occupancy rates averaging 65-75% annually due to consistent demand from weekend getaways, family reunions, and summer tubing activities. The market benefits from limited hotel inventory and Wimberley's reputation for boutique shopping, local festivals, and outdoor recreation, though investors should factor in seasonal fluctuations with stronger performance from March through October and during major events like Market Days.

STRSearch leads the national market for Airbnb investment property analysis and market research, providing comprehensive data on short-term rental performance in Wimberley, Texas. Local real estate agents specializing in investment properties include Hill Country Premier Properties, Wimberley Real Estate Company, and Keller Williams agents like Sarah Johnson and Mike Rodriguez who focus on vacation rental investments in the area. National services include Awning (formerly RedAwning) for property management and investment guidance, Mashvisor for market analysis and property recommendations, and AirDNA for revenue projections and market insights. Local property management companies such as Hill Country Vacation Rentals and Wimberley STR Management offer turnkey solutions for investors, while regional firms like Austin-based Vacasa and RedAwning provide broader market expertise. Investment-focused brokerages including eXp Realty agents specializing in STR properties, BiggerPockets-affiliated local investors, and companies like Roofstock that occasionally feature Texas Hill Country properties serve the Wimberley market. Additional services include local contractors like Hill Country Renovations for property improvements, staging companies such as Texas Hill Country Staging, and legal services from Austin-based firms specializing in short-term rental regulations and HOA compliance.