Investors Are Unloading Their Airbnbs — Why You Should Make One Your Next Home
By Wyatt Poindexter | The Agency Oklahoma
There’s a shift happening in the short-term rental market—and savvy homebuyers are paying attention.
As cities crack down on short-term rentals and the once-booming Airbnb industry grapples with oversaturation, many investors are choosing to step away. With new regulations, rising maintenance costs, and thinning margins, vacation homeowners in markets across the country are quietly listing their properties for sale. The so-called “Airbnb bust” has created an unexpected opportunity—and it may just be the moment to turn one of these former vacation rentals into your dream home.
What’s Causing the Airbnb Sell-Off?
In many vacation hotspots and suburban communities, the growth of Airbnb and VRBO listings has finally hit a wall. Booking calendars that were once full year-round are now seeing gaps. Increasingly strict city ordinances and costly permitting requirements are making it harder to legally operate. In some neighborhoods, HOAs have become even more restrictive than local governments, making short-term rentals a legal and logistical headache.
For many owners, the hassle just isn’t worth it anymore. They’re opting to cash out—and that’s where opportunity knocks for primary homebuyers.
Buying a Former Airbnb: Risks and Rewards
Concerned about wear and tear? You might be surprised.
Many assume that short-term rentals suffer from heavy use and lax upkeep, but in many cases—especially at the luxury level—the opposite is true. These homes are often professionally cleaned between guests and kept in tip-top shape to maintain five-star reviews. Guests expect a high standard, and owners often deliver.
Still, it’s smart to do your homework. Ask questions about maintenance history, any recent upgrades, and always review neighborhood restrictions on future rentals—even if you’re planning to live there full-time.
The Hidden Value: Furnishings and Turnkey Living
Another unexpected bonus? Many of these homes are being sold fully furnished, right down to the coffee machine and cutlery. With the cost of furniture, appliances, and home repairs climbing fast—fueled in part by ongoing tariff hikes and supply chain issues—move-in-ready homes are becoming incredibly attractive.
Buying a stylish, furnished home can save tens of thousands of dollars, not to mention time and stress. For buyers who appreciate modern décor or mid-century charm, these homes often come with design-forward touches already in place.
What If You Want to Rent It Again?
Even if your goal is to live in the home, having the option to host occasionally on Airbnb or VRBO down the line can be a financial perk. If that’s on your radar, ask the seller upfront for useful contacts like a trusted cleaner, property manager, or handyman.
While the seller’s Airbnb “Superhost” status doesn’t transfer to you, having a support system in place will make it easier to step into the role—if and when the time is right. Just keep in mind: being a short-term rental host is more than being a landlord—it's entering the hospitality industry. You’re managing experiences, not just properties.
The Agency Advantage: Local Roots, Global Reach
At The Agency Oklahoma, we’re seeing this trend firsthand. Properties that once thrived as short-term rentals in areas like Broken Bow, Grand Lake, Arcadia, Tulsa, Carlton Landing, and beyond are now entering the market—many priced competitively and loaded with upgrades.
As part of a globally recognized luxury brand founded in Beverly Hills, The Agency brings unmatched marketing, PR exposure, and client service to every listing. But what makes us truly different in Oklahoma is our local knowledge, strategic guidance, and collaborative culture.
We understand how to position former vacation rentals for end-user buyers—and how to help investors navigate what’s next in a shifting short-term rental landscape.
In Conclusion: What Feels Like a Bust May Be Your Best Bet
The Airbnb market may be cooling for some investors—but for buyers? It’s a rare moment to purchase a stylish, well-maintained, and potentially fully furnished home at the right price.
Whether you're looking for a forever home, a weekend getaway, or a hybrid investment property, this wave of listings offers unique value.
Let’s find the one that fits your life—and maybe even your future business plan.
Wyatt Poindexter
Luxury Realtor | The Agency Oklahoma
405-417-5466
www.TheAgencyRE.com
www.OKLuxuryHomes.com
