Short term rental in an area going through gentrification

Short term rental in an area going through gentrification

Member since 2022 · 11 posts · 6 votes

Question: Is a short term rental in an area historically riddle with crime but going through a gentrification/revitalization process a good idea?

Context: Hey all! I am looking to get started in real estate via house hacking and mainly attracting short term to mid term renters (to achieve higher profits). I have found a nice property however, it is in an area that has been historically riddle with crime. After doing some research, it seems the major crimes are located either across the highway/railroad tracks or 3-5miles down the block. The street and surrounding area (~2mi) has not had any major crimes (only one house break-in and 2 theft/vandalism) within the past 6months. While at first glance this would seem unappealing, after going to the area, it looks like there is some serious gentrification/revitalization going on (houses and grocery stores are being built along the entire street). There is a community center and very well kept park (basketball courts and land is in great condition) within walking distance. The area is very close to downtown, the hospital, and also all the tech hubs. I plan to add extra security to the house to prepare for the worse. So my question is, is it a good idea to buy in this area now thinking in terms of the potential future market growth/development or should I pay more for an area that is already developed and a little safer historically? My budget is $400k and it seems this house allows me to invest the least in house repairs in the long term compared to other houses in the market currently. 

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Real Estate Agent · St Petersburg, FL · Member since 2019 · 320 posts · 182 votes
3y

What are the reviews and ratings like for the STRs in the area currently? Are they fair, mixed bag or terrible?

 What's your risk tolerance? If it is moderate-high, then the gentrification play may best align. If you are highly risk adverse, then the more stabilized areas may be best. 

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  • Member since 2022 · 47 posts · 39 votes
    3y

    I imagine questions like: 

    1. Is this gentrification occurring because of investors and is it backed by the city? If so, it may pay off in 5 years or so. A similar thing is happening in South parts of Houston but residents with financially sensitive incomes have led grass roots opposition causing a significant slow down on improvements. 

    2. What would make someone from OOT, who can only gain perspective of the city area by online assumptions of being crime ridden, want to consider the location otherwise? Are there major tourist developments coming down the pipeline? If these improvements are early in development, the rent you can charge won’t be at the market peak and will that still make you cash flow positive?

    3. The fact that your perception of the area was of it being a less than ideal location and it took “boots on the ground” to change the perception, hints that this is still in the early stages. Are you able and willing to wait out the long game to reap “possible” equity rewards. It seems like you have enough investment money to consider many options, is this the best payout for your RE plan?

  • I​nvestor & Agent · Tulsa, OK · Member since 2016 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    3y

    I own something similar and I'm waiting for a few more properties to REALLY improve next door before I go into STR. I'd suggest doing LTR just a pinch below full market rent to get the hang of things and then pivot down the road. It's a long term play but with patience you and I should each get killer returns a few years from now.

  • Austin, TX · Member since 2019 · 5k+ posts · 5k+ votes
    3y

    What kind of reviews do you think people will leave--hood, ghetto, gunfire all night long, scary, etc... [OR] gentrifying, pleasant experience, nice area, safe area...etc..

    The place might be ok, but if the reviews come up bad, your price per night (and potential renters) might get pretty low on the totem pole.

  • Real Estate Agent · St Petersburg, FL · Member since 2019 · 320 posts · 182 votes
    3y

    What are the reviews and ratings like for the STRs in the area currently? Are they fair, mixed bag or terrible?

     What's your risk tolerance? If it is moderate-high, then the gentrification play may best align. If you are highly risk adverse, then the more stabilized areas may be best. 

  • Member since 2022 · 11 posts · 6 votes
    3y
    Quote from @John Hernandez:

    I imagine questions like: 

    1. Is this gentrification occurring because of investors and is it backed by the city? If so, it may pay off in 5 years or so. A similar thing is happening in South parts of Houston but residents with financially sensitive incomes have led grass roots opposition causing a significant slow down on improvements. 

    2. What would make someone from OOT, who can only gain perspective of the city area by online assumptions of being crime ridden, want to consider the location otherwise? Are there major tourist developments coming down the pipeline? If these improvements are early in development, the rent you can charge won’t be at the market peak and will that still make you cash flow positive?

    3. The fact that your perception of the area was of it being a less than ideal location and it took “boots on the ground” to change the perception, hints that this is still in the early stages. Are you able and willing to wait out the long game to reap “possible” equity rewards. It seems like you have enough investment money to consider many options, is this the best payout for your RE plan?

    You make a lot of good points. From what I can tell via articles, the revitalization of the area seems to be driven by the companies that are coming into the market. Currently the draw is that OOT would be in close proximity to downtown, tech companies, and also the local universities. My strategy was to play the long game but as you stated in regard to Houston, this is risky. Thanks for the reply, I think I will take a little more time and think about if the rewards outweigh the potential risks. 
  • Member since 2022 · 11 posts · 6 votes
    3y
    Quote from @Nate Sanow:

    I own something similar and I'm waiting for a few more properties to REALLY improve next door before I go into STR. I'd suggest doing LTR just a pinch below full market rent to get the hang of things and then pivot down the road. It's a long term play but with patience you and I should each get killer returns a few years from now.

    I am with you on the returns! And I actually never considered the LTR approach for this property, thanks for the suggestion, I will definitely keep this in my mind should I go through with the purchase. 

  • Member since 2022 · 11 posts · 6 votes
    3y
    Quote from @Scott Mac:

    What kind of reviews do you think people will leave--hood, ghetto, gunfire all night long, scary, etc... [OR] gentrifying, pleasant experience, nice area, safe area...etc..

    The place might be ok, but if the reviews come up bad, your price per night (and potential renters) might get pretty low on the totem pole.

    Thanks for this, I guess I should actually check what other Airbnb reviews around the area look like to set my expectations. 

  • Member since 2022 · 11 posts · 6 votes
    3y
    Quote from @Obed Calixte:

    What are the reviews and ratings like for the STRs in the area currently? Are they fair, mixed bag or terrible?

     What's your risk tolerance? If it is moderate-high, then the gentrification play may best align. If you are highly risk adverse, then the more stabilized areas may be best. 


    Thanks for the reply, it seems there is limited Airbnbs in the area I am searching but they do have good reviews, though there are less than 5 in the area. Risk tolerance for this property is high however, after thinking, I may attempt to lower the risk by asking for a lower price on the house. Is this a good idea?

  • Investor · Austin, TX · Member since 2021 · 9k+ posts · 5k+ votes
    3y

    Depends on the attraction to the area. Who is your primary guest? What are they in town to do? Is the neighborhood going to completely throw them off? 

  • Real Estate Agent · Pearland, TX · Member since 2019 · 59 posts · 34 votes
    3y

    Hi @Rea Cooper! I don't have anything else to add at this point as everyone has already made really good points and asked great questions. However, if you'd like to message me the location, I can give you my thoughts on it as a native Houstonian. I think I know what area you are referring to but I want to make sure. There are two areas that come to mind based on your description and I would say go for it on one of them and avoid it right now with another. 

  • Lee HamptonPro Member
    Developer · Houston, TX · Member since 2020 · 94 posts · 105 votes
    3y

    @Rea Cooper

    I have STR's in different gentrifying communities, BUT there are Numerous Encouraging Trends in the communities I choose. Additionally, I stray away from areas that have fixed adverse conditions. Crime is transient, so that is not a deterrent for an area that has other encouraging trends. Big Hint: The area immediately surrounding the Union Pacific Railroad which has been labeled a cancer cluster due to contaminated soil is one I avoid. Additionally, I would advise patience in this market; we have transitioned out of a sellers' market and December is the best month for deals or value. $400k is a nice budget, you should not have to take excessive risk with that size budget. Lastly, I would take Ashlee up on her offer. There is no knowledge like local knowledge.

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