If you’re thinking about selling your property or listing as a short-term rental (STR) investment but it’s never been listed on Airbnb, you might wonder: “Can I market it to buyers looking for short-term rental properties?”
The answer is yes! Many STR investors are looking for opportunities, not just properties with a rental history. Even without financial data from past bookings, you can still attract buyers by showcasing the property’s potential. With tools like Rabbu’s free Airbnb Calculator, it’s easier than ever to estimate revenue and help buyers see the possibilities.
In this post, we’ll explain:
- Why buyers value STR potential—not just past performance.
- How to overcome the challenge of having no financials.
- Why a “clean slate” property can actually work to your advantage.
Many Buyers Look for STR Potential
When it comes to short-term rental investments, opportunity for strong returns is what excites buyers most. Your property doesn’t need to have been an Airbnb—or any kind of STR—to attract interest from investors.
Why? Many buyers are searching for homes that could be great short-term rentals. They aren’t limited to properties with a proven rental history. Instead, they focus on key factors like:
- Market: Is the property in a high-demand vacation market or near attractions?
- Property Layout: Does it have features like multiple bedrooms, outdoor spaces, or unique amenities that guests love?
- Regulations and Community Impact: Is the property in an area compliant with STR regulations? Will an Airbnb property be appropriate for this area?
- Supply: Does this property provide features in demand, but in low supply in the area?
For these buyers, finding a property with untapped potential is a win. It gives them the chance to put their own STR strategy in place and maximize returns.
No Financials? No Problem. Estimate Revenue Potential
One challenge that sellers face when listing a property that isn’t currently an STR is the lack of historical financials. Unlike properties that have been on Airbnb or other rental platforms, there’s no revenue data to share with buyers.
But here’s the good news: This doesn’t have to hold you back.
With Rabbu’s free Airbnb Calculator, you can estimate the property’s revenue potential based on market data. Here’s how it works:
- The calculator uses location, property size, and historical market trends to project annual revenue.
- It gives buyers a clear idea of how the property could perform as a short-term rental.
- It helps you create a data-driven listing that inspires confidence, even without historical financials.
If you need help estimating revenue, this post explains how to use Rabbu's industry-leading Airbnb Calculator.
Advantages of Selling a Non-STR Property
Surprisingly, listing a property that has not been listed on Airbnb or VRBO before can work in your favor. Why? Because it allows buyers to imagine the possibilities without being limited by past performance.
Here are two key advantages:
- A Clean Slate - Every investor has their own strategy for success, from pricing and guest management to property design. By starting with a “blank canvas,” buyers can envision how the property would perform under their management style.
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Avoiding Bias From Past Performance - Historical financials can vary widely depending on the previous owner’s approach. For example:
- Did they price the property competitively?
- Was the listing optimized with professional photos and strong reviews?
- Were bookings consistent, or were there long gaps in availability?
- Was the property used as a full-time STR, or was the property used part-time by the owner as a vacation home?
Sometimes, past data doesn’t reflect the true potential of a property. Without historical constraints, buyers can focus on the property’s upside and make decisions based on what it could achieve.
Conclusion: Buyers Want Great Investments; Not Just Past Airbnbs
Selling a property as a short-term rental, even if it’s never been on Airbnb, is not only possible—it’s often a great opportunity.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Buyers are looking for potential, not just history.
- Rabbu’s free Airbnb Calculator can help you estimate revenue and attract confident buyers.
- A non-STR property gives buyers a fresh start to unlock its full potential.
If you’re ready to sell, start by showcasing what your property could be. Use Rabbu’s tools to estimate revenue, highlight its strengths, and connect with buyers looking for their next short-term rental investment.
