Is Buying an Airbnb Still Worth It in 2026?

Jeremiah Noll
Jan 30
5 min read

Many would-be investors are wondering if buying an(Airbnb in the Poconos is still a good move in 2026. Between stricter township regulations, HOA bans, and rising property prices, the market is very different from just a few years ago.

Yet the Poconos remains a top drive-to destination from New York, New Jersey, and Philadelphia, which keeps guest demand strong for the right properties. Here’s what we’re seeing firsthand managing and selling Airbnbs across Monroe County, and how to decide if it’s still worth it for your goals.

An indoor pool at an Airbnb rental in the Poconos.

Regulations Have Tightened, But Legal Airbnbs Still Perform

Several Monroe County townships have closed the door on new Airbnb permits. Paradise, Barrett, and Pocono rarely issue new permits, and Tobyhanna enforces a 12% cap in some neighborhoods.

HOAs like Pocono Mountain Lake and Wagner Forest have banned or restricted Airbnbs completely.

This has created a smaller pool of legal Airbnbs. Owners who secure a permitted property in an Airbnb-friendly township (like Coolbaugh, Tobyhanna in the right zones, or Tunkhannock) continue to see solid occupancy and returns.

What this means for buyers: You can’t assume a listing is Airbnb legal. Read our guide on how to research Airbnb laws in the Poconos. Verifying zoning, permit availability, and HOA rules before making an offer is non-negotiable. If you can buy a permitted Airbnb or one in a township actively issuing permits, the long-term outlook is still strong.

Guest Demand Is Healthy, But It’s More Competitive

The Poconos remains a top drive-to destination for guests from New York, New Jersey, and Philadelphia. Year-round demand is fueled by ski season, lake season, and family getaways. Guest demand for lakefront properties in Lake Harmony and amenity-rich communities like Saw Creek and Penn Estates remains especially strong.

But with platforms like Airbnb and VRBO saturated, guests expect more from their stay. Properties that underinvest in design, amenities, or management struggle to book consistently.

What this means for buyers: You’ll need to offer a professionally run product to compete. Airbnbs with strong cleaning teams, clear guest communications, and high-quality amenities still outperform. Those cutting corners on operations are falling behind.

Costs Have Risen, So Net ROI Matters More Than Ever

It’s not 2020 anymore. Here’s what’s changed:

Property prices are higher in most Airbnb-friendly townships
Mortgage rates remain elevated
Township permit fees now range from $200–$2,500 depending on the township
HOA dues in large communities like Arrowhead, Saw Creek, and Penn Estates can exceed $2,000 annually
Insurance costs, especially for homes with pools and hot tubs, have increased
Guests expect a higher standard of furnishing and amenities

We see buyers get into trouble when they run gross revenue numbers from AirDNA without factoring in true operating costs. Net ROI, not projected bookings, should drive the purchase decision.

Buying an Airbnb in 2026 Is Still Worth It, If You Buy the Right Property

In 2026, Airbnb investing is no longer a quick-cash opportunity. It’s a hands-on business that requires legal compliance, careful underwriting, and strong operations.

Here’s when buying still makes sense:

The property is in a township actively issuing Airbnb permits
You can confirm zoning, permit caps, and HOA rules before closing
The numbers work after factoring in all costs
You have a management plan for cleaning, maintenance, and guest service

We’re still seeing strong performance from 3–4 bedroom homes in Coolbaugh, Tobyhanna (in permitted zones), Tunkhannock, and parts of Lake Harmony that have updated finishes and year-round appeal. When those pieces line up, Airbnbs remain one of the best-performing asset classes in the Poconos.

The Bottom Line

Buying a short-term rental in 2026 is still worth it, but only if you approach it the right way. There are fewer legal opportunities, and competition has increased, but guest demand and returns remain strong for properly run Airbnbs.

At Investment Real Estate of the Poconos, we verify township zoning, permit status, and HOA restrictions before you offer. We also model net ROI based on real operating costs, not just projections.

That’s how we help buyers avoid costly mistakes and find Airbnbs that truly perform.

Contact us before you make your next move.

FAQ: Is Buying an Airbnb Still Worth It in 2026?

Is buying a short-term rental in the Poconos still worth it in 2026?

Buying a short-term rental in the Poconos in 2026 is still worth it if you choose a legally permitted property in the right township. Guest demand remains strong, but fewer townships are issuing new Airbnb permits. Coolbaugh, Tobyhanna (in permitted zones), Tunkhannock, and parts of Lake Harmony still perform well if you buy legally and operate professionally.

Contact Investment Real Estate of the Poconos to verify compliance before you offer.

Which Poconos townships are still issuing new Airbnb permits?

Coolbaugh, Tunkhannock, and parts of Tobyhanna Township are still actively issuing Airbnb permits in 2026. Tobyhanna enforces a 12% cap in some neighborhoods, so availability varies by parcel. Middle Smithfield, Paradise, and Pocono rarely issue new permits.

Before making an offer, always confirm with the township zoning officer or work with a local agent who can.

Do HOA rules in the Poconos affect Airbnb buyers?

HOA rules can override township permits and completely block short-term rentals. Pocono Mountain Lake bans Airbnbs entirely, others have 30-day minimums for non-primary owners, and a few require a 7-night minimum plus HOA registration. We review HOA bylaws directly for our buyers to avoid costly mistakes.

What costs should I budget for if I buy an Airbnb in 2026?

Airbnb buyers in the Poconos must budget for higher permit fees, HOA dues, insurance, and operating expenses than in previous years. Township permit fees range from $200–$2,500, HOA dues in large communities like Arrowhead, Saw Creek, and Penn Estates can exceed $2,000 annually, and insurance costs are up for homes with pools and hot tubs. We help buyers run net ROI numbers upfront so they know exactly where they’ll stand financially.

Has guest demand changed in the Poconos Airbnb market?

Guest demand is still steady in the Poconos, but competition is higher than ever. Lakefront homes in Lake Harmony and amenity-rich communities like Saw Creek and Penn Estates remain top performers, especially in peak ski and summer lake seasons. Properties with professional management, strong cleaning teams, and updated amenities consistently win more bookings.

How does Investment Real Estate of the Poconos protect Airbnb buyers?

We confirm township zoning, permit status, and HOA restrictions before buyers ever make an offer. Our team also models net ROI using actual operating costs, not just gross revenue projections, and coordinates with Galvanized Management to ensure a property is legally rentable and operationally strong. Contact us today to avoid common Airbnb buying mistakes.

About the Author

Jeremiah Noll is a Poconos-based broker (License #RM425834) and rental operator. He leads Galvanized Management and iREPoconos, combining local market knowledge with day-to-day operating experience. His work is built around clarity, compliant execution, and realistic expectations for owners.

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