Branson Short Term Rentals: Which Property Types Earn the Most in 2025?

If you’re thinking about investing in a Branson short term rental, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is what kind of property to buy. Should you go for a cozy cabin, a downtown condo, or a lakefront home with space for the whole family?

We analyzed performance data from Airdna, recent Branson sales, and investor case studies to break down which property types deliver the best returns—so you can buy with confidence.

🏆 Best Performing Property Types in Branson (2025)

Based on real revenue and occupancy data, here’s what performs best on Airbnb in Branson:

1. 2–4 Bedroom Single-Family Homes (hardest to find. the majority of branson short term rentals will be condos due to zoning regulations)

• ✅ Best balance of purchase price vs income

• Typically located near Silver Dollar City, Table Rock Lake, or The Strip

• Strong appeal for families and multi-generational groups

• Perform best when equipped with:

  • Game rooms or arcade machines

  • Hot tubs or fire pits

  • Themed decor (family fun or cabin-style)

Average Revenue (3BR Home): $3,500–$4,500/month
Average Occupancy: 50–65%

2. Lake view Cabins & Homes (the lake is managed by the army corp of engineers. there are only a handful of true lake front branson short term rentals, lake view is the most viable option here)

• 🔥 High nightly rates and excellent summer occupancy

• Most profitable when within a short distance to Table Rock Lake

• Great for boating and fishing families

Average Revenue: $4,000–$6,000/month during peak season
Note: Some require higher up-front investment

3. Modern Townhomes & Condos (1–2 BR)

• 🏙️ Lower price point, but also lower RevPAR

• Best suited for couples, solo travelers, and snowbirds

• Many located near golf courses or in resort-style communities

• These are the easiest type of Branson short term rental to get into and are great for beginner short term rental investors

Average Revenue: $2,200–$2,800/month
Pros: Lower maintenance, easier to manage
Cons: Higher competition in this tier

🏗 What Features Increase Airbnb Income in Branson?

Regardless of size, certain amenities consistently boost both occupancy and nightly rate:

• Hot tub or spa

• Game room with arcade-style machines

• Themed or curated interior design

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• Pet-friendly policies

• Firepit or outdoor dining area

• Proximity to key attractions (less than 15 mins)

⚠️ What to Avoid

• Properties with little common space (families want room to gather)

• Homes without central A/C (summers are hot!)

• Dated decor or minimal furnishings (lowers guest satisfaction and pricing power). Or buy the outdated ones at a discount and update them yourself to force immediate equity.

• Properties outside the Branson short term rental zoning areas

💡 Should You Furnish It Yourself or Buy Turnkey?

Many top-performing Branson Airbnbs are owner-furnished, allowing customization and optimized guest flow. But turnkey homes—if well-reviewed and properly priced—can be a smart play for new investors who want to hit the ground running.

🔍 Final Recommendation

If your goal is maximum cash flow, we recommend targeting:

• A 3–4 bedroom home

• Near Silver Dollar City or Table Rock Lake

• With at least one major amenity (hot tub, game room, or lake access)

• No HOA or STR restrictions

If your goal is ease of management and lower risk, a well-located 1–2 bedroom condo may be a fit—but expect lower monthly returns.

🙋‍♀️ Need Help Choosing the Right Property Type?

The Short Term Shop has helped over 5,000 investors buy short term rentals nationwide—and we’ll help you run the numbers, vet the property type, and even teach you how to self-manage remotely.

👉 Meet Our Branson Team
📞 800-898-1498
📩 agents@theshorttermshop.com