Unique Airbnb Investing: How Weird Properties Earn More Than Traditional Rentals

There is a quiet revolution happening in the short term rental industry, and the investors paying attention are making significantly more money than those who are not. The revolution is this: guests are no longer just booking a place to sleep. They are booking an experience. And the properties delivering those experiences, treehouses, A-frames, yurts, converted shipping containers, and wildly themed cabins, are commanding nightly rates that make traditional rentals look pedestrian by comparison.

If you have been searching for your next short term rental investment and only looking at standard cabins, condos, and single family homes, this post is going to expand your perspective. We are going to break down why unique properties outperform, which types deliver the best ROI, where these properties thrive, and what the risks and considerations are before you dive in.

Why Airbnb’s Algorithm Favors Unique Stays

In 2022, Airbnb launched its “Categories” feature, organizing listings not just by location but by property type: treehouses, domes, tiny homes, A-frames, barns, containers, and more. This was not a random design choice. Airbnb’s data showed that travelers increasingly search for the property type first and the location second. People are literally Googling “treehouse Airbnb near me” before they decide where to go.

This shift in traveler behavior means unique properties get additional algorithmic distribution that standard homes do not. When Airbnb features a “Treehouses” category on their homepage, every treehouse on the platform gets visibility that no amount of optimization can buy for a standard three-bedroom house. It is free, ongoing, platform-level marketing for your unique property.

The numbers back this up. According to Airbnb’s own data, unique property categories see click-through rates that are two to three times higher than standard home listings. Higher clicks mean more bookings, which means more reviews, which further boosts your ranking. It is a flywheel effect that standard properties simply cannot replicate.

The Premium Pricing Power of Unique Properties

Unique properties do not just get more visibility. They command higher prices. Here is why.

Scarcity creates pricing power. 

In a market like the Smoky Mountains, there might be 5,000 standard cabins but only 50 treehouses. When demand for treehouses exceeds supply (which it almost always does), nightly rates climb. A standard two-bedroom cabin in the Smokies might book at $150 per night. A two-bedroom treehouse in the same area regularly books at $250 to $400 per night. That is a 67 to 167 percent rate premium for a property that may have cost the same or less to build.

The experience is the product.

Guests booking a standard home are price-shopping between nearly identical options. Guests booking a treehouse, geodesic dome, or themed cabin are buying an experience that cannot be easily substituted. When your property is the experience, not just the accommodation, guests are far less price-sensitive.

Social media drives organic demand.

Unique properties generate user-created content. Guests photograph and video their stay, post it on Instagram and TikTok, and tag the property. This organic social media exposure functions as free advertising that drives future bookings. Standard homes rarely get this treatment.

Higher occupancy in shoulder seasons.

Unique properties often maintain stronger bookings during off-peak periods because they attract travelers specifically seeking the experience, not just a convenient place to stay near an attraction. A standard cabin in Broken Bow might struggle to fill weeknights in January, but a luxury yurt with a hot tub under the stars still attracts guests year-round.

Types of Unique Properties and Their Investment Potential

Let us look at the most popular unique property types and evaluate their investment potential.

Treehouses

Treehouses are consistently among the highest-demand, highest-rate unique property types on Airbnb. They appeal to couples, families, and adventure travelers alike.

Cost to Build:

$80,000 to $250,000 depending on size, amenities, and access to utilities.

Typical Nightly Rate:

 $200 to $500+ depending on market and amenities.

Best Markets:

Smoky Mountains, Broken Bow, Pacific Northwest, Hill Country Texas.

Considerations:

Requires suitable trees or elevated terrain, specialized contractors, and potentially more complex permitting. Maintenance can be higher due to exposure to elements.

A-Frames

A-frame cabins have become iconic on social media and consistently perform well on booking platforms. Their distinctive silhouette is instantly recognizable in listing photos.

Cost to Build:  $100,000 to $300,000 for a well-appointed A-frame with modern amenities.

Typical Nightly Rate: $175 to $400.

Best Markets: Mountain and forest locations: Smoky Mountains, Big Bear, Blue Ridge, Catskills.

Considerations:  A-frames can be purchased as kits or built from scratch. The angled walls limit usable interior space, so smart floor plans are essential. They are well-suited to smaller footprints (one to two bedrooms).

Yurts and Glamping Structures

Yurts offer a glamping experience that appeals to travelers who want to be close to nature without roughing it. They are relatively inexpensive to set up compared to traditional construction.

Cost to Build:** $30,000 to $80,000 including the yurt structure, platform, utilities, and basic furnishing.

Typical Nightly Rate: $150 to $350.

Best Markets:  Broken Bow, Smokies, Joshua Tree, Pacific Northwest, anywhere with scenic natural settings.

Considerations:  Insulation and climate control can be challenging. They work best in temperate climates or with supplemental heating and cooling. Zoning and permitting vary widely by jurisdiction.

Shipping Container Conversions

Converted shipping containers offer a modern, industrial aesthetic that photographs extremely well. They can be built off-site and delivered, which can simplify the construction process.

Cost to Build:  $50,000 to $150,000 for a fully converted, permitted container home.

Typical Nightly Rate: $150 to $300.

Best Markets: Any market where unique stays are in demand. They work particularly well in desert settings, rural areas, and near urban centers.

Considerations: Insulation, plumbing, and electrical all require specialized work. Zoning acceptance varies. Some markets welcome them; others have restrictive building codes.

Themed Properties

You do not need to build a non-traditional structure to create a unique property. Themed interiors applied to standard cabins, houses, or condos can achieve similar results. Pirate-themed kids’ cabins, retro 1970s ski lodges, western saloon bunkhouses, and space-themed bedrooms all create memorable, shareable experiences.

Cost to Create: $5,000 to $20,000 in themed furnishing and decor on top of standard furnishing costs.

Typical Rate Premium: 15 to 40 percent over comparable non-themed properties.

Best Markets: Family-oriented markets like the Smoky Mountains, Orlando-adjacent areas, and beach markets.

Considerations: Themes should be executed well, not halfway. A half-committed theme looks worse than no theme at all. Choose themes with broad appeal and durability.

Real-World Examples of Unique Property Performance

In Broken Bow, Oklahoma, unique stays have become a dominant market segment. Luxury treehouses and themed cabins in this area routinely gross $80,000 to $120,000 per year, while standard cabins of similar size gross $40,000 to $60,000. The unique properties cost more upfront but deliver significantly higher returns.

In the Smoky Mountains, A-frames and treehouses have become so popular that entire developments are being built around the concept. Properties with distinctive architecture and strong amenity packages (hot tub, fire pit, mountain view, game room) consistently outperform standard cabins in the same area by 30 to 50 percent on a per-bedroom basis.

In Joshua Tree and the desert Southwest, unique structures like domes, containers, and glass-walled cabins have created an entirely new tourism market. Properties that would seem bizarre in a suburban setting are exactly what travelers are seeking in these remote, experiential destinations.

If you want to explore which markets support unique property investments, [The Short Term Shop’s market analysis resources] can help you identify the right location for your concept.

Cost to Build or Convert vs. Traditional Construction

One of the most common questions about unique property investing is whether the higher construction costs are justified by the higher revenue. The answer depends on the property type and market.

Lower Cost Than You Think: Yurts, small container conversions, and themed renovations of existing properties can be surprisingly affordable. A yurt setup for $50,000 that grosses $40,000 per year is a remarkable return on investment. A $15,000 themed renovation of an existing cabin that adds 25 percent to your nightly rate pays for itself within a year.

Comparable to Traditional:  A-frames and treehouses often cost roughly the same as traditional new construction in the same market. The difference is that the unique property will gross 30 to 50 percent more annually, dramatically improving your return on the same or similar investment.

Higher But Justified: Luxury unique builds, like a high-end treehouse resort or a custom glass cabin, cost more than standard construction. But they also command the highest nightly rates and attract media attention that drives bookings organically.

The key metric is not cost per square foot. It is projected revenue relative to total investment. Run the numbers using a [cash flow calculator] and compare the projected returns of a unique property versus a traditional one in the same market.

Risk Considerations for Unique Property Investments

Unique properties are not without risks. Smart investors understand and mitigate these risks before committing capital.

Zoning and Permitting. This is the biggest hurdle. Many municipalities have building codes designed for traditional construction. Treehouses, yurts, domes, and containers may not fit neatly into existing categories. Research local zoning regulations thoroughly before purchasing land or beginning construction. Some counties are welcoming toward unique structures; others are hostile.

Financing Challenges. Traditional mortgage lenders may not finance non-standard structures. You may need to work with portfolio lenders, use a construction-to-permanent loan, or purchase with cash and refinance after the property is income-producing. This is a financing conversation to have early in your planning process.

Insurance.  Insuring unique structures can be more complex and expensive than standard homes. Work with an insurance broker who specializes in short term rental properties and non-standard construction.

Maintenance. Unique structures may require specialized maintenance. Treehouse platforms need regular inspection. Yurt canvas needs periodic replacement. Container homes need rust prevention in humid climates. Budget accordingly.

Market Saturation Risk. As unique stays become more popular, more investors enter the space. Markets with easy permitting may see an influx of unique properties that dilutes the premium pricing. Choose markets with natural barriers to oversupply and differentiate your property within the unique category.

Resale Considerations. Unique properties have a smaller buyer pool than standard homes. If you need to sell, it may take longer to find the right buyer. That said, well-performing unique short term rentals with documented income attract investors specifically seeking high-yield properties.

How to Get Started with Unique Property Investing

If this concept appeals to you, here is a practical starting path:

1. Start with a themed renovation. If you already own a short term rental or are about to [buy your first one](https://theshorttermshop.com/how-to-buy-a-short-term-rental/), adding themed elements is the lowest-risk entry point into the unique property space.

2. Research markets with favorable zoning. Not every market welcomes non-standard construction. Focus on areas where unique stays already exist and local regulations accommodate them.

3. Talk to local builders and contractors. Find professionals who have built unique structures in your target market. Their experience with local permitting and construction challenges is invaluable.

4. Analyze the competition. Search Airbnb in your target market using the Categories filter. How many unique properties exist? What are their nightly rates? What are their occupancy rates? This data tells you whether the market can support another unique property.

5. Run the numbers conservatively.  Unique properties are exciting, but excitement can lead to overspending. Use conservative revenue estimates and realistic construction budgets. If the numbers work with conservative assumptions, you likely have a winner.

6. Connect with experienced agents. [Get started with The Short Term Shop] and talk to agents who understand both traditional and unique property markets. They can help you identify land, existing properties suitable for conversion, and markets where unique stays command the highest premiums.

The Future of Unique Short Term Rental Investing

The trend toward experiential travel is not slowing down. If anything, it is accelerating. As more travelers prioritize experiences over basic accommodation, properties that deliver those experiences will continue to command premium pricing and stronger occupancy.

The investors who position themselves in this space now, while unique properties are still relatively scarce compared to traditional listings, will benefit from years of premium pricing before the market fully matures. The weird properties are not a fad. They are the future of short term rental investing.

Do not be afraid to think differently about your next investment. The strangest property on the block might just be the most profitable one.

Ready to explore? Learn how to buy a short term rental or contact our team directly.

📞 800-898-1498 | 🌐 theshorttermshop.com

Disclaimer

The Short Term Shop is a real estate brokerage, not a certified public accounting firm, tax advisory firm, or financial planning service. Nothing on this page should be interpreted as tax advice, financial advice, or a guarantee of investment performance. Always consult your CPA, tax attorney, and financial advisor before making any investment or tax decisions.

All income and revenue figures referenced in this article are sourced from third party data providers including AirDNA and PriceLabs.co. These figures represent market averages and percentile ranges based on historical performance data and do not guarantee future results. Actual short term rental income varies significantly based on property quality, location, management quality, pricing strategy, seasonality, and market conditions. Your results may differ.