Airbnb Investors Are Winning — Columbus Proves Why Old Rentals Are a Bad Bet

[Robert Ellis]

Nationwide, new builds dominate short-term & medium-term rentals, while outdated long-term rentals (LTRs) struggle. Columbus is the perfect case study:

• Most investment properties sold here were built in 1900-1950. That means low rents, constant repairs, and endless deferred maintenance.
• New construction STRs/MTRs appraise higher per sq ft, rent for more, and avoid tenant headaches.
• Columbus is undervalued, making it a goldmine for build-to-rent and spec home investors.

Old homes = low returns. New builds + Airbnb = bigger profits. Who’s still holding onto 1950s rentals? Let’s debate 👇

[Andrew Steffens]

Im not sure what to make of this. I own several STR properties in Tampa, some of which originally were built in the 1930's. They were properly renovated before they went on the market and are not costing/causing any additional maintenance then some new construction in my management portfolio. The key is properly renovating.