For many, property ownership is no longer just about having a roof over their heads—it’s about making that roof pay for itself. The rise of Airbnb and similar short-term rental platforms has turned homes into cash-generating assets, with some owners even purchasing properties specifically for hosting travelers. This shift is shaking up real estate, redefining investment strategies, and raising big questions: Is running an Airbnb as lucrative as it seems? How sustainable is this model? And what does it mean for the broader housing market?
India’s short-term rental market was valued at approximately $135 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.8% through 2034, as per Future Market Insights. This growth is largely driven by the under-supply of hotels, with India having only 2.6 hotels per 100,000 people, significantly lower than the global average.
Traditional renting vs. short-term stays
The fundamental difference between…

































