Seattle, home to global tech giants, scenic landscapes, and a thriving tourism sector, is one of the West Coast’s most dynamic short term rental markets. With consistent demand from business travellers, tourists, and remote professionals, short term rentals in Seattle offer lucrative opportunities for investors — particularly those seeking stable, tech-driven rental markets in the United States.
For UK-based and international buyers, Seattle combines economic resilience with high nightly rental rates — but success in this market depends on understanding the city’s strict regulatory environment and licensing requirements.
Seattle is a hub for innovation and enterprise, hosting headquarters for Amazon, Microsoft, and a growing ecosystem of start-ups. It also attracts millions of visitors annually for its culture, nature, and events.
Key investment advantages include:
Strong business travel demand from the tech, healthcare, and aerospace industries
High occupancy year-round, supported by conferences, tourism, and university events
Urban lifestyle appeal for digital nomads and long weekend visitors
Nightly rates outperforming long-term leases in key neighbourhoods
Seattle is also a popular destination for mid- to high-income guests, particularly in well-located, furnished units that cater to professionals and leisure travellers alike.
Investors looking to capitalise on short term rental demand should target neighbourhoods that balance accessibility, amenities, and guest appeal.
Ideal for business travellers and tourists, this area is walkable, close to major attractions, and commands some of the highest STR rates in the city.
Trendy and vibrant, this area attracts younger travellers, remote professionals, and out-of-town guests looking for nightlife and a local experience.
Known for its upscale housing and views of the Space Needle, Queen Anne appeals to families and executives seeking quiet, high-end stays.
Anchored by Amazon’s campus and biotech offices, South Lake Union is a top area for corporate short term lets and extended stays.
Seattle enforces strict regulations under its Short-Term Rental Ordinance, with an emphasis on limiting investor-owned STRs to preserve residential housing stock.
Key rules include:
Primary Residence Requirement: Operators may only list their primary residence and one additional unit for short term rental.
Licensing: All hosts must obtain a Seattle Short-Term Rental Operator’s License and a Seattle Business License Tax Certificate.
Platform Registration: Airbnb, Vrbo, and others must ensure only licensed properties are listed.
Insurance & Safety Compliance: Hosts must meet fire and liability insurance requirements.
Properties that do not comply with the city’s ordinance risk being fined, delisted, or barred from short term rental use altogether.
Despite regulatory constraints, there are still investment pathways available for global buyers:
Partnering with licensed local hosts to operate eligible units
Targeting mid-term rentals (30+ days) which are not subject to STR restrictions and are in high demand among business and medical travellers
Investing in serviced apartments or multi-family units that qualify for commercial licenses or can be used for executive stays
Focusing on corporate housing strategies near hospitals, universities, and tech campuses
Understanding the regulatory framework is essential for structuring a legally compliant and profitable investment.
Fraser Bond offers end-to-end guidance for UK-based and international clients entering the U.S. property market — including in complex cities like Seattle. Our services include:
Sourcing eligible and high-performing properties in compliant zones
Connecting with licensed local brokers and property managers
Structuring U.S.-based LLCs to hold real estate assets efficiently
Providing legal and tax advisory referrals tailored to cross-border investments
Strategising around mid-term rental models for sustained income
With Fraser Bond, investors gain a trusted advisor with deep market insight and international property expertise — essential in navigating Seattle’s short term rental landscape.
Seattle’s tech-driven economy and strong visitor demand create fertile ground for short term rental investment — but city regulations require a strategic and well-informed approach. For global investors, success in Seattle lies in regulatory compliance, smart location targeting, and professional management.
Fraser Bond delivers the support and strategy needed to unlock value in Seattle’s competitive short term rental market — from property sourcing to portfolio management.
