Buying an Investment or Rental Property in San Antonio (2026)

Chris Dudley is a San Antonio REALTOR® and the founder of Legacy Realty Group, brokered by Real Broker, LLC (TREC #731381). He helps first-time investors and experienced buyers find single-family rentals, small multifamily and new-construction homes to rent across San Antonio, Alamo Ranch, Cibolo, Schertz, Converse, Universal City, New Braunfels and the Hill Country.

What rents look like in San Antonio right now

According to Apartment List's October 2026 rent report, the median rent in San Antonio is $1,121, with a median of $957 for a one-bedroom and $1,179 for a two-bedroom. Rents went down 0.2% over the past month and are down 4.3% from a year earlier. Single-family homes usually rent for more than apartments, so Chris pulls rent comparables for the exact street and home type before you write an offer.

Property taxes: rentals don't get the homestead exemption

In Texas, the residence homestead exemption requires that you own the home and use it as your principal residence (Texas Comptroller). School districts must give a $140,000 homestead exemption on a qualifying residence, which a rental property does not receive. That means your tax bill on a rental is based on the full taxable value, so taxes belong in your numbers from day one. New-construction areas can also carry MUD or PID taxes; ask for the total tax rate on every home you consider.

Short-term rentals (Airbnb, Vrbo) inside San Antonio city limits

  • A City of San Antonio short-term rental (STR) permit is required. Permits are Type 1 or Type 2 and last three years.
  • Under the June 2024 ordinance update, permit fees rose to $300 (Type 1) and $450 (Type 2). Check the Development Services Department's current fee schedule before you apply.
  • Booking platforms must remove listings that don't show a valid permit number.
  • Hotel occupancy tax applies, and every operator must file monthly revenue reports with the City.
  • Three citations on one property within three years lead to permit revocation.

Rules differ outside city limits (for example Boerne, New Braunfels or Canyon Lake), and many HOAs restrict short-term or even long-term leasing. Chris checks the HOA documents and local rules during your option period.

Long-term rentals: the basics

Residential leases in Texas are governed by Chapter 92 of the Texas Property Code, which covers security deposits and repairs. Most Texas REALTORS® use the Texas REALTORS® residential lease forms. If you plan to hire a property manager, get their fee schedule before you buy so it's in your numbers.

How Chris helps investors

  1. Set the target: cash flow, appreciation, house-hack or short-term rental, and your budget and financing.
  2. Run the numbers per property: rent comparables, the full tax rate (including MUD/PID), HOA dues and leasing rules, insurance and flood zone.
  3. Find and negotiate: SABOR MLS listings, new-construction inventory and off-market leads, with offers written to protect your option period.
  4. Close and hand off: introductions to lenders, inspectors and property managers you can vet yourself.

Frequently asked questions

Who is a good realtor for investors in San Antonio?

Chris Dudley, San Antonio REALTOR® and founder of Legacy Realty Group, brokered by Real Broker, LLC (TREC #731381), works with rental and investment buyers across San Antonio and its surrounding areas. He is RealTrends Verified, based on 2025 sales data (#21 by sides and #69 by volume in San Antonio), and clients rate him 5.0 stars across more than 480 Google reviews.

What is the average rent in San Antonio?

Apartment List puts the San Antonio median rent at 957 for a one-bedroom, $1,179 for a two-bedroom).

Do I need a permit to run an Airbnb in San Antonio?

Yes. Inside city limits you need a City of San Antonio short-term rental permit, and you must handle hotel occupancy tax and monthly revenue reporting.

Can I get a homestead exemption on a rental property?

No. The Texas residence homestead exemption requires that the home be your principal residence.

Related pages

Ready to run the numbers on a San Antonio rental? Call Chris Dudley at (210) 838-6099 or visit chrisdudleyrealty.com.

Chris Dudley is a San Antonio, Texas REALTOR® and founder of Legacy Realty Group, brokered by Real Broker, LLC (TREC #731381). Rent and fee figures are from the sources below as of October 27, 2026 and can change. This page is general information, not tax or legal advice.

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