Latino Families Leverage Short-Term Rentals for Wealth Building, Survey Finds

The Hispanic Wealth Project (HWP), in partnership with Airbnb, has released findings from its "Building Wealth Through Investment Property Ownership Survey," indicating that Latino families across the U.S. are increasingly utilizing short-term rentals to generate income, offset housing costs, and reinvest in their financial futures. Conducted between July 9 and 23, 2025, the survey gathered responses from 1,276 Latino professionals in the real estate industry across 39 states and Puerto Rico, highlighting a significant shift toward real estate investment within the community.

Key findings show that more than 70% of respondents view short-term renting as an effective method for earning extra income, with over half having considered becoming hosts and nearly 15% already active in hosting. Notably, among Latino hosts, over 90% remain active, and half have been hosting for three years or more, underscoring the sustainability of this wealth-building approach. California has experienced a recent surge in Latino participation, with over 60% beginning hosting in the past two years, while over 80% of respondents overall see hosting as a positive way to generate additional income.

The economic impact extends beyond individual households, with over 75% of respondents acknowledging that short-term rental platforms like Airbnb positively affect local economies, particularly during major events. On average days, nearly 50% of guest spending occurs in local neighborhoods, fostering community economic resilience. Upcoming events like the FIFA World Cup are expected to amplify this effect, with over 60% of respondents from Florida and over 45% from California considering hosting during the event. Airbnb anticipates over 380,000 guests using its platform for the World Cup, generating an estimated $210 million in host earnings across 16 cities.

This trend aligns with the broader economic influence of the U.S. Hispanic community, which had a purchasing power exceeding $4.1 trillion in 2023, according to data from the Latino Donor Collaborative. With a GDP growth rate more than twice that of the broader U.S. economy in recent years, Latinos are pivotal drivers of national economic expansion. Sara Rodriguez, Chairperson of the Hispanic Wealth Project, emphasized that Hispanic families are leading America's wealth transformation, citing high workforce participation, 1.2 million Latino millionaire households, and rising educational attainment.

Jordi Torres Mallol, Regional Director North America & Latin America at Airbnb, noted that the platform's origins during the last recession resonate with current economic uncertainties, where supplemental income is crucial. However, he highlighted that for many Latinos, hosting transcends temporary financial relief, evolving into a meaningful wealth-building endeavor rooted in entrepreneurial spirit. The HWP aims to increase Latino investment property ownership by 25% by 2034, as outlined on their website, with strategic partnerships like that with Airbnb playing a key role in providing education and support for both new and experienced hosts.

The implications of this survey are profound, suggesting that short-term rentals are not only enhancing individual financial stability but also contributing to broader economic vitality. As Latino families continue to leverage real estate investments, their growing economic power may inspire similar strategies in other communities, potentially reshaping wealth distribution and entrepreneurial opportunities nationwide.