Top 10 Condos in Cebu for Airbnb Investment (2026 Guide)

Short-term rentals have become one of the most attractive ways to earn from real estate—and in a city like Cebu City, demand continues to grow.

With tourism, business travel, and remote work on the rise, many investors are turning to platforms like Airbnb to generate higher returns compared to long-term leasing.

But not all condos are suitable for Airbnb.

This guide highlights 10 types of condo investments in Cebu that perform well for short-term rentals, along with what makes them profitable.

What Makes a Condo Good for Airbnb?

Before listing options, it’s important to understand the fundamentals.

A high-performing Airbnb condo should have:

• Prime or accessible location

• Strong tourist or business demand

• Flexible building policies (Airbnb-friendly)

• Attractive interior design

• Easy self-check-in setup

According to National Association of Realtors, short-term rentals tend to perform best in urban centers with high visitor traffic (NAR, 2022).

1. IT Park Studio Units (Top Performer)

Cebu IT Park is one of the best Airbnb locations in Cebu.

Why it works:

• 24/7 business and lifestyle hub

• Popular with business travelers

• Walkable and highly accessible

Best for: High occupancy and consistent bookings

2. Ayala / Business Park Condos (Premium Guests)

Cebu Business Park attracts higher-end guests.

Why it works:

• Close to Ayala Center Cebu

• Clean, organized environment

• Preferred by executives and expats

Best for: Higher nightly rates

3. Seaside / SRP Condos (Tourist Appeal)

South Road Properties offers a different experience.

Why it works:

• Scenic views

• Near SM Seaside Cebu

• Growing tourist interest

Best for: Leisure travelers

4. Mactan-Adjacent Condos (Vacation Rentals)

While outside Cebu City, nearby resort areas benefit Airbnb demand.

Why it works:

• Close to beaches and resorts

• Strong tourist traffic

• Vacation-focused stays

Best for: Short stays and weekend bookings

5. 1-Bedroom Units in Central Locations

Compared to studios, 1-bedroom units:

• Offer more space

• Attract couples or small groups

• Command higher rates

Best for: Better pricing flexibility

6. Condos Near Universities

Student-heavy areas can support short-term rentals for:

• Visiting families

• Short academic stays

Best for: Seasonal demand

7. High-Floor Units with Views

Views sell.

Units with:

• City skyline views

• Ocean views

• Sunset balconies

can charge premium rates.

Best for: Higher nightly pricing

8. New Developments with Modern Amenities

New condos attract more bookings because they offer:

• Better interiors

• Updated amenities

• Strong visual appeal

According to Lamudi Philippines, modern developments tend to perform better in rental markets (Lamudi, 2023).

Best for: Guest satisfaction and reviews

9. Airbnb-Friendly Buildings

Not all condos allow short-term rentals.

Before buying, confirm:

• Airbnb policy

• Property management rules

• Guest access procedures

Best for: Avoiding operational issues

10. Fully Furnished, Design-Focused Units

Design plays a huge role in Airbnb success.

Well-designed units:

• Stand out in listings

• Get better reviews

• Increase bookings

Best for: Maximizing occupancy and ratings

How Much Can You Earn with Airbnb in Cebu?

Typical earnings vary:

• Studio: ₱1,200 – ₱2,500 per night

• 1-bedroom: ₱2,000 – ₱4,000 per night

Monthly income depends on occupancy:

• 50% occupancy → moderate income

• 70%+ occupancy → strong returns

However, costs include:

• Cleaning

• Utilities

• Platform fees

Airbnb vs Long-Term Rental

Airbnb Pros:

• Higher income potential

• Flexible pricing

• Short-term commitment

Airbnb Cons:

• More management required

• Variable income

• Subject to regulations

Long-Term Rental Pros:

• Stable income

• Less effort

Many investors choose based on time vs income trade-off.

Common Mistakes Airbnb Investors Make

• Buying in non-Airbnb-friendly buildings

• Ignoring location demand

• Poor interior design

• Overpricing listings

Avoiding these mistakes improves profitability.

The Future of Airbnb in Cebu

Short-term rentals are expected to grow due to:

• Increasing tourism

• Rise of remote workers

• Flexible travel lifestyles

The World Bank notes that urban tourism and infrastructure drive rental demand in developing cities (World Bank, 2020).

Conclusion

Airbnb investing in Cebu City can be highly profitable—but success depends on choosing the right property.

Top-performing units are:

• In prime locations

• Well-designed

• Airbnb-friendly

Whether you choose IT Park, Business Park, or emerging areas, the key is to align your property with what guests actually want.

In Airbnb investing, the right unit doesn’t just rent—it gets booked.

References

• Lamudi Philippines (2023). Philippine Real Estate Market Report

• Philippine Statistics Authority (2023). Urbanization and Tourism Data – Central Visayas

• National Association of Realtors (2022). Short-Term Rental Trends Report

• World Bank (2020). Urban Development and Tourism in Emerging Markets