Kansas City’s Short-Term Housing Crunch During the 2026 FIFA World Cup: A Unique Opportunity for Homeowners

Introduction: The World Comes to KC


In the summer of 2026, Kansas City will be on the world stage as a host city for the FIFA World Cup. With an estimated 650,000 visitors expected, the metro area will welcome fans from across the globe. The excitement is undeniable—but with it comes a major challenge: where will all of these visitors stay?

The Housing Demand Surge
Kansas City currently offers:

  • Around 36,000 hotel rooms in the metro area.

  • Roughly 740–840 active Airbnb or vacation rental listings.

That inventory won’t come close to meeting demand. The result? A short-term housing crisis—and a major opportunity for homeowners.

Two Ways to Benefit as a Homeowner

  1. List Your Vacant Home as a Short-Term Rental
    If you own a vacant property or second home, the World Cup presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to earn premium rental income. Visitors—especially families and groups—are looking for larger, more comfortable spaces than hotels can provide.

  2. Sell Your Home as an Investor Opportunity
    If hosting isn’t right for you, consider selling. Many investors are actively seeking Kansas City properties they can convert into Airbnb rentals before 2026. Listing your home now positions you to sell quickly and profitably while investor demand is high.

Why Staging and Design Matter More Than Ever
Short-term rental guests don’t just want a place to sleep—they want a space that feels stylish, welcoming, and memorable. The same is true for investors, who are looking for homes they can quickly turn into high-demand rentals.

That’s where I step in. Through my design consultation and staging services, I help homeowners:

  • Reimagine vacant spaces so they look warm and inviting.

  • Highlight the features that matter most to renters—like open living areas, cozy bedrooms, and functional kitchens.

  • Create a design style that photographs beautifully and performs well on Airbnb and VRBO.

For sellers, staging also boosts buyer interest and often increases sales prices—especially when marketing to investors who want move-in or rental-ready properties.

Your Trusted Team of Experts
When you work with me, you’re not just getting a Realtor—you’re getting access to my full network. I connect clients with contractors, coordinators, mortgage specialists, loan officers, and inspectors who can handle every detail of preparing, renting, or selling your home.

Looking Beyond the World Cup
While the World Cup is the immediate driver, Kansas City’s tourism industry is thriving year-round. A property set up as a short-term rental now could continue generating income long after the tournament ends. And for sellers, this demand means investors are motivated to buy sooner rather than later.

Conclusion: Turn Opportunity Into Action
The World Cup will be one of the most impactful events in Kansas City’s history. For homeowners, it’s a rare chance to turn an empty property into an income-generating rental—or sell to an eager investor looking to do just that.

And with my staging and design expertise, I’ll make sure your property isn’t just ready, but irresistible.

Ready to explore your options? Fill out my contact form or give me a call today—let’s make your property part of Kansas City’s World Cup success story.

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