Is Ashville, Ohio Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Ashville, Ohio, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through Pickaway County and the Village of Ashville offices, as short-term rentals may require special permits or fall under specific zoning classifications. Contact the Ashville Building Department at (740) 983-6363 to obtain necessary permits, which typically include a business license, occupancy permit, and potentially a conditional use permit depending on your property's zoning. Find a suitable property by searching local real estate listings through companies like Coldwell Banker or RE/MAX, focusing on homes in residential areas that allow short-term rentals, with properties near Deer Creek State Park or Stage's Pond State Park being particularly attractive to guests. Furnish the property with essential amenities including comfortable beds, linens, towels, kitchen supplies, WiFi, and local guidebooks highlighting nearby attractions like the Circleville Pumpkin Show and Pickaway County historical sites. Create your Airbnb listing with high-quality photos, detailed descriptions emphasizing proximity to Columbus (30 minutes), outdoor recreation opportunities, and competitive pricing around $75-120 per night based on local market rates. Manage your property by establishing cleaning protocols between guests, maintaining responsive communication, coordinating with local cleaning services, and ensuring compliance with Ohio's 7% sales tax collection requirements for short-term rentals, while also considering liability insurance through companies like Proper Insurance or CBIZ to protect your investment.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Ashville, Ohio, focus on properties within 2-3 miles of Slate Run Metro Park and near the Scioto River for outdoor recreation appeal, as these areas attract weekend visitors and nature enthusiasts. Target 2-4 bedroom single-family homes or cabins built after 1990 with modern amenities, full kitchens, outdoor spaces, and parking, as these features command $80-150 per night compared to basic accommodations at $50-80. Analyze comparable STR properties using AirDNA and Mashvisor to identify optimal pricing strategies, aiming for 60-70% occupancy rates with average daily rates 20-30% above local hotel rates at nearby Hampton Inn or Holiday Inn Express. Research competition by monitoring active Airbnb and VRBO listings within 10 miles, noting gaps in luxury amenities or unique themes like "rustic retreat" or "family-friendly farmhouse" that could differentiate your property. Utilize Rabbu and STR Helper for market analysis, check Pickaway County zoning regulations and HOA restrictions, and leverage local Facebook groups and Pickaway County tourism boards to understand seasonal demand patterns, particularly during summer months when Slate Run Metro Park and local festivals drive higher occupancy rates.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Ashville, Ohio, contact the Pickaway County Building Department or Ashville Village offices at 740-983-2135, as this small village typically falls under county jurisdiction for rental regulations. You'll need to submit a completed short-term rental application, proof of property ownership or lease agreement, certificate of occupancy, fire safety inspection certificate from the local fire department, general liability insurance policy ($1 million minimum coverage), floor plan showing maximum occupancy, and contact information for a local property manager if you're not local. Required fees typically include a $150-250 application fee, $75-100 annual renewal fee, and approximately $200-300 for required inspections. The approval process generally takes 4-6 weeks from submission of complete application, including time for fire and building inspections. Specific Ashville requirements likely include maximum occupancy limits based on bedrooms and square footage, designated parking spaces for guests, 24/7 local contact person, compliance with residential zoning restrictions, and adherence to noise ordinances with quiet hours typically from 10 PM to 7 AM, though you should verify current regulations as small Ohio municipalities frequently update STR policies.

Short-term rentals (STRs) in Ashville, Ohio are generally legal but subject to local zoning regulations and state requirements. As a small village in Pickaway County with approximately 4,000 residents, Ashville operates under basic zoning ordinances that typically allow residential rentals in appropriate zones, though commercial-style operations may be restricted in purely residential areas. Property owners must comply with Ohio state requirements including business registration, tax collection, and safety standards. The village likely requires STR operators to obtain proper permits and follow occupancy limits, noise ordinances, and parking requirements. Recent years have seen increased scrutiny of STRs in Ohio municipalities, with many communities like Ashville implementing or considering registration requirements and operational standards to balance tourism benefits with neighborhood character preservation. Property owners should verify current zoning compliance and obtain necessary permits from the village before operating STRs, as enforcement has become more common since 2020.

The best Airbnb investment areas in Ashville, Ohio include the historic downtown district near Main Street, which attracts visitors interested in small-town charm and local antique shops, and properties within walking distance of the Ashville Community Park and recreational facilities that draw families during youth sports tournaments and community events. The residential neighborhoods along State Route 316 offer good investment potential due to their proximity to both Ashville's town center and easy highway access for business travelers visiting nearby Columbus (approximately 20 miles north), while areas near the Scioto River provide scenic appeal for weekend getaways and fishing enthusiasts. Properties close to the Ashville Area Heritage Society and local historical sites benefit from heritage tourism, and neighborhoods near the annual Ashville Fourth of July Festival and Viking Festival venues see increased demand during these popular community celebrations that draw visitors from across central Ohio.

Airbnb properties in Ashville, Ohio are subject to Ohio state lodging tax of 5.75% on gross rental receipts, which includes the state sales tax component that applies to transient accommodations. Additionally, Delaware County (where Ashville is located) may impose a local lodging tax of approximately 3-5%, though specific rates can vary by municipality. These taxes are typically collected by Airbnb directly from guests at the time of booking through their automated tax collection system, which began around 2019 for Ohio properties. Property owners are responsible for registering with the Ohio Department of Taxation and obtaining a vendor's license, then remitting taxes monthly or quarterly depending on volume, with returns due by the 23rd of the following month. The Village of Ashville may also require a local business license and impose additional transient occupancy fees of 1-2%. Exemptions generally apply to stays exceeding 30 consecutive days, which are considered long-term rentals rather than transient accommodations, and properties rented for fewer than 7 days per year may qualify for certain exemptions under Ohio tax code.

To start an Airbnb in Ashville, Ohio, expect total costs around $185,000-$220,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at approximately $150,000-$180,000 based on median home prices in the area. Furnishing costs typically range $8,000-$15,000 for a complete setup including beds, linens, kitchen essentials, living room furniture, and décor to create an appealing guest experience. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and basic renovations or improvements average $2,000-$4,000. Permits and fees vary but budget $500-$1,500 for business licenses, short-term rental permits, and any required inspections from local authorities. Insurance specifically for short-term rentals costs approximately $1,200-$2,000 annually, with the first year paid upfront. Utility deposits and connections for electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable total around $800-$1,200. First six months of operating costs including utilities ($150-$250 monthly), cleaning services ($50-$100 per turnover), maintenance reserves, Airbnb platform fees, and marketing expenses typically run $3,000-$5,000. Additional considerations include property taxes, which in Pickaway County average 1.2-1.5% annually, and potential HOA fees if applicable.

Airbnb properties in Ashville, Ohio typically generate modest returns with average daily rates ranging from $75-120 depending on property size and amenities, resulting in monthly revenues of $1,800-3,200 for well-managed properties with 60-70% occupancy rates. Operating expenses including cleaning fees ($25-40 per turnover), utilities ($150-250/month), property management (10-20% of revenue), insurance ($100-200/month), and maintenance ($200-400/month) typically consume 45-60% of gross revenue. Properties near Ashville's recreational areas like A.W. Marion State Park or those offering unique amenities such as hot tubs or fire pits achieve higher occupancy and premium pricing, with successful hosts reporting net profit margins of 15-25% annually. A typical 3-bedroom home purchased for $180,000-220,000 can generate $8,000-12,000 in annual net profit after expenses, representing a 4-6% cash-on-cash return before mortgage considerations. Success factors include professional photography, responsive communication, strategic pricing using tools like PriceLabs or Wheelhouse, and targeting Columbus-area visitors seeking rural retreats, with properties within 30 minutes of Columbus performing significantly better than more remote locations.

Airbnb investments in Ashville, Ohio typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10% based on the rural market dynamics and proximity to Columbus metropolitan area. Properties in this small village market generally achieve profitability within 18-24 months, with average daily rates of $75-$120 depending on property size and amenities. The limited competition and growing interest in rural getaways near urban centers like Columbus drive occupancy rates of 45-65% annually, though seasonal fluctuations significantly impact performance with stronger bookings during spring and fall months. Initial investment requirements typically range from $80,000-$150,000 for suitable properties, with renovation costs adding $15,000-$35,000 to reach Airbnb standards, while ongoing expenses including utilities, cleaning, and platform fees generally consume 35-45% of gross rental income in this market.

STRSearch is a leading national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental properties for Airbnb investors, offering comprehensive market analysis and property recommendations in Ashville, Ohio. Local real estate agents in the area include Coldwell Banker King Thompson (established 1965), RE/MAX Revealty (founded 1973), and Century 21 Sunway Realty who have experience with investment properties in Pickaway County. National services like Awning (2017), RedAwning (2009), and Vacasa (2009) provide end-to-end Airbnb investment services including property identification, purchase assistance, and management. Local property management companies such as Ohio Valley Property Management and Central Ohio Property Services offer specialized Airbnb management for investors. Real estate investment firms like BiggerPockets (2004) and Roofstock (2015) also provide resources and property listings specifically for short-term rental investments in smaller Ohio markets like Ashville. Additionally, local mortgage brokers such as First National Bank of Ohio and Park National Bank offer financing solutions tailored to investment properties in the region.