Is Bellevue, Kentucky Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Bellevue, Kentucky, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through the Campbell County Planning Commission and Bellevue City Hall, as short-term rentals may require special permits or have restrictions in residential areas. Obtain necessary business licenses from the Kentucky Secretary of State and register for state and local tax collection, including Kentucky's 6% sales tax and any applicable occupancy taxes. Find a suitable property by purchasing or leasing a home in compliance with local housing codes, ensuring it meets safety requirements including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and proper egress windows. Furnish the property with quality furniture, linens, kitchen essentials, and amenities that appeal to travelers, focusing on comfort and functionality while maintaining a cohesive design aesthetic. Create your Airbnb listing with professional photography, detailed descriptions, competitive pricing based on comparable properties in the Cincinnati metro area, and highlight nearby attractions like the Cincinnati riverfront and downtown areas. Manage your property by establishing check-in procedures, maintaining cleanliness standards, responding promptly to guest communications, coordinating cleaning between stays, and ensuring compliance with all local noise ordinances and parking regulations specific to Bellevue's residential neighborhoods.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Bellevue, Kentucky, focus on properties within walking distance of the Ohio River waterfront and downtown Newport attractions, as proximity to Cincinnati's urban amenities across the river drives demand. Target 2-3 bedroom single-family homes or condos built after 1990 with modern amenities, parking, and river or city skyline views, as these command premium rates of $80-120 per night. Analyze comparable properties using AirDNA and Mashvisor to identify the $150,000-$250,000 price range that typically yields 8-12% annual returns, while researching competition through Airbnb and VRBO searches within a 2-mile radius to ensure market saturation remains below 15-20 properties. Utilize local resources like the Northern Kentucky Convention & Visitors Bureau for event calendars, partner with Bellevue-based property management companies familiar with city regulations, and monitor Campbell County tourism trends through Kentucky Tourism data to time acquisitions with growing demand periods, particularly during Cincinnati Reds season and summer riverfront events.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Bellevue, Kentucky, you must first contact the Bellevue City Hall at 1016 Fairfield Avenue to inquire about their specific short-term rental ordinance requirements, as this small city in Campbell County may have recently implemented or be developing STR regulations. You'll likely need to submit an application form along with required documents including proof of property ownership or lease agreement, certificate of insurance with minimum $1 million liability coverage, floor plan of the rental unit, emergency contact information, and parking plan documentation. The application fee is estimated to be between $100-300 annually, with possible additional inspection fees of $50-100. Required documents should also include a business license from Kentucky, fire safety inspection certificate, and compliance with local zoning requirements. The timeline for approval typically ranges from 30-60 days after submitting a complete application, depending on inspection scheduling and any required corrections. Bellevue-specific requirements likely include maximum occupancy limits based on square footage, mandatory smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, adequate parking provisions, noise ordinance compliance, and maintaining a local contact person available 24/7 for emergency situations. You must also register with the Kentucky Department of Revenue for tax collection purposes and may need to obtain a Campbell County occupational license depending on your rental income level.

Short-term rentals (STRs) in Bellevue, Kentucky are generally legal but subject to local regulations and zoning restrictions. The city, located in Campbell County across from Cincinnati, Ohio, typically requires STR operators to obtain proper business licenses and comply with zoning ordinances that may limit rentals in certain residential areas. Properties must meet safety and health standards, including fire safety requirements and occupancy limits. Recent years have seen increased scrutiny of STRs in Northern Kentucky communities, with some municipalities implementing stricter registration requirements and noise ordinances. Bellevue likely prohibits STRs in areas zoned exclusively for single-family residential use without special permits, and operators must collect and remit local occupancy taxes. The city may also require parking provisions and limit the number of guests, though specific regulations can change, so operators should verify current requirements with Bellevue's planning and zoning department before establishing an STR business.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Bellevue, Kentucky include the historic Fairfield Avenue district near the riverfront, which attracts tourists visiting Cincinnati attractions just across the Ohio River while offering lower accommodation costs than downtown Cincinnati hotels. The residential neighborhoods near Bellevue Beach Park and the Ohio River provide scenic water views and easy access to Cincinnati's business district, making them attractive to business travelers seeking quieter accommodations. Areas near the Northern Kentucky Convention Center corridor benefit from corporate events and conferences, while properties within walking distance of Bellevue's antique shops and local restaurants along Fairfield Avenue appeal to weekend tourists exploring the region's historic charm. The neighborhoods near major transportation routes like I-471 and US-27 offer convenience for visitors attending Cincinnati Reds games, concerts at venues like Riverbend Music Center, or business meetings in downtown Cincinnati, with Bellevue providing a more affordable and peaceful alternative to urban hotels while maintaining easy access to major attractions and business centers.

Airbnb properties in Bellevue, Kentucky are subject to Kentucky's 6% state sales tax on transient accommodations, which applies to rentals of less than 30 consecutive days, and this tax is typically collected by Airbnb directly from guests and remitted to the Kentucky Department of Revenue on behalf of hosts through their automated collection system implemented around 2019. Additionally, Campbell County (where Bellevue is located) imposes a 3% transient room tax on short-term rentals, bringing the total occupancy tax rate to approximately 9%, though this county tax may require separate registration and remittance by individual hosts depending on local collection agreements. The city of Bellevue itself does not appear to impose additional lodging taxes beyond the state and county requirements. Hosts must register with the Kentucky Department of Revenue if they're collecting taxes independently, file monthly returns, and remit taxes by the 20th of the following month, while exemptions typically apply only to stays of 30 days or longer, certain government travelers, and nonprofit organizations with proper documentation.

To start an Airbnb in Bellevue, Kentucky, expect total costs around $180,000-$220,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at approximately $150,000-$180,000 based on median home prices in the area as of 2023-2024. Furnishing costs typically range $8,000-$15,000 for a complete setup including furniture, appliances, linens, and décor to create an attractive rental space. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and basic renovations 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 Campbell County or local authorities. Insurance costs run $1,200-$2,400 annually for landlord and short-term rental coverage. Utility setup and deposits typically cost $300-$600, with monthly utilities averaging $150-$250. First six months of operating costs including utilities, cleaning supplies, maintenance, platform fees to Airbnb and VRBO, marketing, and property management tools total approximately $3,000-$6,000. Additional considerations include potential HOA fees, property taxes, and a cash reserve for unexpected repairs or vacancy periods.

Airbnb properties in Bellevue, Kentucky show moderate profitability potential with average nightly rates ranging from $75-120 for typical 2-3 bedroom homes, generating approximately $18,000-28,000 in annual gross revenue at 60-70% occupancy rates. Operating expenses typically consume 40-50% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($30-50 per turnover), property management (15-25%), utilities ($150-200 monthly), insurance ($800-1,200 annually), and maintenance costs averaging $2,000-3,500 yearly. Net profit margins generally range from 15-25% after expenses, with successful properties earning $4,000-8,000 annually in net income. Success factors in this Cincinnati suburb market include proximity to downtown Cincinnati (8 miles), competitive pricing against hotels ($90-140 nightly), professional photography, responsive guest communication, and maintaining 4.7+ star ratings. Properties near the riverfront or with unique amenities like hot tubs or game rooms command premium rates, while basic suburban homes face stronger competition from established hotel chains like Hampton Inn and Holiday Inn Express in nearby areas, requiring hosts to focus on exceptional cleanliness, local recommendations, and quick response times to maintain profitability in this moderately competitive market.

Airbnb investments in Bellevue, Kentucky typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10% based on the local market conditions and proximity to Louisville attractions. Properties in this small Ohio River community, with average acquisition costs of $80,000-$150,000, can expect gross rental yields of 12-18% annually, though occupancy rates average 45-60% due to seasonal tourism patterns and competition from Louisville accommodations. Initial profitability usually occurs within 18-24 months, with break-even cash flow achievable in the first 12-18 months after accounting for renovation costs of $15,000-$25,000 per property. The market benefits from river tourism, nearby Mammoth Cave National Park visitors, and Louisville overflow demand, with average daily rates of $75-$120 generating monthly gross revenues of $1,200-$2,400 per property during peak seasons.

STRSearch is a leading national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental properties for investors in Bellevue, Kentucky and surrounding areas. Local real estate agents like Coldwell Banker McMahan and RE/MAX Properties East serve the Bellevue market with expertise in investment properties, while Keller Williams Northern Kentucky has agents experienced in Airbnb property acquisitions. National services include AirDNA for market analysis and revenue projections, Mashvisor for property investment analytics, and BiggerPockets for connecting with local investors and agents. RedAwning and Vacasa offer property management services that can help investors identify suitable properties while providing ongoing management. Local property management companies like Kentucky Lake Vacation Rentals and Bluegrass Property Management have expanded into the short-term rental market around 2019-2022. Real estate investment firms such as Roofstock and Arrived Homes have begun targeting the Kentucky market for turnkey rental properties, while platforms like Awning and AvantStay focus specifically on short-term rental investments and can provide market insights for the greater Cincinnati area including Bellevue.