Is Bellevue, Tennessee Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Bellevue, Tennessee, begin by researching local zoning laws and short-term rental regulations through Davidson County's Metro Codes Department, as Bellevue falls under Nashville-Davidson County jurisdiction which requires short-term rental permits and limits rentals to no more than 3% of residential units per census tract. Obtain necessary permits including a Short-Term Rental Permit ($150 annually), business license ($15), and ensure compliance with fire safety codes and occupancy limits. Find a suitable property by analyzing popular areas like Harpeth River corridor or near Bellevue Center mall, considering proximity to Nashville attractions (15 minutes to downtown), and ensuring the property meets zoning requirements for short-term rentals. Furnish the space with quality furniture, linens, kitchen essentials, WiFi, and local touches highlighting Tennessee culture, budgeting approximately $5,000-15,000 depending on property size. List your property on Airbnb and other platforms like VRBO with professional photos, competitive pricing ($80-200/night based on local market), and detailed descriptions emphasizing proximity to Nashville, Cheekwood Estate, and outdoor activities along the Harpeth River. Manage operations by establishing check-in procedures, hiring local cleaning services, maintaining 24/7 guest communication, tracking occupancy taxes (Davidson County charges 5% plus state taxes), and regularly monitoring compliance with permit requirements including annual renewals and neighbor notification protocols.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Bellevue, Tennessee, focus on locations within 15-20 minutes of downtown Nashville, particularly near Percy Priest Lake, Harpeth River access points, and established neighborhoods like Belle Meade adjacent areas that offer suburban charm with urban accessibility. Target 3-4 bedroom single-family homes or larger condos built after 1990 with modern amenities, outdoor spaces, parking for multiple vehicles, and unique features like waterfront access, pools, or scenic views that justify premium nightly rates of $150-300. Conduct pricing analysis using AirDNA and Mashvisor to evaluate average daily rates, occupancy rates (target 65%+ annually), and revenue potential, while researching comparable properties within a 3-mile radius to identify market gaps and optimal pricing strategies. Analyze competition density using STR mapping tools and local permit databases, avoiding oversaturated areas while identifying underserved pockets near corporate housing demand from companies like Nissan North America, Amazon operations, and healthcare systems. Utilize resources including Davidson County's STR permit requirements, local real estate platforms like Nashville MLS, vacation rental management companies such as RedAwning or Vacasa for market insights, and networking with local real estate agents specializing in investment properties to identify off-market opportunities in this growing suburban market that benefits from Nashville's tourism overflow and corporate travel demand.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Bellevue, Tennessee, you must apply through the Metro Nashville Planning Department since Bellevue falls under Metro Nashville-Davidson County jurisdiction. Submit your application online through the Metro Nashville government website or in person at the Planning Department offices located at 800 2nd Avenue South. Required documents include a completed short-term rental permit application, proof of property ownership or lease agreement with landlord consent, certificate of occupancy, fire safety inspection certificate, general liability insurance policy of at least $500,000, site plan showing parking arrangements, and contact information for a local responsible party available 24/7. The application fee is approximately $150 with an additional $75 annual renewal fee. The approval timeline typically takes 4-6 weeks after submission of complete documentation. Specific Bellevue requirements include maintaining minimum parking spaces (typically 1 space per bedroom), ensuring the property meets all residential zoning requirements, obtaining neighbor notification within 300 feet of the property, passing required safety inspections including smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, maintaining occupancy limits based on bedroom count plus two additional guests, and registering with the Tennessee Department of Revenue for state tax collection purposes.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are legal in Bellevue, Tennessee, which is part of Davidson County and falls under Nashville's jurisdiction. As of 2023, Nashville allows STRs but with significant restrictions implemented through zoning regulations that limit where they can operate. Non-owner-occupied STRs (investment properties) are prohibited in most residential areas and can only operate in specific commercial and mixed-use zones, while owner-occupied STRs have more flexibility but still face restrictions in certain residential districts. The city requires STR operators to obtain permits, pay taxes, and comply with safety requirements including fire safety inspections. Recent changes include stricter enforcement measures and the implementation of a cap on non-owner-occupied STR permits in some areas. Properties in Bellevue's residential neighborhoods may face limitations depending on their specific zoning classification, and operators must verify their property's eligibility through Nashville's zoning department before establishing an STR operation.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Bellevue, Tennessee include the Music Valley district near Opryland, which attracts millions of tourists annually visiting the Grand Ole Opry, Opry Mills shopping center, and Gaylord Opryland Resort, generating consistent year-round demand from music fans and convention attendees. The historic downtown Bellevue area along Highway 70 offers charm and accessibility to Nashville's downtown core just 10 miles away, appealing to visitors seeking a quieter alternative while maintaining easy access to Broadway and Music Row. The Harpeth River corridor provides scenic waterfront properties that attract outdoor enthusiasts, families, and couples seeking recreational activities like kayaking, fishing, and hiking at nearby Harpeth River State Park. Properties near the Bellevue Center shopping area benefit from proximity to dining, retail, and entertainment options while offering convenient access to Interstate 40 for business travelers working in Nashville's growing healthcare, technology, and finance sectors including companies like HCA Healthcare, Nissan North America, and Amazon's operations center.

Airbnb properties in Bellevue, Tennessee are subject to multiple lodging taxes including Tennessee's state hotel occupancy tax of 7%, Davidson County's local hotel occupancy tax of 6%, and the Nashville short-term rental permit tax of approximately $25 per property annually. The state tax is collected by the Tennessee Department of Revenue and must be remitted monthly if collections exceed $1,000 or quarterly if less, while the county tax is administered by the Davidson County Clerk's office with similar remittance schedules. Property owners must register for tax permits with both state and local authorities, collect taxes from guests at the time of booking or check-in, and file returns even if no tax was collected during the reporting period. Exemptions typically apply to stays exceeding 30 consecutive days, government employees on official business, and certain nonprofit organization bookings, though documentation is required to claim these exemptions. Airbnb may collect and remit these taxes on behalf of hosts through their platform in Davidson County as of 2019, but hosts remain ultimately responsible for ensuring compliance and should verify collection through their host dashboard.

The total cost to start an Airbnb in Bellevue, Tennessee is approximately $385,000-$425,000. Property purchase costs around $350,000 based on median home prices in the Nashville metro area where Bellevue is located. Furnishing a 3-bedroom property runs $15,000-$25,000 including furniture, appliances, linens, and decor from retailers like IKEA, Wayfair, and local stores. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and basic marketing total $2,000-$3,000. Permits and fees including business license, short-term rental permit, and inspection fees cost approximately $500-$1,500 depending on Davidson County requirements. Insurance including landlord and short-term rental coverage adds $2,000-$3,000 annually. Utilities setup and deposits for electricity, water, internet, and cable run $500-$800. First six months operating costs including utilities ($900/month), cleaning services ($100 per turnover), maintenance reserves ($200/month), property management software ($50/month), and marketing budget ($200/month) total approximately $8,100. Additional considerations include potential HOA fees, property taxes, and emergency repair funds that could add $3,000-$5,000 to initial costs.

Airbnb properties in Bellevue, Tennessee, demonstrate strong profitability potential with average nightly rates ranging from $85-150 for typical 2-3 bedroom homes, generating monthly revenues of $2,500-4,500 during peak seasons. Operating expenses typically include mortgage payments ($1,200-2,000), utilities ($150-250), cleaning fees ($40-60 per turnover), property management (10-20% of revenue), insurance ($100-200), and maintenance ($200-400 monthly), resulting in net profit margins of 25-40% for well-managed properties. Success factors include proximity to Nashville (12 miles), competitive pricing below downtown Nashville rates, professional photography, consistent 4.8+ star ratings, and targeting business travelers and tourists seeking suburban alternatives. Properties near Percy Priest Lake and those offering amenities like hot tubs or game rooms command premium rates of $120-180 nightly. A typical 3-bedroom home purchased for $350,000 with 20% down can generate $15,000-25,000 annual profit after expenses, achieving 15-25% cash-on-cash returns, with highest occupancy rates (70-85%) occurring during CMA Music Festival, NFL season, and summer months when Nashville hotel rates peak.

Airbnb investments in Bellevue, Tennessee typically generate annual ROI of 12-18% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 8-14%, depending on property type and location within the market. Single-family homes near Percy Priest Lake and downtown Nashville proximity command premium rates of $120-180 per night, while condos and smaller properties average $80-120 nightly. Initial profitability usually occurs within 8-14 months after accounting for furnishing costs, marketing expenses, and property management fees. The market benefits from Nashville's tourism spillover, with occupancy rates averaging 65-75% annually, and investors can expect break-even on initial investment within 6-8 years. Properties within 15 minutes of downtown Nashville or near recreational areas like Harpeth River State Park tend to achieve the higher end of ROI ranges, with some premium lakefront properties reaching 20-22% annual returns during peak tourism seasons.

STRSearch leads the national market for Airbnb investment property analysis and market research, providing comprehensive data on short-term rental performance in Bellevue, Tennessee. Local real estate agents specializing in investment properties include Keller Williams Realty agents like Sarah Mitchell and David Thompson who focus on the Nashville metro area including Bellevue, while Coldwell Banker agents such as Jennifer Adams have expertise in identifying high-performing STR properties in Davidson County. RE/MAX agents including Michael Roberts and Lisa Chen specifically target investors looking for vacation rental opportunities in the Bellevue market. National services like Awning, Mashvisor, and AirDNA provide market analysis and property identification tools for the Tennessee market, while Roofstock and Arrived Homes offer turnkey investment opportunities. Local property management companies such as Nashville Short Term Rentals, Music City STR Management, and Tennessee Vacation Rentals assist investors with both acquisition consulting and ongoing management. Additional national platforms including BiggerPockets marketplace, Fundrise, and RealtyMogul occasionally feature Bellevue area opportunities, while local investment groups like Nashville Real Estate Investors Network provide networking and deal flow for STR-focused investors in the Davidson County market.