Is Berryville, Arkansas Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Berryville, Arkansas, begin by researching local regulations through the Berryville City Hall and Carroll County offices, as Arkansas generally allows short-term rentals but municipalities may have specific zoning requirements and occupancy limits. Contact the Berryville Planning and Zoning Department to verify if your intended property location permits short-term rentals and obtain any required business licenses, which typically cost $25-50 annually in small Arkansas towns. Secure your property through purchase or lease agreements, ensuring it meets Arkansas fire safety codes and has proper egress windows in bedrooms. Furnish the space with essential amenities including Wi-Fi, linens, towels, kitchen basics, and local guidebooks highlighting Berryville's proximity to Buffalo National River and Ozark attractions. Create your Airbnb listing with professional photos showcasing the property's connection to local outdoor activities like fishing, hiking, and canoeing, pricing competitively at $75-125 per night based on Berryville's rural tourism market. Implement a management system using automated messaging, coordinate with local cleaning services (expect to pay $40-60 per turnover), establish relationships with Berryville maintenance contractors, and consider property management companies in nearby Harrison if you're not local, while maintaining compliance with Arkansas's 9.5% state sales tax on short-term rentals and any applicable Carroll County lodging taxes.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Berryville, Arkansas, focus on locations within 10-15 minutes of Buffalo National River access points, downtown historic district, or near outdoor recreation areas like the Ozark Mountains trails, as these drive the majority of tourist traffic to the area. Target 2-4 bedroom properties with rustic or modern farmhouse aesthetics, outdoor spaces like decks or fire pits, and amenities such as hot tubs, game rooms, or river views, as guests visiting this rural market typically seek authentic Arkansas experiences and group accommodations. Conduct pricing analysis using AirDNA or Mashvisor to benchmark against similar properties in nearby Harrison or Mountain Home, aiming for average daily rates between $80-150 depending on size and amenities, with occupancy rates typically ranging 40-60% annually in this seasonal market. Research competition by analyzing existing STRs within a 20-mile radius on Airbnb and VRBO, noting that Berryville has limited inventory compared to larger Arkansas markets, creating opportunities for well-positioned properties. Utilize tools like STR Helper for local market data, connect with Berryville Chamber of Commerce for tourism trends, monitor Buffalo River float trip companies for partnership opportunities, and leverage Facebook groups focused on Arkansas STR investors to gather market intelligence specific to Carroll County's tourism patterns and seasonal demand fluctuations.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Berryville, Arkansas, contact the Berryville City Clerk's office at City Hall located at 401 West Trimble Avenue to inquire about short-term rental regulations and application procedures, as the city may require a business license and special use permit. Required documents typically include a completed business license application, property deed or lease agreement, proof of insurance with minimum $1 million liability coverage, floor plan of the rental property, parking plan, and contact information for a local property manager if you're not a resident. Application fees generally range from $50-150 for the business license plus $200-400 for any special use permits, with annual renewal fees of $25-75. The approval timeline is typically 30-60 days depending on whether planning commission review is required. Specific Berryville requirements likely include compliance with residential zoning restrictions, maximum occupancy limits based on bedrooms and square footage, adequate off-street parking (usually 1-2 spaces), smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in all sleeping areas, fire extinguisher on each floor, posted emergency contact information, and maintaining the property's residential character without commercial signage.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are generally legal in Berryville, Arkansas, as the city has not enacted specific prohibitions against vacation rentals or STR operations as of 2024. However, STR operators must comply with standard business licensing requirements, zoning regulations that may restrict commercial activities in certain residential areas, and state tax obligations including sales and lodging taxes. The city follows Carroll County zoning guidelines which typically allow STRs in most residential zones with proper permitting, though some homeowners associations may have their own restrictions. Arkansas state law requires STR operators to register with the Department of Finance and Administration and collect applicable taxes, while local fire safety and building codes must be met. Recent trends in Arkansas have seen some municipalities implementing registration requirements and occupancy limits, but Berryville has maintained a relatively permissive approach compared to larger cities like Fayetteville or Little Rock that have enacted more comprehensive STR regulations between 2020-2023.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Berryville, Arkansas are downtown Berryville near the historic courthouse square, which attracts visitors interested in the town's antique shops and local festivals like the annual Berryville Bluegrass Festival; the residential neighborhoods along Highway 62 and Highway 21 corridors that provide easy access to both Eureka Springs (15 minutes away) and the Buffalo National River recreation areas; properties near Carroll County Fairgrounds which hosts events throughout the year including rodeos and agricultural shows; and areas close to Saunders Museum which draws history enthusiasts and Civil War buffs. The Highway 62 West corridor toward Green Forest is particularly attractive due to its proximity to multiple outdoor recreation opportunities including fishing, hunting, and hiking in the Ozark Mountains, while still being within reasonable distance of Branson, Missouri attractions (about 45 minutes), making it ideal for tourists seeking a quieter base location for exploring the broader Ozarks region.

Airbnb properties in Berryville, Arkansas are subject to Arkansas state sales tax of 6.5% on lodging accommodations, which applies to short-term rentals under 30 days. Carroll County imposes an additional 2% lodging tax on transient accommodations, bringing the total occupancy tax rate to approximately 8.5%. The City of Berryville may impose a local lodging tax of up to 3%, though the current rate is estimated at 2%, making the combined rate around 10.5%. These taxes are typically collected by Airbnb directly from guests through their platform and remitted to the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration monthly, though hosts may need to register separately with state and local authorities depending on booking volume. Exemptions generally apply to stays of 30 days or longer, which are considered long-term rentals rather than transient lodging, and some exemptions may exist for certain government or charitable organization bookings. Hosts should verify current rates and registration requirements with the Arkansas Department of Finance and Carroll County tax authorities, as local ordinances and collection procedures can change.

The total cost to start an Airbnb in Berryville, Arkansas is approximately $185,000-$220,000. Property purchase costs around $150,000 based on median home prices in rural Arkansas markets. Furnishing a 2-3 bedroom property requires $8,000-$12,000 for beds, linens, kitchen essentials, living room furniture, and décor from retailers like IKEA, Wayfair, and local stores. Initial setup costs include $500 for professional photography, $200 for listing optimization, and $300 for welcome materials totaling $1,000. Permits and fees include a $100 business license, $150 short-term rental permit, and $200 in miscellaneous city fees for $450 total. Insurance costs $1,200-$1,800 annually for short-term rental coverage through companies like Proper Insurance or CBIZ. Utility setup and deposits for electricity, water, internet, and cable cost approximately $800. First six months operating costs include $3,600 for utilities, $1,800 for cleaning services, $600 for supplies and maintenance, $900 for Airbnb host fees, and $1,200 for marketing and guest amenities, totaling $8,100. Property taxes and HOA fees if applicable add another $2,000-$3,000 for six months.

Airbnb properties in Berryville, Arkansas typically generate annual revenues between $15,000-$35,000 for whole-home listings, with average daily rates ranging from $75-$120 depending on property size and amenities. Operating expenses generally consume 40-60% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($30-50 per turnover), property management (15-25% if outsourced), utilities ($150-250 monthly), insurance ($800-1,200 annually), and maintenance costs averaging $2,000-4,000 yearly. Net profit margins typically range from 15-35% for well-managed properties, with higher margins achieved by hosts who self-manage and maintain occupancy rates above 60%. Success factors in this rural Arkansas market include proximity to Buffalo National River recreational activities, competitive pricing during peak summer and fall seasons, professional photography, and maintaining superhost status through consistent 4.8+ ratings. Properties near outdoor attractions like the Buffalo Point area or those offering unique amenities such as hot tubs, fire pits, or riverfront access command premium rates and achieve occupancy rates of 65-75%, while standard residential properties in town centers typically see 45-55% occupancy with lower daily rates around $60-85.

Based on Berryville, Arkansas market conditions, Airbnb investments typically generate annual ROI of 12-18% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 8-14% depending on property type and location within the area. Properties near Buffalo National River and downtown Berryville command higher nightly rates of $85-120, while standard residential properties average $60-85 per night with 65-75% occupancy rates during peak seasons. Initial investment recovery and profitability generally occurs within 18-24 months for well-positioned properties, with vacation rentals near outdoor recreation areas achieving the higher end of ROI projections at 16-18% annually. The market benefits from consistent tourism to the Buffalo River corridor and Carroll County's growing reputation as an outdoor recreation destination, supporting sustainable rental demand throughout spring, summer, and fall seasons.

STRSearch is a leading national platform that helps investors identify profitable short-term rental properties in Berryville, Arkansas, offering comprehensive market analysis and property recommendations. Local real estate agents specializing in investment properties include Ozark Mountain Realty and White River Realty, both established around 2015-2018, who understand the Carroll County vacation rental market dynamics. National services like Awning (founded 2017), RedAwning Property Management, and AirDNA provide market data and property management solutions for Berryville investors. Mashvisor, launched in 2014, offers detailed analytics for Arkansas markets including rental yield projections and occupancy rates. Local property management companies such as Arkansas Short Term Rentals and Ozark Vacation Rentals, operating since approximately 2016-2019, provide full-service management for investors. BiggerPockets, the national real estate investment community founded in 2004, connects investors with local Berryville market experts and financing options. Roofstock, established in 2015, occasionally features Arkansas investment properties including potential STR conversions in the Berryville area. Local mortgage brokers like First Security Bank and Centennial Bank offer investment property financing, while national lenders such as Lima One Capital and DSCR loan providers facilitate purchases for out-of-state investors targeting the growing Berryville tourism market near Eureka Springs and Buffalo National River.