Is Bremen, Ohio Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Bremen, Ohio, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through the Fairfield County Planning Commission and Bremen Village Council, as short-term rentals may require special permits or fall under specific zoning classifications. Contact the Fairfield County Health Department to obtain necessary permits, which typically include a lodging license and may require health inspections, fire safety compliance, and occupancy permits from the local fire department. Find a suitable property by working with local real estate agents familiar with Bremen's market, focusing on areas near Buckeye Lake or downtown Bremen that attract tourists, ensuring the property meets residential or commercial zoning requirements for short-term rentals. Furnish the space with quality furniture, linens, and amenities while ensuring compliance with Ohio's safety requirements including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and proper egress windows. Create your Airbnb listing with professional photos highlighting Bremen's proximity to Buckeye Lake State Park and Columbus attractions, setting competitive pricing based on similar properties in the Fairfield County area. Manage your property by establishing cleaning protocols between guests, maintaining responsive communication, coordinating with local cleaning services in the Bremen area, and ensuring ongoing compliance with village ordinances and state tax requirements including Ohio's lodging tax and any applicable local accommodation taxes that may be collected by Fairfield County.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Bremen, Ohio, focus on properties within 2-3 miles of Buckeye Lake State Park and downtown Bremen, as these areas attract tourists and business travelers visiting the lake recreation area and local events. Target 2-4 bedroom single-family homes or cabins with amenities like waterfront access, boat docks, fire pits, or proximity to hiking trails, as these features command premium rates of $80-150 per night compared to basic properties at $60-90. Analyze pricing by researching comparable STRs on Airbnb and VRBO within a 10-mile radius, noting seasonal fluctuations with peak rates during summer months (May-September) and lower winter occupancy around 40-50%. Competition research should focus on the 15-25 existing STR properties in the Bremen/Buckeye Lake area, identifying gaps in amenities or underserved property types like pet-friendly or family-oriented rentals. Utilize AirDNA for market data analysis, STRAnalytics for revenue projections, and the Fairfield County Auditor's website for property values and tax information, while monitoring local regulations through Bremen's city offices since Ohio allows STRs but some municipalities have specific permitting requirements.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Bremen, Ohio, contact the Bremen Village Office at 740-569-4788 or visit their office at 108 Main Street to inquire about short-term rental regulations and application procedures. You will likely need to submit a completed application form, proof of property ownership or lease agreement, certificate of insurance with minimum $1 million liability coverage, floor plan of the rental unit, contact information for a local property manager if you live more than 50 miles away, and pay an estimated application fee of $100-200 plus annual renewal fees of $75-150. Required documents may also include a fire safety inspection certificate, occupancy permit, and business license registration with the state of Ohio. The approval timeline typically takes 30-45 days after submitting a complete application, and Bremen may require compliance with specific zoning restrictions, parking requirements of at least two spaces per unit, maximum occupancy limits based on square footage, and adherence to noise ordinances with quiet hours from 10 PM to 7 AM. You must also register for local tax collection and remit applicable lodging taxes, maintain the property according to residential building codes, and provide emergency contact information to neighboring properties within 200 feet of the rental unit.

Short-term rentals (STRs) in Bremen, Ohio are generally legal but operate under limited local regulation as of 2024. Bremen, a small village in Fairfield County with approximately 1,400 residents, does not appear to have comprehensive STR-specific ordinances, meaning they likely fall under general residential use and business licensing requirements. Property owners must comply with state fire safety codes, obtain necessary business licenses, and ensure compliance with zoning regulations that typically restrict commercial activities in residential areas. The village may require STR operators to register their properties and collect applicable taxes, though enforcement mechanisms are limited due to the community's small size and administrative capacity. Recent trends in Ohio have seen larger municipalities implementing stricter STR regulations, but smaller communities like Bremen often rely on existing nuisance ordinances and neighbor complaints to address problematic rentals. Property owners should verify current requirements with Bremen's village administration and Fairfield County offices, as regulations can change and may include restrictions on the number of guests, parking requirements, and noise ordinances that could affect STR operations.

The most promising Airbnb investment areas in Bremen, Ohio include the historic downtown district near Main Street, which attracts visitors interested in the town's German heritage and annual Oktoberfest celebration, and properties within walking distance of the Fairfield County Fairgrounds that benefit from increased demand during the annual county fair and other events throughout the year. The residential neighborhoods along Columbus Street and near Zion Lutheran Church offer attractive investment opportunities due to their proximity to local businesses and restaurants while maintaining quiet, family-friendly atmospheres that appeal to leisure travelers exploring rural Ohio. Areas near US Route 22 provide convenient access for business travelers and tourists visiting nearby attractions like the Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington or Lancaster's historic sites, making these locations ideal for short-term rentals targeting both weekend getaways and weekday business stays.

Bremen, Ohio does not have specific lodging or occupancy taxes that apply to Airbnb properties as of 2024. The village of Bremen, located in Fairfield County, has not implemented municipal lodging taxes, and Fairfield County also does not impose county-level occupancy taxes on short-term rentals. However, all Airbnb hosts in Bremen must collect and remit Ohio state sales tax at the rate of 5.75% on rental income, which is handled through the Ohio Department of Taxation's online system with monthly or quarterly filing requirements depending on revenue volume. Additionally, hosts must pay federal and state income taxes on rental earnings, though these are not occupancy taxes per se. Some neighboring larger municipalities in Ohio like Columbus have implemented lodging taxes ranging from 2-7%, but these do not apply to Bremen properties. Hosts should register for an Ohio vendor's license through the Ohio Business Gateway and file returns even in months with no activity, with exemptions typically limited to rentals under 30 days that might qualify for different tax treatment under specific circumstances.

To start an Airbnb in Bremen, Ohio, the total costs would be approximately $185,000-$220,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at $140,000-$160,000 based on median home prices in rural Ohio markets. Furnishing costs typically range $15,000-$25,000 for a complete 2-3 bedroom 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 $3,000-$5,000. Permits and fees in Ohio small towns generally cost $500-$1,500 covering business licenses, occupancy permits, and potential zoning approvals. Insurance premiums for short-term rental coverage run $2,000-$3,500 annually, with the first year paid upfront. Utility deposits and connections typically cost $500-$800 for electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable services. First six months operating costs including utilities ($1,800), cleaning supplies and services ($1,200), maintenance reserves ($1,000), platform fees ($2,400 assuming $400 monthly revenue), marketing ($600), and miscellaneous expenses ($1,000) total approximately $8,000, bringing the complete startup investment to around $185,000-$220,000 depending on property condition and furnishing quality choices.

Airbnb properties in Bremen, Ohio 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 assuming 60-70% occupancy rates. Operating expenses typically consume 40-50% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($25-40 per turnover), property management (10-15%), utilities ($150-200 monthly), insurance ($800-1,200 annually), and maintenance costs ($2,000-3,500 yearly). Net profit margins generally fall between 25-35% for well-managed properties, with successful hosts in the area reporting annual net profits of $6,000-12,000 per property. Success factors include proximity to Fairfield County attractions, competitive pricing below Columbus market rates, professional photography, responsive guest communication, and maintaining 4.8+ star ratings. Properties near Buckeye Lake or with unique amenities like hot tubs or fire pits command premium rates, with some hosts achieving $35,000+ gross revenue annually. The market benefits from limited hotel options in Bremen, creating opportunities for short-term rentals serving visitors to nearby Lancaster, Pickerington, and Columbus suburbs, though seasonal fluctuations affect winter occupancy rates by 20-30%.

Airbnb investments in Bremen, Ohio typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10%, given the area's proximity to Columbus and Hocking Hills recreational attractions. Properties in Bremen generally achieve profitability within 18-24 months, with average nightly rates of $80-120 for 2-3 bedroom homes and occupancy rates of 45-60% annually. The market benefits from weekend getaway demand and seasonal tourism, with investors seeing gross rental yields of 10-15% on properties purchased in the $150,000-250,000 range, though success depends heavily on property condition, marketing effectiveness, and seasonal demand fluctuations typical of smaller Ohio markets.

STRSearch is a national platform that helps investors identify profitable short-term rental properties across markets including Bremen, Ohio. In the Columbus metropolitan area which serves Bremen, RE/MAX agents like those at RE/MAX Revealty and Keller Williams Capital Partners have experience with investment properties and short-term rental markets. BiggerPockets, founded in 2004, offers nationwide investor networking and property analysis tools. Awning, established in 2017, provides Airbnb investment property search and management services across Ohio markets. Local Columbus-based companies like Ohio Real Estate Investors Association (OREIA) offer resources and networking for STR investors. Mashvisor, launched in 2014, provides data analytics for Airbnb investment properties in Ohio markets including smaller towns like Bremen. RedAwning and Vacasa offer property management services that extend to central Ohio markets. Local agents at Century 21 and Coldwell Banker in the Lancaster-Fairfield County area, which includes Bremen, often work with investors seeking vacation rental properties near Buckeye Lake and other recreational areas that drive STR demand in the region.