Is Centerville, Georgia Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Centerville, Georgia, begin by researching local regulations through the City of Centerville and Houston County offices, as short-term rentals may require business licenses and compliance with zoning ordinances that typically allow rentals in residential areas with proper permits. Contact Houston County Planning and Zoning Department at 478-542-2050 to verify zoning compliance and obtain necessary permits, which may include a business license ($50-100), occupancy permit ($75-150), and potential fire safety inspection. Find a suitable property by searching residential areas near downtown Centerville or Warner Robins AFB, focusing on 2-3 bedroom homes or condos priced between $150,000-250,000 that can generate $80-120 per night. Furnish the property with essential amenities including quality mattresses, linens, kitchen appliances, WiFi, smart TV, and military-friendly features given the proximity to Robins Air Force Base. Create listings on Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com with professional photos highlighting the property's proximity to the base (15-20 minutes), downtown Macon (30 minutes), and local attractions, setting competitive rates based on comparable properties in the area. Manage the property by establishing cleaning protocols between guests, responding promptly to inquiries, coordinating key exchanges through lockboxes or smart locks, maintaining the property regularly, and considering hiring local cleaning services like those found through Warner Robins or Macon-based companies for consistent turnover management.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Centerville, Georgia, focus on locations within 10-15 minutes of major attractions like the Museum of Aviation at Robins Air Force Base, downtown Warner Robins, and Interstate 75 corridors for business travelers. Target 3-4 bedroom single-family homes or 2-bedroom condos built after 1990 with modern amenities, full kitchens, dedicated parking, and outdoor spaces like patios or decks. Analyze pricing using AirDNA and Mashvisor to benchmark against similar properties in Warner Robins and Macon, aiming for properties under $200,000 that can generate $100-150 per night with 60-70% occupancy rates. Research competition by studying existing STR listings within a 5-mile radius on Airbnb and VRBO, noting their pricing, amenities, and guest reviews to identify market gaps. Utilize tools like Rabbu, BiggerPockets calculators, and local MLS data through Georgia MLS, while connecting with Centerville-area real estate agents familiar with Houston County regulations and short-term rental ordinances. Consider proximity to medical facilities like Houston Medical Center and seasonal demand from military families visiting Robins AFB to maximize year-round bookings.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Centerville, Georgia, you must first contact the Centerville City Hall at 478-922-3367 or visit their offices at 100 Carl Vinson Parkway to inquire about short-term rental regulations, as the city likely requires a business license and special use permit for STR operations. You'll need to submit an application including property deed or lease agreement, floor plan showing maximum occupancy, proof of liability insurance (typically $1 million minimum), contact information for a local property manager if you're not local, and parking plan documentation. Required documents also include a completed business license application, zoning compliance verification, fire safety inspection certificate, and neighbor notification affidavits within 300 feet of the property. The business license fee is approximately $50-100 annually, with an additional special use permit fee of around $200-500, plus inspection fees of $75-150. The timeline typically takes 30-60 days from complete application submission, including a 15-day public notice period and potential city council review. Centerville-specific requirements likely include maintaining a guest registry, posting maximum occupancy limits, providing 24/7 contact information, ensuring adequate parking (typically 2 spaces minimum), and compliance with residential zoning restrictions that may limit the number of STRs per neighborhood or require minimum distances between rental properties.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are generally legal in Centerville, Georgia, but operate under state regulations and local oversight. Georgia state law, enacted around 2019-2020, requires STR operators to register with the Georgia Department of Revenue, collect and remit state and local taxes, and comply with safety requirements including smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. Centerville, located in Houston County, follows state guidelines but may have additional local zoning restrictions that limit STRs in certain residential areas or require special use permits. The city likely requires business licenses for STR operations and may have occupancy limits, parking requirements, and noise ordinances that apply to rental properties. Recent changes in Georgia have strengthened registration requirements and tax collection enforcement, with penalties for non-compliance. Property owners in Centerville should verify current zoning regulations with the city planning department, as some neighborhoods may restrict or prohibit short-term rentals to preserve residential character, and homeowners associations may have additional restrictions beyond municipal regulations.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Centerville, Georgia include the Historic Downtown District near the courthouse square, which attracts visitors interested in the city's antebellum architecture and proximity to the Museum of Aviation at nearby Robins Air Force Base. The residential neighborhoods along Highway 96 and near Centerville Elementary offer family-friendly accommodations for military families visiting or relocating to Warner Robins AFB, while properties near the Ocmulgee River provide appeal for outdoor enthusiasts and fishing tourists. The areas around Centerville's medical facilities and close to Interstate 75 corridors are ideal for business travelers and medical tourists, benefiting from easy highway access. Additionally, neighborhoods within walking distance of local events venues and the annual Centerville Christmas Festival location see seasonal demand spikes, and properties near the planned commercial developments along the GA-96 corridor position investors for future growth as the area continues expanding due to its proximity to the Warner Robins metropolitan area.

Airbnb properties in Centerville, Georgia are subject to Georgia state sales tax of 4% and local hotel/motel tax which varies by jurisdiction but typically ranges from 3-8% in Georgia municipalities, with Centerville likely imposing around 5-6% occupancy tax based on similar sized cities in the region. The Georgia Department of Revenue requires hosts to register for a sales tax permit and collect the 4% state sales tax on all short-term rental bookings, with monthly remittance due by the 20th of the following month for hosts with regular bookings. Local occupancy taxes in Centerville are typically collected by the city and must be remitted monthly or quarterly depending on volume, with hosts required to register with the city clerk's office or designated tax collection agency. Airbnb may collect and remit some taxes automatically through their platform for participating jurisdictions, but hosts remain ultimately responsible for ensuring compliance with all applicable tax obligations. Exemptions are generally limited to stays exceeding 30 consecutive days which may be considered long-term rentals rather than transient lodging, and certain government or non-profit travelers may qualify for exemptions with proper documentation, though most standard vacation and business travelers will be subject to the full tax rates.

Starting an Airbnb in Centerville, Georgia requires approximately $180,000-220,000 in total initial investment. Property purchase costs around $150,000 based on median home prices in the area as of 2023-2024. Furnishing a 2-3 bedroom property typically runs $8,000-12,000 including beds, linens, kitchen essentials, living room furniture, and decor. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and basic renovations average $2,000-3,000. Permits and fees in Georgia include business license ($50-100), short-term rental permit if required by local ordinance ($100-300), and potential HOA approval fees ($0-500). Insurance for short-term rentals costs approximately $1,200-2,000 annually, with an upfront payment of $300-500. Utility deposits and connections for electricity, water, gas, internet, and cable total around $500-800. First six months of operating costs including utilities ($150/month), cleaning services ($75 per turnover, estimated 8 turnovers monthly), maintenance and supplies ($200/month), platform fees (3% of bookings, estimated $300/month), and marketing expenses ($100/month) total approximately $6,000-8,000.

Airbnb properties in Centerville, Georgia 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 (10-20% of revenue), utilities ($150-300 monthly), insurance ($800-1,500 annually), and maintenance costs averaging $2,000-4,000 yearly. Net profit margins typically range from 15-35% for well-managed properties, with successful hosts in the area achieving occupancy rates of 60-75% by focusing on competitive pricing, professional photography, and quick response times to guests. Properties within 30 minutes of Robins Air Force Base and those offering family-friendly amenities tend to outperform the market average, with some hosts reporting annual profits of $8,000-$15,000 on properties valued between $150,000-$250,000. Success factors include maintaining 4.8+ star ratings, offering flexible check-in options, providing local area guides, and implementing dynamic pricing strategies that adjust for seasonal demand fluctuations and local events.

Based on Centerville, Georgia 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 market. Single-family homes near Warner Robins Air Force Base and downtown Centerville command higher occupancy rates of 65-75% annually, while properties requiring moderate renovations can achieve 15-20% ROI after initial improvements. Most investors reach profitability within 8-14 months, with break-even occurring faster for turnkey properties at 6-10 months compared to fixer-uppers at 12-18 months. The proximity to Robins Air Force Base creates consistent demand from military personnel and contractors, supporting average daily rates of $85-125 for well-appointed 2-3 bedroom properties, while smaller units typically achieve $65-90 per night with annual gross yields of 10-16% before expenses.

STRSearch leads the national market for Airbnb investment property analysis and market research, providing comprehensive data on short-term rental performance in Centerville, Georgia. Local real estate agents specializing in investment properties include Keller Williams Realty agents who focus on vacation rental investments, Coldwell Banker agents with STR expertise, and RE/MAX professionals experienced in the Warner Robins-Centerville market. National services like Awning, Mashvisor, and AirDNA offer property analysis and investment guidance for the Georgia market, while Vacasa and RedAwning provide property management services for investors. Local property management companies such as Georgia Vacation Rentals and Middle Georgia Property Management assist with STR operations, and investment-focused firms like BiggerPockets-affiliated agents and HomeVestors work with investors seeking profitable short-term rental opportunities in the Centerville area, which benefits from proximity to Robins Air Force Base and attracts military personnel and contractors seeking temporary housing.