Is Commercial Point, Ohio Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Commercial Point, Ohio, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through the Pickaway County Planning Commission and Commercial Point Village offices, as short-term rentals may require special permits or fall under specific zoning classifications. Contact the village clerk at (614) 877-5827 to understand any local ordinances regarding short-term rentals, obtain necessary business licenses, and ensure compliance with fire safety codes and health department requirements. Find a suitable property by searching MLS listings, working with local real estate agents familiar with Commercial Point's residential areas near US Route 23 or downtown, ensuring the property allows rental use according to HOA restrictions if applicable. Furnish the space with quality furniture, linens, and amenities targeting travelers visiting nearby Columbus (20 miles north) or Circleville (10 miles south), including essentials like WiFi, kitchen supplies, and local area guides. Create your Airbnb listing with professional photos highlighting the property's proximity to Pickaway County attractions, Stage's Pond State Park, and easy highway access, setting competitive rates based on similar properties in the Columbus metro area ($75-150 per night estimated). Manage the property by establishing cleaning protocols between guests, responding promptly to inquiries, coordinating key exchanges or installing smart locks, maintaining the property regularly, and keeping detailed records for tax purposes while registering for Ohio sales tax collection through the Ohio Department of Taxation since short-term rental income is subject to state and local taxes.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Commercial Point, Ohio, focus on properties within 15-20 minutes of Columbus attractions like downtown, Ohio State University, and the airport, as this small village benefits from proximity to the capital city. Target 3-4 bedroom single-family homes or properties with unique features like pools, hot tubs, or rural charm that appeal to families visiting Columbus or seeking peaceful retreats. Analyze pricing by researching comparable STRs in nearby Circleville, Grove City, and south Columbus suburbs, aiming for properties under $200,000 that can generate $100-150 per night during peak seasons (OSU football, summer events). Competition research should examine listings within a 10-mile radius using AirDNA or Mashvisor to identify gaps in amenities or property types, as Commercial Point likely has limited STR inventory compared to urban Columbus. Utilize tools like BiggerPockets for market analysis, Zillow and Realtor.com for property searches, and connect with local real estate agents familiar with Pickaway County investment opportunities, while considering properties near US Route 23 for easy highway access and those with agricultural or small-town appeal that differentiate from urban Columbus rentals.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Commercial Point, Ohio, you must first contact the Commercial Point Building Department at 614-877-2091 or visit their offices at 426 Scioto Street to inquire about short-term rental regulations, as the village may require a conditional use permit or special zoning approval. Required documents typically include a completed application form, property deed or lease agreement, floor plan of the rental unit, proof of liability insurance ($1 million minimum), fire safety inspection certificate, and a site plan showing parking availability. You'll need to pay application fees ranging from $150-$300 plus inspection fees of approximately $75-$150, and the process generally takes 30-60 days from submission to approval. Commercial Point specific requirements likely include maintaining adequate off-street parking (minimum 2 spaces), ensuring the property meets residential zoning standards, obtaining annual renewals, maintaining a local contact person available 24/7, and complying with occupancy limits based on bedroom count and square footage. Before operating, you must also register with the Ohio Department of Commerce for tax collection purposes and obtain any necessary state business licenses, while ensuring compliance with Franklin County health department regulations if applicable.

Short-term rentals (STRs) in Commercial Point, Ohio are generally legal but subject to local zoning regulations and state requirements. As a small village in Pickaway County, Commercial Point follows Ohio state law which permits STRs but allows municipalities to regulate them through zoning ordinances. The village likely requires STR operators to comply with residential zoning restrictions, obtain proper business licenses, collect state and local taxes including Ohio's 5.75% sales tax and any applicable lodging taxes, and maintain properties according to housing codes. Most STRs in Commercial Point would be restricted to residential zones and prohibited in areas zoned exclusively for single-family use if such restrictions exist in the local zoning code. Property owners must register with the Ohio Department of Commerce for tax collection purposes and ensure compliance with fire safety and building codes. Recent changes at the state level since 2021 have clarified tax obligations for STR operators, and local municipalities have been given clearer authority to regulate these properties through zoning. Commercial Point has not implemented any blanket bans on STRs, but operators should verify current zoning compliance and obtain necessary permits from the village before operating, as regulations can vary by specific location within municipal boundaries.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Commercial Point, Ohio include the historic downtown district near Main Street, which attracts visitors interested in small-town charm and local antique shops, and properties within walking distance of Slate Run Metro Park (established 1948), drawing nature enthusiasts and families visiting the living historical farm. The residential neighborhoods along Scioto Darby Road offer proximity to both Columbus corporate travelers working with companies like Nationwide Insurance and American Electric Power, while also serving visitors to nearby Deer Creek State Park. Areas near US Route 23 provide convenient access for business travelers heading to Columbus's downtown district and the Short North, making them attractive for corporate housing needs. Properties close to the Darby Creek area appeal to fishing and outdoor recreation visitors, while homes near local event venues benefit from seasonal tourism during harvest festivals and community celebrations that typically occur from September through November.

Commercial Point, Ohio imposes a 3% lodging tax on short-term rental accommodations including Airbnbs, which applies to stays of less than 30 consecutive days. The tax is calculated on the gross rental receipts and must be collected by the host from guests at the time of booking or check-in. Hosts are required to register with the Village of Commercial Point and remit collected taxes monthly by the 15th of the following month, along with a completed tax return form. Delaware County may also impose an additional 3% transient guest tax, bringing the total potential lodging tax to 6%. The state of Ohio does not currently impose a statewide lodging tax on short-term rentals, though standard sales tax of 5.75% plus local sales tax may apply to certain services. Exemptions typically include stays of 30 days or longer, which are considered long-term rentals rather than transient accommodations, and accommodations provided to permanent residents. Hosts who fail to collect and remit these taxes may face penalties including fines and interest charges, and the village has the authority to audit rental records to ensure compliance.

The total cost to start an Airbnb in Commercial Point, Ohio is approximately $185,000-$220,000. Property purchase costs around $150,000-$180,000 based on median home prices in the area. Furnishing a 2-3 bedroom property requires $8,000-$12,000 including beds, sofas, dining sets, appliances, linens, and decor. Initial setup costs $2,000-$3,000 covering professional photography, listing creation, welcome materials, and basic supplies. Permits and fees total $500-$800 including business license, short-term rental permit, and registration fees with Fairfield County and state of Ohio. Insurance runs $1,200-$1,800 annually for short-term rental coverage. Utilities average $200-$300 monthly including electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable. First six months operating costs reach $8,000-$12,000 covering platform fees (3% of bookings), cleaning services ($75-$100 per turnover), maintenance, restocking supplies, marketing, and property management software subscriptions.

Airbnb properties in Commercial Point, Ohio typically generate annual revenues between $15,000-$35,000 for entire home listings, with average daily rates ranging from $80-$150 depending on property size and amenities. Operating expenses generally consume 40-60% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($30-50 per turnover), utilities ($150-250 monthly), property management (10-20% of revenue), insurance ($1,200-2,000 annually), and maintenance costs ($2,000-4,000 yearly). Profit margins for successful properties average 25-40%, with higher-end homes near Deer Creek State Park achieving margins up to 45% due to premium pricing during peak seasons. Success factors include proximity to Columbus (30 minutes), lake access amenities, professional photography, consistent 4.8+ star ratings, and strategic pricing during Ohio State University events and summer recreation periods. Properties with hot tubs, fire pits, and boat access command 20-30% higher rates, while those offering corporate housing for nearby logistics companies like Amazon's fulfillment centers maintain higher occupancy rates year-round. The market benefits from limited hotel options in the area, creating opportunities for well-managed properties to achieve 60-75% annual occupancy rates.

Airbnb investments in Commercial Point, Ohio typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10%, based on the area's proximity to Columbus and growing suburban appeal. Properties in this market, particularly 3-4 bedroom homes priced between $200,000-$350,000, can expect gross rental yields of 12-18% annually when optimally managed, with net returns after expenses settling around 8-12%. The timeframe to profitability is generally 18-24 months, considering initial setup costs, furnishing expenses, and market establishment. Commercial Point benefits from its location within 30 minutes of downtown Columbus, attracting business travelers and weekend visitors, with average daily rates of $85-$120 and occupancy rates of 65-75% achievable for well-positioned properties. Cash-on-cash returns of 8-10% are realistic with 20-25% down payments, while investors can expect break-even on initial investment within 2-3 years given the area's steady appreciation rates of 3-5% annually and consistent demand from Columbus metro area visitors.

STRSearch is a national platform that helps investors identify profitable short-term rental properties across markets including Commercial Point, Ohio. Local real estate agents in the Columbus metro area who specialize in investment properties include Keller Williams Capital Partners, RE/MAX Revealty, and Coldwell Banker King Thompson, with agents like those at Ohio Real Estate Investors Association (OREIA) providing market expertise. National services include Awning for Airbnb property management, RedAwning for vacation rental investments, Mashvisor for rental property analytics, and BiggerPockets for investor networking and deal sourcing. Local property management companies such as HostGenius Columbus and Central Ohio Property Management offer Airbnb management services, while companies like AirDNA and Rabbu provide market analysis and revenue projections for the Commercial Point and greater Franklin County area. Additional national platforms include Roofstock for turnkey rental properties, Fundrise for real estate crowdfunding, and local mortgage brokers specializing in investment properties through companies like Fairway Independent Mortgage and CrossCountry Mortgage who understand the unique financing needs of short-term rental investors in Ohio markets.