Is Crozier, Virginia Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Crozier, Virginia, begin by researching Goochland County's zoning regulations and short-term rental ordinances, as Crozier falls under county jurisdiction rather than city limits, which typically allows more flexibility for home-sharing but may require special use permits or conditional use permits depending on your property's zoning classification. Contact Goochland County Planning and Zoning Department to determine if your property requires permits, business licenses, or inspections, and ensure compliance with Virginia state tax requirements by registering for transient occupancy tax collection through the Virginia Department of Taxation. Find a suitable property in Crozier by focusing on areas with good road access since it's a rural community, considering proximity to Richmond (about 30 minutes) as a selling point for guests, and ensuring reliable internet connectivity which can be challenging in rural Virginia areas. Furnish the space with quality basics including comfortable bedding, essential kitchen items, reliable Wi-Fi, and consider adding local touches that highlight the rural Virginia charm and proximity to outdoor activities along the James River. List your property on Airbnb and other platforms like VRBO, emphasizing the peaceful rural setting, easy access to Richmond, nearby outdoor recreation, and historic Virginia attractions, with competitive pricing typically ranging $80-150 per night for the area. Manage your Airbnb by establishing relationships with local cleaning services in Goochland or nearby areas, creating detailed house rules that address rural property considerations like well water or septic systems if applicable, maintaining prompt communication with guests, and potentially partnering with local property management companies that serve the greater Richmond area if you need assistance with day-to-day operations.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Crozier, Virginia, focus on location criteria including proximity to Richmond (approximately 20 miles west), access to the James River for outdoor recreation, and areas near Goochland County's wineries and rural attractions that draw weekend visitors from the Richmond metropolitan area. Target property features such as 3-4 bedroom homes with outdoor spaces, river access or views, historic charm typical of central Virginia, and amenities like hot tubs, fire pits, or game rooms that appeal to groups seeking rural retreats. Conduct pricing analysis by researching comparable Airbnb and VRBO listings within a 15-mile radius, examining seasonal rate variations with peak demand during fall foliage season and summer months, and calculating potential revenue against mortgage and operating costs to achieve 15-20% annual returns. Research competition by analyzing existing STR listings in Goochland and western Henrico counties, identifying gaps in luxury or unique property offerings, and studying occupancy rates through tools like AirDNA or Mashvisor which provide market data for the Richmond MSA. Utilize resources specific to the Crozier market including Virginia's STR regulations, Goochland County zoning requirements, local property management companies familiar with rural Virginia markets, and networking with Richmond-area real estate agents who understand the growing trend of urban residents seeking nearby rural getaways.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Crozier, Virginia, you must first contact the Goochland County Planning and Zoning Department since Crozier falls under Goochland County jurisdiction, and apply for a Special Use Permit for short-term rental operations. Required documents typically include a completed application form, site plan showing the property layout, proof of property ownership or lease agreement, certificate of occupancy, fire safety inspection certificate, and liability insurance documentation with minimum $1 million coverage. The application fee is approximately $500-800 plus additional inspection fees of around $150-300. Submit your application to the Goochland County Planning Department at 1800 Sandy Hook Road, Goochland, VA 23063, or online through their permitting portal. The timeline typically takes 60-90 days including a public hearing before the Board of Supervisors. Specific Crozier/Goochland County requirements include maintaining adequate parking (minimum 2 spaces), ensuring septic system capacity meets occupancy levels, compliance with rural zoning setback requirements of at least 50 feet from property lines, maximum occupancy limits based on bedroom count, 24/7 local contact person designation, and adherence to noise ordinances with quiet hours from 10 PM to 7 AM.

Short-term rentals (STRs) in Crozier, Virginia are generally legal but subject to local regulations and zoning restrictions. Crozier, located in Goochland County, falls under the county's jurisdiction for STR regulations, which typically require operators to obtain proper permits and business licenses before operating. The county has implemented zoning restrictions that may limit STRs in certain residential areas, particularly those zoned for single-family use, while allowing them more freely in commercial or mixed-use zones. Recent changes in Virginia state law around 2019-2021 have given localities more authority to regulate STRs, leading Goochland County to establish clearer guidelines including requirements for safety inspections, occupancy limits, parking provisions, and noise ordinances. Property owners must also comply with state tax requirements including transient occupancy taxes, and some homeowners associations in the area may have additional restrictions. The legal landscape has evolved to balance property rights with community concerns about noise, traffic, and neighborhood character, with enforcement becoming more structured in recent years.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Crozier, Virginia would be properties near the James River waterfront and Goochland County's rural estates, as this area attracts visitors seeking outdoor recreation including fishing, kayaking, and scenic river activities. The historic Tuckahoe Plantation vicinity offers appeal for heritage tourism and wedding venue guests, while properties along River Road West provide easy access to both Richmond's business district (20 minutes away) and rural attractions, making them ideal for business travelers seeking quieter accommodations and weekend getaway visitors. Areas near Goochland State Park and the James River State Park boundaries are particularly attractive for nature enthusiasts and families, while properties with vineyard or farm views capitalize on Virginia's agritourism trend. The proximity to Richmond International Raceway also creates seasonal demand during NASCAR events, and the area's appeal to Richmond residents seeking staycation experiences in a more rural setting provides consistent local demand throughout the year.

In Crozier, Virginia, Airbnb properties are subject to Virginia's state transient occupancy tax of 5.3% on gross receipts from short-term rentals under 30 days, which is automatically collected by Airbnb and remitted to the Virginia Department of Taxation on behalf of hosts. Additionally, Goochland County (where Crozier is located) imposes a local transient occupancy tax of approximately 2% on lodging stays under 30 consecutive days, though collection and remittance procedures vary and some hosts may need to register directly with the county to collect and remit this tax monthly or quarterly depending on volume. The City of Richmond, being nearby, has its own 6% lodging tax but this would not apply to properties located specifically in Crozier. Exemptions typically include stays of 30 days or longer which are considered long-term rentals rather than transient accommodations, and some jurisdictions may exempt certain types of accommodations or stays related to medical treatment, though specific exemption details should be verified with Goochland County tax authorities as local regulations can change and may have additional requirements for business licensing or registration beyond tax collection.

To start an Airbnb in Crozier, Virginia, expect total costs around $285,000-$320,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at approximately $250,000-$280,000 based on median home prices in Goochland County where Crozier is located. Furnishing costs typically range $15,000-$25,000 for a complete 2-3 bedroom setup including furniture, bedding, kitchen essentials, and décor to create an attractive rental space. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, welcome materials, and basic supplies total around $2,000-$3,000. Permits and fees vary but budget $500-$1,500 for business licenses, short-term rental permits, and any required inspections depending on local Goochland County regulations. Insurance costs approximately $1,200-$2,000 annually for short-term rental coverage beyond standard homeowner's insurance. Utility setup and deposits for electricity, water, gas, internet, and cable services typically cost $500-$800 initially. First six months of operating costs including utilities ($150-$200 monthly), cleaning services ($75-$100 per turnover), maintenance reserves, Airbnb platform fees, and marketing expenses total approximately $4,000-$6,000. Additional considerations include property taxes, HOA fees if applicable, and a cash reserve for unexpected repairs or vacancy periods.

Airbnb properties in Crozier, Virginia, a small unincorporated community in Goochland County near Richmond, typically generate modest returns due to limited tourism infrastructure and rural location. Properties in this area average $75-120 per night with occupancy rates around 45-55% annually, resulting in gross revenues of $12,000-24,000 per year for typical 2-3 bedroom homes. Operating expenses including cleaning fees ($40-60 per turnover), utilities ($150-200 monthly), insurance ($1,200-1,800 annually), property management (20-25% of revenue), and maintenance ($2,000-3,500 annually) typically consume 60-70% of gross revenue. Net profit margins generally range from 15-25%, with successful properties earning $3,000-7,000 annually after expenses. Success factors include proximity to Richmond (30 minutes), unique rural experiences like farm stays or historic properties, competitive pricing below Richmond market rates, and targeting corporate travelers or weekend getaway guests. Properties near the James River or offering outdoor activities tend to perform better, with some converted barns or historic homes achieving premium rates of $150-200 per night during peak seasons, though the limited local attractions and dining options constrain overall demand compared to more established Virginia tourism markets.

Airbnb investments in Crozier, Virginia typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10%, based on the area's proximity to Richmond and growing tourism market. Properties in this region, particularly those near outdoor recreation areas and historic sites, can achieve profitability within 18-24 months of operation. The market benefits from steady demand from business travelers visiting nearby corporate facilities and weekend tourists exploring Virginia's scenic areas, with average daily rates of $85-120 depending on property size and amenities. Investors can expect gross rental yields of 10-14% annually, with net returns after expenses typically settling around 8-11%. The timeframe to break even on initial investment and renovation costs generally occurs within 2-3 years, assuming consistent occupancy rates of 60-75% throughout the year and effective property management practices.

STRSearch is a leading national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental investment opportunities in Crozier, Virginia and surrounding areas. Local real estate agents in the Richmond metropolitan area who focus on Airbnb investments include Keller Williams Realty agents specializing in investment properties, Long & Foster real estate professionals with vacation rental expertise, and RE/MAX agents who understand the short-term rental market dynamics in Henrico County. National services that can assist with Crozier Airbnb investments include Mashvisor for property analysis and market data, AirDNA for revenue projections and occupancy rates, Awning for full-service Airbnb property management, RedAwning for vacation rental property sourcing, and BiggerPockets for connecting with local investors and agents. Additional companies serving the Virginia market include Vacasa for property management services, AvantStay for luxury short-term rental investments, and local property management firms like Richmond Short Term Rentals and Virginia Vacation Rentals that can provide market insights and management services for new Airbnb property acquisitions in the Crozier area.