Is Fairfield Glade, Tennessee Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Fairfield Glade, Tennessee, begin by researching Cumberland County's short-term rental regulations and the Fairfield Glade Community Club's specific covenants, as this planned community has strict property use guidelines that may restrict or prohibit short-term rentals - contact the Fairfield Glade Property Owners Association directly to verify current policies. Obtain necessary permits from Cumberland County, which typically requires a business license ($15-50 annually) and may require a short-term rental permit, plus ensure compliance with Tennessee state tax requirements by registering for sales tax collection through the Tennessee Department of Revenue. Find a suitable property by purchasing or leasing within Fairfield Glade's resort community, focusing on properties with lake or golf course views that command higher nightly rates of $80-150, and ensure the property meets safety requirements including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers. Furnish the space with quality furniture, linens, kitchen essentials, and amenities like WiFi, cable TV, and outdoor furniture to capitalize on the area's recreational attractions including Fairfield Glade's golf courses, lakes, and hiking trails. List your property on Airbnb, VRBO, and other platforms with professional photography highlighting lake views, golf course proximity, and outdoor amenities, setting competitive rates based on seasonal demand with higher prices during summer months and golf season. Manage the property by establishing cleaning protocols between guests, coordinating key exchanges or installing smart locks, maintaining responsive communication with guests, and potentially hiring local property management companies like Tennessee Mountain Rentals or similar regional services that operate in the Cumberland Plateau area.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Fairfield Glade, Tennessee, focus on properties within 1-2 miles of Stonehenge Golf Club and Druid Hills Golf Course, as this resort community attracts golf enthusiasts year-round, with proximity to Crossville and Cumberland County Playhouse also being valuable for entertainment seekers. Target 2-4 bedroom cabins or condos with mountain views, hot tubs, fireplaces, and outdoor spaces that can accommodate 4-8 guests, as these features command premium rates of $150-300 per night during peak seasons (spring through fall). Analyze comparable properties on Airbnb and VRBO within a 5-mile radius to establish competitive pricing, noting that properties near amenities typically achieve 60-75% occupancy rates with average daily rates 20-30% higher than standard accommodations. Research existing STR competition by monitoring listings for availability patterns, guest reviews mentioning location benefits, and seasonal pricing fluctuations, particularly during golf tournaments and fall foliage periods. Utilize AirDNA for market analytics specific to the 38558 zip code, STRAnalytics for revenue projections, and local resources like Cumberland County tourism data and Fairfield Glade Community Club information to understand visitor patterns, while connecting with local property management companies like Sunset Cottage Rentals who understand the unique dynamics of this gated resort community market.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Fairfield Glade, Tennessee, you must first contact the Cumberland County Planning and Zoning Department since Fairfield Glade falls under county jurisdiction, typically located at the Cumberland County Courthouse in Crossville. You'll need to submit a short-term rental application along with required documents including proof of property ownership or lease agreement, a site plan showing parking and access, proof of liability insurance (minimum $1 million coverage), a floor plan indicating maximum occupancy, contact information for a local property manager or 24-hour contact person, and a completed septic system inspection if not connected to municipal sewer. The application fee is approximately $150-200 with an annual renewal fee of around $100. You must also register with the Tennessee Department of Revenue for state sales tax collection and remit the required 7% state sales tax plus any applicable local taxes. The approval process typically takes 4-6 weeks, and specific Fairfield Glade requirements include adherence to POA (Property Owners Association) covenants which may restrict or prohibit short-term rentals in certain areas, compliance with maximum occupancy limits based on bedrooms and septic capacity, designated off-street parking for guests, and maintaining quiet hours typically from 10 PM to 8 AM. Before applying, verify with the Fairfield Glade POA that short-term rentals are permitted in your specific neighborhood as some sections have restrictions.

Short-term rentals (STRs) in Fairfield Glade, Tennessee are generally legal but subject to local regulations and homeowners association restrictions. As a planned community in Cumberland County, Fairfield Glade operates under the Fairfield Glade Community Club's covenants and restrictions, which may limit or prohibit short-term rental activities in certain residential areas. The community has historically maintained strict property use guidelines to preserve its resort-like atmosphere, and many sections of Fairfield Glade have deed restrictions that limit rentals to periods of 30 days or longer. Cumberland County does not have comprehensive STR regulations, leaving enforcement primarily to the community association and existing zoning laws. Property owners must comply with Tennessee state tax requirements for short-term rentals, including collecting and remitting appropriate taxes. Recent trends show increased scrutiny from the Fairfield Glade Community Club regarding unauthorized short-term rental operations, with potential fines and legal action for violations of community covenants. Prospective STR operators should carefully review their specific property's deed restrictions and obtain proper approvals from the community association before beginning operations.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Fairfield Glade, Tennessee are the lakefront properties along Fairfield Lake and Lake Dartmoor, which attract tourists year-round for fishing, boating, and water recreation, particularly during summer months from May through September. The golf course communities near Stonehenge Golf Club and Druid Hills Golf Club are highly desirable for golf tourism and corporate retreats, with peak seasons during spring and fall tournaments. Properties near the Fairfield Glade Community Center and recreational facilities draw families and groups attending events, sports tournaments, and summer camps. The wooded areas along hiking trails and near Cumberland Mountain State Park access points appeal to outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers seeking cabin-style accommodations. Homes within walking distance of the Town Center and shopping areas provide convenience for longer-stay guests and business travelers visiting local companies like Roane State Community College Fairfield Glade campus, while properties with mountain views and privacy attract couples seeking romantic getaways and wellness retreats throughout the year.

Airbnb properties in Fairfield Glade, Tennessee are subject to Tennessee state sales tax of 7% and local occupancy taxes that vary by jurisdiction, with Cumberland County typically imposing an additional 5% occupancy tax, bringing the total lodging tax rate to approximately 12%. These taxes are collected from guests at the time of booking through Airbnb's automatic tax collection system for most jurisdictions, though some local taxes may need to be collected and remitted directly by hosts. Hosts must register with the Tennessee Department of Revenue and obtain a sales tax permit, filing monthly returns by the 20th of the following month if gross sales exceed $2,000 monthly, or quarterly if below that threshold. Local occupancy taxes are typically remitted to Cumberland County or the specific municipality where the property is located, with monthly filing requirements and deadlines usually falling between the 15th and 20th of the following month. Exemptions generally apply to stays exceeding 30 consecutive days, which are considered long-term rentals rather than short-term lodging, and properties rented for fewer than 15 days per year by the owner may qualify for certain tax exemptions under federal and state guidelines.

The total cost to start an Airbnb in Fairfield Glade, Tennessee is approximately $285,000-$335,000. Property purchase costs around $250,000 based on median home prices in the area as of 2023. Furnishing a 3-bedroom vacation rental requires $15,000-$25,000 for quality furniture, bedding, kitchen essentials, and decor. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and basic renovations total $3,000-$5,000. Permits and fees including business license, short-term rental permit, and tax registrations cost approximately $500-$1,000. Insurance for short-term rentals runs $2,000-$3,000 annually. Utilities including electricity, water, internet, and cable average $200-$300 monthly or $1,200-$1,800 for six months. First six months operating costs including cleaning services ($150 per turnover), maintenance, supplies, marketing, and platform fees total approximately $8,000-$12,000. Additional considerations include property management software subscriptions at $50-$100 monthly and potential HOA fees common in Fairfield Glade developments ranging $100-$300 monthly.

Airbnb properties in Fairfield Glade, Tennessee typically generate annual revenues between $15,000-$35,000 for well-positioned properties, with average daily rates ranging from $80-150 depending on amenities and location within this resort community. Operating expenses generally consume 40-60% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($50-75 per turnover), property management (15-25% if outsourced), utilities ($150-250 monthly), insurance ($1,200-2,000 annually), and maintenance costs averaging $2,000-4,000 yearly. Properties near Fairfield Glade's golf courses and lake access points command premium rates, with some luxury cabins achieving 65-75% occupancy rates and net profit margins of 25-35%. Success factors include proximity to recreational amenities, professional photography, responsive guest communication, and seasonal pricing strategies that capitalize on peak summer and fall foliage periods. A typical 3-bedroom cabin purchased for $200,000-300,000 in the area can generate 8-12% annual returns after expenses, though properties requiring significant renovations or those in less desirable locations may see margins compressed to 5-8%. The market benefits from Fairfield Glade's established tourism infrastructure and year-round appeal, though hosts must navigate seasonal demand fluctuations and increasing competition from new short-term rental properties entering the market.

Airbnb investments in Fairfield Glade, Tennessee typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10% based on the area's recreational lake community appeal and proximity to Crossville. Properties in this gated community, particularly those near Fairfield Glade Lake or golf courses, can achieve occupancy rates of 60-75% during peak seasons (spring through fall) with average daily rates of $120-180 for 2-3 bedroom homes. Initial investment recovery and profitability typically occurs within 18-24 months for well-positioned properties, with vacation rental management companies like Vacasa and RedAwning reporting strong performance in the Cumberland Plateau region since 2019. The market benefits from consistent demand from Nashville and Knoxville visitors seeking lake recreation, golf tourism, and outdoor activities, with properties purchased in the $150,000-250,000 range showing the strongest returns when factoring in renovation costs of $15,000-30,000 for short-term rental optimization.

STRSearch is a national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental properties for investors, including in Fairfield Glade, Tennessee. Local real estate agents serving the Fairfield Glade area include Coldwell Banker Wallace & Wallace, RE/MAX Realty Professionals, and Keller Williams Realty, with agents like those at Cumberland Plateau Properties having specific knowledge of vacation rental potential in the Fairfield Glade resort community. National services that help investors find Airbnb properties include AirDNA for market analysis, Mashvisor for investment property analysis, Awning for short-term rental management and acquisition guidance, and RedAwning for vacation rental market insights. Local property management companies such as Fairfield Glade Resort Services and Tennessee Mountain Rentals can provide insights into profitable rental properties while also offering management services. Additional national platforms like BiggerPockets marketplace, Roofstock (though primarily focused on traditional rentals), and specialized STR investment firms like AvantStay occasionally work in Tennessee markets to help investors identify and acquire profitable short-term rental properties in resort communities like Fairfield Glade.