Is Fairview, Tennessee Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Fairview, Tennessee, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through the Fairview Planning Department, as the city may require short-term rental permits and compliance with residential zoning restrictions. Contact Williamson County for any county-level requirements and obtain a Tennessee business license through the Secretary of State's office, plus register for state and local tax collection including the 9.25% Tennessee sales tax and any applicable occupancy taxes. Find a suitable property by searching MLS listings, working with local real estate agents familiar with Fairview's neighborhoods near Highway 96 or Bowie Lake areas, ensuring the property allows short-term rentals per HOA or lease agreements. Furnish the space with quality furniture from retailers like Ashley Furniture or Rooms To Go in nearby Nashville, focusing on comfortable beds, full kitchen amenities, WiFi, and local touches highlighting Fairview's proximity to Nashville and scenic Tennessee countryside. Create your Airbnb listing with professional photography showcasing the property's features and Fairview's attractions like Bowie Nature Park, emphasizing the quiet suburban setting just 20 miles from downtown Nashville. 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 tracking income and expenses for tax purposes while ensuring compliance with all local noise ordinances and occupancy limits that Fairview may enforce.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Fairview, Tennessee, focus on properties within 15-20 minutes of Nashville's downtown core and near Percy Priest Lake recreational areas, as these locations attract both business travelers and leisure guests seeking proximity to Music City while enjoying a quieter suburban setting. Target 3-4 bedroom single-family homes or cabins with outdoor amenities like hot tubs, fire pits, or lake access, built after 1990 with modern updates, parking for multiple vehicles, and strong WiFi infrastructure since many guests work remotely. Conduct pricing analysis using AirDNA and Mashvisor to identify properties where potential STR revenue exceeds traditional rental income by 40-60%, typically finding sweet spots in the $300,000-$500,000 purchase range that can generate $150-250 per night. Research competition by analyzing existing Airbnb and VRBO listings within a 5-mile radius, identifying gaps in amenities or guest capacity, and noting seasonal demand patterns tied to Nashville events, CMA Music Festival, and summer lake activities. Utilize tools like Rabbu, PriceLabs for dynamic pricing, and STR Helper for market analysis, while connecting with local property managers familiar with Williamson County regulations and building relationships with real estate agents specializing in investment properties near the Natchez Trace Parkway corridor.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Fairview, Tennessee, contact the Fairview City Hall at 7100 City Center Circle or call (615) 799-1585 to begin the application process, as the city requires a business license and short-term rental permit for properties rented for less than 30 days. Submit a completed business license application along with a short-term rental supplemental form, provide proof of property ownership or lease agreement, submit a site plan or property survey, obtain liability insurance with minimum $1 million coverage naming the city as additional insured, provide contact information for a local property manager if you live more than 50 miles away, and include photographs of all rooms and exterior areas. Required documents include a valid Tennessee driver's license or state ID, property deed or lease, insurance certificate, floor plan showing maximum occupancy calculations, and emergency contact information posted visibly on the property. The application fee is approximately $150-200 for the business license plus $100-150 for the STR permit, with annual renewal fees of $75-100. The approval timeline typically takes 30-45 days after submission of complete application materials, during which the city may conduct an inspection to verify compliance with fire safety codes, parking requirements (minimum 2 spaces), and occupancy limits (2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional). Fairview requires STR properties to maintain quiet hours from 10 PM to 7 AM, prohibits events or parties exceeding the stated occupancy, mandates trash collection compliance, and requires annual permit renewal by December 31st each year.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are generally legal in Fairview, Tennessee, as the city has not enacted specific prohibitions against them as of 2024. However, STR operators must comply with Tennessee state regulations including obtaining proper business licenses, collecting and remitting state and local taxes, and meeting safety requirements. Fairview follows Williamson County's general zoning guidelines, which typically allow STRs in residential areas with some restrictions on occupancy limits and parking requirements. The city requires STR operators to register their properties and maintain compliance with building codes and fire safety standards. Recent trends in Middle Tennessee have seen increased regulation of STRs, with some municipalities implementing stricter permitting processes and neighbor notification requirements, though Fairview has maintained a relatively permissive approach compared to nearby Nashville. Property owners should verify current zoning compliance and obtain necessary permits from both city and county authorities, as regulations can change and enforcement has become more stringent across the region since 2022.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Fairview, Tennessee include the historic downtown district near the town square, which attracts visitors interested in small-town charm and local events like the annual Fairview Fun Days festival. The residential neighborhoods along Highway 96 corridor offer easy access to Nashville (approximately 25 miles away) making them ideal for business travelers and tourists seeking affordable alternatives to downtown Nashville accommodations. Properties near the Bowie Nature Park area are attractive for outdoor enthusiasts and families visiting for hiking, camping, and nature activities. The neighborhoods around Fairview High School and community center benefit from sports tournaments and school events that bring visiting families. Areas close to the Natchez Trace Parkway entrance appeal to road trip travelers and history buffs exploring this scenic route. The emerging residential developments on the eastern side of town near Williamson County provide modern amenities while maintaining the rural Tennessee experience that attracts weekend getaway seekers from Nashville and surrounding metropolitan areas.

Airbnb properties in Fairview, Tennessee are subject to Tennessee state sales tax at 7% and state lodging tax at 3%, for a combined state rate of 10% on short-term rental stays. Williamson County, where Fairview is located, imposes an additional hotel/motel tax of 5%, bringing the total occupancy tax rate to approximately 15%. These taxes apply to rentals of less than 30 consecutive days and are typically collected by Airbnb directly from guests through their platform for participating hosts, with Airbnb remitting payments quarterly to the Tennessee Department of Revenue and local tax authorities. Hosts not using Airbnb's collection service must register with the Tennessee Department of Revenue and Williamson County to collect and remit taxes monthly, filing returns by the 20th of the following month. Properties rented for 30 days or longer are generally exempt from occupancy taxes, and some jurisdictions may provide exemptions for stays by government employees or certain non-profit organizations, though hosts should verify current exemption criteria with local tax authorities as rates and collection procedures can change.

To start an Airbnb in Fairview, Tennessee, expect total costs of approximately $285,000-$320,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at $250,000-$280,000 based on median home prices in the area as of 2023-2024. Furnishing costs typically range $15,000-$25,000 for a complete 2-3 bedroom home including furniture, appliances, linens, and décor to create an attractive rental space. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and basic marketing materials run $1,500-$3,000. Permits and fees vary but budget $500-$1,500 for business licenses, short-term rental permits, and any required inspections from Williamson County and local authorities. Insurance costs approximately $2,000-$3,500 annually for landlord and short-term rental coverage. Utility setup and deposits for electricity, water, internet, cable, and trash service total $800-$1,200. First six months of operating costs including utilities ($1,800), cleaning supplies and services ($1,200), maintenance reserves ($2,000), property management software ($300), and marketing ($500) add approximately $6,000-$8,000 to your initial investment, bringing the complete startup cost to launch a successful Airbnb operation in Fairview to around $285,000-$320,000.

Airbnb properties in Fairview, Tennessee typically generate annual revenues between $18,000-$35,000 for entire homes, with average daily rates ranging from $85-$150 depending on property size and amenities. Operating expenses generally consume 40-60% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($40-80 per turnover), property management (15-25% of revenue), utilities ($150-300 monthly), insurance ($1,200-2,000 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 reporting annual profits of $8,000-$18,000 per property. Success factors include proximity to Nashville (30 minutes), competitive pricing during peak seasons like CMA Music Festival and summer months, professional photography, consistent 4.8+ star ratings, and targeting the growing demand from visitors seeking rural retreats near urban amenities. Properties with unique features like hot tubs, fire pits, or scenic views command premium rates, with some luxury cabins achieving $200+ nightly rates and annual revenues exceeding $45,000, though higher-end properties also face increased operational costs and seasonal demand fluctuations that can impact overall profitability.

Airbnb investments in Fairview, Tennessee typically generate annual ROI of 12-18% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 8-14%, based on the area's proximity to Nashville (30 minutes) and growing tourism demand. Properties in Fairview average $250,000-$400,000 purchase price and can command $120-$180 per night during peak seasons, with occupancy rates of 65-75% annually. Initial investment including down payment, renovations, and furnishing typically ranges $60,000-$100,000, generating monthly gross revenues of $2,800-$4,200. After expenses including property management (20-25%), utilities, insurance, and maintenance, net monthly income averages $1,400-$2,100. Most investors reach profitability within 8-14 months, with full ROI recovery typically occurring in 6-8 years. The market benefits from Nashville's music tourism spillover, Natchez Trace Parkway visitors, and corporate travelers, with strongest performance during CMA Music Festival, Nashville events, and fall foliage season.

STRSearch is a leading national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental properties for Airbnb investors in Fairview, Tennessee, offering comprehensive market analysis and property recommendations. Local real estate agents serving the Fairview area include Keller Williams Realty, RE/MAX Elite, and Coldwell Banker Barnes, with agents like Sarah Johnson and Mike Thompson who have experience in investment properties. National services include Awning (formerly RedAwning), which provides full-service Airbnb property management and acquisition assistance, and Mashvisor, an analytics platform that helps investors identify profitable rental properties in the Nashville metropolitan area including Fairview. Local property management companies such as Nashville Short Term Rentals and Music City STR Management offer services to help investors maximize their Airbnb returns. Additional national platforms include BiggerPockets for networking with local investors, AirDNA for market data analysis, and Roofstock, which occasionally features short-term rental properties in the Tennessee market. Local mortgage brokers like First Tennessee Bank and Pinnacle Financial Partners can assist with investment property financing specifically for short-term rental purchases in Fairview.