Is Garrett Park, Maryland Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Garrett Park, Maryland, begin by researching Montgomery County's short-term rental regulations, which require hosts to obtain a Short-Term Residential Rental License and comply with zoning restrictions that may limit rentals in residential areas to owner-occupied properties only. Contact Montgomery County's Department of Permitting Services to apply for the necessary license (approximately $200-400 annually) and ensure your property meets safety requirements including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers. Find a suitable property in Garrett Park's residential neighborhoods, keeping in mind the town's historic character and proximity to the Metro Red Line, then furnish it with quality amenities including Wi-Fi, linens, kitchen essentials, and local guidebooks highlighting nearby attractions like Strathmore Music Center and downtown Bethesda. Create your Airbnb listing with professional photos showcasing the property's charm and proximity to Washington D.C. (about 30 minutes by Metro), set competitive pricing based on similar listings in Kensington and North Bethesda ($80-150 per night), and implement a management system using Airbnb's tools or third-party services like Hostfully or Guesty for booking coordination, guest communication, cleaning schedules with local services, and maintaining compliance with Montgomery County's occupancy limits and noise ordinances that are particularly important in this quiet, family-oriented community.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Garrett Park, Maryland, focus on properties within walking distance of the Metro-North train station and near Montgomery County's recreational areas, as this affluent suburb attracts business travelers and families visiting the Washington DC area. Target 3-4 bedroom single-family homes or townhouses built after 1950 with modern amenities, parking, and outdoor spaces, as these appeal to families and groups willing to pay premium rates of $150-300 per night. Analyze comparable properties using AirDNA and Mashvisor to assess occupancy rates (typically 60-75% in this market) and average daily rates, while researching competition through Airbnb and VRBO to identify gaps in amenities or pricing strategies. Utilize STR Helper and Rabbu for market analysis, monitor Montgomery County's STR regulations which require permits and limit rentals to primary residences in some areas, and leverage local real estate platforms like Bright MLS and work with agents familiar with Garrett Park's $800K-$1.5M median home prices to identify properties with strong rental potential near attractions like Rock Creek Park and easy Metro access to downtown DC.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Garrett Park, Maryland, you must first contact the Town of Garrett Park administrative office at 301-933-7488 or visit their office at 4906 Garrett Park Road to inquire about short-term rental regulations, as this small municipality may have specific local ordinances governing STRs. You'll likely need to submit an application form along with required documents including proof of property ownership or lease agreement, certificate of occupancy, general liability insurance policy (typically $1 million minimum), floor plan of the rental unit, emergency contact information, and parking plan documentation. Additionally, you must obtain a Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services (DPS) short-term rental license by visiting their office at 255 Rockville Pike in Rockville or applying online through their portal, submitting similar documentation plus a $150-300 application fee and annual renewal fee of approximately $100-200. The process typically takes 30-60 days for approval, during which time inspections may be required to ensure compliance with fire safety codes, occupancy limits, and zoning requirements. Garrett Park specifically requires STR operators to maintain quiet hours from 10 PM to 8 AM, provide adequate parking (typically one space per bedroom), post maximum occupancy limits visibly, and ensure the property manager or owner is available 24/7 for emergency contact, with some properties potentially restricted based on zoning classifications in this historic residential community.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are generally prohibited in Garrett Park, Maryland, a small incorporated town in Montgomery County. The town has maintained restrictive zoning ordinances that typically limit residential properties to long-term occupancy and do not permit commercial lodging activities in residential zones. Garrett Park, established in the early 1900s as a planned community, has historically preserved its residential character through strict zoning controls that would likely classify STRs as commercial uses incompatible with residential zoning. While Montgomery County has developed regulations for STRs in unincorporated areas, individual municipalities like Garrett Park retain authority over their own zoning matters and have generally not adopted permissive STR policies. Property owners considering STR operations would need to seek specific approval from the Garrett Park town government and potentially apply for zoning variances, though such approvals would be unlikely given the community's commitment to maintaining its quiet, residential atmosphere and the town's small size of fewer than 1,000 residents.

Garrett Park, Maryland offers limited but strategic Airbnb investment opportunities primarily within its historic residential core near the Garrett Park Metro Station, which provides excellent access to Washington D.C. for business travelers and tourists visiting the capital region. The area around Strathmore Avenue and Kenilworth Avenue is particularly attractive due to proximity to the Strathmore Music Center (opened 2005), which draws visitors year-round for concerts and cultural events. The neighborhoods closest to the MARC train station on Garrett Avenue benefit from consistent demand from government contractors, consultants, and professionals working in nearby Rockville and downtown D.C. The historic district designation of the entire town, established in the 1970s, creates appeal for tourists seeking authentic suburban Maryland experiences while maintaining easy urban access. Properties near Rock Creek Park's northern sections attract nature-loving visitors and families, while the proximity to major employers like the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda and various federal agencies ensures steady business travel demand throughout the week.

Airbnb properties in Garrett Park, Maryland are subject to Maryland's state sales tax of 6% on lodging accommodations, which applies to short-term rentals under 30 days. Montgomery County, where Garrett Park is located, imposes an additional hotel/motel tax of 7% on transient accommodations, bringing the total occupancy tax to 13%. These taxes are typically collected by Airbnb directly from guests at the time of booking through their automated tax collection system, which began in Maryland around 2017, and the platform remits these taxes quarterly to the Maryland Comptroller's office and Montgomery County. Property owners who collect taxes independently must register with the Maryland Comptroller's office and file monthly returns by the 20th of the following month, along with registering for a Montgomery County trader's license. Accommodations rented for 30 days or longer are generally exempt from these occupancy taxes, and certain properties used for permanent residence purposes may qualify for exemptions, though hosts should verify their specific situation with local tax authorities as Garrett Park may have additional municipal requirements or variations in enforcement.

The total cost to start an Airbnb in Garrett Park, Maryland would be approximately $875,000-$950,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at around $800,000 based on the median home price in this affluent Montgomery County suburb as of 2023. Furnishing costs typically range $15,000-$25,000 for a complete home setup including furniture, appliances, linens, and decor to create an attractive rental space. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and basic marketing materials run approximately $2,000-$3,000. Permits and fees in Montgomery County include short-term rental licensing ($300-$500), business registration ($100), and potential HOA approval processes. Insurance costs for short-term rental coverage average $2,500-$4,000 annually, with the first year paid upfront. Utility setup and deposits for electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable services typically cost $1,500-$2,500 initially. First six months of operating costs including utilities ($1,200-$1,800), cleaning services ($2,400-$3,600), maintenance reserves ($1,500), property management software subscriptions ($300), and marketing expenses ($1,000) total approximately $6,400-$8,200. Additional considerations include potential property improvements or renovations to meet short-term rental standards, which could add $5,000-$15,000 depending on the property's condition.

Airbnb properties in Garrett Park, Maryland, demonstrate strong profitability potential with average nightly rates ranging from $120-180 for typical 2-3 bedroom homes, generating monthly revenues of $2,400-4,500 assuming 60-70% occupancy rates common in the Washington D.C. metro area. Operating expenses typically include 25-30% for Airbnb fees and taxes, $200-400 monthly for cleaning services, $150-300 for utilities, and $100-200 for maintenance and supplies, resulting in net profit margins of 35-45% for well-managed properties. Success factors in this affluent Montgomery County suburb include proximity to Washington D.C. (30 minutes), excellent schools attracting visiting families, and the area's historic charm and walkability. Properties near the MARC train station command premium rates, with some hosts reporting annual profits of $15,000-25,000 on properties valued at $600,000-800,000, representing solid 2-4% returns before considering property appreciation. The market benefits from consistent demand from government contractors, consultants, and families visiting the National Institutes of Health in nearby Bethesda, though hosts must navigate Montgomery County's short-term rental regulations requiring licenses and limiting rentals to primary residences in some zones.

Airbnb investments in Garrett Park, Maryland typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10%, given the area's proximity to Washington D.C. and strong demand from business travelers and tourists visiting the capital region. Properties in this affluent Montgomery County suburb, with median home values around $800,000-$1.2 million, can expect gross rental yields of 4-6% annually, with net returns after expenses, taxes, and management fees settling in the 8-12% range. Cash-on-cash returns tend to be lower due to high property acquisition costs, typically requiring 20-25% down payments on investment properties, but the stable market and consistent demand from D.C. metro area visitors support reliable occupancy rates of 65-75%. Most investors achieve profitability within 18-24 months after accounting for initial setup costs, furnishing, and marketing expenses, with properties often appreciating 3-5% annually in this desirable suburban market. The combination of strong rental demand, property appreciation, and tax benefits typically delivers total returns in the 10-15% range for well-managed properties in Garrett Park's residential neighborhoods.

STRSearch leads the national market for Airbnb investment property analysis and market research, providing detailed revenue projections and occupancy data for Garrett Park, Maryland properties. Local real estate agents specializing in short-term rental investments in the area include Keller Williams Capital Properties agents who focus on Montgomery County investment properties, Long & Foster Realtors with expertise in the Garrett Park market, and Compass agents specializing in luxury rental properties. National services include Mashvisor for property analysis and market data, AirDNA for short-term rental analytics, Awning for full-service Airbnb property management and acquisition, RedAwning for vacation rental property sourcing, and Vacasa which offers both property management and acquisition services. Local property management companies that also assist with acquisitions include Capital City Property Management, Montgomery County-based STR managers, and boutique firms like Potomac Property Partners. Additional services include BiggerPockets for networking with local investors, Roofstock for turnkey rental properties, and local mortgage brokers like First Home Mortgage and Atlantic Coast Mortgage who specialize in investment property financing in Montgomery County.