Is High Point, North Carolina Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in High Point, North Carolina, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through the High Point Planning Department, as the city requires short-term rental permits and compliance with residential zoning restrictions that typically limit rentals to no more than 30% of units in certain areas. Obtain necessary permits including a business license from the City of High Point (approximately $50-100), a short-term rental permit (around $200 annually), and ensure compliance with fire safety codes and occupancy limits set by the High Point Fire Department. Find a suitable property in neighborhoods like Emerywood, Oakview, or downtown High Point, considering proximity to High Point University and the High Point Market furniture shows which drive significant seasonal demand. Purchase comprehensive insurance coverage and furnish the property with quality furniture, linens, and amenities while ensuring compliance with North Carolina's smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector requirements. Create your Airbnb listing with professional photos highlighting proximity to High Point University (major demand driver), Furniture Market venues, and downtown attractions, setting competitive rates based on local market analysis showing average nightly rates of $80-150 depending on property size and location. Manage the property by establishing cleaning protocols between guests, maintaining 24/7 communication availability, coordinating with local cleaning services, and staying current with High Point's evolving short-term rental regulations which have become more stringent since 2022 due to neighborhood concerns about housing availability.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in High Point, North Carolina, focus on locations within 10-15 minutes of High Point University, the International Home Furnishings Center, and downtown areas, as these drive consistent demand from students, business travelers, and furniture market visitors. Target 2-4 bedroom properties built after 1990 with modern amenities, parking, and outdoor spaces, particularly in neighborhoods like Emerywood, Oakview, and areas near Piedmont Environmental Center. Conduct pricing analysis using AirDNA and Mashvisor to identify properties where potential STR revenue exceeds long-term rental income by 40-60%, typically ranging from $80-150 per night depending on size and location. Research competition by analyzing existing Airbnb and VRBO listings within a 3-mile radius, noting occupancy rates, pricing strategies, and guest reviews to identify market gaps. Utilize tools like Rabbu, STR Helper, and local MLS data through Triad MLS, while connecting with High Point-area real estate agents familiar with STR regulations and the furniture market's seasonal patterns, particularly the April and October High Point Markets that create significant demand spikes for corporate housing.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in High Point, North Carolina, you must first contact the High Point Planning and Development Department at City Hall located at 211 S Hamilton Street to determine if short-term rentals are permitted in your specific zoning district, as the city has been developing regulations since 2019-2020. You'll need to submit an application that includes a completed STR permit application form, proof of property ownership or lease agreement, a site plan showing parking arrangements, proof of liability insurance (typically $1 million minimum), a floor plan of the rental unit, contact information for a local responsible party available 24/7, and evidence of compliance with fire safety codes including smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. The application fee is estimated at $150-300 with an annual renewal fee of approximately $100-200. Required documents also include a business license from the North Carolina Department of Revenue, occupancy tax registration, and neighbor notification letters for properties within 200 feet. The approval timeline typically takes 30-60 days depending on completeness of application and any required inspections. High Point specific requirements include maintaining adequate off-street parking (usually 1 space per bedroom), limiting occupancy to 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, ensuring quiet hours from 10 PM to 7 AM, posting the permit number and emergency contact information prominently, and submitting to periodic inspections by city officials to ensure ongoing compliance with safety and zoning regulations.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are legal in High Point, North Carolina, but operate under specific regulations established by the city. High Point requires STR operators to obtain a business license and comply with zoning restrictions that primarily limit short-term rentals to commercial and mixed-use districts, while generally prohibiting them in single-family residential neighborhoods. The city implemented these regulations around 2019-2020 following concerns about neighborhood character and housing availability. Current restrictions include occupancy limits based on property size, parking requirements, noise ordinances, and mandatory registration with the city. Properties must meet safety standards including smoke detectors and fire extinguishers, and operators are required to provide local contact information for guests. The city has been relatively restrictive compared to some North Carolina municipalities, with enforcement focusing on unpermitted operations in residential areas. Recent legal changes have included stricter enforcement mechanisms and increased penalties for violations, with the city conducting regular compliance checks and responding to neighbor complaints about unauthorized STR operations.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in High Point, North Carolina are the downtown core near the High Point Market showrooms, particularly around Main Street and Hamilton Street, which attracts thousands of furniture industry professionals twice yearly during the International Home Furnishings Market events in April and October. The Emerywood and Oakview neighborhoods offer upscale residential appeal for business travelers and families visiting High Point University, while properties near the Piedmont Triad Research Park benefit from consistent demand from pharmaceutical and biotech professionals. The areas surrounding Oak Hollow Lake provide recreational appeal for weekend tourists and families, and neighborhoods near the High Point Country Club attract visitors attending golf tournaments and corporate events. The Westchester and Brentwood districts are ideal due to their proximity to both the furniture market district and major highways, making them convenient for business travelers who need easy access to showrooms while preferring quieter residential settings over downtown hotels.

In High Point, North Carolina, Airbnb hosts are subject to both state and local occupancy taxes. The North Carolina state occupancy tax is 6% and applies to all short-term rental accommodations under 90 days. High Point imposes an additional local occupancy tax of 6%, bringing the total occupancy tax rate to 12% on gross rental receipts. These taxes are typically collected from guests at the time of booking through Airbnb's automatic tax collection service, which began operating in North Carolina around 2019. Airbnb remits the collected taxes directly to the North Carolina Department of Revenue on a monthly basis for both state and qualifying local jurisdictions including High Point. Hosts who collect taxes independently must register with the state, obtain a Certificate of Registration, and file monthly returns by the 20th of the following month. Exemptions may apply for stays exceeding 90 consecutive days, rentals to permanent residents, and certain government or nonprofit organization bookings. Additionally, hosts may need to comply with Guilford County tax requirements, though Airbnb's collection service generally covers these obligations for participating hosts.

To start an Airbnb in High Point, North Carolina, expect total costs around $185,000-$220,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at approximately $150,000-$180,000 based on median home prices in the area as of 2023-2024. Furnishing costs typically range $8,000-$15,000 for a complete 2-3 bedroom setup including furniture, appliances, linens, and decor from retailers like IKEA, Wayfair, and local furniture stores. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and basic renovations average $2,000-$4,000. Permits and fees vary but expect $300-$800 for business licenses, short-term rental permits, and city registration requirements. Insurance premiums for short-term rental coverage run $1,200-$2,400 annually, with first-year payment due upfront. Utility deposits and setup fees for electricity, water, internet, and cable total approximately $500-$800. First six months of operating costs including utilities ($150-$250/month), cleaning services ($75-$125 per turnover), maintenance reserves ($200-$400/month), platform fees (3% of bookings), and marketing expenses typically require $4,000-$8,000 in working capital, assuming moderate occupancy rates during the initial period.

Airbnb properties in High Point, North Carolina typically generate annual revenues between $15,000-$35,000 for entire homes, with average daily rates ranging from $75-$120 depending on proximity to High Point University and the International Home Furnishings Market. Operating expenses generally consume 40-60% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($40-60 per turnover), property management (15-25%), utilities ($150-250/month), insurance ($1,200-2,000 annually), and maintenance costs. Properties near High Point University command premium rates during graduation weekends and parent visits, with some hosts reporting 85-95% occupancy rates during peak furniture market periods in April and October when daily rates can surge to $200-300. A typical 3-bedroom home generating $28,000 annually faces approximately $16,000 in expenses, yielding net profit margins of 35-45%. Success factors include strategic location within 5 miles of the university or downtown furniture district, professional photography, rapid guest communication, and flexible pricing strategies that capitalize on High Point's biannual furniture market influx. Properties offering business amenities and targeting furniture industry professionals during market weeks consistently outperform residential-focused listings, with some experienced hosts achieving annual returns of 12-18% on their initial investment when factoring in property appreciation alongside rental income.

Airbnb investments in High Point, North Carolina typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10% based on current market conditions. Properties in desirable neighborhoods near High Point University or downtown areas can achieve occupancy rates of 65-75% annually, with average daily rates between $85-120 depending on property size and amenities. Initial investment recovery and profitability usually occurs within 18-24 months for well-positioned properties, with gross rental yields averaging 10-14% before expenses. The market benefits from consistent demand driven by university visitors, business travelers to the furniture industry hub, and tourists exploring the Piedmont Triad region, though investors should expect seasonal fluctuations with stronger performance during university events and furniture market periods.

STRSearch is a national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental properties for investors in High Point, North Carolina. Local real estate agents like Keller Williams High Point, Coldwell Banker Triad Realtors, and RE/MAX Central Realty have agents experienced in investment properties and vacation rentals in the area. National services include Awning (formerly RedAwning), which provides market analysis and property management for Airbnb investments, AirDNA for market data and analytics, Mashvisor for investment property analysis, and BiggerPockets for networking with local investors. Local property management companies like High Point Property Management and Triad Property Solutions can assist with ongoing operations. Real estate investment firms such as HomeVestors and local investment groups like Triad Real Estate Investors Network provide additional resources. Roofstock and Arrived Homes offer online platforms for purchasing investment properties, while local mortgage brokers like First National Bank and Pinnacle Financial Partners can provide specialized financing for investment properties in the High Point market.