Is Kempsville, Virginia Good for Airbnb Investment?

Potentially—Kempsville, Virginia combines visitor demand with long-term real estate upside.

• Presents a potentially favorable opportunity, influenced by a blend of local market dynamics and regional tourism.
• While Kempsville itself is primarily a residential area, its proximity to popular attractions in Virginia Beach, such as the oceanfront.
• Current market conditions in Kempsville reflect stable property values, making it a more accessible entry point for investors compared to some of the more intensely tourist-driven coastal areas.
• Tourism trends in the broader Hampton Roads region indicate a steady influx of visitors for both leisure and business, particularly during the summer months and for military-related travel.
• This consistent demand, combined with potentially lower acquisition costs for properties in Kempsville, can lead to attractive investment potential.

$800–$2,200, based on location, season, and property quality.

• Based on available market data and regional analysis, Airbnb properties in Kempsville, Virginia typically generate monthly revenues ranging from $800 to $2,200, with the average falling around $1,400 per month for standard two to three-bedroom homes.
• Seasonal variations show peak earnings during summer months (June through August) when revenues can increase by 25-40% due to proximity to Virginia Beach and Norfolk attractions.
• Properties closer to military installations like Naval Air Station Oceana command premium rates year-round due to consistent demand from military personnel and contractors.
• Key factors affecting earnings include property size and amenities, with homes featuring pools, hot tubs, or game rooms earning 20-30% more than basic accommodations, while proximity to major highways, shopping centers.
• The local market benefits from steady demand driven by military rotations, business travelers to the Norfolk area, and leisure tourists.

Potentially strong—typical annual ROI is 8–12%.

• Typically generate ROI between 8-12% annually, with properties averaging $85-120 per night and 65-75% occupancy rates throughout the year.
• The payback period for initial investment and setup costs generally ranges from 7-10 years, depending on property acquisition price and renovation expenses.
• Compared to traditional long-term rentals in the area which yield approximately 6-8% ROI, short-term rentals provide a 2-4% premium but require significantly more active management and higher operational costs including cleaning fees, utilities, and platform commissions.
• Properties within 15 minutes of Virginia Beach and Norfolk Naval Base command higher nightly rates and occupancy due to military personnel temporary lodging needs and beach proximity.

Kempsville, Virginia averages 65–70% annual occupancy, with seasonal variation.

• Kempsville, Virginia, located in Virginia Beach, typically experiences Airbnb occupancy rates averaging around 65-70% annually.
• Peak season runs from May through September, with occupancy rates climbing to 80-85% during summer months, particularly July and August when beach tourism is at its highest.
• Winter months see occupancy drop to approximately 45-50% from December through February, while spring and fall maintain moderate rates around 60-65%.
• Kempsville's occupancy rates generally align closely with Virginia Beach's overall performance but tend to be slightly lower than the Virginia state average of 68-72% due to its inland location compared to direct oceanfront properties.
• Nationally, Kempsville performs moderately well against the U.S. average of 63-67%, benefiting from consistent military personnel rotations at nearby Naval Air Station Oceana and Langley Air Force Base.

The strongest opportunities balance visitor demand, nightly rates, and acquisition cost.

• The best Airbnb investment neighborhoods in Kempsville, Virginia include the Kempsville Greens area near Indian River Road.
• The neighborhoods around Kempsville Recreation Center provide strong rental potential due to their central location, family-friendly amenities, and proximity to shopping centers.
• Areas near Princess Anne Road corridor offer good investment opportunities with their accessibility to Virginia Beach attractions while maintaining lower acquisition costs than beachfront properties.
• The residential sections around Indian River and Kempsville Road intersection provide solid rental income potential due to their proximity to Norfolk International Airport.
• Neighborhoods near Lake Lawson and Lake Smith offer unique waterfront appeal for Airbnb guests seeking scenic stays while remaining affordable for investors.
• The areas around Pembroke Mall vicinity provide good investment potential due to shopping convenience, restaurant access, and central location between Norfolk and Virginia Beach.

Yes, but only where zoning permits short-term rentals and every required license is current.

• Short-term rental regulations in Kempsville, Virginia, which is part of Virginia Beach, require hosts to obtain a business license and conditional use permit through the city's planning department.
• Properties are generally limited to a maximum occupancy of 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, with total occupancy not exceeding 12 people.
• Owner-occupancy is not required for short-term rentals, but properties must be the owner's primary residence or meet specific investment property criteria established in 2019.
• Zoning restrictions limit short-term rentals primarily to residential districts R-5, R-8, and R-10, with some commercial zones also permitting such use.
• The registration process involves submitting detailed floor plans, parking diagrams, emergency contact information, and proof of liability insurance of at least $1 million.
• Recent regulatory changes implemented in 2022-2023 include stricter noise ordinances with fines up to $500, mandatory 24-hour local contact requirements.

Tax rates vary by jurisdiction; licensing, inspection, and insurance costs are additional.

• Short-term rentals in Kempsville, Virginia, which is part of Virginia Beach, are subject to several fees and taxes including a 5% Virginia state sales tax.
• Property owners must obtain a short-term rental permit costing approximately $200-400 annually, register with the Virginia Department of Taxation (typically $30-50).
• Tourism promotion fees of 1-2% of gross rental income may apply, along with potential homeowners association fees if applicable.
• Fire safety inspections required for permits typically cost $75-150, and there may be a one-time registration fee of $50-100 with the city.
• Total annual compliance costs generally range from $500-1,200 plus the 12% tax on all rental income, with Virginia Beach implementing stricter regulations in recent years requiring more comprehensive documentation and higher permit fees.