Is Kenmore, New York Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Kenmore, New York, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through the Town of Tonawanda (which governs Kenmore) planning department, as short-term rentals may require special permits or may be restricted in certain residential zones. Contact the Town of Tonawanda Building Department at (716) 877-8800 to obtain necessary permits, which typically include a certificate of occupancy for short-term rental use and potentially a business license. Find a suitable property by searching residential areas near Elmwood Village or Delaware Park, focusing on single-family homes or apartments that allow short-term rentals per lease agreements. Furnish the space with essential amenities including quality bedding, kitchen supplies, WiFi, cable TV, and safety equipment like smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms, ensuring compliance with New York State fire safety codes. Create your Airbnb listing with professional photos, competitive pricing (typically $75-150 per night in the Kenmore area as of 2023), and detailed descriptions highlighting proximity to Buffalo attractions and Niagara Falls. For ongoing management, establish check-in procedures, maintain cleaning schedules between guests, respond promptly to inquiries, collect and remit applicable New York State and Erie County occupancy taxes (currently 8% combined), and ensure compliance with any noise ordinances or neighbor relations policies specific to residential areas in Kenmore.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Kenmore, New York, focus on properties within walking distance of Delaware Park, Elmwood Village, and major transportation corridors like Delaware Avenue and Sheridan Drive, as these areas attract tourists visiting Buffalo's cultural attractions and business travelers. Target 2-4 bedroom single-family homes or duplexes built after 1950 with updated kitchens, reliable WiFi capability, parking spaces, and outdoor areas, as these features command premium rates in the $80-150 per night range typical for the Buffalo metro area. Conduct pricing analysis using AirDNA and Mashvisor to benchmark against comparable properties in nearby Elmwood Village and North Buffalo, aiming for properties that can achieve 60-70% occupancy rates with gross yields of 8-12%. Research competition by analyzing listings within a 3-mile radius on Airbnb and VRBO, noting that Kenmore's proximity to Buffalo Niagara International Airport and downtown Buffalo creates demand from both leisure and business travelers. Utilize tools like BiggerPockets for market analysis, STR Helper for revenue projections, and local resources such as the Town of Tonawanda planning department for zoning regulations, while monitoring seasonal trends around Buffalo Bills games, summer festivals, and Niagara Falls tourism that drive demand spikes throughout the year.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Kenmore, New York, you must first contact the Kenmore Village Building Department at 2875 Delaware Avenue to determine specific local requirements, as Kenmore operates under village jurisdiction within Erie County. You'll need to submit an application for a short-term rental permit along with required documents including proof of property ownership or lease agreement, certificate of occupancy, property insurance documentation, floor plans showing maximum occupancy, and a completed safety inspection checklist covering smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers. The application fee is estimated at $150-300 with annual renewal fees of approximately $100-200. You must also register with New York State Department of Taxation and Finance for sales tax collection and obtain an Erie County health department inspection if renting more than 3 rooms. The process typically takes 30-60 days from submission to approval, during which time the village may conduct a property inspection to ensure compliance with zoning regulations, parking requirements (typically 1 space per rental unit), and occupancy limits (usually 2 persons per bedroom plus 2 additional). Kenmore requires STR operators to maintain a local contact person available 24/7, display the permit number in all advertisements, and comply with noise ordinances and waste management protocols.

Short-term rentals (STRs) in Kenmore, New York operate under a complex regulatory framework as the village falls within Erie County and is subject to both local and county regulations. As of 2023-2024, Kenmore has generally restrictive policies toward STRs, with the village requiring special permits and limiting operations primarily to owner-occupied properties. The village prohibits STRs in certain residential zones and requires hosts to obtain a special use permit, maintain liability insurance, and comply with safety inspections. Recent changes in 2022-2023 have tightened enforcement and increased penalties for non-compliant operators, with the village citing concerns about neighborhood character and housing availability. Erie County has also implemented additional registration requirements and tax collection measures that apply to Kenmore properties. The village typically limits STR operations to no more than 90-120 days per year and requires a minimum stay of 2-3 nights, while completely prohibiting them in some single-family residential districts near schools and parks.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Kenmore, New York include the Village Center district near Delaware Avenue, which attracts business travelers due to its proximity to major employers like Tops Markets headquarters and easy access to downtown Buffalo via the Metro Rail system. The Elmwood Village border area is highly desirable for tourists seeking walkable neighborhoods with restaurants, shops, and cultural attractions while maintaining lower property costs than central Buffalo. The Delaware Park vicinity appeals to visitors attending events at the Buffalo Zoo, Albright-Knox Art Gallery, and seasonal festivals, with properties here commanding premium rates during summer months and holiday seasons. The Hertel Avenue corridor offers strong potential due to its growing restaurant and nightlife scene attracting younger travelers and weekend visitors from Toronto and Rochester. Areas near Kenmore West High School and the municipal building provide steady demand from visiting families, sports teams, and government-related business travel, while properties within walking distance of the Niagara River waterfront capitalize on recreational tourism and fishing enthusiasts visiting year-round.

In Kenmore, New York, Airbnb hosts are subject to New York State sales tax of 8% and local occupancy taxes that vary by jurisdiction, with Erie County imposing an additional 3% hotel/motel tax, bringing the total occupancy tax rate to approximately 11% for short-term rentals under 30 days. These taxes are typically collected by Airbnb directly from guests at the time of booking and remitted to the appropriate tax authorities on behalf of hosts, though hosts should verify their registration status with the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance and Erie County's tax collection department. Hosts must obtain a Certificate of Authority from New York State to collect sales tax if Airbnb is not collecting on their behalf, and remittance is generally required quarterly through the state's online filing system. Exemptions may apply for stays exceeding 30 consecutive days, which are generally not subject to occupancy taxes, and certain government or non-profit organization bookings may qualify for exemptions with proper documentation, though hosts should consult with local tax authorities as regulations have evolved significantly since 2018-2022 with increased enforcement and collection mechanisms.

To start an Airbnb in Kenmore, New York, the total costs would be approximately $285,000-$315,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at $200,000-$220,000 based on median home prices in the Buffalo suburb area as of 2023-2024. Furnishing costs typically range $15,000-$25,000 for a complete 2-3 bedroom setup including furniture, appliances, linens, and décor from retailers like IKEA, Wayfair, and local suppliers. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and marketing materials run $2,000-$3,000. Permits and fees in Erie County include short-term rental registration ($200-$500), business license ($100-$300), and potential zoning compliance costs ($500-$1,500). Insurance for short-term rentals costs $2,000-$4,000 annually through companies like Proper Insurance or CBIZ. Utilities including electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable average $300-$500 monthly or $1,800-$3,000 for six months. First six months operating costs encompass cleaning services ($150-$250 per turnover), maintenance reserves ($200-$400 monthly), Airbnb host fees (3% of bookings), supplies and amenities ($100-$200 monthly), and property management software ($50-$100 monthly), totaling approximately $8,000-$12,000 for the initial six-month period.

Airbnb properties in Kenmore, New York, typically generate annual revenues between $15,000-$35,000 for entire homes and $8,000-$18,000 for private rooms, with average daily rates ranging from $75-$150 depending on property size and amenities. Operating expenses generally consume 40-60% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($30-50 per turnover), utilities ($150-300 monthly), property management (10-20% of revenue), insurance ($800-1,500 annually), and maintenance costs ($2,000-4,000 yearly). Net profit margins typically range from 15-35% for well-managed properties, with higher margins achieved through strategic pricing during peak seasons like summer months and Buffalo Bills games. Success factors include proximity to Niagara Falls (20 minutes away), competitive pricing against Buffalo hotels, professional photography, consistent 4.8+ star ratings, and targeting business travelers visiting local companies like Moog Inc. A typical 3-bedroom home in Kenmore generating $28,000 annually might incur $16,000 in expenses, yielding a $12,000 net profit (43% margin), while properties lacking proper management or located on busy streets often struggle with 10-15% margins due to higher vacancy rates and guest complaints.

Airbnb investments in Kenmore, New York typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10% based on current market conditions. Properties in this Buffalo suburb, particularly 2-3 bedroom homes priced between $150,000-$250,000, can achieve profitability within 18-24 months when targeting business travelers and tourists visiting nearby Niagara Falls. The market benefits from proximity to Buffalo Niagara International Airport and local corporate demand, with average daily rates of $80-$120 generating monthly revenues of $1,800-$2,800 for well-positioned properties. Initial investment requirements typically include 20-25% down payment plus $15,000-$25,000 in furnishing and setup costs, with break-even occurring around month 20-26 assuming 65-75% occupancy rates throughout the year.

STRSearch is a national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental properties for investors looking in Kenmore, New York. Local real estate agents like Keller Williams Realty and RE/MAX North serving the Buffalo-Kenmore area have developed expertise in Airbnb investment properties since 2018. Hunt Real Estate ERA and Nothnagle Realtors also provide specialized services for short-term rental investors in the Western New York market. National services include Mashvisor, which offers market analysis tools for Airbnb investments, and AirDNA, providing data analytics for short-term rental markets in the Buffalo metropolitan area. BiggerPockets connects investors with local agents experienced in vacation rental properties, while Awning offers end-to-end Airbnb investment services including property identification and management. Local property management companies like Buffalo Airbnb Management and WNY Short Term Rentals assist investors with both acquisition consulting and ongoing operations. RedAwning and Vacasa also provide market analysis and investment guidance for the Kenmore area, helping investors identify properties with strong rental potential near local attractions and the Buffalo Niagara region.