Is La Vergne, Tennessee Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in La Vergne, Tennessee, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through the La Vergne Planning Department, as the city requires short-term rental operators to obtain a business license and comply with residential zoning restrictions that may limit rentals to primary residences or specific zones. Contact La Vergne City Hall at 615-793-6295 to obtain the necessary business license (approximately $50-100 annually) and verify your property meets fire safety and building code requirements, including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and proper egress windows. Find a suitable property by searching areas near Percy Priest Lake or close to Nashville (20 minutes away) for higher demand, ensuring the property allows short-term rentals per HOA agreements and mortgage terms. Purchase essential furnishings including quality mattresses, linens, towels, basic kitchen appliances, WiFi equipment, smart locks, and local guidebooks, budgeting $5,000-15,000 for a complete setup. Create your Airbnb listing with professional photos highlighting proximity to Nashville attractions, Percy Priest Lake activities, and Smyrna airport access, setting competitive rates based on comparable properties ($75-150/night depending on size and amenities). Manage your property by establishing cleaning protocols between guests, maintaining 24/7 communication availability, coordinating key exchanges through smart locks or lockboxes, and ensuring compliance with Tennessee's 9.25% state sales tax plus local occupancy taxes that must be collected and remitted monthly to both state and local authorities.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in La Vergne, Tennessee, focus on locations within 15-20 minutes of Nashville's downtown core, near Percy Priest Lake waterfront areas, and close to major highways like I-24 and I-40 for easy airport access. Target 3-4 bedroom single-family homes or townhomes built after 1990 with modern amenities, outdoor spaces, parking for multiple vehicles, and lake or nature views, as these appeal to families and groups visiting Nashville who prefer quieter suburban stays. Conduct pricing analysis using AirDNA and Mashvisor to identify properties where potential STR revenue (typically $150-250/night in La Vergne as of 2023-2024) exceeds traditional rental income by 40-60%, while factoring in Tennessee's 9.25% sales tax and local occupancy taxes. Research competition by analyzing existing Airbnb and VRBO listings within 3-mile radius, identifying gaps in amenities or pricing, and noting seasonal demand patterns driven by Nashville tourism, lake activities, and corporate travel to nearby Smyrna's Nissan plant. Utilize tools like Rabbu, STR Helper, and local MLS data through Realtracs, while connecting with La Vergne-specific Facebook groups, consulting with local property managers familiar with Rutherford County regulations, and partnering with realtors experienced in investment properties who understand the area's growth trajectory and proximity advantages to Nashville's expanding market.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in La Vergne, Tennessee, you must first contact the La Vergne Planning and Zoning Department at City Hall located at 5093 Murfreesboro Road to determine if short-term rentals are permitted in your specific zoning district, as the city has restrictions on STRs in certain residential areas. Submit an application for a business license through the City Clerk's office, providing required documents including proof of property ownership or lease agreement, certificate of insurance with minimum $1 million liability coverage, floor plan of the rental unit, parking plan showing adequate off-street parking, and contact information for a local property manager if you live more than 50 miles away. Pay the applicable fees which typically range from $150-300 for the business license plus any zoning compliance fees. The city requires STR properties to comply with fire safety codes, maintain occupancy limits based on square footage (generally 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional), provide smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in all sleeping areas, and display the permit number in all advertising. The approval process typically takes 30-45 days after submission of complete application materials, and permits must be renewed annually. Properties must also register with the state of Tennessee for sales tax collection and remittance, and hosts must collect and pay the appropriate local occupancy taxes to Rutherford County.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are legal in La Vergne, Tennessee, but operate under specific regulations established by the city. La Vergne requires STR operators to obtain a business license and comply with zoning restrictions that typically limit short-term rentals to certain residential areas while prohibiting them in some neighborhoods to preserve residential character. Properties must meet safety requirements including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers, and operators must provide emergency contact information to the city and neighbors. The city has implemented occupancy limits based on property size and requires adequate parking for guests. La Vergne has also established noise ordinances and quiet hours that STR guests must observe, with violations potentially resulting in permit revocation. Recent changes around 2022-2023 have included stricter enforcement mechanisms and clearer guidelines for permit applications, with the city requiring annual renewals and inspections. Operators must collect and remit local occupancy taxes, and properties in certain historic or densely populated areas may face additional restrictions or outright prohibitions to maintain neighborhood stability.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in La Vergne, Tennessee include the neighborhoods near Percy Priest Lake, particularly around the Fate Sanders Recreation Area and Hamilton Creek Recreation Area, which attract tourists year-round for boating, fishing, and water sports activities. The areas close to Nashville Superspeedway are highly attractive due to major NASCAR events and racing activities that bring thousands of visitors seeking nearby accommodations. Properties near the Stones River and Greenway system appeal to outdoor enthusiasts and families visiting for recreational activities. The residential areas along Old Hickory Boulevard and near La Vergne Lake offer good investment potential due to their proximity to both Nashville (20 minutes) and Murfreesboro, attracting business travelers and tourists who prefer quieter accommodations outside the city while maintaining easy access to major employment centers like Nissan North America headquarters in nearby Smyrna. The downtown La Vergne area near Veterans Memorial Park provides opportunities for visitors attending local events and festivals, while properties near the Amazon fulfillment center and other logistics facilities in the region can capture business travel demand from corporate visitors and contractors.

In La Vergne, Tennessee, Airbnb properties are subject to both state and local lodging taxes. The Tennessee state sales tax rate of 7% applies to short-term rental accommodations, along with the state hotel occupancy tax of 3%, for a combined state rate of 10%. Rutherford County, where La Vergne is located, imposes an additional hotel/motel tax of approximately 5%, bringing the total occupancy tax rate to around 15% for short-term rentals. The City of La Vergne may impose its own local occupancy tax of 1-3%, potentially making the total tax burden 16-18%. These taxes are typically collected at the time of booking through Airbnb's platform, which has agreements with Tennessee to automatically collect and remit state taxes since 2017. However, hosts may still be responsible for registering with the Tennessee Department of Revenue and local authorities, obtaining proper permits, and ensuring compliance with local tax collection requirements. Exemptions are generally limited to stays exceeding 30 consecutive days, which are considered long-term rentals rather than transient accommodations. Property owners should verify current rates and registration requirements with the Tennessee Department of Revenue, Rutherford County, and the City of La Vergne, as tax rates and collection procedures can change.

The total cost to start an Airbnb in La Vergne, Tennessee is approximately $285,000-$315,000. Property purchase costs around $250,000 based on the median home price in the area as of 2023. Furnishing a 3-bedroom property runs $15,000-$25,000 including furniture, appliances, linens, and decor from retailers like IKEA, Wayfair, and local stores. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and basic marketing total $2,000-$3,000. Permits and fees including business license, short-term rental permit, and inspection fees cost approximately $500-$1,500 depending on local regulations. Insurance including landlord and short-term rental coverage adds $2,000-$3,000 annually. Utilities including electricity, water, internet, and cable average $300-$400 monthly or $1,800-$2,400 for six months. First six months operating costs including cleaning services, maintenance, supplies, platform fees, and vacancy periods total $8,000-$12,000. Additional considerations include potential HOA fees, property taxes, and emergency repair funds which could add another $5,000-$10,000 to initial costs.

Airbnb properties in La Vergne, Tennessee typically generate annual revenues between $18,000-$35,000 for entire homes, with average daily rates ranging from $85-$140 depending on property size and amenities. Operating expenses generally consume 40-60% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($40-60 per turnover), property management (15-25% if outsourced), utilities ($150-250 monthly), insurance ($1,200-2,000 annually), and maintenance costs averaging $2,000-4,000 yearly. Properties within 15 minutes of Nashville International Airport and those featuring hot tubs or pools command premium rates, with some three-bedroom homes near Percy Priest Lake achieving 75-80% occupancy rates and net profit margins of 25-35%. Success factors include proximity to Nashville (20 minutes), competitive pricing against nearby Smyrna and Murfreesboro markets, professional photography, and responsive guest communication. A typical case involves a renovated 1,400 sq ft home purchased for $280,000 in 2022, generating $28,000 gross revenue with $11,000 in expenses, yielding approximately $17,000 net profit (61% profit margin), though newer hosts often experience 6-12 month ramp-up periods before achieving optimal occupancy rates.

Based on La Vergne, Tennessee market conditions, Airbnb investments typically generate annual ROI of 12-18% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 8-14% depending on property type and location within the city. Properties near Percy Priest Lake and close to Nashville (25 minutes away) command higher nightly rates of $85-120, while standard residential properties average $65-85 per night. Initial profitability usually occurs within 8-14 months after accounting for furnishing costs, permits, and marketing expenses. The market benefits from Nashville tourism overflow, corporate travelers to nearby Smyrna's Nissan plant, and lake recreation visitors, with occupancy rates averaging 65-75% annually. Properties purchased at La Vergne's median home price of approximately $285,000 with 20-25% down payments typically achieve break-even on initial investment within 18-24 months, assuming average annual gross revenues of $28,000-38,000 after accounting for Airbnb fees, cleaning, maintenance, and local taxes.

STRSearch is a national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental properties for investors in La Vergne, Tennessee. Local real estate agents like those at Keller Williams Realty and RE/MAX Advantage in nearby Nashville and Murfreesboro serve the La Vergne market and have experience with investment properties. National services include Awning, which provides full-service Airbnb property management and acquisition assistance, and Mashvisor, an analytics platform that helps identify profitable rental properties. AirDNA offers market data and investment analysis specific to short-term rentals in the Nashville metropolitan area including La Vergne. Local property management companies like RedAwning and Vacasa operate in the region and can provide insights on profitable properties. Real estate investment firms such as Roofstock and BiggerPockets connect investors with properties and local expertise. Tennessee-based companies like Nashville Short Term Rental Management and Music City Property Management have expanded their services to surrounding areas including La Vergne since around 2018-2020, capitalizing on the growing short-term rental market in the greater Nashville region.