Is Lansdowne, Maryland Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Lansdowne, Maryland, begin by researching Baltimore County's short-term rental regulations, as Lansdowne falls under county jurisdiction, which typically requires a business license and may have zoning restrictions for residential areas. Contact Baltimore County's Department of Permits, Approvals and Inspections to obtain necessary permits, including a rental license and potential fire safety inspections. Find a suitable property by searching residential areas near BWI Airport or along the Patapsco River, considering proximity to Baltimore attractions while ensuring the property is zoned for short-term rentals. Furnish the space with essential amenities including Wi-Fi, kitchen supplies, linens, and safety equipment like smoke detectors and fire extinguishers, focusing on airport travelers' needs given Lansdowne's location. Create your listing on Airbnb and other platforms like VRBO, highlighting proximity to BWI Airport (approximately 10 minutes), Baltimore Inner Harbor (20 minutes), and local attractions like Patapsco Valley State Park. For management, establish check-in procedures using keyless entry systems, hire local cleaning services familiar with Baltimore County area, maintain competitive pricing around $75-120 per night based on regional market rates, and ensure compliance with Maryland's 6% sales tax and Baltimore County's 5% hotel tax requirements while maintaining responsive guest communication and property maintenance schedules.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Lansdowne, Maryland, focus on properties within 2-3 miles of BWI Airport and near major transportation corridors like I-695 and I-97, as business travelers represent a key market segment. Target 2-4 bedroom single-family homes or townhouses built after 1990 with dedicated parking, modern amenities, and fast Wi-Fi, as these appeal to both business and leisure guests visiting nearby Baltimore attractions. Conduct pricing analysis using AirDNA and STR data platforms to identify properties where potential nightly rates ($80-150 for the area) can generate 15-20% annual returns after expenses, typically requiring purchase prices under $300,000. Research competition by analyzing existing Airbnb and VRBO listings within a 5-mile radius, noting occupancy rates, guest reviews, and pricing strategies, while identifying underserved niches like pet-friendly or extended-stay options. Utilize tools like Mashvisor, BiggerPockets calculators, and local MLS data through partnerships with Anne Arundel County realtors, while monitoring STR regulations through Anne Arundel County zoning departments and considering proximity to Fort Meade for military housing demand. Focus on neighborhoods like Ferndale and Glen Burnie borders that offer lower acquisition costs while maintaining accessibility to Baltimore-Washington corridor employment centers.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Lansdowne, Maryland, you must apply through Baltimore County since Lansdowne is an unincorporated community within the county. Start by contacting the Baltimore County Department of Permits, Approvals and Inspections (PAI) at 410-887-3311 or visiting their office at 111 W. Chesapeake Avenue in Towson. You'll need to submit a Short-Term Rental Registration application along with required documents including proof of property ownership or lease agreement, certificate of liability insurance (minimum $1 million coverage), floor plan of the rental unit, contact information for a local responsible party within 30 miles if you're not local, and a completed affidavit of compliance with safety requirements. The registration fee is approximately $200-300 annually, with additional inspection fees of around $100-150. Required safety features include smoke detectors in all bedrooms and common areas, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, and emergency contact information posted visibly. The property must comply with Baltimore County zoning regulations, and some residential areas may have restrictions on STRs. The timeline typically takes 4-6 weeks for processing after submitting a complete application, including required inspections. You must also register with the Maryland Comptroller's office for tax purposes and may need to collect and remit hotel taxes. Annual renewal is required, and the property is subject to periodic inspections and must maintain compliance with all safety and zoning requirements throughout the permit period.

Short-term rentals (STRs) in Lansdowne, Maryland are subject to Baltimore County regulations, which generally allow STRs but with specific restrictions and requirements. As of 2023, Baltimore County requires STR operators to obtain a home occupation permit and comply with zoning regulations, with properties typically limited to residential zones and subject to occupancy limits based on bedroom count. The county prohibits STRs in certain residential areas where homeowners associations have specific restrictions, and operators must maintain liability insurance, provide emergency contact information, and ensure properties meet safety standards. Recent changes around 2022-2023 have included stricter enforcement of noise ordinances and parking requirements, with some communities in Baltimore County implementing additional local restrictions on the number of rental days per year (often capped at 90-180 days annually). Lansdowne, being an unincorporated community in Baltimore County, follows these county-wide regulations rather than having its own municipal STR ordinances, and operators must also comply with state tax requirements including collecting and remitting hotel taxes to Maryland.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Lansdowne, Maryland include the neighborhoods near BWI Airport such as Elkridge and Arbutus due to heavy business traveler demand, with properties typically earning $80-120 per night from corporate guests and airline crews. The historic downtown Lansdowne area around Main Street offers charm for weekend tourists visiting nearby Patapsco Valley State Park and Fort McHenry, generating steady bookings during spring and fall seasons. Properties near the MARC train stations in Halethorpe and Relay provide excellent access for visitors to Baltimore and Washington DC, making them attractive to tourists wanting suburban stays while exploring urban attractions. The waterfront areas along the Patapsco River, particularly near Patapsco Valley State Park entrances, appeal to outdoor enthusiasts and families seeking recreational activities like hiking and fishing, with seasonal demand peaking during summer months when properties can command $100-150 per night.

In Lansdowne, Maryland, Airbnb properties are subject to Maryland's state sales tax of 6% on lodging accommodations, which applies to short-term rentals under 30 days. Baltimore County, where Lansdowne is located, imposes an additional hotel/motel tax of 7% on transient accommodations, bringing the total occupancy tax rate to approximately 13%. These taxes are typically collected by Airbnb directly from guests at the time of booking through their automatic tax collection service, which began around 2017-2018 for Maryland properties. Airbnb remits these collected taxes directly to the Maryland Comptroller's office on a monthly basis, though individual hosts may still need to register with the state and county tax authorities and file returns even when Airbnb collects taxes. Properties rented for 30 days or longer are generally exempt from these occupancy taxes, and certain properties used for medical treatment or government business may qualify for exemptions. Hosts should verify their registration requirements with both the Maryland Comptroller's office and Baltimore County's Department of Budget and Finance, as local regulations may require additional permits or licenses beyond tax compliance.

The total cost to start an Airbnb in Lansdowne, Maryland is approximately $385,000-$425,000. Property purchase costs around $320,000 based on median home prices in the area as of 2023. Furnishing a 2-3 bedroom property requires $15,000-$25,000 for quality furniture, bedding, kitchen essentials, and decor to create an attractive rental space. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, welcome materials, and basic supplies total $2,000-$3,000. Permits and fees in Baltimore County include short-term rental licenses, inspections, and registration fees totaling approximately $1,500-$2,500. Insurance premiums for short-term rental coverage cost $2,000-$3,000 annually, with the first year paid upfront. Utility deposits and setup fees for electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable services require $1,000-$1,500. First six months of operating costs including utilities ($900/month), cleaning services ($150 per turnover assuming 50% occupancy), maintenance reserves ($200/month), platform fees, and miscellaneous expenses total approximately $8,000-$12,000. Additional considerations include property taxes, HOA fees if applicable, and marketing costs that may add $5,000-$10,000 to the initial investment.

Airbnb properties in Lansdowne, Maryland 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-$140 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), insurance ($1,200-$2,000 annually), property management (10-20% of revenue if outsourced), maintenance ($2,000-$4,000 annually), and Airbnb's 3% host service fee. Properties near BWI Airport and Fort Meade military installation command premium rates due to business traveler demand, with some hosts reporting 70-85% occupancy rates and net profit margins of 25-35%. Success factors include proximity to transportation hubs, military bases, and Baltimore attractions, professional photography, competitive pricing strategies, and maintaining Superhost status. A typical 3-bedroom townhome in Lansdowne generating $28,000 annually with $16,800 in expenses yields approximately $11,200 net profit (40% margin), while properties lacking strategic location or proper management often struggle with 45-60% occupancy rates and profit margins below 15%.

Airbnb investments in Lansdowne, Maryland typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10% based on current market conditions. Properties in this Baltimore County suburb, particularly 3-4 bedroom single-family homes priced between $300,000-$450,000, can expect gross rental yields of $2,800-$4,200 monthly during peak seasons, with occupancy rates averaging 65-75% annually. The proximity to BWI Airport, Fort Meade, and Baltimore creates consistent demand from business travelers and military personnel, contributing to steady bookings year-round. Initial profitability typically occurs within 18-24 months after accounting for startup costs, furnishing, and marketing expenses, while full investment recovery generally takes 8-10 years. Market appreciation in Lansdowne has averaged 4-6% annually since 2020, and successful operators report net annual returns of $15,000-$25,000 per property after expenses including property management, utilities, maintenance, and platform fees.

STRSearch is a leading national platform that helps investors identify profitable short-term rental properties in Lansdowne, Maryland, using data analytics and market insights. Local real estate agents specializing in Airbnb investments in the Baltimore-Washington corridor include Keller Williams Capital Properties, RE/MAX Advantage Realty, and Long & Foster Real Estate, with agents like those at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices PenFed Realty who understand the Anne Arundel County market dynamics. National services include AirDNA for market analysis, Mashvisor for property investment analytics, and BiggerPockets for investor networking and deal sourcing. Local property management companies such as RedAwning, AvantStay, and regional firms like Chesapeake Bay Property Management offer turnkey Airbnb management services. Additional national platforms like Roofstock, HomeUnion, and Fundrise provide investment opportunities, while local mortgage brokers and lenders familiar with investment properties in the Lansdowne area include Bay Capital Mortgage and First Home Mortgage. Real estate investment groups and meetups in the greater Baltimore area, along with platforms like VRBO and Airbnb's own host advisory services, provide additional resources for investors looking to capitalize on Lansdowne's proximity to BWI Airport, Fort Meade, and Washington D.C., making it an attractive market for short-term rental investments.