Is Manassas, Virginia Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Manassas, Virginia, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through the City of Manassas Planning Department, as short-term rentals may require special use permits or be restricted in certain residential zones. Contact the city's Business License Division to obtain necessary business licenses and determine if you need a transient occupancy tax permit, as Virginia requires collection of state and local taxes on short-term rentals. Find a suitable property by searching residential areas like Historic Old Town Manassas or neighborhoods near the Manassas Regional Airport, ensuring the property allows short-term rentals per HOA or lease agreements if applicable. Apply for required permits through the city's permitting office, which may include zoning compliance verification and safety inspections. Furnish the property with essential amenities including Wi-Fi, linens, kitchen supplies, and safety equipment like smoke detectors and fire extinguishers, while considering proximity to attractions like Manassas National Battlefield Park. Create your listing on Airbnb and other platforms like VRBO, highlighting local attractions such as the Manassas Museum and nearby Washington D.C. access via VRE train service. Register with the Virginia Department of Taxation for sales tax collection (currently 5.3% state rate plus local taxes), and implement a management system for bookings, cleaning, maintenance, and guest communication, potentially partnering with local cleaning services and property management companies that serve the Northern Virginia area.

For identifying profitable STR properties in Manassas, Virginia, focus on locations within 2-3 miles of the Manassas National Battlefield Park and Historic Downtown Manassas, as these areas attract tourists year-round, while also considering proximity to major highways like I-66 and Route 28 for business travelers commuting to Washington DC metro area. Target 3-4 bedroom single-family homes or townhouses built after 1990 with modern amenities, full kitchens, dedicated parking, and outdoor spaces, as families visiting Civil War sites and DC-area business travelers prefer these features. Conduct pricing analysis using AirDNA and Mashvisor to identify properties where potential STR revenue (typically $150-250/night in Manassas as of 2023-2024) exceeds traditional rental income by 40-60%, while factoring in occupancy rates of 65-75% annually. Research competition by analyzing existing Airbnb and VRBO listings within a 3-mile radius, identifying gaps in amenities or underserved price points, and monitoring seasonal demand patterns around battlefield events and DC business cycles. Utilize tools like Rabbu, BiggerPockets calculators, and local MLS data through Virginia REALTORS, while connecting with Manassas-based property management companies like Vacasa or RedAwning for market insights, and consult Prince William County's zoning regulations and HOA restrictions before purchasing, as some neighborhoods prohibit short-term rentals.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Manassas, Virginia, you must first contact the City of Manassas Planning and Zoning Department at City Hall located at 9027 Center Street to determine if short-term rentals are permitted in your specific zoning district, as the city has strict regulations on STRs. You'll need to submit a Special Use Permit application which requires a completed application form, site plan showing the property layout, proof of property ownership or lease agreement, floor plans of the rental unit, parking plan demonstrating adequate off-street parking, and a detailed operational plan describing how the rental will be managed. The application fee is typically around $500-800 plus additional fees for public notices and hearings. Required documents also include a business license application, Virginia sales tax registration, liability insurance documentation, and contact information for a local property manager if you live more than 50 miles away. The process involves a public hearing before the Planning Commission and potentially the City Council, which can take 60-90 days from application submission to final approval. Manassas requires STR operators to maintain a business license, collect and remit local taxes, provide 24/7 contact information to neighbors, limit occupancy to 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, ensure adequate parking (typically 1 space per bedroom), and comply with all fire safety and building codes including smoke detectors and emergency egress requirements.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are currently prohibited in Manassas, Virginia, as the city has maintained restrictive zoning ordinances that do not permit residential properties to operate as commercial lodging facilities. The City of Manassas zoning code restricts short-term rental operations in residential districts, effectively banning platforms like Airbnb and VRBO from operating legally within city limits. This prohibition applies citywide across all residential zones, with enforcement typically triggered by neighbor complaints or code violation investigations. Unlike some neighboring jurisdictions in Northern Virginia that have developed regulatory frameworks for STRs, Manassas has taken a more restrictive approach, citing concerns about neighborhood character, parking, noise, and housing availability for long-term residents. Property owners caught operating illegal STRs face code violation fines and cease-and-desist orders, and the city has not indicated any recent movement toward creating a permissive regulatory framework that would allow legal STR operations with proper licensing and restrictions.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Manassas, Virginia include the Historic Downtown District near the Manassas Museum and Visitor Center, which attracts Civil War history tourists and benefits from proximity to restaurants and shops along Center Street and Battle Street. The Old Town Manassas area around the train station is ideal due to its walkability and access to VRE commuter rail, appealing to business travelers working in Washington DC. The Battlefield area near Manassas National Battlefield Park draws significant tourism from visitors exploring Bull Run battlefields, especially during peak summer months and Civil War anniversary events. The Liberia Avenue corridor offers good value with newer developments and easy highway access via Route 28 and Interstate 66, attracting both leisure and business guests. The Sudley area provides affordable investment opportunities while still maintaining reasonable proximity to major attractions and transportation hubs, making it suitable for budget-conscious travelers visiting the region's historical sites or commuting to the DC metro area.

In Manassas, Virginia, Airbnb hosts are subject to both state and local lodging taxes. The Virginia state transient occupancy tax is 5.3% on gross receipts from room rentals under 90 days, while the City of Manassas imposes an additional local transient occupancy tax of 5% on the same rental receipts. These taxes apply to all short-term rental accommodations including Airbnbs, with the combined rate totaling 10.3% on gross rental income. Virginia requires hosts to register for a transient occupancy tax account with the Department of Taxation and file monthly returns by the 20th of the following month, remitting taxes collected from guests. The City of Manassas requires separate registration and monthly filing with the city's finance department, also due by the 20th of each month. Airbnb may collect and remit these taxes automatically for hosts in some jurisdictions through their platform, but hosts remain ultimately responsible for compliance. Exemptions typically include rentals to permanent residents (30+ days), government employees on official business, and certain charitable organizations, though documentation is required. Hosts earning over $600 annually must also report rental income on federal and state tax returns, and the city may require a business license for short-term rental operations depending on zoning and frequency of rentals.

To start an Airbnb in Manassas, Virginia, expect total costs around $380,000-$420,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at approximately $350,000 based on median home prices in the area as of 2023. Furnishing costs typically range $15,000-$25,000 for a complete 2-3 bedroom setup including furniture, appliances, linens, and decor to create an attractive rental space. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and basic marketing materials run about $1,500-$2,500. Permits and fees vary but budget $500-$1,200 for business licenses, short-term rental permits, and any required inspections from Prince William County. Insurance costs increase significantly for short-term rentals, adding roughly $2,000-$3,000 annually compared to standard homeowner's insurance. Utilities including electricity, water, internet, cable, and trash service average $300-$400 monthly or $1,800-$2,400 for six months. First six months operating costs encompass cleaning services ($150-$200 per turnover), maintenance reserves, Airbnb platform fees, restocking supplies, and marketing, totaling approximately $8,000-$12,000 depending on occupancy rates and property condition.

Airbnb properties in Manassas, Virginia typically generate annual revenues between $18,000-$35,000 for entire homes and $8,000-$15,000 for private rooms, with average daily rates ranging from $75-$120 depending on property size and proximity to attractions like Manassas National Battlefield Park and Washington DC (45 minutes away). Operating expenses generally consume 40-60% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($40-80 per turnover), utilities ($150-250 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 by hosts who optimize pricing during peak tourism seasons (spring through fall) and Civil War anniversary events. Success factors include professional photography, rapid guest communication, strategic pricing adjustments, and maintaining superhost status, with properties near Historic Downtown Manassas or offering unique amenities like hot tubs commanding premium rates. A typical 3-bedroom home generating $28,000 annually might net $6,000-$9,000 in profit after expenses, while investors purchasing properties specifically for short-term rental often see 8-12% cash-on-cash returns when factoring in mortgage payments and initial setup costs of $3,000-$5,000 for furnishing and compliance requirements.

Airbnb investments in Manassas, Virginia typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10% based on current market conditions. Properties near the Manassas National Battlefield Park and historic downtown area command premium nightly rates of $85-140, while standard residential properties average $65-95 per night with 65-75% occupancy rates throughout the year. Initial investment recovery and profitability generally occurs within 18-24 months, with single-family homes requiring $40,000-80,000 in down payments and renovation costs generating monthly net cash flows of $800-1,500 after expenses including mortgage, utilities, cleaning, and platform fees. The proximity to Washington D.C. (35 miles) and Dulles Airport creates consistent demand from business travelers and tourists, with peak seasons during summer months and Civil War commemoration events driving occupancy rates above 85% and nightly rates 20-30% higher than off-season periods.

STRSearch is a national platform that helps investors identify profitable short-term rental properties in Manassas, Virginia, using data analytics and market insights. Local real estate agents specializing in Airbnb investments in the Manassas area include Keller Williams Realty agents who focus on investment properties, RE/MAX Commonwealth agents with vacation rental expertise, and Long & Foster agents experienced in Prince William County rental markets. National services include Mashvisor, which provides Airbnb profitability analysis for Manassas properties, AirDNA for market data and revenue projections, BiggerPockets for investor networking and property analysis tools, and Roofstock for turnkey rental property investments. Local property management companies that assist with Airbnb setup include RedAwning, which operates in the Northern Virginia market, and various independent property managers specializing in short-term rentals in the Washington DC metro area. Investment-focused real estate companies like HomeVestors and local wholesalers also operate in Manassas, helping investors find distressed properties suitable for Airbnb conversion, while platforms like Awning and Vacasa provide end-to-end Airbnb management services for investors in the Virginia market.