Is Matthews, North Carolina Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Matthews, North Carolina, begin by researching local zoning laws and HOA restrictions, as Matthews requires short-term rentals to comply with residential zoning ordinances and many neighborhoods have HOA covenants prohibiting rentals under 30 days. Contact the Matthews Planning Department to verify your property's eligibility and obtain necessary permits, including a business license from the Town of Matthews (approximately $50-100 annually) and ensure compliance with North Carolina state tax requirements by registering for sales tax collection through the NC Department of Revenue. Find a suitable property in Matthews' desirable neighborhoods like Sardis Woods or Plantation Estates, considering proximity to Charlotte (15 minutes away) and local attractions like the Matthews Community Farmers Market. Purchase essential furnishings including quality mattresses, linens, basic kitchen appliances, WiFi equipment, and safety items like smoke detectors and fire extinguishers, budgeting $3,000-8,000 for a complete setup. Create your Airbnb listing with professional photos highlighting Matthews' small-town charm and easy Charlotte access, set competitive pricing around $80-150 per night based on local market rates, and write detailed descriptions mentioning nearby amenities like Squirrel Lake Park and Matthews Station shopping. Manage your property by establishing check-in procedures, maintaining cleanliness standards, responding promptly to guests, coordinating cleaning services between stays, and keeping detailed records for tax purposes while monitoring local regulation changes as Matthews continues developing its short-term rental policies.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Matthews, North Carolina, focus on locations within 10-15 minutes of Charlotte's business districts, near Lake Matthews, or close to the Matthews Community Center and downtown area, as these attract both business travelers and leisure guests. Target 2-4 bedroom single-family homes or townhomes built after 1990 with modern amenities, parking, and outdoor spaces, as Matthews visitors often prefer residential feel over urban apartments. Analyze pricing by researching comparable STRs on Airbnb and VRBO within a 3-mile radius, noting that properties typically command $80-150 per night depending on size and amenities, with higher rates during NASCAR events at Charlotte Motor Speedway and Panthers games. Competition research should focus on the 50+ existing STRs in Matthews and nearby Mint Hill, identifying gaps in luxury amenities, pet-friendly options, or family-oriented features. Utilize AirDNA for market analytics, STR Helper for performance tracking, and local tools like Charlotte Regional Realtor Association MLS data, while monitoring Union County tourism patterns and the Matthews Chamber of Commerce event calendar to understand seasonal demand fluctuations that typically peak during spring and fall months.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Matthews, North Carolina, you must first contact the Matthews Planning Department at Town Hall located at 232 Matthews Station Street to determine if short-term rentals are permitted in your specific zoning district, as Matthews has restrictive regulations on STRs. If allowed, you'll need to submit an application including a completed STR permit form, property deed or lease agreement, floor plan showing maximum occupancy, parking plan demonstrating adequate spaces, contact information for a local property manager within 30 minutes of the property, and proof of liability insurance with minimum $1 million coverage. Required documents also include a business license from North Carolina, fire safety inspection certificate, and written consent from HOA if applicable. The application fee is approximately $200-300 with annual renewal fees of $150-200, and the process typically takes 30-45 days for review and approval. Matthews requires STRs to maintain quiet hours from 10 PM to 8 AM, limit occupancy to 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, provide adequate parking (typically 1 space per bedroom), and display the permit number in all advertising, with violations subject to fines up to $500 per day.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are legal in Matthews, North Carolina, but operate under specific regulations established by the town. Matthews requires STR operators to obtain a business license and comply with zoning restrictions that primarily limit short-term rentals to commercial and mixed-use districts, while generally prohibiting them in single-family residential neighborhoods. The town implemented these regulations around 2019-2020 following concerns about neighborhood character and parking issues. Current restrictions include occupancy limits based on bedroom count, parking requirements (typically two spaces per unit), noise ordinances, and safety standards including smoke detectors and fire extinguishers. STR operators must also collect and remit local occupancy taxes. The town has been relatively restrictive compared to some neighboring jurisdictions, with enforcement focusing on unpermitted operations in residential areas. Recent legal changes have included stricter enforcement mechanisms and clearer definitions of what constitutes a short-term rental versus traditional lodging, with the town continuing to monitor the impact of STRs on residential neighborhoods and adjusting regulations as needed.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Matthews, North Carolina include the downtown Matthews area near Trade Street and Matthews Station Road, which attracts visitors due to its walkable historic downtown with local restaurants, shops, and community events like the Matthews Alive Festival. The neighborhoods near Squirrel Lake Park and McDowell Nature Preserve are attractive for families and outdoor enthusiasts seeking recreational activities and nature access. Areas close to the Matthews Community Center and athletic facilities draw sports tournament participants and families. Properties near the Charlotte Premium Outlets benefit from shopping tourism and visitors to the region. The residential areas around Sardis Road and Highway 51 corridor are ideal due to proximity to major employers like Novant Health Matthews Medical Center and easy access to Charlotte's business district, making them attractive for business travelers and medical professionals. The neighborhoods near Matthews Charter Academy and other schools attract visiting families and educational consultants, while areas close to the planned transit developments along the future Silver Line extension will likely see increased demand from visitors preferring public transportation access to Charlotte.

In Matthews, North Carolina, Airbnb hosts are subject to both state and local lodging taxes. The North Carolina state occupancy tax is 6.75% and applies to all short-term rental stays under 90 days. Additionally, Mecklenburg County imposes a 6% occupancy tax on lodging accommodations, bringing the total tax rate to approximately 12.75% for Airbnb rentals in Matthews. These taxes are typically collected from guests at the time of booking through Airbnb's automatic tax collection system, which remits payments directly to the appropriate tax authorities on behalf of hosts. However, hosts should verify their registration status with both the North Carolina Department of Revenue and Mecklenburg County tax office to ensure compliance. The taxes are calculated on the gross rental receipts excluding cleaning fees in most cases. Exemptions may apply for stays exceeding 90 consecutive days, rentals to certain government employees on official business, and accommodations for disaster relief purposes. Hosts who collect taxes manually must remit payments monthly or quarterly depending on their rental volume, with returns typically due by the 20th of the following month.

The total cost to start an Airbnb in Matthews, North Carolina is approximately $385,000-$425,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at $350,000 (median home price in Matthews as of 2024). Furnishing costs range from $15,000-$25,000 depending on property size and quality level desired. Initial setup including professional photography, listing creation, and basic supplies costs around $2,000-$3,000. Permits and fees including business license, short-term rental permit, and inspection fees total approximately $500-$1,500. Insurance for 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 ($150 per turnover), maintenance, supplies, and platform fees (3% Airbnb service fee) estimate around $8,000-$12,000 assuming 60% occupancy rate. Additional considerations include potential HOA fees common in Matthews developments ($100-$300 monthly) and marketing costs for initial bookings ($1,000-$2,000).

Airbnb properties in Matthews, North Carolina typically generate annual revenues between $18,000-$35,000 for entire home listings, 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 ($40-80 per turnover), property management (15-25% of revenue), utilities ($150-300 monthly), insurance ($1,200-2,000 annually), and maintenance costs averaging $2,000-4,000 yearly. Profit margins for successful properties range from 15-35%, with higher-end homes near downtown Charlotte achieving better performance due to business traveler demand. Properties within 20 minutes of Charlotte Douglas International Airport and those featuring amenities like pools, hot tubs, or proximity to the Matthews Community Farmers Market tend to maintain 70-85% occupancy rates compared to 50-65% for basic listings. A typical 3-bedroom home purchased for $320,000 in Matthews can generate $28,000 annually in gross revenue with $16,000 in expenses, yielding approximately $12,000 net profit or 3.75% return on investment, though properties managed by companies like RedAwning or Vacasa often see improved performance through professional marketing and dynamic pricing strategies that can increase revenues by 15-25%.

Based on Matthews, North Carolina 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 market. Single-family homes near downtown Matthews or close to Charlotte's business districts tend to achieve the higher end of these ranges, while condos and properties further from major attractions see returns closer to 8-12%. Most investors reach profitability within 18-24 months, with break-even on initial investment occurring around month 14-20 for well-positioned properties. The Matthews market benefits from proximity to Charlotte Douglas International Airport and the city's corporate centers, driving consistent demand from business travelers and weekend visitors, with average daily rates ranging from $85-140 depending on property size and amenities. Occupancy rates typically hover between 65-75% annually, with peak seasons during spring and fall generating occupancy rates above 80%.

STRSearch is a national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental properties for investors in Matthews, North Carolina. Local real estate agents like those at Keller Williams Ballantyne, RE/MAX Executive, and Allen Tate Realtors have experience with investment properties in the Matthews area and understand the local Airbnb market dynamics. National services include Mashvisor, which provides Airbnb analytics and property search tools, AirDNA for market data and investment analysis, and Awning for turnkey Airbnb investment properties. RedAwning offers property management and investment services, while BiggerPockets connects investors with local professionals and resources. Local property management companies like Vacasa and RedAwning can help manage Airbnb properties once purchased. Investment-focused real estate companies such as Roofstock and Arrived Homes also operate in the North Carolina market, though they may have limited inventory specifically in Matthews. Additionally, local real estate investment groups and meetups in the Charlotte metropolitan area, which includes Matthews, can provide networking opportunities and referrals to agents specializing in short-term rental investments.