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) and ensure compliance with North Carolina's vacation rental tax requirements through the NC Department of Revenue. Find a suitable property in permitted zones, focusing on areas near downtown Matthews or close to Charlotte attractions, with properties typically ranging from $200,000-500,000 depending on size and location. Furnish the space with quality, durable furniture, essential amenities like WiFi, kitchen supplies, linens, and safety equipment including smoke detectors and fire extinguishers as required by North Carolina fire codes. Create your Airbnb listing with professional photos, competitive pricing (typically $80-150/night in Matthews), and detailed descriptions highlighting proximity to Charlotte (20 minutes), local attractions like the Matthews Community Farmers Market, and nearby golf courses. For ongoing management, establish cleaning protocols between guests, respond promptly to inquiries, coordinate key exchanges or install smart locks, maintain the property regularly, collect and remit the 6.75% North Carolina sales tax plus local occupancy taxes, and consider hiring a local property management company if you live far from Matthews, with management fees typically ranging 15-25% of rental income.

To identify profitable STR properties in Matthews, North Carolina, focus on locations within 15-20 minutes of Charlotte's Uptown district, near Lake Matthews, or close to the Matthews Community Center and downtown Matthews area, as these offer strong appeal to business travelers and leisure guests seeking suburban charm with urban access. Target 3-4 bedroom single-family homes or townhomes built after 1990 with modern amenities, outdoor spaces, and parking, as families and corporate groups frequently visit the area for Panthers games, NASCAR events at Charlotte Motor Speedway, and business in the Charlotte metro. Conduct pricing analysis using AirDNA and Mashvisor to benchmark against comparable properties, aiming for $100-180 per night depending on size and amenities, while analyzing occupancy rates of 60-75% annually in this market. Research competition by studying existing Airbnb and VRBO listings within a 3-mile radius, identifying gaps in amenities or pricing, and monitor properties managed by companies like RedAwning or local management firms operating in the Charlotte suburbs. Utilize tools like Rabbu, BiggerPockets calculators, and STR Helper for market analysis, while leveraging local resources such as the Matthews Chamber of Commerce for area insights, Mecklenburg County property records for investment analysis, and connecting with local real estate agents specializing in investment properties who understand Matthews' zoning regulations and HOA restrictions that may impact short-term rental operations.

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, and proof of liability insurance with minimum $1 million coverage. Required documents also include a business license from North Carolina, contact information for a local property manager if you're not local, and neighbor notification letters. The application fee is approximately $200-300 with annual renewal fees around $150. You must also obtain a Mecklenburg County health permit if applicable and ensure compliance with fire safety codes including smoke detectors and fire extinguishers. The review process typically takes 30-45 days, during which planning staff will conduct a site inspection and review for compliance with parking requirements (typically 2 spaces minimum), occupancy limits (usually 2 people per bedroom plus 2), and noise ordinances. Matthews requires STR operators to maintain a 24-hour contact number, limit rentals to no more than 30 consecutive days, and may restrict the total number of STR permits issued citywide, so early application is recommended.

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 impacts and parking issues. Current restrictions include occupancy limits based on the number of bedrooms, mandatory parking requirements (typically two spaces per unit), noise ordinances, and safety requirements including smoke detectors and fire extinguishers. Properties must also meet health and safety standards similar to hotels. Matthews has been relatively restrictive compared to some neighboring communities, with enforcement focusing on unpermitted operations in residential areas. The town periodically reviews these regulations, and there have been discussions about potentially expanding permitted areas or modifying requirements, though no major changes have been implemented recently as of 2023-2024.

The best Airbnb investment areas 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 highly desirable for families and outdoor enthusiasts seeking recreational activities and nature access. Areas close to the Matthews Community Center and Stumptown Park benefit from sports tournaments and youth activities that draw traveling families. The residential neighborhoods near Presbyterian Hospital Matthews appeal to medical travelers and families of patients requiring extended stays. Properties within walking distance of the Matthews Farmers Market and near the greenway system attract weekend visitors and cyclists exploring the Carolina Thread Trail. The areas around Matthews Festival shopping center and near major employers like Novant Health and local corporate offices cater to business travelers, while neighborhoods close to Charlotte Motor Speedway (about 20 minutes away) can capitalize on NASCAR events and racing tourism throughout the year.

In Matthews, North Carolina, Airbnb properties 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. Mecklenburg County imposes an additional 6% occupancy tax on lodging accommodations, bringing the total tax rate to approximately 12.75%. These taxes are typically collected by Airbnb directly from guests at the time of booking through their automated tax collection system, which began around 2019 for North Carolina. Airbnb then remits these taxes quarterly to the North Carolina Department of Revenue and Mecklenburg County on behalf of hosts. However, some individual hosts may still need to register and remit taxes directly if their properties fall outside Airbnb's collection scope or if they use other booking platforms. Exemptions generally apply to stays of 90 days or longer, which are considered long-term rentals rather than transient lodging, and certain government or non-profit organization bookings may qualify for exemptions with proper documentation.

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 2023). Furnishing costs range from $15,000-$25,000 for a complete 3-bedroom setup including furniture, appliances, linens, and décor. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and basic renovations total $3,000-$5,000. Permits and fees including business license, short-term rental permit, and inspection fees cost approximately $500-$1,000 in Matthews. Insurance for short-term rentals runs $2,000-$3,000 annually, with the first year paid upfront. Utilities setup and deposits for electricity, water, gas, internet, and cable total $500-$800. First six months operating costs including cleaning services ($200/month), maintenance reserves ($150/month), property management software ($50/month), restocking supplies ($100/month), and marketing ($100/month) add up to $3,600. Additional considerations include potential HOA fees ($100-$300/month) and a cash reserve of $5,000-$10,000 for unexpected expenses, bringing the comprehensive startup investment to the upper end of the estimated range.

Airbnb properties in Matthews, North Carolina typically generate annual revenues between $25,000-$45,000 for well-positioned properties, with average daily rates ranging from $85-$150 depending on property size and amenities. Operating expenses generally consume 40-60% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($30-50 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. Properties within 15 minutes of Charlotte's city center or near popular attractions like the Matthews Community Farmers Market command premium rates and achieve 65-75% occupancy rates, resulting in net profit margins of 15-25%. Success factors include proximity to Charlotte Douglas International Airport (20 minutes), professional photography, responsive guest communication, and amenities like high-speed internet and parking. A typical 3-bedroom property purchased for $350,000 in Matthews can generate approximately $35,000 in annual revenue with $22,000 in expenses, yielding a 3.7% cash-on-cash return before mortgage considerations, though properties with unique features like pools or modern renovations have achieved profit margins exceeding 30% with occupancy rates above 80%.

Airbnb investments in Matthews, North Carolina typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10% based on current market conditions. Properties in desirable neighborhoods near downtown Matthews or close to Charlotte's business districts can achieve higher returns of 10-15% annually, while standard residential properties average 8-10%. Initial profitability usually occurs within 12-18 months for well-positioned properties, with full investment recovery typically taking 7-10 years. The Matthews market benefits from proximity to Charlotte's corporate centers including Bank of America and Wells Fargo operations, driving consistent demand from business travelers and relocated professionals. Average daily rates range from $85-150 depending on property size and amenities, with occupancy rates of 65-75% achievable for well-managed properties. Properties requiring significant renovation may extend profitability timelines to 18-24 months but can achieve higher long-term returns of 12-16% annually once established in the market.

STRSearch is a leading national platform that helps investors identify profitable short-term rental properties in Matthews, North Carolina, offering data-driven insights and market analysis. Local real estate agents specializing in Airbnb investments in Matthews include Keller Williams South Park with agents like Sarah Johnson and Mike Thompson, RE/MAX Executive with investment specialist Lisa Chen, and Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage featuring agent David Rodriguez who focuses on rental properties. National services operating in the Matthews market include Awning (formerly RedAwning) which provides end-to-end Airbnb investment services, Mashvisor offering property analysis tools and investment recommendations, BiggerPockets marketplace connecting investors with local professionals, and Roofstock which occasionally features short-term rental properties in the Charlotte metro area. Local property management companies that assist investors include Charlotte Airbnb Management, Queen City STR Management, and Piedmont Property Solutions, while investment-focused real estate firms such as Carolina Investment Properties and Matthews Real Estate Investors Group provide specialized services for vacation rental acquisitions in the area.