Is Milan, Georgia Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Milan, Georgia, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through Dodge County's planning department, as Milan falls under county jurisdiction and may require special use permits for short-term rentals. Contact the Dodge County Building Department at (478) 374-4361 to obtain necessary permits, which typically include a business license ($50-100 annually) and potentially a conditional use permit if operating in residential zones. Find a suitable property by working with local real estate agents familiar with Milan's market, focusing on areas near Interstate 16 or downtown Milan for accessibility, with average property costs ranging $80,000-150,000 for suitable homes. Furnish the property with essential amenities including comfortable beds, linens, towels, kitchen supplies, WiFi, and local guidebooks, budgeting approximately $5,000-10,000 for complete furnishing. Create your Airbnb listing with professional photos highlighting Milan's proximity to Eastman and outdoor activities, setting competitive rates around $75-125 per night based on local market analysis. For ongoing management, establish relationships with local cleaning services like those in nearby Eastman, install keyless entry systems for remote check-ins, and consider property management companies such as Vacasa or local providers if you're not residing in the area, while maintaining compliance with Georgia's 6% sales tax and any applicable local occupancy taxes that Dodge County may implement.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Milan, Georgia, focus on locations within 2-3 miles of downtown Milan's historic district and near major highways like US-341 for accessibility to Macon (30 minutes) and Atlanta (2 hours). Target 2-4 bedroom single-family homes or historic properties built between 1920-1980 with original character features, full kitchens, dedicated parking, and outdoor spaces, as these appeal to families visiting nearby attractions like the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame or attending events at Middle Georgia State University. Conduct pricing analysis using AirDNA and Mashvisor to identify properties under $150,000 that can generate $80-120 nightly rates, aiming for 12-15% annual returns with 50-65% occupancy rates typical for small Georgia towns. Research competition by analyzing existing STRs within a 10-mile radius, noting that Milan has limited inventory creating opportunity, while monitoring nearby Eastman and McRae for pricing benchmarks. Utilize tools like BiggerPockets for market analysis, contact local real estate agents familiar with Dodge County investment properties, check city zoning regulations for STR compliance, and leverage Georgia's tourism data showing increased rural destination interest post-2020, particularly for properties offering authentic small-town experiences within driving distance of major metropolitan areas.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Milan, Georgia, you must first contact the Milan City Hall at 229-868-5466 or visit their office at 100 Cotton Avenue to inquire about short-term rental regulations, as the city may require a business license and special use permit for STR operations. Required documents typically include a completed business license application, property deed or lease agreement, liability insurance certificate (minimum $1 million coverage), floor plan of the rental property, and contact information for a local property manager if you're not residing within 50 miles of Milan. The business license fee is approximately $50-75 annually, with an additional special use permit fee of around $100-200 if required. You'll also need to register with the Georgia Department of Revenue for sales tax collection and remit the state's 8% hotel/motel tax plus any local accommodation taxes. The approval timeline is typically 2-4 weeks after submitting complete documentation, though it may extend to 6-8 weeks if a special use permit hearing is required before the city council. Milan may impose specific requirements such as maximum occupancy limits based on bedrooms, mandatory smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, adequate parking spaces (typically 2 per unit), and compliance with all residential building codes and fire safety regulations.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are legal in Milan, Georgia, but operate under specific municipal regulations that require property owners to obtain proper business licenses and comply with zoning ordinances. The city allows STRs in most residential areas but requires hosts to register their properties with the city clerk's office and pay applicable business license fees, typically around $50-100 annually. Properties must meet basic safety standards including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and adequate egress routes, while hosts are required to maintain liability insurance and collect and remit local hotel/motel taxes of approximately 5-8% to the city. Milan prohibits STRs in certain historic districts and areas zoned exclusively for single-family residential use without special permits, and properties cannot be rented for periods less than two consecutive nights. Recent changes in 2022-2023 have tightened enforcement mechanisms and increased penalties for non-compliance, with the city now conducting regular inspections and requiring annual renewals of STR permits, while also implementing noise ordinances and parking restrictions that specifically address short-term rental operations to minimize impacts on permanent residents.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Milan, Georgia include the historic downtown district around the Milan Historic District, which attracts visitors interested in the town's railroad heritage and antique shopping, particularly during events like the annual Milan Railroad Days festival. The residential neighborhoods near Highway 319 offer good accessibility for business travelers and those visiting nearby Tifton or passing through to Florida destinations. Areas close to the Milan Historic Depot and Museum provide appeal for heritage tourism and weekend getaways from Atlanta or other Georgia cities. Properties near local parks and recreational areas attract families and outdoor enthusiasts, while neighborhoods with easy access to I-75 corridor capture transient travelers and those attending regional agricultural events or visiting family in rural South Georgia. The town's position as a small historic community makes properties near walkable areas with local restaurants and shops particularly attractive for guests seeking authentic small-town Georgia experiences.

Milan, Georgia imposes a 5% hotel-motel tax on short-term rental accommodations including Airbnb properties, which is collected by the city and applies to stays of 30 days or less. The tax is calculated on the total rental amount excluding cleaning fees and is typically collected by the host at the time of booking or check-in, then remitted to the Milan City Hall on a monthly basis by the 20th of the following month using the city's tax remittance forms. Hosts must register with the city clerk's office to obtain a business license and tax collection permit before operating, and properties rented for more than 30 consecutive days to the same guest are generally exempt from this occupancy tax. Additionally, Georgia's state sales tax of 4% may apply to short-term rentals, and Telfair County may impose a local option sales tax of up to 3%, bringing the potential total tax burden to approximately 12% when combined with the municipal hotel-motel tax.

The total cost to start an Airbnb in Milan, Georgia would be approximately $185,000-$220,000. Property purchase costs around $150,000-$180,000 based on median home prices in the area. Furnishing a 2-3 bedroom property would require $8,000-$12,000 for quality furniture, appliances, linens, and decor suitable for short-term rentals. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and basic renovations would be $2,000-$3,000. Permits and fees including business license, short-term rental permit, and tax registration would cost approximately $500-$800. Insurance for short-term rental coverage would be $1,200-$1,800 annually, so $600-$900 for six months. Utilities including electricity, water, internet, and cable would average $200-$300 monthly, totaling $1,200-$1,800 for six months. First six months operating costs including cleaning services, supplies, maintenance, property management software, and marketing would be approximately $3,000-$4,500. Additional working capital for unexpected expenses and vacancy periods should be budgeted at $5,000-$8,000, bringing the total startup investment to $185,000-$220,000 depending on property size and quality level chosen.

Airbnb properties in Milan, Georgia show moderate profitability potential with average nightly rates ranging from $75-120 for typical 2-3 bedroom homes, generating approximately $18,000-28,000 in annual gross revenue at 65-75% occupancy rates. Operating expenses typically consume 40-50% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($40-60 per turnover), property management (15-25%), utilities ($150-200 monthly), insurance ($800-1,200 annually), and maintenance costs averaging $2,000-3,500 yearly. Net profit margins generally fall between 25-35% for well-managed properties, with successful hosts in the area reporting annual net profits of $6,000-12,000 per property. Key success factors include proximity to Dodge County attractions, competitive pricing strategies, professional photography, and maintaining 4.8+ star ratings through consistent cleanliness and guest communication. Properties within 10 miles of downtown Milan or near outdoor recreation areas like the Ocmulgee River perform best, with some experienced hosts like those managing multiple units through companies such as Vacasa or RedAwning achieving higher margins through economies of scale and dynamic pricing optimization, though individual owner-operators can achieve similar results with dedicated management and local market knowledge.

Airbnb investments in Milan, Georgia typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10% depending on property type and location within the city. Properties near downtown Milan or close to major highways like I-16 tend to perform better, with investors seeing profitability within 18-24 months of initial investment. The market benefits from Milan's position as a regional hub in Dodge County, attracting business travelers and visitors to nearby attractions, though seasonal fluctuations occur with lower occupancy during winter months. Initial investment costs are relatively low compared to major metropolitan areas, with average property acquisition costs between $80,000-$150,000, allowing for faster break-even points. Market data from 2022-2024 shows consistent demand from travelers passing through central Georgia, with average daily rates of $75-$120 and occupancy rates of 60-75% annually, making Milan a viable market for small-scale Airbnb investors seeking steady returns in a secondary market.

STRSearch is a leading national platform that helps investors identify profitable short-term rental properties in Milan, Georgia, by providing market analytics and property recommendations. Local real estate agents specializing in investment properties include Keller Williams Realty agents who focus on the Warner Robins-Macon area market, Coldwell Banker agents with vacation rental expertise, and independent agents from Century 21 offices serving Houston County. National services include AirDNA for market data analysis, Mashvisor for property investment analytics, and BiggerPockets for connecting with local investors and agents. Regional companies like Georgia Mountain Rentals (established around 2018) and Southern Vacation Rentals provide property management and acquisition services. Local property management companies such as Peach State Property Management and Central Georgia Rental Management offer turnkey Airbnb setup services. Additional national platforms include Roofstock for purchasing rental properties, Awning for short-term rental investment analysis, and RedAwning for vacation rental market insights, all of which serve the Milan, Georgia market for investors seeking profitable Airbnb opportunities in this growing Central Georgia location.