Is Pembroke, Georgia Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Pembroke, Georgia, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through Bryan County's planning department, as Pembroke typically follows county guidelines for short-term rentals which may require a business license and compliance with residential zoning restrictions. Contact Bryan County at (912) 653-3872 to obtain necessary permits including a business license (approximately $50-100 annually) and ensure your property meets fire safety and building codes. Find a suitable property by searching local real estate listings through companies like Coldwell Banker or RE/MAX in the Statesboro-Pembroke area, focusing on properties near Fort Stewart military base or historic downtown areas that attract visitors. Furnish the space with essential amenities including comfortable bedding, kitchen supplies, WiFi, and local touches highlighting Pembroke's railroad history and proximity to Savannah (45 minutes away). Create your listing on Airbnb with professional photos showcasing the property's proximity to military installations and Georgia Southern University, setting competitive rates around $75-125 per night based on local market analysis. Manage your property by establishing cleaning protocols between guests, maintaining responsive communication, and considering hiring local cleaning services like those found in nearby Statesboro, while ensuring compliance with Georgia's 6% state sales tax and any applicable local occupancy taxes that Bryan County may implement.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Pembroke, Georgia, focus on locations within 15-20 minutes of Fort Stewart military base, as this drives significant demand from military families and visiting personnel, along with properties near downtown Pembroke's historic district and within proximity to Savannah (45 minutes away) for tourists seeking quieter accommodations. Target 3-4 bedroom single-family homes built after 1990 with modern amenities, full kitchens, laundry facilities, and outdoor spaces like patios or yards, as military families and groups prefer these features. Conduct pricing analysis using AirDNA and Mashvisor to identify properties where potential STR revenue exceeds long-term rental income by at least 40-50%, typically finding opportunities in the $150,000-$250,000 purchase price range that can generate $100-180 per night. Research competition by analyzing existing Airbnb and VRBO listings within a 10-mile radius, noting occupancy rates, pricing strategies, and guest reviews to identify market gaps or underserved niches. Utilize tools like Rabbu, BiggerPockets calculators, and local MLS data through Realtor.com, while connecting with Pembroke-area real estate agents familiar with Bryan County regulations and building relationships with property management companies experienced in military housing needs, since understanding PCS (Permanent Change of Station) cycles and military housing allowances will be crucial for maximizing occupancy and profitability in this market.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Pembroke, Georgia, you must first contact the Pembroke City Hall at 912-653-4411 or visit their offices at 100 South Main Street to inquire about short-term rental regulations, as the city may require a business license and special use permit for STR operations. You'll typically need to submit a completed business license application, property deed or lease agreement, certificate of insurance with minimum $1 million liability coverage, floor plan of the rental property, and contact information for a local property manager if you're not residing within 50 miles of Pembroke. The application fee is estimated at $150-300 for the business license plus an additional $200-500 for any special use permits, and you may need to pay annual renewal fees of $100-200. The approval timeline typically takes 30-60 days depending on completeness of your application and any required inspections by the fire marshal and building inspector. Pembroke-specific requirements likely include maintaining the property in compliance with residential building codes, providing adequate parking spaces (minimum 2 per unit), ensuring proper waste management arrangements, displaying the permit number in all advertising, and maintaining a guest registry with contact information available to city officials upon request.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are generally legal in Pembroke, Georgia, as the city has not enacted specific prohibitions against vacation rentals, though operators must comply with standard business licensing requirements and state regulations. The city requires STR operators to obtain a business license and comply with local zoning ordinances, with most residential areas allowing short-term rentals as long as they don't violate homeowners association rules or create nuisance issues. There are no specific prohibited areas designated by the city, but operators must ensure compliance with fire safety codes, occupancy limits, and tax collection requirements including Georgia's hotel/motel tax. Recent legal changes have been minimal at the local level, though Georgia state legislation in 2022-2023 has provided more framework for local governments to regulate STRs while preventing outright bans, and Pembroke has maintained a relatively permissive stance compared to larger Georgia cities like Savannah or Atlanta that have implemented stricter regulations including registration requirements and operational restrictions.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Pembroke, Georgia include the historic downtown district near the courthouse square, which attracts visitors interested in the town's heritage and serves business travelers visiting local government offices and professional services. The residential neighborhoods along Highway 280 and near Pembroke Elementary offer convenient access for families visiting Fort Stewart military personnel, as Pembroke is approximately 30 minutes from the base and provides a quieter alternative to on-base lodging. Areas near the Ogeechee River provide appeal for outdoor enthusiasts and fishing tourists, while properties within walking distance of local restaurants and the few commercial establishments along the main corridors capture both leisure and business travelers. The neighborhoods around Pembroke's small medical facilities and near the intersection of major county roads also present opportunities due to medical tourism and visitors to the rural healthcare services, though overall demand remains modest given Pembroke's small population of roughly 2,500 residents and limited major attractions compared to larger Georgia cities.

Airbnb properties in Pembroke, Georgia are subject to Georgia's state sales tax of 4% on lodging accommodations, plus any applicable local hotel/motel taxes that may be imposed by Bryan County or the City of Pembroke, which typically range from 3-7% based on similar jurisdictions in Georgia. The Georgia Department of Revenue requires short-term rental operators to register for a sales tax permit and collect taxes from guests at the time of booking or check-in, with monthly remittance due by the 20th of the following month if monthly gross receipts exceed $3,000, otherwise quarterly filing applies. Airbnb may collect and remit these taxes automatically through their platform for participating jurisdictions, but hosts should verify coverage and register independently if needed. Properties rented for 30 days or longer are generally exempt from transient occupancy taxes, and some jurisdictions may exempt rentals under a certain dollar threshold or number of rental days per year, though specific exemptions vary by local ordinance and hosts should confirm current rates and requirements with Bryan County and Pembroke city offices as local tax rates and collection procedures can change.

Starting an Airbnb in Pembroke, Georgia requires approximately $180,000-220,000 in total initial investment. Property purchase costs around $150,000-180,000 based on median home prices in rural Georgia markets as of 2023-2024. Furnishing a 2-3 bedroom property typically costs $8,000-12,000 including beds, linens, kitchen essentials, living room furniture, and basic appliances from retailers like IKEA, Wayfair, and local furniture stores. Initial setup expenses including professional photography, listing creation, welcome materials, and basic renovations total approximately $2,000-3,000. Permits and fees vary but generally include business license ($50-100), short-term rental permit if required by Bryan County ($100-300), and potential HOA approvals. Insurance costs around $1,200-1,800 annually for landlord and short-term rental coverage through companies like Proper Insurance or CBIZ. Utility setup and deposits for electricity, water, internet, and cable total $500-800. First six months operating costs including utilities ($150-200/month), cleaning services ($75-100 per turnover), supplies and maintenance ($100-150/month), platform fees to Airbnb and Vrbo (3% of bookings), and marketing expenses total approximately $3,000-4,500 assuming 60-70% occupancy rates typical for rural Georgia markets.

Airbnb properties in Pembroke, Georgia show moderate profitability potential with average daily rates ranging from $75-120 depending on property size and amenities, generating monthly revenues of $1,800-3,200 for well-managed properties with 60-70% occupancy rates. Operating expenses typically consume 40-50% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($30-50 per turnover), property management (15-25%), utilities ($150-250/month), insurance ($100-200/month), and maintenance costs averaging $200-400 monthly. Successful properties in the area, particularly those near Fort Stewart military base or historic downtown Pembroke, achieve net profit margins of 25-35% annually, with investors reporting returns of $500-1,200 per month after expenses. Key success factors include strategic pricing during peak military family visit periods, professional photography, responsive guest communication, and targeting the military housing market given Fort Stewart's proximity. Properties featuring military-friendly amenities like extended stay discounts and family accommodations tend to outperform standard listings by 15-20% in both occupancy and revenue, with some investors like those operating 3-bedroom homes near the base reporting annual profits of $8,000-15,000 after all expenses since 2019.

Airbnb investments in Pembroke, Georgia typically generate annual ROI of 12-18% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 8-14%, primarily driven by the area's proximity to Fort Stewart military base which creates consistent demand from military personnel and their families. Properties in Pembroke generally achieve profitability within 18-24 months, with average daily rates of $85-120 and occupancy rates of 65-75% annually. The market benefits from lower property acquisition costs compared to coastal Georgia markets, with typical investment properties ranging from $150,000-250,000, allowing investors to achieve positive cash flow within 6-12 months of operation. Military rotations and training exercises at Fort Stewart provide steady year-round demand, while the rural setting appeals to visitors seeking quiet retreats, contributing to the market's stability and consistent returns in the 10-16% range for well-managed properties.

STRSearch is a national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental investment properties and provides market analysis for Airbnb investments in Pembroke, Georgia. Local real estate agents in the Savannah-Pembroke area who focus on investment properties include Keller Williams Coastal Area Realty, Coldwell Banker Platinum Partners, and RE/MAX All American with agents experienced in vacation rental investments. National services that can assist with Airbnb property acquisition in Pembroke include BiggerPockets for networking and deal analysis, Mashvisor for rental property analytics, AirDNA for short-term rental market data, and Awning for Airbnb investment property management. Regional companies like Georgia Coast Realty and Savannah Real Estate Investments have agents familiar with the coastal Georgia market dynamics. Additional services include RedAwning for vacation rental management, AvantStay for property optimization, and local property management companies like Coastal Vacation Rentals and Tybee Vacation Rentals who can provide insights into profitable property characteristics in the greater Savannah-Pembroke region.