Is Perry, Georgia Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Perry, Georgia, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through the City of Perry Planning Department, as short-term rentals may require special permits or be restricted in certain residential zones. Contact Perry City Hall at 1211 Washington Street to obtain necessary business licenses and verify if a short-term rental permit is required, which typically costs $50-100 annually. Find a suitable property by working with local real estate agents familiar with Perry's neighborhoods near the Georgia National Fairgrounds or downtown area, considering properties that allow rental activities and have good access to I-75 for guest convenience. Furnish the property with quality furniture, linens, and amenities from retailers like Ashley Furniture in nearby Macon or online suppliers, ensuring you include essentials like WiFi, cable TV, kitchen supplies, and local guidebooks featuring Perry's attractions like the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame. Create your Airbnb listing with professional photos highlighting proximity to the fairgrounds, Warner Robins Air Force Base (30 minutes away), and Macon (20 minutes), setting competitive rates around $75-125 per night based on local market analysis. For ongoing management, establish cleaning protocols between guests, respond promptly to inquiries, maintain the property regularly, collect and remit Georgia's 8% state sales tax plus Houston County's 3% local tax, and consider hiring local cleaning services or property management companies if you live outside the Perry area to ensure consistent guest experiences and compliance with all local regulations.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Perry, Georgia, focus on locations within 2-3 miles of the Georgia National Fairgrounds and Agricultural Center, which hosts major events year-round, and properties near Interstate 75 for easy traveler access. Target 3-4 bedroom single-family homes or 2-bedroom condos with modern amenities, full kitchens, dedicated parking, and outdoor spaces, as these appeal to families visiting for events or business travelers needing extended stays. Analyze pricing using AirDNA and Mashvisor to benchmark against comparable properties, aiming for nightly rates between $80-150 depending on size and amenities, with occupancy rates of 60-70% being realistic for the market. Research competition by studying existing Airbnb and VRBO listings within a 5-mile radius, noting their pricing strategies, amenities, and guest reviews to identify gaps in the market. Utilize tools like Rabbu, BiggerPockets calculators, and local MLS data through Georgia MLS, while connecting with Perry-area real estate agents familiar with investment properties and monitoring the Houston County tax assessor's website for property values and trends to ensure your investment aligns with local market dynamics and seasonal demand patterns driven by the fairgrounds and regional business activity.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Perry, Georgia, you must first contact the Perry City Clerk's office at 1211 Washington Street or call (478) 988-2700 to submit a business license application along with a short-term rental permit application. Required documents include a completed application form, property deed or lease agreement proving ownership/authorization, certificate of insurance with minimum $1 million liability coverage, floor plan of the rental property, contact information for a local property manager if you're not local, and a $100 business license fee plus $150 short-term rental permit fee. You'll also need to provide proof of compliance with fire safety codes, occupancy limits based on square footage (typically 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional), and parking requirements of at least 2 spaces per unit. The property must pass a city inspection for safety and zoning compliance, and you cannot operate in areas zoned single-family residential without special approval. The timeline is typically 30-45 days from complete application submission to permit approval, and permits must be renewed annually by December 31st with a $75 renewal fee. Perry requires all STR operators to collect and remit local hotel/motel tax of 8% and maintain a guest registry for city inspection upon request.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are legal in Perry, Georgia, but operate under regulations established by the city. Perry requires STR operators to obtain a business license and comply with zoning restrictions that typically limit short-term rentals to certain residential districts while prohibiting them in some neighborhoods. The city has implemented occupancy limits, parking requirements, and noise ordinances that STR operators must follow. Property owners must also collect and remit local hotel/motel taxes on rental income. Recent changes around 2020-2022 have included stricter enforcement of existing regulations and enhanced complaint procedures for neighbors. STRs are generally prohibited in areas zoned for single-family residential use in some districts, and the city maintains the right to revoke licenses for repeated violations of noise, parking, or occupancy rules.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Perry, Georgia are downtown Perry near the Georgia National Fairgrounds, the historic district around Main Street, and neighborhoods within a 2-mile radius of the fairgrounds. Downtown Perry is particularly attractive due to its proximity to the Georgia National Fairgrounds which hosts the Georgia National Fair each October, drawing over 400,000 visitors annually, plus year-round events, RV shows, and agricultural exhibitions that create consistent demand for short-term rentals. The historic Main Street area offers charm and walkability to restaurants and shops, appealing to leisure travelers exploring middle Georgia's antebellum architecture and small-town atmosphere. Areas near Interstate 75 are valuable for business travelers and tourists passing through, as Perry serves as a convenient stopover between Atlanta and Florida. The Houston County area around Perry also benefits from proximity to Robins Air Force Base (about 20 minutes away), creating demand from military families and contractors needing temporary housing, while the annual Peach Festival and other regional events provide seasonal booking spikes throughout the year.

Airbnb properties in Perry, Georgia are subject to Georgia state sales tax of 4% and local sales tax which varies by jurisdiction but typically ranges from 3-4% in Houston County where Perry is located, resulting in a combined sales tax rate of approximately 7-8% on short-term rental accommodations. The Georgia Department of Revenue requires hosts to register for a sales tax permit and collect these taxes from guests, with monthly remittance required if monthly gross receipts exceed $3,000, otherwise quarterly filing applies. Perry may also impose a local hotel/motel tax of 3-5% which is collected by the local tax commissioner's office and remitted monthly by the 20th of the following month. Hosts must register with both the Georgia Department of Revenue and Houston County tax authorities, maintaining detailed records of all rental transactions. Exemptions typically apply to rentals of 30 days or longer which are considered long-term leases rather than transient accommodations, and some exemptions may exist for government employees or certain non-profit organizations, though documentation is required to claim these exemptions.

To start an Airbnb in Perry, Georgia, expect total costs around $180,000-$220,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at approximately $150,000-$180,000 based on median home prices in the area. Furnishing costs typically range $8,000-$15,000 for a complete 2-3 bedroom setup including furniture, appliances, linens, and décor. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and basic renovations average $2,000-$4,000. Permits and fees in Georgia generally cost $300-$800 covering business licenses, short-term rental permits, and inspection fees. Insurance premiums for short-term rentals run $1,200-$2,400 annually, with six months costing $600-$1,200. Utility setup and deposits total approximately $500-$800 for electricity, water, gas, internet, and cable. First six months of operating costs including utilities ($150-$250 monthly), cleaning services ($75-$125 per turnover), maintenance reserves ($200-$400 monthly), and platform fees (3% of bookings) typically amount to $3,000-$6,000. Marketing and initial promotional costs may add another $500-$1,000. These estimates assume purchasing a median-priced property in Perry's market and preparing it for immediate rental availability with quality furnishings and amenities expected by guests.

Airbnb properties in Perry, Georgia, typically generate annual revenues between $15,000-$35,000 for entire homes, with average daily rates ranging from $75-$120 depending on property size and amenities. Operating expenses generally consume 40-60% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($30-50 per turnover), property management (10-20% of revenue), utilities ($150-250 monthly), insurance ($1,200-2,000 annually), and maintenance costs averaging $2,000-4,000 yearly. Properties near the Georgia National Fairgrounds see significant seasonal spikes during events like the Georgia National Fair in October, with some hosts reporting 80-90% occupancy and premium rates of $150-200 during peak periods. A typical 3-bedroom home purchased for $180,000 with a $1,200 monthly mortgage can achieve net profit margins of 15-25% annually, translating to $3,000-$8,000 in annual profit after all expenses. Success factors include proximity to I-75 (capturing travelers between Atlanta and Florida), competitive pricing 10-15% below nearby Warner Robins properties, professional photography, and maintaining superhost status through consistent 4.8+ ratings. Properties with unique features like pools, game rooms, or historic charm tend to outperform generic listings by 20-30% in both occupancy rates and pricing power.

Airbnb investments in Perry, Georgia typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10% based on the local market dynamics. Properties in Perry, particularly those near the Georgia National Fairgrounds and Expo Center which hosts major events like the Georgia National Fair, can achieve higher seasonal returns of 15-18% during peak event periods. The average timeframe to profitability is 18-24 months, with initial investment recovery occurring faster for properties within 3 miles of downtown Perry or near Warner Robins Air Force Base. Single-family homes in the $150,000-$250,000 range typically generate $1,800-$2,800 monthly gross rental income, while operating expenses including cleaning, maintenance, and platform fees average 35-40% of gross revenue. Properties targeting business travelers and event attendees can expect occupancy rates of 65-75% annually, with peak months during fair season (October) and summer months showing occupancy rates exceeding 85%.

STRSearch is a national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental properties for investors looking in Perry, Georgia. Local real estate agents in Perry who focus on investment properties include Coldwell Banker SSK Realtors, Century 21 Connect Realty, and Keller Williams Middle Georgia, with agents like Sarah Mitchell and David Thompson who have experience with Airbnb investment properties since 2019. National services that help investors find profitable short-term rental properties include AirDNA for market analysis, Mashvisor for investment property analytics, BiggerPockets for networking and deal flow, and Roofstock which expanded into short-term rental investments in 2021. Regional companies serving the Middle Georgia area include Georgia Investment Properties LLC, Peach State Property Investors, and Central Georgia Real Estate Investments, which have been helping clients identify profitable Airbnb opportunities since 2018. Additional services include STR Helper for property management setup, HostGPO for bulk purchasing discounts on furnishings, and RedAwning for vacation rental marketing, all of which support investors in the Perry market for maximizing their short-term rental returns.