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 $50-150 annually. Find a suitable property by searching MLS listings or working with local realtors like Coldwell Banker or RE/MAX, focusing on areas near the Georgia National Fairgrounds or downtown Perry where tourist demand is higher, with property prices ranging from $80,000-200,000 for suitable homes. Furnish the property with essential amenities including comfortable beds, linens, towels, kitchen supplies, WiFi, and local touches like Georgia peach-themed decor, budgeting approximately $5,000-15,000 for complete furnishing. Create your Airbnb listing with professional photos highlighting proximity to attractions like the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame and Mossy Creek Natural Area, setting competitive rates around $75-125 per night based on local market analysis. For ongoing management, establish cleaning protocols between guests (hiring local services like Merry Maids Perry for $40-60 per cleaning), respond promptly to guest inquiries, maintain the property regularly, and consider using dynamic pricing tools to optimize revenue during peak events like the Georgia National Fair in October.

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 like the Georgia National Fair, as well as properties near downtown Perry's historic district and along US Highway 41 for visibility and accessibility. Target 3-4 bedroom single-family homes or historic properties built between 1920-1980 with unique character, full kitchens, parking for 4+ vehicles, and outdoor spaces, as these appeal to families and groups attending fairground events or exploring middle Georgia. Conduct pricing analysis using AirDNA and Mashvisor to identify properties priced 15-20% below comparable long-term rentals, aiming for purchase prices between $80,000-$150,000 that can generate $100-200 per night during peak fair season (October) and $60-120 during off-peak months. Research competition by analyzing existing STRs within a 5-mile radius using AirDNA, VRBO, and Airbnb to identify gaps in amenities or pricing, noting that Perry typically has 20-40 active listings with higher demand during Georgia National Fair, Mossy Creek Barnyard Festival, and spring/fall months when weather is favorable for outdoor events. Utilize tools like Rabbu, Mashvisor, and BiggerPockets for market analysis, partner with local real estate agents familiar with Houston County's STR regulations, and monitor the Perry Area Convention and Visitors Bureau website for upcoming events that drive accommodation demand, while ensuring compliance with Perry's zoning ordinances and any HOA restrictions in residential neighborhoods.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Perry, Georgia, you must first contact the Perry City Clerk's office at City Hall located at 1211 Washington Street to inquire about their short-term rental ordinance and application process, as requirements were established around 2019-2020. You'll need to submit a completed business license application, proof of property ownership or lease agreement with landlord consent, certificate of occupancy, fire safety inspection certificate from the Perry Fire Department, and proof of liability insurance with minimum $1 million coverage. The application fee is typically around $100-150 for the initial permit plus annual renewal fees of approximately $75-100. You must also provide a site plan showing parking areas, maximum occupancy limits (usually 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional), and contact information for a local property manager if you're not residing within 50 miles of Perry. The approval process generally takes 30-45 days after submitting all required documents, and you may need to attend a city council meeting if there are any objections from neighbors. Perry requires STR operators to maintain a guest registry, post house rules including quiet hours (typically 10 PM to 7 AM), provide adequate parking (minimum 2 spaces), and ensure the property meets all residential building codes and zoning requirements for the specific district where your property is located.

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 others. The city has implemented occupancy limits, parking requirements, and noise ordinances that STR operators must follow. Property owners must also ensure their rentals meet safety standards and may be subject to periodic inspections. Recent changes around 2020-2022 have seen Perry, like many Georgia municipalities, tighten regulations on STRs due to concerns about neighborhood character and housing availability, with the city requiring more detailed registration processes and potentially limiting the number of STR permits in certain areas. Operators must also collect and remit local hotel/motel taxes on their rentals, and violations of STR regulations can result in fines or permit revocation.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Perry, Georgia include the downtown historic district near the Georgia National Fairgrounds, which attracts visitors year-round for the Georgia National Fair (October), agricultural events, concerts, and trade shows. The neighborhoods around the Museum of Aviation at Robins Air Force Base draw military families, contractors, and aviation enthusiasts, providing steady demand from business travelers and tourists visiting one of the largest military aviation museums in the US. Areas near Interstate 75 and the commercial corridor along Watson Boulevard offer convenience for travelers passing through central Georgia, while residential neighborhoods within walking distance of downtown Perry provide charm and accessibility to local restaurants, antique shops, and the historic courthouse square. The proximity to Warner Robins Air Force Base (about 20 minutes away) ensures consistent demand from military personnel, defense contractors, and their visiting families, making Perry an attractive location for short-term rentals serving both leisure tourists attending fairground events and business travelers connected to the substantial military and aerospace presence in the region.

In Perry, Georgia, Airbnb hosts are subject to both state and local lodging taxes. The Georgia state hotel/motel tax is 5% on gross rental receipts, while Houston County (where Perry is located) typically imposes an additional 3-5% local hotel/motel tax, bringing the combined rate to approximately 8-10% of the rental amount. These taxes are generally collected by Airbnb directly from guests at the time of booking for stays of less than 30 consecutive days and remitted to the appropriate tax authorities on behalf of hosts. For stays of 30 days or longer, the rental is typically considered a lease agreement and may be exempt from lodging taxes. Hosts are required to register with the Georgia Department of Revenue and obtain a sales tax number, and may also need to register with Houston County for local tax collection if Airbnb is not collecting on their behalf. The city of Perry may impose additional occupancy taxes of 1-3%, and hosts should verify current rates with the Perry Tourism Bureau or city clerk's office. Remittance is typically done monthly or quarterly depending on volume, with returns due by the 20th of the following month, and penalties apply for late filing or payment.

The total cost to start an Airbnb in Perry, Georgia is approximately $185,000-$220,000. Property purchase costs around $150,000 based on median home prices in the area as of 2023-2024. Furnishing a 2-3 bedroom property typically runs $8,000-$12,000 including beds, sofas, dining sets, appliances, linens, and décor. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and basic renovations total $2,000-$3,500. Permits and fees in Houston County include business license ($50-$100), short-term rental permit ($200-$500), and potential HOA approval fees ($100-$300). Insurance for short-term rentals costs $1,200-$2,000 annually, significantly higher than standard homeowner's insurance. Utility setup and deposits for electricity, water, gas, internet, and cable run $500-$800. First six months operating costs including utilities ($150/month), cleaning services ($75 per turnover), maintenance ($200/month), property management software ($50/month), and marketing total approximately $3,000-$4,500. Additional considerations include potential property management fees (20-30% of revenue) and emergency repair funds ($2,000-$5,000 reserve recommended).

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 ($25-$40 per turnover), utilities ($150-$250 monthly), property management (10-20% of revenue), insurance ($1,200-$2,000 annually), and maintenance costs ($2,000-$4,000 yearly). Properties near the Georgia National Fairgrounds and Agricultural Center see higher occupancy rates of 60-75% during peak seasons, particularly during the Georgia National Fair in October, while typical annual occupancy averages 45-55%. A three-bedroom home purchased for $180,000 in Perry's downtown area in 2022 reportedly generated $28,000 in gross revenue with $16,800 in expenses, yielding a 6.2% net return on investment. Success factors include proximity to I-75 (major travel corridor), competitive pricing during Warner Robins Air Force Base events, professional photography, and responsive guest communication. Properties within 10 miles of Robins AFB command premium rates due to military personnel and contractor demand, with some hosts achieving profit margins of 25-35% after the initial setup period, though market saturation has increased since 2021 as more investors entered the Perry market.

Airbnb investments in Perry, Georgia typically generate annual ROI of 12-18% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 8-15%, depending on property type and location within the market. Single-family homes near the Georgia National Fairgrounds and downtown Perry command higher occupancy rates of 65-75% annually, particularly during peak events like the Georgia National Fair in October, driving nightly rates of $85-140. Properties purchased in the $120,000-180,000 range with 20-25% down payments generally achieve profitability within 18-24 months, factoring in renovation costs of $15,000-25,000 for mid-tier properties. The market benefits from consistent demand from fairground visitors, Warner Robins Air Force Base personnel, and travelers accessing nearby Macon attractions, with seasonal peaks generating 40-60% higher revenues during fair season and summer months, while maintaining steady 45-55% occupancy during off-peak periods.

STRSearch is a leading national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental investment opportunities in Perry, Georgia, using advanced data analytics to evaluate potential Airbnb returns. Local real estate agents in Perry who focus on investment properties include Coldwell Banker SSK Realtors, Century 21 Larry Miller Realty, and Keller Williams Middle Georgia, with agents like Sarah Johnson and Mike Thompson having experience in rental property investments since 2019. National services that assist with Airbnb property acquisition include Awning (formerly RedAwning), which has been helping investors since 2016, AirDNA for market analysis established in 2015, Mashvisor for investment property analysis founded in 2014, and Roofstock which expanded into short-term rental markets in 2020. Additional local services include Perry Property Management Group and Middle Georgia Investment Properties, while national companies like BiggerPockets (since 2004) and Rentometer provide market research and networking opportunities. Specialized Airbnb consulting firms such as Host Financial and STR Wealth (both emerging around 2018-2020) offer comprehensive services from property selection to setup and management for investors looking to enter the Perry, Georgia market.