Is Port Wentworth, Georgia Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Port Wentworth, Georgia, begin by researching local zoning laws and short-term rental regulations through the City of Port Wentworth Planning Department, as the city requires short-term rental permits and has specific zoning restrictions that typically allow STRs in residential areas with proper licensing. Obtain necessary permits including a business license from Port Wentworth City Hall, a short-term rental permit (approximately $100-200 annually), and ensure compliance with Chatham County health and safety requirements including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers. Find a suitable property by purchasing or leasing in approved zoning districts, ensuring the property meets minimum square footage and parking requirements typically mandated by the city. Furnish the space with quality furniture, linens, kitchen essentials, and amenities while ensuring ADA compliance where applicable and meeting Port Wentworth's occupancy limits (usually 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional). Create your listing on Airbnb, VRBO, and other platforms with professional photos, competitive pricing research for the Savannah metro area market (typically $80-150 per night), and detailed descriptions highlighting proximity to Savannah Historic District and local attractions. Manage the property by establishing cleaning protocols, guest communication systems, coordinating with local cleaning services in the Port Wentworth area, implementing keyless entry systems, and maintaining compliance with the city's noise ordinances and parking regulations while collecting and remitting required occupancy taxes to both Chatham County and the state of Georgia.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Port Wentworth, Georgia, focus on locations within 15-20 minutes of Savannah's historic district, near major highways like I-95 and I-16 for easy tourist access, and close to attractions such as Tanger Outlets and the Savannah River. Target 3-4 bedroom single-family homes or townhomes built after 2000 with modern amenities, full kitchens, parking, and outdoor spaces, as families and groups visiting Savannah often prefer staying in quieter suburban areas like Port Wentworth for better value. Analyze pricing by researching comparable STRs on Airbnb and VRBO, aiming for properties under $250,000 that can generate $150-200+ per night, and calculate potential ROI considering Georgia's relatively landlord-friendly regulations and Chatham County's 6% accommodation tax. Study competition by examining occupancy rates, reviews, and pricing strategies of existing STRs within a 5-mile radius, noting that Port Wentworth has less saturation than downtown Savannah while still capturing overflow demand. Utilize tools like AirDNA and Mashvisor for market analysis, Zillow and Realtor.com for property searches, STR Helper for performance tracking, and connect with local real estate agents familiar with Chatham County's zoning laws and HOA restrictions that may impact short-term rental operations.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Port Wentworth, Georgia, you must first contact the City of Port Wentworth Planning and Zoning Department at City Hall located at 118 Lowe Street to determine if short-term rentals are permitted in your specific zoning district, as the city has specific regulations governing STRs that were implemented around 2019-2020. You'll need to submit an application that includes a completed STR permit application form, proof of property ownership or lease agreement, a site plan showing parking arrangements, proof of liability insurance (typically $1 million minimum), a floor plan of the rental unit, contact information for a local property manager if you're not local, and evidence of compliance with fire safety codes. The application fee is estimated at $150-300 with an annual renewal fee of approximately $100-200, and you may need additional inspections costing $50-100 each. The approval timeline typically takes 30-60 days depending on completeness of application and any required inspections. Port Wentworth requires STR operators to maintain a business license, limit occupancy based on bedroom count (usually 2 guests per bedroom plus 2 additional), provide adequate parking (typically 1 space per bedroom), maintain quiet hours from 10 PM to 8 AM, post the permit number in all advertisements, and ensure a responsible party is available 24/7 for guest issues, with violations potentially resulting in permit revocation and fines up to $1,000.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are legal in Port Wentworth, Georgia, but operate under specific municipal regulations that were implemented around 2019-2020. The city 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. Property owners must register their rentals with the city, maintain liability insurance, provide local contact information for a responsible party available 24/7, and ensure compliance with occupancy limits and parking requirements. Recent changes have included stricter enforcement of noise ordinances and enhanced penalties for violations, with the city conducting periodic reviews of STR operations to address neighborhood concerns. Properties must also meet all building and fire safety codes, and operators are subject to local hotel/motel taxes, with violations potentially resulting in license revocation and fines up to $1,000 per incident.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Port Wentworth, Georgia are the Historic Downtown District near the Savannah River waterfront, which attracts tourists visiting nearby Savannah (just 15 minutes away) and offers proximity to the Georgia Ports Authority facilities drawing business travelers; the Rice Hope Plantation area along Highway 21, popular for its scenic rural setting and accessibility to both Savannah's tourism attractions and the port industrial complex; and neighborhoods near the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport corridor, which capture overflow demand from Savannah's saturated short-term rental market while serving business travelers, port workers, and tourists seeking more affordable accommodations outside the city center. These areas benefit from Port Wentworth's strategic location as a gateway to Savannah's $3 billion tourism industry, proximity to major employers like Georgia Ports Authority and various logistics companies, and the city's growing reputation as a more affordable alternative to staying directly in Savannah's historic district while maintaining easy access to attractions, restaurants, and business centers.

Port Wentworth, Georgia imposes a 5% hotel-motel tax on short-term rental accommodations including Airbnbs, which applies to stays of 30 days or less. This tax is collected by the host at the time of booking and must be remitted monthly to the City of Port Wentworth by the 20th of the following month using their online portal or by submitting Form HMT-1 along with payment. Additionally, Airbnb hosts must collect Georgia's 4% state sales tax and Chatham County's 3% local option sales tax, bringing the total tax burden to approximately 12% on gross rental receipts. Hosts are required to register for a business license with Port Wentworth and obtain a tax identification number before operating. The city requires quarterly reporting even if no rentals occurred during the period. Exemptions include rentals to permanent residents (over 30 days), rentals to government employees on official business, and accommodations provided to displaced persons during emergencies. Failure to collect and remit these taxes can result in penalties of 10% of the unpaid amount plus interest at 1% per month, with the city having the authority to revoke business licenses for non-compliance.

To start an Airbnb in Port Wentworth, Georgia, the total initial costs would be approximately $285,000-$320,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at $220,000-$250,000 based on median home prices in the area as of 2023-2024. Furnishing costs typically range $15,000-$25,000 for a complete 3-bedroom setup including furniture, appliances, linens, and décor from retailers like IKEA, Wayfair, and local suppliers. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and marketing materials run $1,500-$3,000. Permits and fees in Chatham County include business license ($50-$100), short-term rental permit ($200-$500), and potential HOA approval fees totaling $500-$1,000. Insurance costs for short-term rental coverage average $2,000-$3,500 annually, with companies like Proper Insurance or CBIZ providing specialized Airbnb policies. Utility setup and deposits for electricity, water, gas, internet, and cable typically cost $500-$800 initially. First six months of operating costs including utilities ($200/month), cleaning services ($100-$150 per turnover), supplies and maintenance ($150/month), platform fees (3% of bookings), and property management software subscriptions total approximately $4,000-$6,000, assuming 60-70% occupancy rates common in the Savannah metro area.

Airbnb properties in Port Wentworth, Georgia typically generate annual revenues between $18,000-$35,000 for entire homes, with average daily rates ranging from $85-$140 depending on property size and amenities, according to data from AirDNA and Mashvisor analysis from 2023-2024. Operating expenses generally consume 40-60% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($40-80 per turnover), property management (15-25% of revenue), utilities ($150-300 monthly), insurance ($1,200-2,400 annually), and maintenance costs averaging $2,000-4,000 yearly. Net profit margins typically range from 15-35% for well-managed properties, with successful hosts achieving occupancy rates of 65-80% annually. Key success factors include proximity to Savannah's historic district (20 minutes away), competitive pricing strategies, professional photography, and targeting business travelers visiting the Port of Savannah industrial area. Properties near Savannah National Wildlife Refuge and those offering family-friendly amenities tend to outperform, with some three-bedroom homes generating $40,000+ annually when optimally managed. The market benefits from steady demand due to Savannah's tourism overflow and industrial activity, though seasonal fluctuations occur with peak performance during spring and fall months when Savannah tourism peaks.

Airbnb investments in Port Wentworth, Georgia typically generate annual ROI of 12-18% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 8-14%, driven by the area's proximity to Savannah's tourism market and growing industrial development around the Port of Savannah. Properties in Port Wentworth 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 steady demand from business travelers visiting the port facilities, tourists exploring the greater Savannah area, and temporary housing needs for relocating professionals, with investment properties typically requiring initial capital of $180,000-280,000 for suitable 3-4 bedroom homes that can accommodate families and groups seeking alternatives to traditional Savannah accommodations.

STRSearch leads the national market for Airbnb investment property analysis and market research, providing comprehensive data on short-term rental performance in Port Wentworth, Georgia. Local real estate agents specializing in investment properties include Keller Williams Coastal Area Realty agents who focus on vacation rental investments, Coldwell Banker Platinum Partners agents with STR expertise, and RE/MAX Professionals who work with investors in the Savannah metro area. National services include Mashvisor for property analysis and market data, BiggerPockets for investor networking and deal sourcing, Awning for short-term rental investment guidance, and RedfinNow for quick property acquisitions. Local property management companies that also help with acquisitions include Savannah Vacation Rentals, Coastal Georgia Vacation Rentals, and Port City Property Management. Additional services include AirDNA for market analytics, Rabbu for investment property search, and local mortgage brokers like Georgia United Credit Union and Synovus Bank who specialize in investment property financing in the Chatham County area.