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 compliance with residential zoning restrictions that typically allow rentals in single-family residential areas with proper registration. 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 codes, plus register for Georgia state tax ID and local hotel/motel tax collection (6-8% typically). Find a suitable property by purchasing or leasing in approved residential zones, ensuring the property meets minimum safety requirements including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and adequate egress windows. Furnish the space with quality furniture, linens, kitchen essentials, and amenities that appeal to Savannah-area tourists and business travelers, focusing on comfort and local charm since Port Wentworth is approximately 15 minutes from downtown Savannah. List your property on Airbnb, VRBO, and other platforms with professional photography highlighting proximity to Savannah attractions, competitive pricing ($80-150/night estimated for the area), and detailed descriptions of amenities and local attractions. Manage the property by establishing cleaning protocols between guests, implementing keyless entry systems, maintaining responsive communication with guests, handling tax remittance to local and state authorities, and ensuring ongoing compliance with Port Wentworth's short-term rental ordinances which may include occupancy limits and noise restrictions.

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 like the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge. Target 3-4 bedroom single-family homes or townhomes built after 1990 with modern amenities, full kitchens, parking, and outdoor spaces that can accommodate 6-8 guests. Analyze comparable STR properties using AirDNA and Mashvisor to determine optimal pricing between $120-180 per night, with occupancy rates targeting 65-75% annually for profitability. Research competition by monitoring active Airbnb and VRBO listings within a 5-mile radius, noting their pricing, amenities, and guest reviews to identify market gaps. Utilize tools like Rabbu, BiggerPockets calculators, and local MLS data through Savannah-area realtors, while checking Port Wentworth's municipal codes for STR regulations and HOA restrictions. Properties near the planned Hyundai manufacturing facility (opening 2025) and existing logistics centers offer strong potential due to business traveler demand, with purchase prices ideally under $250,000 to maintain healthy cash-on-cash returns above 12%.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Port Wentworth, Georgia, you must first contact the Port Wentworth Planning and Zoning Department at City Hall located at 118 Lacy Street to determine if short-term rentals are permitted in your specific zoning district, as the city requires compliance with local zoning ordinances. Submit an application for a business license through the City Clerk's office, providing required documents including proof of property ownership or lease agreement, certificate of occupancy, fire safety inspection certificate, liability insurance policy (minimum $1 million coverage), floor plan of the property, and contact information for a local property manager if you're not residing locally. Pay the applicable business license fee (estimated $50-150 annually) and any inspection fees (approximately $75-200). Schedule required inspections with the Fire Marshal and Building Inspector to ensure compliance with safety codes, occupancy limits, and parking requirements. The city may require additional permits such as a conditional use permit depending on your property's zoning classification, which could add 30-60 days to the process and cost an additional $200-500. Once all inspections pass and documentation is approved, you'll receive your business license allowing short-term rental operations, with the entire process typically taking 4-8 weeks from initial application to final approval, subject to Port Wentworth's specific regulations which may include restrictions on the number of guests, parking requirements, and noise ordinances.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are legal in Port Wentworth, Georgia, but are subject to local regulations and zoning restrictions. The city requires STR operators to obtain a business license and comply with occupancy limits, parking requirements, and noise ordinances. STRs are generally prohibited in certain residential zoning districts and must maintain compliance with fire safety codes and health department standards. Property owners must register their rentals with the city and may face restrictions on the number of guests and rental duration. Recent changes around 2022-2023 have included stricter enforcement of existing regulations and enhanced penalties for non-compliance, particularly regarding noise complaints and parking violations. The city has also implemented requirements for local contact persons who can respond to issues within a specified timeframe, and STRs must display permit numbers in their advertisements.

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 charm with proximity to the Georgia Ports Authority for business travelers; the Rice Hope Plantation area along the Savannah River, popular for its scenic views and access to boating activities; neighborhoods near the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport corridor, ideal for business travelers and tourists needing convenient airport access; areas close to the Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum, which draws military history enthusiasts and veterans year-round; and residential districts near the Port Wentworth Industrial Park and logistics centers, catering to business professionals working with companies like IKEA Distribution Center and various shipping/logistics firms that utilize the nearby Port of Savannah, one of the fastest-growing container ports in the US.

Port Wentworth, Georgia imposes a 5% hotel/motel tax on short-term rental accommodations including Airbnb properties, which is collected by the City of Port Wentworth in addition to the standard 4% Georgia state sales tax and 3% Chatham County hotel/motel tax, bringing the total occupancy tax burden to approximately 12%. Property owners must register with the City of Port Wentworth's Revenue Department and obtain a business license before operating short-term rentals, with taxes collected from guests at the time of booking and remitted monthly to the city by the 20th of the following month using Form STR-1. Airbnb typically collects and remits these taxes automatically for hosts through their platform agreement with Georgia and local jurisdictions, though hosts remain ultimately responsible for compliance and should verify collection through their host dashboard. Exemptions may apply for stays exceeding 30 consecutive days, rentals to permanent residents, and certain government or non-profit organization bookings, while properties rented for less than $5 per night may be exempt from the occupancy tax portion but still subject to sales tax.

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 to create an attractive rental space. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, welcome materials, and basic supplies total around $2,000-$3,000. Permits and fees vary but generally include business license ($50-$100), short-term rental permit ($200-$500), and potential HOA approval fees, totaling approximately $500-$1,000. Insurance for short-term rentals runs $1,500-$2,500 annually, with the first year paid upfront. Utility deposits and initial connections for electricity, water, gas, internet, and cable typically cost $800-$1,200. First six months of operating costs including utilities ($150-$200/month), cleaning services ($75-$100 per turnover), maintenance reserves ($200-$300/month), platform fees (3% of bookings), and marketing expenses total approximately $4,000-$6,000, assuming moderate occupancy rates during the initial period.

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 as of 2023. Operating expenses generally consume 40-60% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($50-80 per turnover), property management (15-25% of revenue), utilities ($150-250 monthly), insurance ($1,200-2,000 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% by leveraging Port Wentworth's proximity to Savannah's historic district and the Port of Savannah's business travel demand. Properties within 2 miles of major employers like Georgia Ports Authority and those offering amenities such as pools, pet-friendly policies, and business-ready spaces command premium rates and higher occupancy. A case study from 2022 showed a 3-bedroom home near Savannah National Wildlife Refuge generating $28,500 in annual revenue with $17,200 in expenses, yielding a 39% profit margin, while properties further from Savannah's attractions typically see 20-25% lower performance metrics.

Airbnb investments in Port Wentworth, Georgia typically generate annual ROI of 12-18% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 8-15%, 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 corporate travelers visiting Walmart's distribution center, Amazon fulfillment facilities, and other logistics companies, plus leisure guests exploring nearby Savannah attractions. Investment properties typically range from $150,000-250,000 for suitable homes, with monthly gross revenues of $2,500-4,200 and net operating income margins of 35-45% after expenses including property management, utilities, cleaning, and maintenance costs.

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 Savannah metro area STR investments, Coldwell Banker Platinum Partners agents with vacation rental expertise, and RE/MAX agents specializing in the Port Wentworth market since 2018. National services include Awning (formerly RedAwning) which has facilitated Airbnb property purchases in the Savannah area since 2019, Mashvisor providing investment property analytics for the Georgia coast, and Roofstock which expanded into short-term rental properties in 2020. Local property management companies that also help with acquisitions include Savannah Vacation Rentals, Coastal Georgia Vacation Rentals, and Tybee Vacation Rentals which has served the greater Savannah area including Port Wentworth since 2015. Additional services include AirDNA for market analysis, Rabbu for property management and acquisition consulting, and local investment groups like Savannah Real Estate Investors Association which has connected investors with profitable STR opportunities in Port Wentworth and surrounding areas since 2017.