Is Rosslyn, Virginia Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Rosslyn, Virginia, begin by researching Arlington County's short-term rental regulations, which require hosts to obtain a Transient Occupancy Tax Certificate and pay a 5.75% transient occupancy tax, while ensuring compliance with zoning laws that may restrict rentals in certain residential areas. Obtain necessary permits including a business license from Arlington County (approximately $30-50) and register with the Virginia Department of Taxation for tax collection purposes. Find a suitable property in Rosslyn's high-rise buildings or townhomes, considering proximity to Metro stations and downtown DC, with average property costs ranging from $400,000-800,000 for condos or $2,000-4,000 monthly for rentals. Furnish the space with modern, durable furniture targeting business travelers and tourists, budgeting $8,000-15,000 for a one-bedroom unit with essentials like high-speed internet, workspace setup, and quality linens. List your property on Airbnb with professional photography highlighting Rosslyn's skyline views and Metro accessibility, setting competitive rates around $80-150 per night based on seasonal demand and proximity to attractions. Manage the property by implementing automated check-in systems, maintaining cleaning schedules between guests, responding promptly to inquiries, and ensuring compliance with Arlington County's noise ordinances and occupancy limits while monitoring local regulations that may change regarding short-term rentals in the area.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Rosslyn, Virginia, focus on properties within walking distance of the Rosslyn Metro station and major corporate headquarters like Boeing, Nestle USA, and CEB, as business travelers comprise a significant portion of demand in this market. Target modern high-rise condominiums or townhomes with 1-2 bedrooms, parking spaces, and amenities like fitness centers and concierge services, as these appeal to corporate guests willing to pay premium rates of $150-250 per night. Analyze pricing using AirDNA and Mashvisor to benchmark against the 200+ existing STR listings in the area, focusing on properties that can achieve 70%+ occupancy rates and $4,000-6,000 monthly revenue. Research competition by studying top-performing listings on Airbnb and VRBO within the 22209 zip code, noting their pricing strategies, amenities, and guest reviews to identify market gaps. Utilize tools like Rabbu, STR Helper, and local market reports from Arlington Economic Development to assess demand patterns, with peak seasons typically aligning with government fiscal cycles and corporate events, while leveraging Arlington County's STR regulations which require proper licensing but generally allow short-term rentals in most residential zones.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Rosslyn, Virginia, you must apply through Arlington County since Rosslyn is located within Arlington County jurisdiction. Begin by submitting an application to the Arlington County Zoning Office located at 2100 Clarendon Boulevard, submitting Form ZA-2021-0001 for Short-Term Rental Registration along with required documents including proof of property ownership or lease agreement, Virginia business license, liability insurance certificate ($1 million minimum coverage), floor plan of the rental unit, and contact information for a local responsible party available 24/7. The application fee is approximately $150 with an annual renewal fee of $75, and you must also obtain a Virginia business license which costs around $50. Arlington County requires that short-term rentals be owner-occupied or have the owner living within 25 miles of the property, limits rentals to no more than 4 bedrooms, mandates posting of emergency contact information and house rules, and requires compliance with all fire safety codes including smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. The approval process typically takes 4-6 weeks after submission of complete documentation, and you must renew your permit annually by December 31st. Additionally, you'll need to register with the Virginia Department of Taxation for transient occupancy tax collection and remit 5.3% county tax plus applicable state taxes on all rental income.

Short-term rentals (STRs) in Rosslyn, Virginia are legal but heavily regulated under Arlington County's zoning ordinance, which was updated in 2019 to address the growing STR market. STRs are permitted in residential zones but require a use permit and must comply with specific operational requirements including occupancy limits, parking provisions, and noise restrictions. The regulations prohibit STRs in certain multi-family buildings unless explicitly allowed by the property's governing documents, and operators must register with the county, maintain liability insurance, and ensure properties meet safety standards. Rosslyn, being a dense urban area with many high-rise condominiums and apartments, faces particular scrutiny as many buildings' HOA agreements restrict or prohibit short-term rentals, effectively limiting STR operations despite county-level permission. Recent enforcement efforts by Arlington County have focused on unregistered operators and violations of occupancy limits, with penalties including fines and permit revocation for non-compliance.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Rosslyn, Virginia are the Central Rosslyn district near the Metro station and Key Bridge, which attracts high business travel demand due to proximity to major corporations like Nestle USA, Boeing, and CEB headquarters, plus easy access to Washington DC government contractors and consultants. The Gateway Park area offers strong potential due to its location near the planned Amazon HQ2 in nearby Arlington, driving increased corporate housing needs since 2019. The Courthouse-Rosslyn corridor benefits from legal professionals and lobbyists requiring temporary housing for DC business, while the Crystal City adjacent areas capitalize on Pentagon and defense contractor travel. The Potomac riverfront zone near Lynn Street attracts leisure travelers seeking scenic views and walkability to Georgetown, plus wedding and event guests visiting venues like the Hyatt Centric Arlington. These areas collectively benefit from Metro accessibility, corporate relocations, government contract work, and tourism spillover from DC attractions, with average daily rates ranging from $120-180 depending on proximity to transit and amenities.

Airbnb properties in Rosslyn, Virginia are subject to multiple lodging taxes including Virginia's state transient occupancy tax of 5.3%, Arlington County's transient occupancy tax of 7.5%, and Virginia's state sales tax of 5.3%, resulting in a combined tax rate of approximately 18.1% on short-term rental stays. These taxes are typically collected by Airbnb directly from guests at the time of booking through their automated tax collection system, which began operating in Virginia around 2019. Airbnb remits the collected taxes directly to the Virginia Department of Taxation and Arlington County on behalf of hosts on a monthly basis, though individual hosts remain responsible for registering with local authorities and ensuring compliance. Properties rented for 30 days or longer are generally exempt from transient occupancy taxes but may still be subject to regular sales tax, and certain exemptions may apply for government employees or long-term medical stays, though hosts should verify current exemption criteria with Arlington County's Department of Community Planning, Housing and Development and the Virginia Department of Taxation as rates and procedures can change.

The total cost to start an Airbnb in Rosslyn, Virginia is approximately $850,000-$950,000. Property purchase costs around $650,000-$750,000 based on median condo prices in this Arlington submarket near Washington DC. Furnishing a 1-2 bedroom unit requires $15,000-$25,000 for quality furniture, appliances, linens, and decor that meets guest expectations. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and marketing materials total $2,000-$3,000. Arlington County requires a transient occupancy tax registration and business license costing approximately $500-$800, plus potential HOA approval fees of $200-$500. Insurance including landlord coverage and short-term rental liability adds $2,500-$4,000 annually. Monthly utilities including electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable average $200-$300 per month or $1,200-$1,800 for six months. First six months operating costs including cleaning services ($150 per turnover), supplies, maintenance, platform fees (3% of bookings), and marketing total approximately $8,000-$12,000 assuming 60-70% occupancy rates and average daily rates of $120-$180 typical for Rosslyn's corporate travel market.

Airbnb properties in Rosslyn, Virginia demonstrate strong profitability potential due to the area's proximity to Washington D.C. and high demand from business travelers and tourists. Properties in this market typically generate $3,000-$5,500 monthly revenue for one-bedroom units and $4,500-$7,200 for two-bedroom apartments, with occupancy rates averaging 70-85% year-round. Operating expenses including cleaning fees ($75-$125 per turnover), utilities ($150-$250 monthly), insurance ($100-$200 monthly), and Airbnb's 3% host fee result in total monthly costs of approximately $800-$1,200 for a typical unit. Net profit margins range from 35-55%, with successful hosts earning $1,500-$3,500 monthly profit per property. Key success factors include proximity to Metro stations (particularly Rosslyn Metro), modern amenities, professional photography, competitive pricing ($120-$220 per night), and maintaining superhost status through excellent guest communication and cleanliness standards. Properties within walking distance of corporate offices like those in the Rosslyn Business District and tourist attractions command premium rates, while hosts who offer business-friendly amenities such as high-speed internet, workspaces, and flexible check-in options achieve higher occupancy rates and can charge 15-25% above market average, making Rosslyn one of the more profitable Airbnb markets in the Northern Virginia region.

Airbnb investments in Rosslyn, Virginia typically generate annual ROI of 12-18% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 8-14%, driven by the area's proximity to Washington DC, Arlington National Cemetery, and major corporate headquarters including Boeing, Nestlé USA, and JBG Smith Properties. Properties in high-rise buildings near the Rosslyn Metro station command premium nightly rates of $120-180, with occupancy rates averaging 70-80% annually due to consistent business travel demand from nearby Fortune 500 companies and government contractors like Raytheon and Grant Thornton. Initial profitability typically occurs within 18-24 months for well-positioned units, with break-even cash flow often achieved by month 8-12 depending on acquisition costs and renovation expenses. The market benefits from Rosslyn's designation as an urban renewal district since 2010 and continued development projects through 2025, supporting property appreciation of 4-6% annually alongside rental income growth of 3-5% per year.

STRSearch leads the market in Airbnb investment property analysis for Rosslyn, Virginia, providing comprehensive data on rental performance and market trends. Local real estate agents specializing in short-term rental investments include Keller Williams Capital Properties agents who focus on Arlington County markets, Long & Foster Realtors with Rosslyn expertise, and Compass agents specializing in urban investment properties. RedAwning offers national Airbnb property sourcing services covering the Rosslyn market, while Mashvisor provides investment property analysis tools specifically for the Washington DC metro area including Rosslyn. Local services include Arlington Investment Properties Group, which focuses on short-term rental acquisitions, and DC Metro STR Advisors, offering end-to-end Airbnb investment consulting. National platforms like Roofstock and BiggerPockets connect investors with Rosslyn-area properties, while AirDNA provides market data analysis for the Arlington/Rosslyn corridor. Additional local specialists include Rosslyn Realty Partners, focusing on corporate housing and short-term rentals, and Virginia STR Solutions, offering property management and acquisition services for investors targeting the high-demand Rosslyn business district market.