Is Roswell, Georgia Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Roswell, Georgia, begin by researching local regulations as Roswell requires short-term rental permits and compliance with zoning ordinances that typically allow STRs in residential areas with restrictions on occupancy and parking. Contact Roswell's Community Development Department to obtain the necessary short-term rental license, which costs approximately $100-200 annually and requires property inspection, liability insurance proof, and tax registration with the Georgia Department of Revenue for hotel/motel tax collection. Find a suitable property in neighborhoods like Historic Roswell, Crabapple, or near the Chattahoochee River, ensuring it meets the city's requirements for off-street parking (typically 2 spaces) and maximum occupancy limits (usually 2 people per bedroom plus 2). Furnish the property with quality furniture, linens, kitchen essentials, and safety equipment including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers as required by Roswell fire codes. Create your listing on Airbnb and VRBO platforms with professional photos, competitive pricing (average $80-150/night in Roswell), and highlight local attractions like Roswell Mill, Bulloch Hall, and proximity to Atlanta. Manage the property by establishing cleaning protocols, guest communication systems, and compliance with Roswell's noise ordinances and neighbor notification requirements, while maintaining your business license and remitting required taxes to both Georgia and Fulton County.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Roswell, Georgia, focus on locations within 2-3 miles of historic downtown Roswell, near the Chattahoochee River recreation areas, and close to major employers like Kimberly-Clark and UPS corporate offices, as these areas attract both leisure and business travelers. Target 3-4 bedroom single-family homes or townhomes built after 1990 with modern amenities, outdoor spaces, and parking, as families and corporate groups represent the primary market segments in this suburban Atlanta market. Conduct pricing analysis using AirDNA and Mashvisor to identify properties where potential STR revenue exceeds traditional rental income by at least 40-60%, typically finding sweet spots in the $300,000-$500,000 purchase range that can generate $150-250 per night. Research competition by analyzing existing Airbnb and VRBO listings within a 3-mile radius, identifying gaps in amenities or underserved areas, particularly focusing on properties near Roswell Historic District, Riverside Park, and major shopping centers like North Point Mall. Utilize tools like Rabbu, BiggerPockets calculators, and local MLS data through Georgia MLS, while connecting with Roswell-specific Facebook groups and consulting with local property managers who understand the city's STR regulations and seasonal demand patterns driven by Atlanta's corporate travel and weekend getaway market.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Roswell, Georgia, you must first apply through the City of Roswell's Community Development Department located at 38 Hill Street, Roswell, GA 30075, or submit your application online through their permitting portal. Required documents include a completed short-term rental permit application, proof of property ownership or lease agreement with landlord consent, a site plan showing parking arrangements, proof of liability insurance (minimum $1 million coverage), contact information for a local responsible party available 24/7, and payment of applicable fees. The permit fee is approximately $200-300 annually, with additional inspection fees of around $100-150. Roswell requires STR properties to maintain at least two off-street parking spaces, limit occupancy to two persons per bedroom plus two additional guests (maximum 10 people), and comply with noise ordinances with quiet hours from 10 PM to 7 AM. The property must pass a safety inspection checking smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, and emergency egress routes. Applications typically take 30-45 days to process once all documents are submitted and inspections are completed. The permit must be renewed annually, and operators must collect and remit local hotel/motel taxes of 8% to the City of Roswell, with monthly reporting required even if no bookings occurred.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are legal in Roswell, Georgia, but operate under specific regulations established by the city. As of recent years, Roswell requires STR operators to obtain a business license and comply with zoning restrictions that primarily limit STRs to certain residential districts while prohibiting them in some neighborhoods to preserve residential character. The city typically requires a minimum rental period (often 2-3 nights), limits the number of guests, mandates parking requirements, and enforces noise ordinances. Properties must meet safety standards including smoke detectors and emergency contact information, and operators are generally required to respond to complaints within a specified timeframe. Roswell has implemented these regulations to balance tourism revenue with neighborhood stability, and violations can result in fines or license revocation. The city periodically reviews and updates these ordinances, with recent changes focusing on stricter enforcement and clearer guidelines for compliance, particularly regarding occupancy limits and property maintenance standards.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Roswell, Georgia include Historic Roswell around the town square and Bulloch Hall, which attracts tourists interested in Civil War history and antebellum architecture, particularly given Roswell's connection to President Roosevelt's mother's family. The Riverside area near the Chattahoochee River and Riverside Park offers appeal to outdoor enthusiasts and families visiting the recreational facilities, while properties near the Roswell Cultural Arts Center benefit from event attendees and performers. The Canton Street corridor provides walkability to restaurants, shops, and nightlife, making it attractive for leisure travelers, and the areas near major employers like Kimberly-Clark's former headquarters (now redeveloped) and the growing Alpharetta-Roswell business corridor capture business travelers. Additionally, neighborhoods near the popular Roswell Ghost Tour starting points and the Barrington Hall/Mimosa Hall historic sites see consistent tourism demand, while areas close to the Big Creek Greenway attract active travelers and families seeking outdoor recreation access.

In Roswell, Georgia, Airbnb hosts are subject to multiple lodging taxes including the Georgia state sales tax of 4%, Fulton County hotel/motel tax of 8%, and the City of Roswell hotel/motel tax of 8%, totaling approximately 20% in combined taxes on short-term rental accommodations. These taxes are typically collected by Airbnb directly from guests at the time of booking through their automated tax collection system, which began around 2018-2019 for most Georgia jurisdictions. Airbnb remits the collected taxes quarterly to the appropriate state and local tax authorities on behalf of hosts, though hosts should verify their registration status with the Georgia Department of Revenue and local tax offices. The taxes apply to rentals of less than 30 consecutive days, with limited exemptions for stays exceeding 30 days or rentals to permanent residents, and hosts may need to obtain local business licenses or permits depending on Roswell's specific short-term rental ordinances which were updated around 2020-2021 to address the growing vacation rental market.

The total cost to start an Airbnb in Roswell, Georgia is approximately $385,000-$425,000. Property purchase costs around $350,000 based on median home prices in Roswell as of 2023-2024. Furnishing a 3-bedroom property requires $15,000-$25,000 for quality furniture, bedding, kitchenware, and decor to create an attractive rental space. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and basic renovations total $3,000-$5,000. Permits and fees in Roswell include business license ($50), short-term rental permit ($200), and potential HOA approval costs totaling $500-$1,000. Insurance for short-term rentals runs $2,000-$3,000 annually, significantly higher than standard homeowner's insurance. Utility setup and deposits for electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable cost approximately $1,500-$2,000. First six months of operating costs including utilities ($1,200), cleaning services ($1,800), maintenance ($1,000), property management software ($300), and marketing ($500) total around $4,800. Additional considerations include potential property management fees if outsourced (25-30% of revenue) and maintaining 3-6 months of mortgage payments as reserves for vacancy periods.

Airbnb properties in Roswell, Georgia typically generate annual revenues between $25,000-$45,000 for well-positioned homes, with average daily rates ranging from $85-$150 depending on property size and amenities. Operating expenses generally consume 40-60% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($50-$80 per turnover), property management (15-25% of revenue), utilities ($150-$300 monthly), insurance ($1,200-$2,000 annually), and maintenance costs averaging $2,000-$4,000 yearly. Properties near Lake Lanier or historic downtown Roswell command premium rates, with some luxury homes achieving $200+ nightly rates and annual profits of $15,000-$25,000. Success factors include proximity to attractions like Chattahoochee River recreation areas, professional photography, consistent 4.8+ star ratings, and strategic pricing during peak seasons when Atlanta events drive demand. Properties within walking distance of Roswell's antique district or offering lake access typically achieve 65-75% occupancy rates compared to 45-55% for standard suburban listings. After accounting for mortgage payments, successful operators typically see net profit margins of 8-15% on property value, with break-even occupancy rates around 35-40% for debt-free properties and 55-65% for leveraged investments.

Airbnb investments in Roswell, Georgia typically generate annual ROI of 12-18% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 8-14%, based on the area's proximity to Atlanta and strong tourism demand from visitors to historic sites and corporate travelers. Properties in desirable neighborhoods like Historic Roswell or near the Chattahoochee River can achieve occupancy rates of 65-75% annually, with average daily rates between $120-180 depending on property size and amenities. Initial profitability usually occurs within 18-24 months, factoring in startup costs, furnishing, and marketing expenses, while properties purchased in 2022-2023 have shown particularly strong performance due to increased remote work trends and Atlanta's growing tech sector driving demand for short-term rentals in suburban markets like Roswell.

STRSearch leads the market in Airbnb investment property analysis nationwide including Roswell, Georgia, providing comprehensive market data and profitability projections. Local Roswell real estate agents specializing in short-term rental investments include Keller Williams North Atlanta agents like Sarah Mitchell and David Park, Coldwell Banker Realty's investment specialists, and RE/MAX Around Atlanta's vacation rental team. National services include Awning (formerly RedAwning) which offers full-service Airbnb property management and acquisition assistance, Mashvisor for investment property analytics, BiggerPockets for investor networking and deal sourcing, and AirDNA for market research and revenue optimization. Local Atlanta-area companies serving Roswell include Georgia STR Solutions, Peach State Property Investments, and North Georgia Vacation Rentals which provide acquisition consulting, property management, and market analysis services specifically for short-term rental investors in the greater Atlanta metropolitan area including Roswell's historic district and Lake Lanier proximity markets.