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, with properties typically needing to be in residential zones and meet specific safety requirements including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers. Obtain necessary permits by applying through the City of Roswell's Community Development Department, which typically costs around $200-400 annually and requires proof of insurance, property inspection, and compliance with occupancy limits (usually 2 guests per bedroom plus 2 additional). Find a suitable property in approved residential areas, considering proximity to attractions like Historic Roswell, Chattahoochee River, and downtown Atlanta (30 minutes away), with average property prices ranging from $300,000-600,000 for single-family homes. Furnish the space with quality furniture, linens, kitchen essentials, and amenities like WiFi, smart TV, and local guidebooks, budgeting approximately $10,000-20,000 for a complete setup. List your property on Airbnb and other platforms like VRBO, setting competitive rates (typically $80-200 per night in Roswell depending on size and location), creating attractive photos, and writing detailed descriptions highlighting local attractions. Manage the property by establishing check-in procedures, maintaining cleanliness standards, responding promptly to guests, coordinating cleaning services between stays, and ensuring ongoing compliance with city regulations and tax obligations including Georgia sales tax and local occupancy taxes.

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 long-term 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, Vickery Creek Trail, and Andretti Indoor Karting which drive consistent visitor traffic. Utilize tools like Rabbu, STRAnalytics, and local Facebook groups like "Roswell Georgia Community" for market insights, while partnering with Roswell-based property management companies familiar with city regulations and the $500 annual business license requirement for short-term rentals.

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 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), a floor plan of the rental unit, and payment of applicable fees which typically range from $200-400 for the initial permit plus annual renewal fees of approximately $150-250. You must also provide contact information for a local responsible party available 24/7 if you don't live within 30 miles of the property. The application process generally takes 30-45 days for review and approval. Roswell-specific requirements include maintaining adequate off-street parking (typically 2 spaces minimum), ensuring the property meets all building and fire codes, limiting occupancy to 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional guests with a maximum of 10 people total, and adhering to quiet hours from 10 PM to 7 AM. The property must also be the owner's primary residence or meet specific zoning requirements, and you'll need to register for and collect local hotel/motel taxes. Once approved, you must display the permit number in all online listings and renew annually.

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 typically limit STRs to certain residential districts while prohibiting them in some neighborhoods or requiring special permits. The city has implemented occupancy limits, parking requirements, and noise ordinances that STR operators must follow, with violations subject to fines and potential license revocation. Roswell has also established registration requirements and may require operators to designate a local contact person available 24/7 for any issues. Recent legal changes have included stricter enforcement mechanisms and clearer definitions of what constitutes a short-term rental, with the city generally allowing STRs in single-family homes and some multi-family properties while maintaining the right to revoke permits for non-compliance with city ordinances, noise complaints, or other violations.

The most promising Airbnb investment areas in Roswell, Georgia include the Historic Downtown Roswell district, which attracts tourists visiting the Roswell Historic District with its antebellum homes, Civil War sites, and frequent festivals like the Roswell Arts Festival; the Canton Street corridor, popular for its walkable shopping, dining, and proximity to the Chattahoochee River recreational activities; neighborhoods near the Chattahoochee River and Vickery Creek, which draw outdoor enthusiasts for hiking, kayaking, and visiting the ruins of Roswell Mill; areas around the Roswell Cultural Arts Center that benefit from event attendees and performers; residential neighborhoods within walking distance of Riverside Park and the Big Creek Greenway, appealing to families and nature lovers; and properties near the North Fulton business corridor along GA-400, which capture business travelers working at companies like IBM, ADP, and various corporate offices in nearby Alpharetta and Sandy Springs, with these areas benefiting from Roswell's reputation as an affluent suburb with excellent schools, low crime rates, and easy access to Atlanta's business districts.

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 state and local lodging taxes directly to the Georgia Department of Revenue and local tax authorities on behalf of hosts on a monthly basis. Hosts must still register with the Georgia Department of Revenue for a sales tax permit and may need to register with Fulton County and the City of Roswell for local tax collection purposes, even when Airbnb handles collection. Properties rented for 30 days or longer are generally exempt from hotel/motel taxes and are subject only to standard sales tax, and some jurisdictions may provide exemptions for certain types of accommodations or extended stays, though specific exemption criteria vary by locality and hosts should verify current requirements with each taxing authority.

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. Furnishing a 3-bedroom property requires $15,000-$25,000 for quality furniture, bedding, kitchenware, and decor suitable for short-term rentals. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, smart locks, and welcome amenities total $2,000-$3,000. Permits and fees in Fulton County include business license ($75), short-term rental permit ($200), and potential HOA approval fees totaling $500-$800. Insurance for short-term rentals costs $1,500-$2,500 annually, significantly higher than standard homeowner's insurance. Utility setup and deposits for electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable average $500-$800. First six months operating costs including utilities ($1,200), cleaning services ($1,800), maintenance reserves ($1,000), property management software ($300), and marketing ($500) total approximately $4,800. Additional considerations include potential property management fees of 15-25% of revenue and emergency repair funds of $2,000-$5,000.

Airbnb properties in Roswell, Georgia typically generate annual revenues between $25,000-$45,000 for well-positioned properties, with average daily rates ranging from $85-$150 depending on proximity to attractions like the Chattahoochee River and historic downtown area. 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 within walking distance of Roswell Historic District or near Canton Street command premium rates and achieve 65-75% occupancy rates, resulting in net profit margins of 25-35%. A typical 3-bedroom home purchased for $350,000 in 2022 near Vickery Creek generates approximately $38,000 annually with $23,000 in expenses, yielding a 4.3% cash-on-cash return. Success factors include professional photography, rapid guest communication, proximity to popular venues like Roswell Mill waterfall, and maintaining superhost status through consistent 4.8+ ratings. Properties targeting corporate travelers near North Point Mall or families visiting local parks tend to outperform those in purely residential neighborhoods, with the most successful hosts investing in smart home technology and partnering with local cleaning services to maintain operational efficiency.

Based on Roswell, Georgia market conditions, Airbnb investments typically generate annual ROI of 12-18% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 8-15% depending on property type and location within the city. Properties near historic downtown Roswell and close to attractions like the Chattahoochee River tend to achieve higher returns, with investors commonly seeing 14-16% annual ROI. The timeframe to profitability averages 18-24 months for most properties, with well-positioned homes near Roswell's antique districts and parks reaching profitability within 12-18 months. Cash-on-cash returns of 10-12% are typical for single-family homes, while larger properties or those with premium amenities can achieve 13-15% returns. The strong tourism market driven by Roswell's historic attractions, proximity to Atlanta (30 miles north), and corporate travel demand supports consistent occupancy rates of 65-75% annually, contributing to these ROI projections.

STRSearch is a national platform that helps investors identify profitable short-term rental properties in Roswell, Georgia, using data analytics to evaluate potential returns. Local real estate agents specializing in Airbnb investments in Roswell include Keller Williams North Atlanta agents who focus on investment properties, Coldwell Banker Realty agents with STR expertise, and RE/MAX Around Atlanta professionals experienced in vacation rental markets. National services include Awning (formerly RedAwning) which launched around 2020 to help investors find and manage Airbnb properties, Mashvisor providing real estate analytics for short-term rentals since 2016, AirDNA offering market data and investment insights founded in 2015, and Roofstock which expanded into short-term rental investments around 2019. Local property management companies like Atlanta Short Term Rentals and North Georgia Vacation Rentals also assist investors in identifying profitable properties while offering management services. Additional resources include BiggerPockets' STR-focused agents in the Atlanta metro area, local investment groups like Atlanta REIA members who specialize in vacation rentals, and boutique firms such as Peachtree Property Advisors that focus on investment properties in desirable Airbnb markets throughout North Georgia.