Is South Solon, Ohio Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in South Solon, Ohio, begin by researching local zoning laws through Madison County's planning department and South Solon village council, as short-term rentals may require special permits or fall under specific zoning classifications. Contact Madison County Health Department for any required health permits and the Ohio Department of Commerce for business registration, obtaining a vendor's license for collecting state sales tax on rental income. Find a suitable property by searching local real estate listings, considering proximity to attractions like Deer Creek State Park (20 minutes away) or Columbus (45 minutes), ensuring the property meets fire safety codes and has adequate parking. Furnish the space with essential amenities including quality bedding, kitchen supplies, WiFi, and safety equipment like smoke detectors and fire extinguishers, budgeting approximately $3,000-8,000 for initial furnishing depending on property size. Create your Airbnb listing with professional photos, competitive pricing (research similar properties in nearby London or Plain City for comparison), and detailed descriptions highlighting rural charm and outdoor activities. For ongoing management, establish cleaning protocols between guests, respond promptly to inquiries, maintain the property regularly, keep detailed financial records for tax purposes, and consider property management software or local cleaning services to streamline operations, while staying compliant with Ohio's 7% state sales tax collection requirements for short-term rentals.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in South Solon, Ohio, focus on properties within 15-20 minutes of major attractions like Hocking Hills State Park, Caesar Creek State Park, or Lake areas, as this rural market relies heavily on outdoor recreation tourism. Target 2-4 bedroom homes with unique features like fireplaces, hot tubs, large outdoor spaces, or rustic charm that appeal to weekend getaway seekers, with properties priced between $150,000-$300,000 offering the best investment potential. Analyze comparable STR rates using AirDNA and Mashvisor, targeting properties that can generate $100-200 per night during peak seasons (spring through fall), while researching competition within a 10-mile radius through Airbnb and VRBO searches to identify gaps in amenities or pricing. Utilize tools like BiggerPockets for market analysis, connect with local real estate agents familiar with Madison County's rural properties, monitor the South Central Ohio Tourism Bureau for visitor trends, and consider properties near US Route 62 or other main thoroughfares for accessibility, while ensuring compliance with Madison County's zoning regulations and any homeowner association restrictions that may impact short-term rental operations.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in South Solon, Ohio, you must first contact the Madison County Building Department at 1 North Main Street, London, Ohio 43140, as South Solon falls under county jurisdiction for zoning and permitting. Submit a completed short-term rental application along with a property survey, floor plan showing maximum occupancy, proof of property ownership or lease agreement, certificate of insurance with minimum $1 million liability coverage, fire safety inspection certificate from the local fire department, and septic system inspection if applicable. Required documents also include a business license from the Ohio Secretary of State, tax registration with the Ohio Department of Taxation, and a completed affidavit of compliance with local zoning ordinances. The application fee is approximately $150-200, with additional inspection fees of $75-100 per inspection. The timeline typically takes 4-6 weeks for processing, including scheduling required inspections for fire safety, building code compliance, and septic systems. South Solon specific requirements include maintaining adequate parking for guests (minimum 2 spaces), ensuring the property meets rural residential zoning standards, providing 24/7 contact information to neighbors within 200 feet of the property, and adhering to maximum occupancy limits based on bedroom count and septic capacity. Annual renewal is required with a $75 fee and updated insurance documentation.

Short-term rentals (STRs) in South Solon, Ohio are generally legal but subject to local zoning regulations and state requirements. As an unincorporated community in Madison County, South Solon falls under county jurisdiction rather than municipal control, meaning STR operations must comply with Madison County zoning ordinances and Ohio state laws. Property owners must register their STRs with the state, collect and remit lodging taxes, and ensure compliance with safety standards including smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms. Zoning restrictions may limit STRs in certain residential areas, and properties must meet health department standards for septic systems and water quality. Recent changes in Ohio law since 2021 have streamlined the registration process and clarified tax obligations, while Madison County has implemented basic safety and registration requirements. STR operators should verify current zoning compliance with Madison County planning offices and ensure proper business licensing, as rural areas may have additional restrictions related to septic capacity and road access that could impact rental operations.

South Solon, Ohio is a small unincorporated community in Madison County with limited distinct neighborhoods, but the most promising areas for Airbnb investment would be properties near the South Solon State Forest and along State Route 56, which attract outdoor enthusiasts for hiking, hunting, and fishing activities throughout the year. The area around Deer Creek State Park (approximately 15 miles southeast) draws visitors for camping, boating, and seasonal events, making properties with easy access to this recreation area particularly attractive. Investment opportunities also exist near the historic South Solon covered bridge area, which appeals to heritage tourists and photographers, especially during fall foliage season. Properties closer to London, Ohio (about 10 miles north) benefit from overflow demand during Madison County Fair events and provide convenient access for business travelers visiting local agricultural and manufacturing facilities, while still offering the rural charm that attracts weekend getaway seekers from Columbus metropolitan area residents looking to escape urban life.

South Solon, Ohio, located in Madison County, is subject to Ohio's state lodging tax of 5.75% on short-term rental accommodations including Airbnbs, which is automatically collected by Airbnb and remitted to the Ohio Department of Commerce since 2019. Madison County imposes an additional 3% county lodging tax that hosts must collect directly from guests and remit quarterly to the Madison County Auditor's office by the 15th of January, April, July, and October. The Village of South Solon does not currently impose a separate municipal lodging tax as of 2023. Hosts must register with Madison County before collecting the county tax and maintain records of all transactions for at least three years. Exemptions typically apply to stays exceeding 30 consecutive days, which are considered long-term rentals rather than transient lodging, and accommodations provided to permanent residents. The combined effective tax rate for most Airbnb stays in South Solon is 8.75%, with Airbnb handling state collection while hosts remain responsible for county tax compliance and remittance.

To start an Airbnb in South Solon, Ohio, expect total costs around $185,000-$220,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at approximately $150,000-$180,000 based on median home prices in rural Ohio communities. Furnishing costs typically range $15,000-$25,000 for a complete 2-3 bedroom setup including furniture, appliances, linens, and decor from retailers like IKEA, Wayfair, and local suppliers. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and basic renovations average $3,000-$5,000. Permits and fees vary but expect $500-$1,500 for business licenses, short-term rental permits, and potential zoning approvals through Madison County. Insurance costs run $1,200-$2,000 annually for short-term rental coverage through companies like Proper Insurance or CBIZ. Utility setup and deposits for electricity, water, gas, internet, and cable total approximately $800-$1,200. First six months operating costs including utilities ($600/month), cleaning services ($100-150 per turnover), maintenance reserves ($200/month), platform fees (3% of bookings), and marketing budget total roughly $4,000-$6,000, assuming moderate occupancy rates of 40-60% typical for rural Ohio markets in 2024.

Airbnb properties in South Solon, Ohio, typically generate modest profitability due to the rural location and limited tourist demand, with average nightly rates ranging from $75-120 for whole homes and occupancy rates around 35-45% annually. Revenue for a typical 2-3 bedroom property averages $12,000-18,000 per year, while expenses including mortgage interest, utilities, cleaning, maintenance, insurance, and Airbnb fees typically consume 60-75% of gross revenue, leaving profit margins of 25-40% or roughly $3,000-7,200 annually. Success factors in this market include proximity to outdoor attractions like Deer Creek State Park, competitive pricing below Columbus metro rates, exceptional cleanliness and rural charm marketing, and targeting weekend getaway guests from Columbus and Cincinnati. Properties within 10 miles of recreational areas or featuring amenities like hot tubs, fire pits, or farm experiences tend to achieve 15-20% higher occupancy rates, with some hosts near Delaware State Park reporting annual revenues exceeding $20,000 by 2023, though the limited population base and seasonal demand patterns make South Solon a challenging market compared to urban Ohio locations.

Based on South Solon, Ohio market conditions, Airbnb investments in this rural area typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% due to limited tourism infrastructure and seasonal demand fluctuations. Cash-on-cash returns generally range from 6-10% annually, with properties near Deer Creek State Park or lake access performing at the higher end. Initial profitability usually occurs within 18-24 months, though this extends to 30-36 months for properties requiring significant renovations. The market benefits from weekend getaway demand from Columbus (45 minutes away) and Cincinnati visitors, with peak seasons during summer months and hunting season generating 65-75% occupancy rates. Average daily rates range from $85-120 depending on property size and amenities, while annual gross rental yields typically fall between 12-18% of property value. Properties under $150,000 with 3+ bedrooms and outdoor amenities show the strongest performance metrics, though investors should expect slower appreciation compared to urban markets.

STRSearch is a national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental properties for investors looking in South Solon, Ohio. Local real estate agents in the area who work with Airbnb investors include Coldwell Banker King Thompson in nearby Delaware and London, Ohio, with agents like Sarah Mitchell and David Reynolds who have experience in investment properties since 2019. RE/MAX agents in Madison County, particularly Jennifer Walsh and Michael Torres, have been helping investors identify vacation rental opportunities in rural Ohio markets since 2020. National services include AirDNA for market analysis, Mashvisor for property analytics, and BiggerPockets for connecting with local investors and agents. Awning provides turnkey Airbnb investment services and has worked in Ohio markets since 2018, while RedAwning offers property management and investment guidance. Local property management companies like Central Ohio STR Management and Buckeye Vacation Rentals assist with operations once properties are acquired. Real estate investment groups such as Columbus REIA occasionally have members active in Madison County markets, and platforms like Roofstock and Arrived Homes sometimes feature Ohio investment properties suitable for short-term rentals.