Is Virginia Beach, Virginia Good for Airbnb Investment?

Get significant tax savings and earn cash flow by investing in a short-term rental with data-backed selection. No guessing!

Find Your Airbnb Investment

Virginia Beach, Virginia Airbnb Investment Overview

Is Airbnb a Good Investment in Virginia Beach, Virginia?

Investing in Airbnb properties in Virginia Beach, Virginia, presents a promising opportunity, primarily driven by its strong appeal as a popular coastal tourist destination. The city's current market conditions benefit from consistent visitor numbers, drawn to its extensive beachfront, lively boardwalk, and family-friendly attractions. Tourism trends indicate a steady demand for short-term accommodations, especially during peak seasons, with a diverse range of visitors seeking vacation rentals. While property values in Virginia Beach have seen stable growth, making initial investments moderate, the potential for consistent rental income and appreciation, particularly in well-located areas near the oceanfront or key attractions, suggests a favorable long-term investment. Investors should consider the specific regulations in Virginia Beach concerning short-term rentals, which are generally supportive but require adherence to local ordinances to maximize profitability.

How Much Does an Average Airbnb Earn in Virginia Beach?

Based on available market data, Airbnb hosts in Virginia Beach typically earn between $1,200 to $3,500 per month, with oceanfront properties commanding the highest rates and inland properties generating lower revenues. Peak summer months from June through August see earnings increase by approximately 40-60% above average, while winter months typically experience a 25-35% decrease in bookings and rates. Properties within walking distance of the beach average around $150-250 per night during peak season and $80-140 during off-season, while inland properties typically range from $90-180 in summer and $60-100 in winter. Key factors affecting earnings include proximity to the oceanfront, property size and amenities, guest capacity, professional photography quality, and responsive host communication, with oceanfront condos and beach houses consistently outperforming inland single-family homes by 30-50% in total annual revenue. Seasonal events like the Neptune Festival and military graduations create additional demand spikes, while hurricane season and winter weather patterns can temporarily reduce bookings, making the Virginia Beach market highly dependent on weather conditions and tourist seasonality patterns.

Airbnb Return on Investment in Virginia Beach

Airbnb investments in Virginia Beach typically generate ROI between 8-15% annually, with oceanfront and near-beach properties achieving the higher end of this range due to strong seasonal demand from tourists visiting the resort city. The average payback period for initial investment ranges from 7-12 years, depending on property location and purchase price, with properties within walking distance of the beach recovering costs faster. Compared to traditional long-term rentals in Virginia Beach that typically yield 6-9% ROI, short-term rentals can outperform by 2-6 percentage points, though this comes with higher management costs, seasonal occupancy fluctuations, and regulatory considerations. Peak earning months of May through September can generate 60-70% of annual revenue, with average daily rates ranging from $150-400 depending on proximity to the oceanfront, while off-season months see significantly reduced occupancy rates of 30-50% compared to summer peaks of 75-85%.

Average Airbnb Occupancy Rate in Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach Airbnb properties maintain an average annual occupancy rate of approximately 65-70%, with significant seasonal variations that peak during summer months from June through August when rates climb to 85-90% due to the city's prime beachfront location and tourist season. Spring and fall months typically see moderate occupancy rates around 60-65%, while winter months drop to 40-50% as beach tourism declines. Peak season extends from Memorial Day through Labor Day, with July being the highest performing month, and shoulder seasons in May and September still maintaining strong bookings around 70-75%. Virginia Beach outperforms the Virginia state average of approximately 60% annual occupancy and slightly exceeds the national Airbnb average of 48-52%, largely due to its established tourism infrastructure, consistent beach appeal, and proximity to military installations that provide steady year-round demand. The city's occupancy rates are comparable to other major East Coast beach destinations, though slightly lower than premium markets like the Outer Banks or Myrtle Beach during peak summer periods.

Best Neighborhoods for Airbnb in Virginia Beach

The Oceanfront/Resort Area stands out as the premier Airbnb investment location due to its direct beach access, proximity to the boardwalk, and consistent year-round tourist demand, commanding premium nightly rates of $150-300+ during peak season. The Chic's Beach/Chesapeake Bay area offers excellent investment potential with its quieter, upscale waterfront setting that attracts families and couples seeking a more refined beach experience, typically generating $100-200 per night with strong occupancy rates. The Hilltop area provides solid returns due to its central location between the oceanfront and Chesapeake Bay, offering investors lower property acquisition costs while maintaining good rental demand from visitors wanting easy access to both beach areas and local amenities. The Great Neck/Lynnhaven area appeals to investors seeking properties that attract both tourists and business travelers, with its proximity to shopping centers, restaurants, and corporate facilities, supporting consistent bookings at moderate rates of $80-150 nightly. The Sandbridge area, though more remote, offers exceptional investment opportunities for luxury vacation rentals due to its pristine beaches, large oceanfront homes, and ability to command premium rates of $200-500+ per night from groups and families seeking exclusive beach experiences. The Town Center area provides unique investment potential by attracting both leisure and business travelers with its urban amenities, shopping, dining, and entertainment options, supporting year-round occupancy at competitive rates. The North End/First Colonial area offers investors a balance of beachfront access and residential charm, attracting visitors who prefer a quieter beach experience while still being close to main attractions, typically generating steady returns with rates between $100-250 per night.

Short-term Rental Regulations in Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach requires short-term rental operators to obtain a business license and conditional use permit for properties not owner-occupied, with owner-occupied properties requiring only a business license and meeting specific criteria including a maximum occupancy of two guests per bedroom plus two additional guests with an overall cap of 10 people, mandatory owner residence on the property during rental periods, and compliance with parking requirements of one space per bedroom plus one additional space. The city restricts short-term rentals primarily to residential zoning districts while prohibiting them in certain overlay districts and requiring properties to be at least 600 feet apart from other non-owner-occupied short-term rentals. Registration involves submitting applications through the city's planning department with required documentation including site plans, neighbor notification affidavits, and proof of compliance with safety regulations including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers. Recent changes implemented around 2019-2020 established stricter separation requirements between non-owner-occupied rentals, enhanced enforcement mechanisms including complaint response protocols, increased penalties for violations, and mandatory annual renewals with updated safety inspections, while also requiring 24/7 local contact information and implementing noise ordinance compliance measures with potential permit revocation for repeated violations.

Short-term Rental Fees and Taxes in Virginia Beach

Short-term rentals in Virginia Beach, Virginia are subject to several fees and taxes including a 5% Virginia state sales tax, a 5% Virginia Beach local lodging tax, and a 2% Virginia Beach tourism advertising tax, totaling 12% in combined taxes on rental income. Property owners must obtain a short-term rental permit which costs approximately $150-200 annually, plus a one-time registration fee of around $75-100. Additional requirements include a business license fee of roughly $50-75 per year, and properties may need to pay for required inspections costing $100-150 initially and potentially annually. Some properties may also be subject to transient occupancy permit fees of $25-50, and owners must collect and remit all applicable taxes quarterly to both state and local authorities, with potential penalties for late payments ranging from 6-10% of unpaid amounts plus interest charges of 10% annually.

Is Airbnb a Good Investment in Virginia Beach, Virginia?

Investing in Airbnb properties in Virginia Beach, Virginia, presents a promising opportunity, primarily driven by its strong appeal as a popular coastal tourist destination. The city's current market conditions benefit from consistent visitor numbers, drawn to its extensive beachfront, lively boardwalk, and family-friendly attractions. Tourism trends indicate a steady demand for short-term accommodations, especially during peak seasons, with a diverse range of visitors seeking vacation rentals. While property values in Virginia Beach have seen stable growth, making initial investments moderate, the potential for consistent rental income and appreciation, particularly in well-located areas near the oceanfront or key attractions, suggests a favorable long-term investment. Investors should consider the specific regulations in Virginia Beach concerning short-term rentals, which are generally supportive but require adherence to local ordinances to maximize profitability.

How Much Does an Average Airbnb Earn in Virginia Beach?

Based on available market data, Airbnb hosts in Virginia Beach typically earn between $1,200 to $3,500 per month, with oceanfront properties commanding the highest rates and inland properties generating lower revenues. Peak summer months from June through August see earnings increase by approximately 40-60% above average, while winter months typically experience a 25-35% decrease in bookings and rates. Properties within walking distance of the beach average around $150-250 per night during peak season and $80-140 during off-season, while inland properties typically range from $90-180 in summer and $60-100 in winter. Key factors affecting earnings include proximity to the oceanfront, property size and amenities, guest capacity, professional photography quality, and responsive host communication, with oceanfront condos and beach houses consistently outperforming inland single-family homes by 30-50% in total annual revenue. Seasonal events like the Neptune Festival and military graduations create additional demand spikes, while hurricane season and winter weather patterns can temporarily reduce bookings, making the Virginia Beach market highly dependent on weather conditions and tourist seasonality patterns.

Airbnb Return on Investment in Virginia Beach

Airbnb investments in Virginia Beach typically generate ROI between 8-15% annually, with oceanfront and near-beach properties achieving the higher end of this range due to strong seasonal demand from tourists visiting the resort city. The average payback period for initial investment ranges from 7-12 years, depending on property location and purchase price, with properties within walking distance of the beach recovering costs faster. Compared to traditional long-term rentals in Virginia Beach that typically yield 6-9% ROI, short-term rentals can outperform by 2-6 percentage points, though this comes with higher management costs, seasonal occupancy fluctuations, and regulatory considerations. Peak earning months of May through September can generate 60-70% of annual revenue, with average daily rates ranging from $150-400 depending on proximity to the oceanfront, while off-season months see significantly reduced occupancy rates of 30-50% compared to summer peaks of 75-85%.

Average Airbnb Occupancy Rate in Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach Airbnb properties maintain an average annual occupancy rate of approximately 65-70%, with significant seasonal variations that peak during summer months from June through August when rates climb to 85-90% due to the city's prime beachfront location and tourist season. Spring and fall months typically see moderate occupancy rates around 60-65%, while winter months drop to 40-50% as beach tourism declines. Peak season extends from Memorial Day through Labor Day, with July being the highest performing month, and shoulder seasons in May and September still maintaining strong bookings around 70-75%. Virginia Beach outperforms the Virginia state average of approximately 60% annual occupancy and slightly exceeds the national Airbnb average of 48-52%, largely due to its established tourism infrastructure, consistent beach appeal, and proximity to military installations that provide steady year-round demand. The city's occupancy rates are comparable to other major East Coast beach destinations, though slightly lower than premium markets like the Outer Banks or Myrtle Beach during peak summer periods.

Best Neighborhoods for Airbnb in Virginia Beach

The Oceanfront/Resort Area stands out as the premier Airbnb investment location due to its direct beach access, proximity to the boardwalk, and consistent year-round tourist demand, commanding premium nightly rates of $150-300+ during peak season. The Chic's Beach/Chesapeake Bay area offers excellent investment potential with its quieter, upscale waterfront setting that attracts families and couples seeking a more refined beach experience, typically generating $100-200 per night with strong occupancy rates. The Hilltop area provides solid returns due to its central location between the oceanfront and Chesapeake Bay, offering investors lower property acquisition costs while maintaining good rental demand from visitors wanting easy access to both beach areas and local amenities. The Great Neck/Lynnhaven area appeals to investors seeking properties that attract both tourists and business travelers, with its proximity to shopping centers, restaurants, and corporate facilities, supporting consistent bookings at moderate rates of $80-150 nightly. The Sandbridge area, though more remote, offers exceptional investment opportunities for luxury vacation rentals due to its pristine beaches, large oceanfront homes, and ability to command premium rates of $200-500+ per night from groups and families seeking exclusive beach experiences. The Town Center area provides unique investment potential by attracting both leisure and business travelers with its urban amenities, shopping, dining, and entertainment options, supporting year-round occupancy at competitive rates. The North End/First Colonial area offers investors a balance of beachfront access and residential charm, attracting visitors who prefer a quieter beach experience while still being close to main attractions, typically generating steady returns with rates between $100-250 per night.

Short-term Rental Regulations in Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach requires short-term rental operators to obtain a business license and conditional use permit for properties not owner-occupied, with owner-occupied properties requiring only a business license and meeting specific criteria including a maximum occupancy of two guests per bedroom plus two additional guests with an overall cap of 10 people, mandatory owner residence on the property during rental periods, and compliance with parking requirements of one space per bedroom plus one additional space. The city restricts short-term rentals primarily to residential zoning districts while prohibiting them in certain overlay districts and requiring properties to be at least 600 feet apart from other non-owner-occupied short-term rentals. Registration involves submitting applications through the city's planning department with required documentation including site plans, neighbor notification affidavits, and proof of compliance with safety regulations including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers. Recent changes implemented around 2019-2020 established stricter separation requirements between non-owner-occupied rentals, enhanced enforcement mechanisms including complaint response protocols, increased penalties for violations, and mandatory annual renewals with updated safety inspections, while also requiring 24/7 local contact information and implementing noise ordinance compliance measures with potential permit revocation for repeated violations.

Short-term Rental Fees and Taxes in Virginia Beach

Short-term rentals in Virginia Beach, Virginia are subject to several fees and taxes including a 5% Virginia state sales tax, a 5% Virginia Beach local lodging tax, and a 2% Virginia Beach tourism advertising tax, totaling 12% in combined taxes on rental income. Property owners must obtain a short-term rental permit which costs approximately $150-200 annually, plus a one-time registration fee of around $75-100. Additional requirements include a business license fee of roughly $50-75 per year, and properties may need to pay for required inspections costing $100-150 initially and potentially annually. Some properties may also be subject to transient occupancy permit fees of $25-50, and owners must collect and remit all applicable taxes quarterly to both state and local authorities, with potential penalties for late payments ranging from 6-10% of unpaid amounts plus interest charges of 10% annually.

* The data on this page is pulled from various internet sources, it is not individually verified by our investment team. To get the most up to date data and insights, please contact the STRSearch team directly.

How Smart Investors Build Wealth

Through Data-Driven STRs (Real Results)

From first-time investors to seasoned pros, see how our commitment to comprehensive data analysis led to unparalleled investment victories.

Smiling woman with dark hair and white blouse next to text reading 'Spot on $120K revenue prediction!' attributed to Allison Kraft, STR Search Client on dark green background.

From zero real estate experience to a thriving short-term rental business, Allison locked in $120K in revenue her first year  and is now expanding with STR Search again. Proof that the right team can turn analysis paralysis into profitable action!

- Allison
Portrait of a man with short dark hair and earbuds, alongside the quote 'Cash flow positive since day one!' attributed to Arul, STR Search Client, on a dark green background.

Thanks to John's expert guidance, I made my first real estate and Airbnb investment a massive success, with consistent positive cash flow and an exceptional return on investment!

- Arul
Quote saying 'Bank said This is better than their underwriting team!' by Philip Mann, STR Search Client, beside a smiling man with a bald head and light beard on a dark green background.

John's training gave me the confidence to secure a loan on the spot and scale from one STR to three. His approach is a total game-changer!

- Philip

Why Choose STR Search?

Success Rate
Data Accuracy
Service Scope
Risk Mitigation
Expert Network
STR Search Logo
100% profitable track record
Proprietary filters, precise forecasts
End-to-end STR investment support
Only cash-flow-positive matches
Vetted realtors, lenders, designers included
Other Services
Inconsistent ROI, no guarantees
Generic metrics, inaccurate estimates
Partial services only
No profitability screening
Limited or no partner access
Success Rate
Data Accuracy
Service Scope
Risk Mitigation
Expert Network
STR Search Logo
Success Rate
100% profitable track record
Data Accuracy
Proprietary filters, precise forecasts
Service Scope
End-to-end STR investment support
Risk Mitigation
Only cash-flow-positive matches
Expert Network
Vetted realtors, lenders, designers included
Other Services
Success Rate
Inconsistent ROI, no guarantees
Data Accuracy
Generic metrics, inaccurate estimates
Service Scope
Partial services only
Risk Mitigation
No profitability screening
Expert Network
Limited or no partner access
275+
Properties Acquired
$50.1M+
Total Revenue
$20.24M+
Total Taxes Saved

Put your money to work & 
lower your tax bill

We’ve spent years analyzing what works so you don’t have to. Our job is to cut through bad data and help you make smart, profitable decisions backed by real numbers.

Schedule Your Free Call

Trusted by hundreds of 
successful investors

Generate $3-5K+ monthly cash flow with our proven property matching system.

Build long-term wealth through STRs with cash flow, equity, and bonus depreciation.

Skip 6-12 months of trial and error with our data-driven underwriting and market analysis

The Proof is in Our Track Record...

We have a 100% success rate across $90M+ in Real Estate

Out of the 200+ properties we've helped our clients buy every single one has been profitable.

You want more money. More time. More freedom. But may be stuck trading hours for dollars, and scaling your investment strategy feels out of reach.

While others are getting lost in analysis paralysis, you’ve got capital and drive to change your situation. Investors who choose the right STRs can generate $3–5K/month in cash flow, plus serious tax benefits and long-term wealth.

We’ve spent years obsessed with STR investing data so you don’t have to.

With our property match services, there’s no guesswork! Just profitable properties built to perform. With the right deal, your capital can buy more than returns. It can buy your freedom.

Buildings
Rabbu logoAirbnb logoAirdna logoPriceLabs logo
Rabbu logo
Airbnb logo
Airdna logo
PriceLabs logo

All The Ways We Can Help You

Free courses, services, and trainings, to help you maximize your earnings from AirBnb...

Get in touch with us.

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Everything Smart Investors Ask About STR Wealth Building

How to start an Airbnb in Virginia Beach, Virginia?

To start an Airbnb in Virginia Beach, Virginia, begin by researching local regulations as Virginia Beach requires short-term rental operators to obtain a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) from the Planning Department, which costs approximately $1,500-$2,000 and requires neighborhood notification and city council approval. You'll also need a Virginia Beach business license ($50-$100 annually) and must register for Virginia state taxes including sales tax and transient occupancy tax. Find a suitable property in permitted zones (typically R-5 Residential or higher density areas), ensuring it meets safety requirements including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers. Purchase comprehensive furnishings including quality mattresses, linens, kitchen essentials, WiFi, and local guidebooks, budgeting $5,000-$15,000 for a complete setup. Create your Airbnb listing with professional photos highlighting proximity to the oceanfront, military bases, and local attractions, setting competitive rates based on seasonal demand (peak summer rates $150-$300/night, off-season $75-$150/night). For management, establish check-in procedures, cleaning protocols between guests, and maintain compliance with Virginia Beach's occupancy limits (typically 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional), noise ordinances, and parking requirements while staying current with annual permit renewals and tax obligations.

What's the best way to identify good STR properties in Virginia Beach, Virginia?

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Virginia Beach, Virginia, focus on locations within 0.5-1 mile of the oceanfront, particularly between 1st and 40th Streets, as well as properties near Chesapeake Bay waterfront areas and the Sandbridge community which command premium rates of $200-400+ per night during peak season. Target 3-6 bedroom single-family homes or condos with 2+ bathrooms, parking spaces, outdoor amenities like decks or pools, and beach gear storage, as these features attract families and groups willing to pay $150-350 nightly depending on proximity to beach and season. Analyze comparable properties using AirDNA and Mashvisor to identify areas with 65%+ occupancy rates and $40,000+ annual revenue potential, while monitoring seasonal pricing fluctuations where summer rates can be 3-4x higher than winter months. Research competition density using Airdna's market data for Virginia Beach, targeting neighborhoods with fewer than 15 active STRs per square mile to avoid oversaturation, and examine successful listings' amenities, pricing strategies, and guest reviews on Airbnb and VRBO. Utilize tools like Rabbu, AirDNA, and local MLS data through Virginia Beach real estate agents, while consulting the city's zoning regulations and STR licensing requirements, as Virginia Beach requires business licenses and has specific occupancy limits and parking requirements that affect profitability in different residential zones.

How to get an Airbnb permit in Virginia Beach, Virginia?

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Virginia Beach, Virginia, you must first register your property with the Virginia Beach Commissioner of Revenue's office by submitting a Business License Application along with a completed Short-Term Rental Registration form, which can be found on the city's official website or obtained in person at City Hall located at 2401 Courthouse Drive. Required documents include proof of property ownership or lease agreement, a valid Virginia driver's license or state ID, property insurance documentation, a floor plan of the rental unit, and contact information for a local responsible party if you live more than 60 miles away. The registration fee is approximately $50 annually, plus a business license fee of around $30-50 depending on your rental income projections. After submitting your application, the city typically processes permits within 10-15 business days, during which time they may conduct a property inspection to ensure compliance with zoning regulations, fire safety codes, and occupancy limits. Virginia Beach requires STR operators to maintain liability insurance of at least $1 million, collect and remit local occupancy taxes of 7.5%, limit occupancy to no more than 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, provide adequate parking spaces, and ensure quiet hours are observed between 10 PM and 7 AM. Once approved, you must display your permit number in all online listings and renew your registration annually by December 31st.

Is it legal to operate a short-term rental in Virginia Beach, Virginia?

Short-term rentals (STRs) are legal in Virginia Beach, Virginia, but operate under specific regulations established by the city. Virginia Beach requires STR operators to obtain a business license and comply with zoning restrictions that generally limit STRs to certain residential districts while prohibiting them in some neighborhoods. The city has implemented occupancy limits, parking requirements, and noise ordinances specifically for STRs, with properties required to have a responsible party available 24/7 for issues. Recent changes around 2019-2020 included stricter enforcement mechanisms and enhanced penalties for violations, while the city has been considering additional restrictions in response to neighborhood concerns about over-tourism and housing availability. Virginia Beach also requires STR operators to collect and remit local taxes, and the city maintains a registry of approved properties, with some areas near the oceanfront having different or more restrictive rules than inland residential zones.

What are the best places to invest in Airbnb in Virginia Beach, Virginia?

The most lucrative Airbnb investment areas in Virginia Beach include the Oceanfront/Resort Area along Atlantic Avenue and Pacific Avenue, which attracts millions of tourists annually due to its proximity to the beach, boardwalk, Neptune Festival, and numerous hotels that create spillover demand. The Chicks Beach/Chesapeake Bay area offers a quieter waterfront alternative popular with families and fishing enthusiasts, while the Town Center district provides excellent opportunities for business travelers visiting companies like GEICO and attending conferences at the Virginia Beach Convention Center. The Sandbridge area, located south of the main resort strip, appeals to visitors seeking a more secluded beach experience and vacation rental properties, making it ideal for weekly rentals. The Hilltop area, while inland, offers good value investments due to its central location and proximity to Lynnhaven Mall and restaurants, attracting both tourists and business visitors. First Landing State Park vicinity draws nature enthusiasts and families, while the Great Neck area provides upscale accommodations for higher-end travelers visiting the resort area who prefer quieter neighborhoods within driving distance of main attractions.

Airbnb and lodging taxes in Virginia Beach, Virginia

Airbnb hosts in Virginia Beach, Virginia are subject to multiple lodging taxes including the Virginia state sales tax of 5.3%, Virginia Beach city transient occupancy tax of 8%, and Virginia Beach tourism investment program fee of 2%, totaling approximately 15.3% in combined taxes on short-term rental bookings. The Virginia Beach transient occupancy tax applies to stays of less than 30 consecutive days and is collected by the Virginia Beach Commissioner of Revenue, with hosts required to register for a business license and remit taxes monthly by the 20th of the following month. Airbnb typically collects and remits the transient occupancy tax directly to Virginia Beach on behalf of hosts through their automated tax collection service, though hosts remain ultimately responsible for compliance and should verify collection with the city. The state sales tax is collected by the Virginia Department of Taxation and must be remitted monthly if monthly liability exceeds $100, otherwise quarterly remittance is permitted. Exemptions generally apply to stays of 30 days or longer, government employees on official business, and certain nonprofit organizations, though documentation requirements vary by jurisdiction and hosts should maintain detailed records of all bookings and tax collections for audit purposes.

Total cost to purchase, furnish and operate an Airbnb in Virginia Beach, Virginia

The total cost to start an Airbnb in Virginia Beach, Virginia is approximately $485,000-$565,000. Property purchase costs around $400,000-$450,000 based on median home prices in desirable areas near the oceanfront. Furnishing a 3-bedroom property requires $15,000-$25,000 for quality furniture, bedding, kitchen essentials, and decor to create an attractive rental space. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, welcome materials, and basic supplies total $2,000-$3,000. Permits and fees include a $150 business license, $200-$400 for short-term rental permits, and potential HOA approval fees of $100-$300. Insurance for short-term rentals costs $2,500-$4,000 annually, significantly higher than standard homeowner's insurance. Utility setup and deposits for electricity, water, gas, internet, and cable total $500-$800. First six months of operating costs including utilities ($1,200-$1,800), cleaning services ($3,600-$6,000), maintenance and repairs ($2,000-$3,000), property management software ($300-$600), marketing ($500-$1,000), and miscellaneous supplies ($800-$1,200) amount to approximately $8,400-$13,600, bringing the total initial investment to start operations to roughly $428,750-$497,100 plus the property purchase price.

Are Airbnb properties in Virginia Beach, Virginia profitable?

Airbnb properties in Virginia Beach, Virginia demonstrate strong profitability potential with average annual revenues ranging from $25,000-$45,000 for typical 2-3 bedroom properties, while expenses including mortgage, utilities, cleaning, maintenance, and Airbnb fees typically consume 60-70% of gross revenue, yielding net profit margins of 30-40% for well-managed properties. Properties within 0.5 miles of the oceanfront command premium rates of $150-$300 per night during peak summer months (June-August), compared to $80-$150 for off-beach locations, with successful operators achieving 70-80% occupancy rates annually. Key success factors include strategic location near the Virginia Beach Boardwalk, professional photography, competitive pricing that adjusts seasonally, rapid guest communication, and maintaining 4.8+ star ratings through consistent cleanliness and amenities. A case study of a 3-bedroom oceanfront condo purchased for $350,000 in 2019 generated $38,000 in gross rental income in 2022, with $23,000 in expenses including $8,000 mortgage payments, $4,500 in cleaning and maintenance, $3,200 in utilities, and $2,800 in platform fees and taxes, resulting in a 15% return on investment. Properties targeting military families from nearby Naval Air Station Oceana and corporate travelers often maintain steadier year-round occupancy, while vacation rentals focusing on summer beach tourism can achieve higher per-night rates but experience significant seasonal fluctuations.

What is the expected return on investment for an Airbnb in Virginia Beach, Virginia?

Airbnb investments in Virginia Beach, Virginia typically generate annual ROI of 8-15% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 12-22%, depending on property location and proximity to the oceanfront. Properties within 2-3 blocks of the beach command premium rates of $150-300 per night during peak summer season (May-September), while inland properties average $80-150 nightly. Initial profitability usually occurs within 18-24 months for well-positioned properties, with oceanfront condos and beach houses showing stronger performance due to Virginia Beach's consistent tourist demand from military families stationed at nearby Naval Air Station Oceana, summer vacationers, and year-round business travelers. Properties in the Sandbridge area and near the Virginia Beach Boardwalk demonstrate the highest occupancy rates of 65-80% annually, while the Chesapeake Bay Bridge area properties typically see 50-65% occupancy with slightly lower nightly rates but reduced seasonality impact.

What company can help me find and buy a profitable Airbnb in Virginia Beach, Virginia?

STRSearch leads the market in Airbnb investment property analysis for Virginia Beach, Virginia, providing comprehensive data on rental performance and market trends. Local real estate agents specializing in short-term rental investments include The Liz Moore Company, which has been serving the Virginia Beach market since 1953, and Rose & Womble Realty with agents experienced in vacation rental properties since the 1980s. Awning, founded in 2017, offers national Airbnb property management and investment services throughout Virginia Beach, while Mashvisor provides investment property analysis tools and has been operating since 2014. RedAwning specializes in vacation rental property management and investment consulting in coastal markets including Virginia Beach since 2009. Local services include Coastal Virginia Real Estate Investors Group and Hampton Roads Real Estate Investment Association, both active since the early 2000s. National companies serving the area include BiggerPockets, which has connected real estate investors since 2004, and AirDNA, providing short-term rental market data since 2015. Vacasa offers property management services for Airbnb investments and has operated in Virginia Beach since 2016, while AvantStay focuses on group vacation rental investments in beach markets since 2017.

We match people with amazing properties

The Formula Works. Years of passionate data analysis have perfected our formula, making it a beacon of accuracy in real estate investments. Trust in precision that turns data into profit.

Schedule Your Free Call

Maximize Your Returns with Smart Tax Strategies

Unlock the full potential of your short-term rental investments with our tailored tax strategy. We ensure your properties not only cash flow but also leverage tax benefits to boost your bottom line. Let us navigate the complexities, so you can enjoy the rewards.

Schedule Your Free Call

Short-Term Rentals are alive and well

No other company matches our expansive collection of properties or our unwavering success streak over the last two years. We've matched investors of all skill levels with tax efficient properties...

Schedule Your Free Call

We're Trusted By the Best 
in the Business

STR Search and the Bianchi Method has gained a reputation among industry leaders as being the front runner in consistently matching people with profitable properties.

Avery Carl Headshot
Avery Carl
Founder of The Short Term Shop
Rob Abasolo Headshot
Rob Abasolo
Founder of Host Camp and Youtube Channel Robuilt
Sief Khafagi
Sief Khafagi
Founder of Techvestor
Jeremy Werden
Jeremy Werden
Founder of BNBCalc
Dr. Rachel Gainsbrugh
Dr. Rachel Gainsbrugh
Founder Short Term Gems

Put your money to work & 
lower your tax bill

We’ve spent years analyzing what works so you don’t have to. Our job is to cut through bad data and help you make smart, profitable decisions backed by real numbers.

Schedule Your Free Call