Is White Plains, New York Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in White Plains, New York, begin by researching local regulations as the city requires short-term rental operators to obtain a business license and comply with zoning laws that typically restrict rentals to no more than 30 days in residential areas. Contact the White Plains Building Department at (914) 422-1411 to obtain necessary permits including a Certificate of Occupancy for short-term rentals and ensure compliance with fire safety codes requiring smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and proper egress windows. Find a suitable property in permitted zones, focusing on areas near downtown White Plains or near the Metro-North station for higher demand, with average nightly rates ranging $80-150 depending on size and location. Furnish the space with essential amenities including WiFi, kitchen basics, linens, towels, and local guidebooks, budgeting approximately $3,000-8,000 for initial setup depending on property size. Create your Airbnb listing with professional photos highlighting proximity to NYC (30 minutes by train), local attractions like the White Plains Performing Arts Center, and nearby shopping at The Westchester mall. For ongoing management, establish cleaning protocols between guests (budget $50-80 per turnover), maintain 24/7 guest communication, coordinate key exchanges or install smart locks, and keep detailed records for tax purposes as you'll need to collect and remit local occupancy taxes to Westchester County at 3% plus New York State sales tax at 8%.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in White Plains, New York, focus on locations within walking distance of the White Plains Metro-North station, downtown business district, and major employers like IBM and Verizon. Target properties near Westchester Medical Center, The Westchester mall, and corporate headquarters as these drive consistent demand. Look for 1-3 bedroom apartments or condos with modern amenities, parking, and easy highway access to I-287 and I-95. Analyze pricing using AirDNA and Mashvisor to benchmark against comparable properties, aiming for $150-300 per night depending on size and location. Research competition on Airbnb and VRBO within a 2-mile radius, noting occupancy rates and guest reviews. Utilize NeighborhoodScout for demographic data, STR Helper for regulation compliance, and connect with local real estate agents familiar with White Plains' zoning laws. Properties in Renaissance Square, City Center, and near Mamaroneck Avenue typically command premium rates due to proximity to transportation and dining. Consider the seasonal corporate travel patterns and weekend leisure visitors from NYC when evaluating potential returns, with properties closer to Metro-North stations showing 15-20% higher occupancy rates year-round.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in White Plains, New York, you must first contact the White Plains Building Department at City Hall located at 255 Main Street to determine specific zoning compliance for your property, as short-term rentals are subject to local zoning regulations and may require a special use permit or variance depending on the residential zone classification. Submit an application to the Building Department including a completed permit application form, property deed or lease agreement, floor plans showing the rental unit layout, proof of property insurance with minimum $1 million liability coverage, fire safety inspection certificate from the White Plains Fire Department, and a site plan showing parking availability and property boundaries. The application fee typically ranges from $200-500 plus additional inspection fees of approximately $150-300, and you must also register for a White Plains business license through the City Clerk's office for an additional $50-100 annual fee. The approval process generally takes 4-8 weeks depending on zoning review requirements and inspection scheduling, during which time the Fire Department will conduct safety inspections to ensure smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and proper egress windows are installed. White Plains specifically requires STR operators to maintain a local contact person available 24/7, limit occupancy to no more than 2 guests per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, provide adequate off-street parking spaces, and comply with noise ordinances with quiet hours from 10 PM to 8 AM, while properties in certain residential zones may face additional restrictions or require neighbor notification procedures before approval.

Short-term rentals (STRs) in White Plains, New York are currently legal but subject to specific regulations under the city's zoning ordinance. The city allows STRs in certain residential zones but requires operators to obtain a special use permit and comply with various restrictions including occupancy limits, parking requirements, and noise ordinances. STRs are generally prohibited in multi-family residential buildings with more than four units and must maintain the residential character of neighborhoods. Operators must register with the city, pay applicable taxes, and ensure properties meet safety standards. Recent changes around 2019-2020 established clearer permitting processes and enforcement mechanisms, while the city has been monitoring compliance more closely following neighbor complaints about noise and parking issues. Properties must be owner-occupied or have an on-site property manager, and there are limits on the number of guests and vehicles allowed, with violations subject to fines and permit revocation.

The most promising Airbnb investment areas in White Plains, New York include the Downtown White Plains district, particularly near the White Plains TransCenter and Mamaroneck Avenue corridor, which attracts significant business travelers due to major corporate headquarters like Heineken USA, ITT Inc., and Bunge Limited, along with proximity to Westchester County Center that hosts concerts, trade shows, and events year-round. The Ridgeway/Gedney Farms neighborhood offers appeal for families visiting local colleges and medical facilities, while the Battle Hill area near White Plains Hospital draws medical tourists and visiting families. The Westchester Avenue corridor benefits from easy highway access and proximity to shopping destinations like The Westchester mall, attracting both leisure and business guests. The Greenburgh border areas, particularly near the Westchester County Airport, capture business travelers and those attending events at nearby venues, while the residential neighborhoods around Tibbits Park and Silver Lake appeal to visitors seeking quieter accommodations while maintaining access to Metro-North Railroad for easy Manhattan commutes, making these areas attractive for extended business stays and weekend leisure travelers exploring the Hudson Valley region.

In White Plains, New York, Airbnb hosts are subject to multiple lodging and occupancy taxes including New York State sales tax at 4%, Westchester County sales tax at 4.25%, and a local hotel/motel occupancy tax of approximately 3-5% depending on the specific municipality rate. The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance requires hosts to register for a Certificate of Authority and collect these taxes from guests, with quarterly remittance typically required through the state's online system. Westchester County may have additional registration requirements and separate remittance procedures through their tax department. Hosts must collect these taxes on stays of less than 30 consecutive days, as longer-term rentals are generally exempt from occupancy taxes but may still be subject to sales tax. The combined tax rate for short-term rentals in White Plains typically ranges from 11.25% to 13.25% of the rental amount, and failure to properly collect and remit these taxes can result in penalties and interest charges from both state and local tax authorities.

To start an Airbnb in White Plains, New York, the total costs would be approximately $850,000-$950,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at $650,000-$750,000 based on median home prices in White Plains as of 2023-2024. Furnishing costs for a complete 2-3 bedroom property would range $15,000-$25,000 including furniture, appliances, linens, and décor from retailers like IKEA, Wayfair, and local suppliers. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and marketing materials would be $2,000-$3,000. Permits and fees including business registration, short-term rental permits, and potential homeowner association approvals would cost $1,500-$2,500. Insurance including landlord insurance and additional short-term rental coverage would be $3,000-$4,000 annually. Utilities including electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable would average $400-$600 monthly or $2,400-$3,600 for six months. First six months operating costs including cleaning services at $100 per turnover, maintenance reserves, property management software subscriptions, and miscellaneous supplies would total $8,000-$12,000. Additional considerations include potential renovation costs of $10,000-$30,000 depending on property condition and desired positioning in the market.

Airbnb properties in White Plains, New York typically generate annual revenues between $25,000-$45,000 for one-bedroom units and $35,000-$65,000 for two-bedroom properties, with average daily rates ranging from $85-$150 depending on location and amenities. Operating expenses generally consume 40-60% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($30-$50 per turnover), property management (10-20% of revenue), utilities ($150-$300 monthly), insurance ($1,200-$2,500 annually), and maintenance costs averaging $2,000-$4,000 yearly. Properties within walking distance of the White Plains Metro-North station command premium rates due to proximity to NYC, with some hosts reporting net profit margins of 25-35% after all expenses. Success factors include professional photography, consistent 4.8+ star ratings, rapid response times under 1 hour, and strategic pricing during peak periods like summer months and corporate events at nearby Westchester County Center. A case study from 2023 showed a renovated two-bedroom condo near downtown White Plains generated $52,000 in revenue with $31,000 in expenses, yielding a 40% profit margin, while properties further from transit hubs typically see 15-25% lower occupancy rates and correspondingly reduced profitability.

Airbnb investments in White Plains, New York typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10% based on current market conditions. Properties in desirable neighborhoods near the Metro-North station and downtown area command average daily rates of $120-180, with occupancy rates of 65-75% annually. Initial investment costs average $400,000-600,000 for suitable 2-3 bedroom properties, requiring approximately $80,000-120,000 down payment plus $15,000-25,000 in furnishing and setup costs. Monthly gross revenues typically range from $2,500-4,200 depending on property size and location, with net profits after expenses (cleaning, utilities, property management, taxes) averaging $1,200-2,400 monthly. Most investors achieve profitability within 18-24 months, with break-even on initial cash investment occurring in 7-10 years. The proximity to New York City (30 minutes by train) drives consistent demand from business travelers and tourists seeking more affordable accommodations outside Manhattan, while local regulations in Westchester County remain relatively Airbnb-friendly compared to NYC's restrictive policies.

STRSearch is a national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental investment properties across markets including White Plains, New York. Local real estate agents like those at Houlihan Lawrence, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, and Douglas Elliman have extensive knowledge of the Westchester County market and can identify properties suitable for Airbnb investments in White Plains. National services include Mashvisor, which provides Airbnb analytics and investment property search tools, AirDNA for market data and revenue projections, and Awning which offers end-to-end Airbnb investment services including property acquisition. Local property management companies like RedAwning and Vacasa can provide insights into profitable properties while offering management services. Real estate investment firms such as Roofstock and Fundrise, while primarily focused on traditional rentals, have expanded into short-term rental markets. Additionally, local real estate investors and meetup groups in the White Plains and broader Westchester area often share knowledge about profitable Airbnb opportunities, and platforms like BiggerPockets connect investors with local experts who understand zoning laws and regulations specific to White Plains' short-term rental market.