Is White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, begin by researching local zoning laws through the Greenbrier County Planning Commission and White Sulphur Springs City Hall, as the city requires short-term rental permits and compliance with residential zoning restrictions that typically allow rentals in R-1 and R-2 districts with proper registration. Obtain necessary permits including a business license from the city clerk's office (approximately $50-100), a short-term rental permit (around $200 annually), and ensure compliance with West Virginia state tax requirements by registering for consumer sales tax collection through the State Tax Department. Find a suitable property by focusing on areas near The Greenbrier resort, downtown historic district, or residential neighborhoods within walking distance of local attractions, with average property prices ranging from $80,000-300,000 depending on size and location. Furnish the property with quality basics including comfortable beds, linens, towels, kitchen essentials, WiFi, cable TV, and local amenities guides, budgeting approximately $5,000-15,000 for initial furnishing depending on property size. List your property on Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com with professional photos highlighting proximity to The Greenbrier, Greenbrier River Trail, and local hot springs, setting competitive rates between $75-200 per night based on seasonality and local events. Manage the property by establishing cleaning protocols between guests, maintaining responsive communication, coordinating with local cleaning services (typically $50-100 per turnover), and staying compliant with ongoing permit renewals and tax obligations while monitoring occupancy rates that typically range from 40-70% annually in this tourism-dependent market.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, focus on locations within 2-3 miles of The Greenbrier resort, near outdoor recreation areas like the Greenbrier River Trail, or in the historic downtown district where guests prefer walkable access to local attractions. Target properties with 2-4 bedrooms, outdoor spaces like decks or fire pits, updated kitchens and bathrooms, reliable internet, and unique features such as mountain views or historic charm that command premium rates of $150-300 per night depending on size and amenities. Analyze comparable properties on Airbnb and VRBO to understand seasonal pricing patterns, with peak rates during Greenbrier events, fall foliage season (September-October), and summer months, while identifying gaps in the market for specific property types or price points. Research competition by monitoring occupancy rates and guest reviews of existing STRs within a 5-mile radius, paying attention to properties near The Greenbrier, outdoor activity hubs, and those offering unique experiences like luxury cabins or historic homes. Utilize tools like AirDNA for market analytics, STR Helper for revenue projections, Mashvisor for investment analysis, and local resources including the Greenbrier County Convention and Visitors Bureau for tourism data, local real estate agents familiar with STR regulations, and the county planning office for zoning compliance, while monitoring The Greenbrier's event calendar since resort activities significantly impact demand and pricing throughout the year.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, you must first contact the White Sulphur Springs City Hall at 304-536-1454 or visit their offices at 2 Hanna Street to inquire about short-term rental regulations, as the city may have specific ordinances governing STRs that were implemented around 2019-2021. You'll need to submit an application form along with required documents including proof of property ownership or lease agreement, certificate of occupancy, proof of liability insurance (typically $1 million minimum), fire safety inspection certificate, and a site plan showing parking availability and property layout. The application fee is estimated at $150-300 annually, with additional inspection fees of approximately $75-150. You must also register with the West Virginia State Tax Department for transient occupancy tax collection and obtain a business license from Greenbrier County if operating as a business entity. The approval timeline typically takes 30-60 days depending on inspection scheduling and document completeness. White Sulphur Springs specific requirements likely include maintaining adequate off-street parking (minimum 2 spaces), ensuring compliance with residential zoning restrictions, providing 24-hour contact information to neighbors and city officials, maintaining occupancy limits based on septic and water capacity, and adhering to noise ordinances with quiet hours typically from 10 PM to 8 AM.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are generally legal in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, as the state does not prohibit STRs at the state level and leaves regulation primarily to local municipalities. White Sulphur Springs, a small city in Greenbrier County known for The Greenbrier resort, does not appear to have enacted specific comprehensive STR regulations as of recent years, meaning STRs typically operate under existing zoning and business licensing requirements. Property owners must generally comply with standard business registration, tax collection (including the state's 6% sales tax and local occupancy taxes), and any applicable zoning restrictions that may limit commercial activities in residential areas. The city may require basic business licenses and adherence to health and safety codes, particularly for properties operating as commercial accommodations. Given the area's tourism economy centered around The Greenbrier and outdoor recreation, local authorities have generally been accommodating to STR operations, though individual neighborhoods or homeowner associations may have their own restrictions. Recent legal changes have been minimal at the local level, with most regulatory updates occurring at the state level regarding tax collection and reporting requirements for platforms like Airbnb and VRBO, which began collecting and remitting taxes on behalf of hosts around 2019-2020.

The most attractive areas for Airbnb investment in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia center around the Greenbrier Resort district and nearby historic downtown area, which benefit from year-round tourism driven by The Greenbrier's luxury amenities, championship golf courses, and high-profile events including corporate retreats and political gatherings. The Old White neighborhood adjacent to the resort offers excellent potential due to its proximity to the main attraction while providing more affordable accommodation options for visitors. The downtown Main Street district presents opportunities for investors targeting guests seeking authentic small-town charm and easy access to local restaurants and shops. Areas near the Greenbrier River and surrounding recreational zones attract outdoor enthusiasts interested in fishing, hiking, and seasonal activities. The residential neighborhoods within walking distance of the resort, particularly those along Eisenhower Drive and surrounding streets, offer strong investment potential as they provide convenient access to The Greenbrier while maintaining a quieter, more residential feel that appeals to families and longer-stay visitors attending extended events or conferences.

Airbnb properties in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia are subject to the state's 6% Consumer Sales and Service Tax on lodging accommodations, which applies to rentals of less than 30 consecutive days. Additionally, properties may be subject to Greenbrier County's local occupancy tax of approximately 3-5%, bringing the total tax burden to around 9-11%. West Virginia requires short-term rental operators to register for a business registration certificate and collect taxes directly from guests, remitting payments monthly through the state's online MyTax system by the 15th of the following month. Airbnb may collect and remit state taxes automatically for hosts through their platform agreement with West Virginia that began around 2019, but hosts remain responsible for local county taxes and must verify collection arrangements. Properties rented for 30 days or longer are generally exempt from these occupancy taxes, and some jurisdictions may offer exemptions for stays by government employees or certain nonprofit organizations, though specific exemption criteria vary by locality and hosts should verify current requirements with both state and Greenbrier County tax authorities.

Starting an Airbnb in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia requires approximately $180,000-220,000 in total initial investment. Property purchase costs average $150,000-180,000 based on median home prices in the area as of 2023-2024. Furnishing a 2-3 bedroom property runs $15,000-25,000 including beds, linens, kitchen essentials, living room furniture, and décor. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and basic renovations total $3,000-5,000. Permits and fees including business license, occupancy permits, and potential zoning approvals cost $500-1,500 depending on local requirements. Insurance including liability and property coverage specifically for short-term rentals runs $1,200-2,000 annually. Utility deposits and connections for electricity, water, internet, and cable cost $800-1,200. First six months operating costs including utilities ($600/month), cleaning supplies and services ($300/month), maintenance reserves ($200/month), platform fees to Airbnb and VRBO ($400/month based on estimated bookings), and marketing expenses ($100/month) total approximately $9,600 for the initial operating period.

Airbnb properties in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia show moderate profitability potential with average nightly rates ranging from $85-150 depending on property size and proximity to The Greenbrier resort. Properties typically generate $15,000-35,000 in annual gross revenue with occupancy rates averaging 45-65% due to seasonal tourism patterns driven by The Greenbrier's events, golf tournaments, and spa visitors. Operating expenses including cleaning fees ($40-60 per turnover), property management (15-25% of revenue), utilities ($150-300 monthly), insurance ($1,200-2,000 annually), and maintenance typically consume 40-55% of gross revenue, resulting in net profit margins of 20-35% for well-managed properties. Success factors include proximity to The Greenbrier (properties within 5 miles command premium rates), professional photography, responsive guest communication, and targeting corporate travelers during weekdays and leisure guests on weekends. A typical 3-bedroom home near the resort generating $28,000 annually with $16,800 in expenses would yield approximately $11,200 in net profit, representing a 40% margin, though properties further from main attractions may see margins closer to 15-25% due to lower occupancy and rates.

Airbnb investments in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% due to the area's proximity to The Greenbrier resort and seasonal tourism patterns. Cash-on-cash returns generally range from 6-10% annually, with properties near the resort or downtown area performing at the higher end of this range. Most investors achieve profitability within 18-24 months, assuming average property acquisition costs of $150,000-$250,000 and monthly gross rental income of $1,800-$3,200 depending on property size and location. The market benefits from consistent demand during golf season (April-October) and holiday periods, with occupancy rates typically reaching 65-75% annually. Properties within walking distance of The Greenbrier or featuring luxury amenities can command premium rates of $200-$350 per night, while standard properties average $120-$180 per night, contributing to the overall ROI performance in this West Virginia mountain resort community.

STRSearch is a leading national platform that helps investors identify profitable short-term rental properties in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, using data analytics to evaluate potential Airbnb returns. Local real estate agents like Mountain State Realty and Greenbrier Valley Real Estate have experience with investment properties in the area, particularly given the proximity to The Greenbrier resort which drives tourism demand. National services include Awning, which provides end-to-end Airbnb investment services including property identification and management, and Mashvisor, an analytics platform that evaluates rental property potential in smaller markets like White Sulphur Springs. BiggerPockets connects investors with local professionals familiar with the West Virginia market, while Roofstock and Arrived Homes occasionally feature properties in secondary markets throughout Appalachia. Local property management companies such as Greenbrier County Property Management and Mountain View Vacation Rentals can assist with identifying suitable investment properties while also providing ongoing management services. AirDNA provides market data specific to White Sulphur Springs' short-term rental performance, helping investors make informed decisions about property purchases in this resort town market that benefits from year-round tourism to The Greenbrier and outdoor recreation activities.