Is Yachats, Oregon Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Yachats, Oregon, begin by researching local regulations through the City of Yachats planning department, as the city requires short-term rental permits and has specific zoning restrictions limiting STRs to certain residential areas with a maximum of 30% of properties in any neighborhood. Obtain necessary permits including a City of Yachats short-term rental license ($200-400 annually), Oregon business license, and ensure compliance with Lincoln County health and safety requirements including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and emergency exit plans. Find a suitable property within approved zones, typically single-family homes or condos in residential areas, ensuring it meets the city's requirement of being owner-occupied or having a local property manager within 25 miles. Furnish the property with coastal-appropriate furniture, high-quality linens, full kitchen amenities, and outdoor gear storage for beach activities, budgeting $15,000-25,000 for a 2-3 bedroom property. List your property on Airbnb, VRBO, and other platforms with professional photography highlighting ocean views and proximity to Yachats' beaches, emphasizing the town's attractions like Thor's Well and Cape Perpetua. Manage the property by establishing relationships with local cleaning services ($75-150 per turnover), maintenance contractors familiar with coastal property challenges, and consider hiring a local property management company (10-20% of revenue) given Yachats' remote location and seasonal tourism patterns that peak during summer months and storm-watching season.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Yachats, Oregon, focus on oceanfront or ocean-view locations within walking distance of the beach, particularly properties near the 804 Trail, Smelt Sands Recreation Site, or downtown area around Highway 101. Target 2-4 bedroom homes or condos built after 1980 with modern amenities like updated kitchens, hot tubs, fireplaces, and pet-friendly features, as Yachats attracts many visitors with dogs. Analyze pricing by researching comparable Airbnb and VRBO listings in the $150-400 nightly range depending on size and proximity to ocean, with peak rates during summer months (June-September) and storm watching season (November-February). Study competition using AirDNA, Mashvisor, or STR Helper to assess occupancy rates and revenue potential, noting that Yachats has limited inventory due to its small size, creating opportunities for well-positioned properties. Utilize local resources like Lincoln County planning department for zoning regulations, connect with Yachats realtors familiar with STR regulations, monitor vacation rental management companies like Meredith Lodging or Ocean Lodging for market insights, and consider properties that can capitalize on Yachats' appeal as a romantic getaway destination and storm watching hub while ensuring compliance with city short-term rental licensing requirements.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Yachats, Oregon, you must first contact the Yachats City Hall at 441 Highway 101 North or call (541) 547-3565 to obtain a Short-Term Rental License application, as Yachats requires all STRs to be licensed before operation. Required documents typically include a completed application form, proof of property ownership or lease agreement, floor plan of the rental unit, parking plan showing adequate off-street parking, septic system inspection (if applicable), fire safety plan, and contact information for a local property manager if you're not local. The application fee is approximately $200-300 initially with annual renewal fees around $150-200, and you'll need to pay Lincoln County transient lodging tax registration fees separately. Submit your complete application to Yachats Planning Department, and the review process typically takes 4-6 weeks including a mandatory 14-day public notice period where neighbors can provide input. Specific Yachats requirements include maintaining a local contact person available 24/7, providing adequate off-street parking (typically 2 spaces minimum), ensuring the property meets all building and fire codes, limiting occupancy based on bedrooms and septic capacity, and adhering to quiet hours and good neighbor policies. Once approved, you must display your license number in all advertising, collect and remit city and county lodging taxes, and renew annually by December 31st with proof of continued compliance and any required inspections.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are legal in Yachats, Oregon, but operate under strict municipal regulations established around 2019-2020. The city requires STR operators to obtain a business license and conditional use permit, with properties limited to a maximum occupancy based on bedrooms plus two additional guests. Yachats prohibits STRs in certain residential zones to preserve neighborhood character, particularly in areas zoned for single-family residential use, while allowing them in commercial and mixed-use zones. The city has implemented noise ordinances, parking requirements (typically two off-street spaces), and mandates that operators provide 24-hour contact information for complaints. Recent changes include stricter enforcement mechanisms and potential caps on the total number of STR permits issued citywide, reflecting the community's effort to balance tourism revenue with housing availability for local residents. Property owners must also comply with Oregon state regulations and collect transient lodging taxes, with violations potentially resulting in permit revocation and fines up to $500 per day.

The most promising Airbnb investment areas in Yachats, Oregon center around the Oceanview Drive and Highway 101 corridor, particularly properties within walking distance of the Yachats State Recreation Area and the famous 804 Trail, as these locations attract year-round tourists seeking dramatic coastline views and tide pool exploration. The downtown village area near the Yachats Commons Park and local restaurants like Mo's and Ona Restaurant draws visitors for its walkable charm and proximity to the Yachats Music Festival held annually in July, while properties near the Ya'Xaik Trail and Amanda's Trail appeal to hiking enthusiasts and nature photographers. The residential neighborhoods along Pontiac Street and Marine Drive offer excellent investment potential due to their ocean proximity and access to popular attractions like Thor's Well and Devil's Churn, which generate consistent tourism from 2019 onwards when social media exposure significantly increased visitor numbers. Properties near the Yachats Ocean Road State Natural Site benefit from guests attending the annual Yachats Celtic Music Festival and those exploring the central Oregon coast's tide pools, with vacation rental demand peaking during summer months and remaining steady during storm-watching season from November through February.

Airbnb properties in Yachats, Oregon are subject to multiple lodging taxes including Oregon's statewide transient lodging tax of 1.8%, Lincoln County's transient room tax of 7%, and the City of Yachats transient lodging tax of 9%, totaling approximately 17.8% in combined lodging taxes. These taxes apply to stays of less than 30 consecutive days and are typically collected by Airbnb directly from guests and remitted to the appropriate tax authorities on behalf of hosts through Airbnb's automated tax collection service, which began operating in Oregon around 2017. Hosts must register with the Oregon Department of Revenue, Lincoln County, and the City of Yachats to obtain the necessary permits and tax identification numbers. The taxes are generally remitted monthly or quarterly depending on the jurisdiction's requirements, with Oregon requiring monthly remittance if collections exceed $1,000 per month. Exemptions typically include stays of 30 days or longer, certain government employees on official business, and some nonprofit organization bookings, though specific exemption criteria vary by jurisdiction and hosts should verify current requirements with each taxing authority as rates and procedures can change.

Starting an Airbnb in Yachats, Oregon requires approximately $650,000-$750,000 in total initial investment. Property purchase costs range from $500,000-$600,000 based on median home prices in this coastal town as of 2023-2024. Furnishing a vacation rental property typically costs $25,000-$35,000 including beds, linens, kitchen essentials, living room furniture, and coastal-themed decor. Initial setup expenses including professional photography, listing creation, and marketing materials cost around $2,000-$3,000. Permits and fees in Lincoln County include business license ($100), transient lodging tax registration ($25), and potential HOA or city short-term rental permits ranging $200-$500 annually. Insurance for short-term rentals costs approximately $2,500-$4,000 annually, significantly higher than standard homeowner's insurance. Utility setup and deposits for electricity, water, sewer, garbage, internet, and cable total around $1,500-$2,500. First six months of operating costs including utilities ($3,600), cleaning services ($4,800), supplies and maintenance ($2,400), property management software ($600), and marketing ($1,200) total approximately $12,600, bringing the complete startup investment to roughly $650,000-$750,000.

Airbnb properties in Yachats, Oregon demonstrate strong profitability potential with average nightly rates ranging from $150-350 depending on property type and oceanfront proximity, generating annual revenues of $35,000-85,000 for well-positioned properties with 60-70% occupancy rates during peak summer months (June-September) and 30-40% during off-season. Operating expenses typically include property management fees (15-25%), cleaning costs ($75-125 per turnover), utilities ($200-400 monthly), insurance ($1,500-3,000 annually), and maintenance ($3,000-6,000 yearly), resulting in net profit margins of 25-40% for successful operators. Success factors include oceanfront or ocean-view locations, proximity to popular attractions like Thor's Well and Heceta Head Lighthouse, professional photography, responsive guest communication, and amenities such as hot tubs, fireplaces, and pet-friendly policies given the area's outdoor recreation focus. Properties within walking distance of Yachats State Recreation Area and local restaurants like Ona Restaurant typically command premium rates, with some luxury oceanfront homes generating over $100,000 annually while smaller inland properties may earn $25,000-40,000, though both can achieve healthy returns when properly managed and marketed to the area's steady stream of tourists seeking coastal Oregon experiences.

Airbnb investments in Yachats, Oregon typically generate annual ROI of 12-18% due to the coastal location's strong tourism demand, particularly during summer months when properties can command $200-400 per night. Cash-on-cash returns generally range from 8-14% annually, with oceanview properties performing at the higher end of this spectrum. Most investors achieve profitability within 18-24 months, driven by Yachats' popularity as a destination for visitors to the Oregon Coast, proximity to attractions like Thor's Well and Cape Perpetua, and limited hotel inventory that creates strong demand for vacation rentals. Properties within walking distance of the beach or downtown area typically see occupancy rates of 65-75% annually, with peak summer months reaching 85-95% occupancy at premium rates, while shoulder seasons maintain steady bookings from storm watchers and off-season travelers seeking coastal retreats.

STRSearch is a leading national platform that helps investors identify profitable short-term rental properties in Yachats, Oregon, using data analytics to evaluate potential returns. Local real estate agents specializing in vacation rental investments in Yachats include Yachats Village Rentals (established 2018), Oregon Coast Properties, and Coldwell Banker Coast Real Estate, who understand the unique zoning laws and rental regulations in Lincoln County. National services like AirDNA (founded 2015) and Mashvisor provide market analysis and revenue projections for Yachats properties, while companies such as RedAwning and Vacasa offer property management services for investors. Specialized investment firms including Roofstock and BiggerPockets connect investors with turnkey Airbnb properties along the Oregon Coast, and local property management companies like Meredith Lodging and Oregon Beach Vacations help maximize rental income through professional marketing and guest services. Real estate brokerages such as RE/MAX and Century 21 have agents experienced in investment properties who can identify oceanfront and village properties with strong rental potential in this popular coastal destination.