Is Yorktown, Virginia Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Yorktown, Virginia, begin by researching local regulations through York County's zoning department, as short-term rentals may require special use permits or business licenses depending on your property's zoning classification. Contact York County Planning and Development Services to understand specific requirements, which typically include obtaining a business license ($30-50 annually), ensuring compliance with fire safety codes, and potentially securing a conditional use permit if operating in residential zones. Find a suitable property by searching areas near Colonial Williamsburg, Yorktown Battlefield, or waterfront locations along the York River, with average property prices ranging $200,000-$400,000 for suitable rental homes. Furnish the space with colonial or nautical themes appropriate to Yorktown's historic character, budgeting $15,000-$25,000 for a complete 2-3 bedroom setup including quality mattresses, linens, kitchen essentials, and period-appropriate decor. List your property on Airbnb and VRBO platforms with professional photography highlighting proximity to historic sites like the American Revolution Museum and Yorktown Beach, setting competitive rates of $100-$200 per night based on seasonality and local events. Manage the property by establishing relationships with local cleaning services ($75-$100 per turnover), maintenance contractors, and consider hiring a property management company like Vacasa or RedAwning if you're not local, which typically charge 20-35% of rental income but handle guest communications, cleaning coordination, and maintenance issues while ensuring compliance with York County's evolving short-term rental regulations.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Yorktown, Virginia, focus on locations within walking distance of Colonial Williamsburg, Yorktown Battlefield, and the historic waterfront area, as these attract the highest tourist traffic year-round. Target 2-4 bedroom properties built after 1990 with modern amenities, parking, and outdoor spaces, as families and history enthusiasts comprise the primary market segment. Conduct pricing analysis using AirDNA and STR data for the 23690 and 23692 zip codes, where successful properties typically command $150-300 per night depending on size and proximity to attractions. Research competition by analyzing occupancy rates and reviews of existing STRs within a 2-mile radius of major historical sites, noting that properties offering unique colonial-themed decor or waterfront views consistently outperform generic rentals. Utilize tools like Mashvisor for market analysis, connect with Williamsburg Area Association of Realtors for local insights, monitor York County zoning regulations for STR compliance, and leverage tourism data from Colonial Williamsburg Foundation and Virginia Tourism Corporation to understand seasonal demand patterns, with peak seasons typically running March through November coinciding with school field trips and summer tourism.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Yorktown, Virginia, you must first contact the York County Planning Division at 224 Ballard Street, Yorktown, VA 23690, as Yorktown falls under York County jurisdiction for zoning matters. Submit a Short-Term Rental Permit application along with required documents including property deed or lease agreement, site plan showing parking and property layout, proof of liability insurance (minimum $1 million coverage), fire safety inspection certificate from York County Fire Marshal, health department approval if applicable, and a $150 application fee. You'll also need to provide contact information for a local property manager if you're not residing within 50 miles, demonstrate compliance with parking requirements (typically 2 spaces per unit), and ensure the property meets all residential zoning requirements. The application process typically takes 30-45 days for review and approval, during which time the county will conduct inspections and notify adjacent property owners. Once approved, you must register with the Virginia Department of Taxation for transient occupancy tax collection, obtain a York County business license ($50 annually), and comply with occupancy limits (usually 2 persons per bedroom plus 2 additional), quiet hours (10 PM to 7 AM), and maintain a guest registry for county inspection upon request.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are legal in Yorktown, Virginia, but operate under York County's zoning regulations since Yorktown is located within York County. As of 2023, York County allows STRs in residential areas but requires operators to obtain a zoning permit and comply with specific requirements including occupancy limits, parking provisions, and noise restrictions. Properties must be owner-occupied or have a local contact person available 24/7, and rentals are typically limited to no more than 14 consecutive days. The county prohibits STRs in certain residential districts and requires compliance with health and safety codes, tax registration, and transient occupancy tax collection. Recent changes around 2022-2023 have included stricter enforcement of existing regulations and enhanced permit requirements, with violations subject to fines and permit revocation.

The most promising Airbnb investment areas in Yorktown, Virginia center around the Historic Yorktown district near the Colonial National Historical Park and Yorktown Battlefield, which attracts over 4 million visitors annually to experience Revolutionary War history and the site of Cornwallis's surrender in 1781. The waterfront area along the York River, particularly near Yorktown Beach and the Riverwalk Landing entertainment district, offers strong potential due to its proximity to restaurants, shops, and seasonal events like the Yorktown Wine Festival and Patriots Colony. The area near Water Street and Main Street benefits from foot traffic to attractions like the American Revolution Museum and Yorktown Victory Center, while properties within walking distance of the Yorktown Pub and other colonial-themed establishments capture tourists seeking authentic historical experiences. Additionally, the neighborhoods adjacent to Newport News Park and close to Colonial Williamsburg (just 15 minutes away) provide spillover demand from visitors exploring the broader Historic Triangle region, especially during peak summer months and holiday periods when major hotels reach capacity.

In Yorktown, Virginia, Airbnb properties are subject to both state and local lodging taxes. The Virginia state transient occupancy tax is 5.3% on stays less than 90 days, collected by the Virginia Department of Taxation. York County imposes an additional local transient occupancy tax of 2% on short-term rentals, bringing the total tax rate to approximately 7.3%. These taxes are typically collected from guests at the time of booking through Airbnb's automatic tax collection system, which remits payments directly to the appropriate tax authorities on behalf of hosts. However, hosts should verify their registration status with both the Virginia Department of Taxation and York County's tax office, as some jurisdictions require separate business licenses or permits. Exemptions may apply for stays exceeding 90 consecutive days, government employees on official business, and certain nonprofit organizations, though documentation is typically required. Hosts are responsible for maintaining records of all bookings and tax collections, and may need to file periodic returns even when using Airbnb's collection service, particularly for any direct bookings outside the platform.

The total cost to start an Airbnb in Yorktown, Virginia is approximately $385,000-$450,000. Property purchase costs around $320,000-$380,000 based on median home prices in the Yorktown area. Furnishing a 2-3 bedroom property typically 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 marketing materials total $1,500-$3,000. Permits and fees in York County include business license ($50-$100), short-term rental permit ($200-$500), and potential HOA approval fees ($100-$300). Insurance for short-term rentals costs $2,000-$3,500 annually, with first year paid upfront. Utility setup and deposits for electricity, water, gas, internet, and cable run $500-$800. First six months operating costs including utilities ($1,200), cleaning services ($1,800), maintenance and repairs ($1,000), property management software ($300), and marketing ($500) total approximately $4,800. Additional considerations include potential property management fees if outsourced (25-30% of revenue) and maintaining 3-6 months of mortgage payments as reserves ($6,000-$12,000).

Airbnb properties in Yorktown, Virginia typically generate annual revenues between $15,000-$35,000 for well-positioned properties, with average daily rates ranging from $85-$150 depending on proximity to Colonial Williamsburg and seasonal demand. Operating expenses generally consume 40-60% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($30-50 per turnover), property management (15-25% of revenue), utilities ($150-300 monthly), insurance ($1,200-2,000 annually), and maintenance costs averaging $2,000-4,000 yearly. Properties within walking distance of historic sites or waterfront locations achieve higher occupancy rates of 60-75% annually, while suburban properties typically see 45-60% occupancy. Net profit margins for successful operators range from 25-40%, with properties near Yorktown Battlefield and Colonial National Historical Park commanding premium rates during peak tourist seasons (April-October). Success factors include professional photography, responsive guest communication, strategic pricing during events like the Yorktown Victory Celebration, and maintaining historical charm while offering modern amenities. A typical 3-bedroom colonial-style home purchased for $350,000 and generating $28,000 in annual revenue with $16,000 in expenses would yield approximately $12,000 net profit, representing a 3.4% cash-on-cash return before considering property appreciation and tax benefits.

Airbnb investments in Yorktown, Virginia typically generate annual ROI of 12-18% due to the area's proximity to Colonial Williamsburg, Busch Gardens, and Water Country USA, with peak tourist seasons driving higher occupancy rates from April through October. Cash-on-cash returns generally range from 8-14% annually, with properties near the historic waterfront and Colonial National Historical Park commanding premium nightly rates of $120-200 during peak season and $80-120 during off-season months. Most investors achieve profitability within 18-24 months, particularly those purchasing properties in the $200,000-350,000 range and maintaining 65-75% annual occupancy rates. The market benefits from consistent demand from history enthusiasts, military families visiting nearby Naval Weapons Station Yorktown, and tourists exploring the Historic Triangle, with successful operators typically seeing gross rental yields of 15-22% before expenses, making the timeframe to break-even approximately 20-30 months depending on initial investment and renovation costs.

STRSearch leads the national market for Airbnb investment property analysis and market research, providing comprehensive data on short-term rental performance in Yorktown, Virginia. Local real estate agents specializing in investment properties include The Liz Moore & Associates team and Howard Hanna Real Estate Services, both with agents experienced in vacation rental acquisitions in the Historic Triangle area. Awning offers nationwide Airbnb property management and investment consulting services, while Mashvisor provides property analysis tools specifically for short-term rental investments. RedAwning specializes in vacation rental property sales and has listings in the Yorktown market. Local property management companies like Williamsburg Area Vacation Rentals and Colonial Heritage Property Management offer services to investors looking to purchase and operate Airbnb properties. AirDNA provides market data and analytics for short-term rental investments in the Yorktown area, while BiggerPockets connects investors with local real estate professionals experienced in vacation rental properties. Century 21 Nachman Realty and Coldwell Banker Traditions have agents familiar with the Yorktown investment property market, particularly properties suitable for short-term rentals given the area's proximity to Colonial Williamsburg and historical attractions.