Question 1

How many Airbnb and VRBO listings are in Athens?

Accepted Answer

Over the 12 months ending September 2026, the Athens market averaged 1,150 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, up 2% from a year earlier and up 48% over two years.

Question 2

How much do Airbnbs and VRBOs make in Athens?

Accepted Answer

An average Athens listing earns $34K/year. High-performing listings earn $85K, while low-performing listings earn $16K.

Question 3

How much does it cost to buy an Airbnb or VRBO property in Athens?

Accepted Answer

Median Athens home prices by size are 1-bedroom $299K, 2-bedroom $241K, 3-bedroom $315K, and 4+ bedroom $401K.

Question 4

What is the occupancy rate for Airbnb and VRBO in Athens?

Accepted Answer

Average occupancy in Athens is 29%, producing RevPAR of $77 per available night.

Question 5

Are short-term rentals legal in Athens?

Accepted Answer

Rules vary across Athens. Athens: Moderate. Business license and occupational tax certificate required, zoning compliance needed. Some neighborhoods restrict STRs. Enforcement is complaint-driven but active in historic districts.
Lake Lanier: Lenient. Unincorporated Hall County has minimal regulations. Business license recommended. Light enforcement, many operate without formal compliance.
Gainesville: Moderate. Business license required, zoning restrictions apply in residential areas. Hall County regulations vary by location. Enforcement is complaint-based, moderately active in city limits. Verify requirements for the property's jurisdiction.

Question 6

Is the Athens Airbnb and VRBO market oversaturated?

Accepted Answer

The Athens Airbnb and VRBO market appears broadly balanced. Supply has grown 2% year-over-year, while RevPAR has decreased 1%, showing no clear supply-demand imbalance.

Question 7

When is peak season for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Athens?

Accepted Answer

RevPAR is highest in September and October; it is lowest in January and December.

Question 8

Which Airbnb and VRBO amenities matter most in Athens?

Accepted Answer

The most common amenities are Air Conditioning (100%), Internet (99%), Heating (98%). The strongest positive revenue associations are Washing Machine (+68%), Parking (+41%), Pool (+29%).

Question 9

What is the average nightly rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Athens?

Accepted Answer

Average daily rate in Athens is $307, up 17% year-over-year. Rates peak in September and are lowest in January.

Question 10

How far in advance do guests book Airbnb and VRBO stays in Athens?

Accepted Answer

Guests in Athens book an average of 31 days in advance, down 7% from last year. Booking windows range from 29 days for 1-bedroom listings to 35 days for 4+ bedroom listings.

Question 11

Which days of the week perform best for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Athens?

Accepted Answer

Booking demand is highest on Friday and lowest on Monday. Nightly rates peak on Friday and are lowest on Tuesday. Weekend occupancy is 65% higher than weekday occupancy.

Question 12

How is gross yield calculated?

Accepted Answer

For each eligible home, annual room-revenue potential is divided by a ZIP- and bedroom-matched home-value estimate. Groups show the median of those yields. Cleaning income is excluded. Gross yield is before expenses and financing.

Neighborhood	Revenue (potential)	Gross yield
1.North Athens, Commerce & Jefferson	$37.7K 31 listings	13.5% 31 listings
2.Athens East & Winterville	$35.0K 85 listings	12.1% 85 listings
3.Lake Hartwell, Hartwell & Lavonia	$32.3K 91 listings	11.5% 91 listings
4.Athens West	$39.4K 97 listings	11.5% 97 listings
5.Downtown, UGA & Northeast Athens	$34.9K 104 listings	11.1% 104 listings
6.Oconee, Bogart & Watkinsville	$34.3K 28 listings	9.9% 28 listings