Question 1

How many Airbnb and VRBO listings are in Chapel Hill?

Accepted Answer

Over the 12 months ending September 2026, the Chapel Hill market averaged 1,370 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, up 8% from a year earlier and up 45% over two years.

Question 2

How much do Airbnbs and VRBOs make in Chapel Hill?

Accepted Answer

An average Chapel Hill listing earns $30K/year. High-performing listings earn $61K, while low-performing listings earn $9K.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Median Chapel Hill home prices by size are 1-bedroom $247K, 2-bedroom $258K, 3-bedroom $335K, and 4+ bedroom $466K.

Question 4

What is the occupancy rate for Airbnb and VRBO in Chapel Hill?

Accepted Answer

Average occupancy in Chapel Hill is 35%, producing RevPAR of $64 per available night.

Question 5

Are short-term rentals legal in Chapel Hill?

Accepted Answer

Rules vary across Chapel Hill. Chapel Hill: Strict. Requires special use permit, owner-occupancy mandatory, 180-day annual cap. Active enforcement with complaints investigated.
Durham: Moderate. Business license and registration required, zoning restrictions apply. Enforcement complaint-driven but increasing.
Raleigh: Lenient. Business license and tax registration needed, basic zoning compliance. Light enforcement, many operate without full compliance. Verify requirements for the property's jurisdiction.

Question 6

Is the Chapel Hill Airbnb and VRBO market oversaturated?

Accepted Answer

The Chapel Hill Airbnb and VRBO market appears broadly balanced. Supply has grown 8% year-over-year, while RevPAR has increased 9%, showing no clear supply-demand imbalance.

Question 7

When is peak season for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Chapel Hill?

Accepted Answer

RevPAR is highest in May and July; it is lowest in January and February.

Question 8

Which Airbnb and VRBO amenities matter most in Chapel Hill?

Accepted Answer

The most common amenities are Air Conditioning (100%), Internet (99%), Parking (98%). The strongest positive revenue associations are Lake Access (+58%), Bbq (+41%), TV (+37%).

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

Average daily rate in Chapel Hill is $218, up 22% year-over-year. Rates peak in May and are lowest in January.

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

Guests in Chapel Hill book an average of 30 days in advance, down 3% from last year. Booking windows range from 25 days for 1-bedroom listings to 36 days for 4+ bedroom listings.

Question 11

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

Accepted Answer

Booking demand is highest on Saturday and lowest on Tuesday. Nightly rates peak on Saturday and are lowest on Tuesday. Weekend occupancy is 45% 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.Graham & Eastern Alamance	$32.8K 54 listings	13.1% 54 listings
2.Hyco Lake & Caswell	$43.4K 33 listings	12.6% 33 listings
3.Roxboro & Person County	$40.7K 26 listings	12.3% 26 listings
4.Burlington & Elon	$28.5K 52 listings	10.8% 52 listings
5.Hillsborough & Rural Orange County	$36.2K 37 listings	10.7% 37 listings
6.Southwest & South Durham	$30.6K 136 listings	10.2% 136 listings
7.West & Northwest Durham	$29.1K 106 listings	9.5% 106 listings
8.Chapel Hill & Carrboro	$30.6K 145 listings	8.1% 145 listings
9.Pittsboro & Western Chatham	$28.9K 40 listings	7.6% 40 listings