Damascus

As of May 2026, Damascus, Abingdon, Bristol, Boone have 1,163 active Airbnb and VRBO listings. This represents a 1% decrease from the previous year.

The average Airbnb or VRBO in Damascus generates $24K per year. High-performing properties earn $48K/year, while low-performing properties earn $10K/year. This wide earnings gap, coupled with a 29% revenue drop, suggests that market success is increasingly concentrated among a small tier of listings that effectively navigate the current downward pressure on overall demand.

Average home prices in Damascus vary by property size: 1-bedroom properties cost approximately $107K, 2-bedroom homes average $135K, 3-bedroom properties are around $203K, and 4+ bedroom homes average $266K. These prices reflect median home values across the Damascus, Abingdon, Bristol, Boone area.

Airbnb and VRBO can be profitable in Damascus, with an average gross yield of 13% across all properties. High-performing properties achieve yields up to 26%, which is considered top for short-term rental investment. The doubling of yields at the top end reflects a bifurcated market where elite performers maintain strong returns despite stagnant supply and contracting revenue.

The average occupancy rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Damascus is 29%. This occupancy level, combined with an average nightly rate of $195, results in a RevPAR (revenue per available room) of $45 per day.

2-bedroom properties demonstrate the strongest performance in Damascus, with an average gross yield of 16% and annual revenue of $22K. These properties balance purchase price ($135K), operating costs, and rental demand most effectively in the Damascus market.

Short-term rental regulations vary by jurisdiction in the Damascus area. Damascus, VA: Lenient. No specific STR regulations. Operates under general zoning and business license rules. Minimal enforcement. Abingdon, VA: Lenient. Business license required, zoning compliance. Light enforcement, many operate informally. Bristol, TN/VA: Lenient. Business license needed, basic zoning rules. Minimal active enforcement of STRs. Boone, NC: Moderate. Town registration required, occupancy limits, parking rules. Complaint-driven enforcement, some operate without permits. Always verify current regulations with local authorities and obtain necessary permits before operating a short-term rental.

The Damascus Airbnb and VRBO market is currently showing balanced conditions. Supply has declined 1% year-over-year, while RevPAR has decreased 29%. This indicates balanced supply-demand dynamics. While the stability in supply prevents oversaturation, the significant RevPAR decline highlights that existing operators are facing softening demand regardless of the lack of new market entrants.

Launch around July, 2-3 months before peak fall season (October peaks). This pre-peak timing lets you build reviews when competition is -33% lower than peak months. Avoid launching during peak season when established listings dominate, or slow months (March-January) when gaining traction is harder.

The most common amenities in Damascus listings include: Air Conditioning (97%), Kitchen (96%), Tv (86%), Washing Machine (75%), Heating (69%). Amenities that boost revenue the most include Lake Access, Hot Tub, Washing Machine, with Lake Access properties earning approximately 38% more ($48K/year vs $34K/year).

Monthly estimated revenue per listing in Damascus over the last 12 months: May: $2K, June: $2K, July: $2K, August: $2K, September: $1K, October: $2K, November: $2K, December: $1K, January: $677, February: $676, March: $1K, April: $2K. These figures are based on RevPAR (revenue per available room) multiplied by the number of days in each month.

The overall average nightly rate in Damascus is $195, up 16% year-over-year. By property size: 1-bedroom properties average $140/night, 2-bedroom properties average $162/night, 3-bedroom properties average $216/night, 4+ bedroom properties average $360/night. Rates peak in November and are lowest in January.

Guests in Damascus book an average of 29 days in advance, down 24% from last year. By property size: 1-bedroom: 28 days, 2-bedroom: 28 days, 3-bedroom: 30 days, 4+ bedroom: 35 days. Larger properties tend to have longer booking windows as guests plan group trips further ahead.

Over the past year, the Damascus Airbnb and VRBO market has seen the following changes: supply declined 1%, revenue per listing decreased 29%, occupancy fell 26%, average nightly rates increased 16%, and lead time decreased 24%. These metrics reveal a market shifting toward shorter booking windows and higher pricing, which has inadvertently compressed occupancy and total revenue.

In Damascus, Saturday sees the highest booking demand while Tuesday has the lowest. Nightly rates peak on Saturday and are lowest on Tuesday. Weekends show 63% higher occupancy than weekdays.