Question 1

How many Airbnb and VRBO listings are in Fontana Lake?

Accepted Answer

Over the 12 months ending September 2026, the Fontana Lake market averaged 3,000 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, up 4% from a year earlier and up 22% over two years.

Question 2

How much do Airbnbs and VRBOs make in Fontana Lake?

Accepted Answer

An average Fontana Lake listing earns $35K/year. High-performing listings earn $69K, while low-performing listings earn $14K.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Median Fontana Lake home prices by size are 1-bedroom $200K, 2-bedroom $268K, 3-bedroom $341K, and 4+ bedroom $417K.

Question 4

What is the occupancy rate for Airbnb and VRBO in Fontana Lake?

Accepted Answer

Average occupancy in Fontana Lake is 32%, producing RevPAR of $76 per available night.

Question 5

Are short-term rentals legal in Fontana Lake?

Accepted Answer

Rules vary across Fontana Lake. Bryson City: Lenient. No specific STR regulations or permit requirements. Operates under general zoning and business license rules. Minimal enforcement.
Cherokee: Lenient. Tribal land with minimal STR restrictions. Business license required. Light oversight, market-driven approach.
Fontana Dam: Lenient. Unincorporated area with no specific STR rules. County zoning applies. Very limited enforcement, hosts operate freely. Verify requirements for the property's jurisdiction.

Question 6

Is the Fontana Lake Airbnb and VRBO market oversaturated?

Accepted Answer

The Fontana Lake Airbnb and VRBO market appears broadly balanced. Supply has grown 4% year-over-year, while RevPAR has increased 16%, showing no clear supply-demand imbalance.

Question 7

When is peak season for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Fontana Lake?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 8

Which Airbnb and VRBO amenities matter most in Fontana Lake?

Accepted Answer

The most common amenities are Air Conditioning (98%), TV (98%), Kitchen (96%). The strongest positive revenue associations are Washing Machine (+41%), Lake Access (+34%), Air Conditioning (+32%).

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

Average daily rate in Fontana Lake is $253, up 20% year-over-year. Rates peak in July and are lowest in January.

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

Guests in Fontana Lake book an average of 39 days in advance. Booking windows range from 33 days for 1-bedroom listings to 50 days for 4+ bedroom listings.

Question 11

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

Accepted Answer

Booking demand is highest on Saturday and lowest on Tuesday. Nightly rates peak on Friday and are lowest on Tuesday. Weekend occupancy is 70% 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.Eastern Fontana Lake & Grassy Branch	$40.9K 123 listings	13.0% 123 listings
2.Almond & Eastern Fontana Lake	$36.9K 59 listings	12.2% 59 listings
3.Nantahala Lake & Topton Surroundings	$41.6K 50 listings	11.7% 50 listings
4.Robbinsville & Graham County Mountains	$29.3K 164 listings	11.7% 164 listings
5.Andrews & Valley Surroundings	$27.7K 40 listings	11.4% 40 listings
6.Bryson City & Inland Mountain Surroundings	$32.4K 369 listings	11.1% 369 listings
7.Nantahala Gorge & Wesser Surroundings	$31.2K 186 listings	11.0% 186 listings
8.Cowee & Northern Franklin Mountains	$29.3K 76 listings	10.6% 76 listings
9.Whittier & Mountain Surroundings	$32.2K 192 listings	10.5% 192 listings
10.Bryson City Town	$24.9K 101 listings	10.1% 101 listings
11.Tellico Plains & Mountain Surroundings	$25.4K 27 listings	9.6% 27 listings
12.Franklin & Mountain Surroundings	$24.8K 192 listings	9.2% 192 listings