Highlands

As of May 2026, Highlands, Cashiers, Franklin have 1,280 active Airbnb and VRBO listings. This represents a 3% decrease from the previous year.

The average Airbnb or VRBO in Highlands generates $40K per year. High-performing properties earn $87K/year, while low-performing properties earn $19K/year. The significant delta between top earners and the average suggests that revenue potential is heavily concentrated in specific listings, rather than distributed evenly across the market.

Average home prices in Highlands vary by property size: 1-bedroom properties cost approximately $333K, 2-bedroom homes average $432K, 3-bedroom properties are around $710K, and 4+ bedroom homes average $1.8M. These prices reflect median home values across the Highlands, Cashiers, Franklin area.

Airbnb and VRBO can be profitable in Highlands, with an average gross yield of 5% across all properties. High-performing properties achieve yields up to 11%, which is considered top for short-term rental investment. This spread highlights that while baseline returns are modest, top-tier assets capture a disproportionate share of market efficiency.

The average occupancy rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Highlands is 28%. This occupancy level, combined with an average nightly rate of $391, results in a RevPAR (revenue per available room) of $77 per day.

1-bedroom properties demonstrate the strongest performance in Highlands, with an average gross yield of 8% and annual revenue of $28K. These properties balance purchase price ($333K), operating costs, and rental demand most effectively in the Highlands market.

Short-term rental regulations vary by jurisdiction in the Highlands area. Highlands: Moderate. Business license required, zoning compliance needed. Standard enforcement through complaints. Cashiers: Lenient. Minimal regulations, basic business registration. Light enforcement, complaint-driven only. Franklin: Moderate. Business license and zoning approval required. Moderate enforcement, primarily complaint-based with periodic reviews. Always verify current regulations with local authorities and obtain necessary permits before operating a short-term rental.

The Highlands Airbnb and VRBO market is currently showing balanced conditions. Supply has declined 3% year-over-year, while RevPAR has decreased 33%. This indicates balanced supply-demand dynamics. The synchronized contraction suggests a broader market correction rather than an oversupply issue, as both inventory and revenue metrics are retreating together.

Launch around April, 2-3 months before peak summer season (July peaks). This pre-peak timing lets you build reviews when competition is 24% lower than peak months. Avoid launching during peak season when established listings dominate, or slow months (March-February) when gaining traction is harder.

The most common amenities in Highlands listings include: Air Conditioning (96%), Kitchen (93%), Washing Machine (86%), Tv (70%), Balcony (58%). Amenities that boost revenue the most include Washing Machine, Air Conditioning, Internet, with Washing Machine properties earning approximately 33% more ($69K/year vs $52K/year).

Monthly estimated revenue per listing in Highlands over the last 12 months: May: $2K, June: $3K, July: $4K, August: $3K, September: $2K, October: $4K, November: $3K, December: $3K, January: $1K, February: $1K, March: $2K, 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 Highlands is $391, up 13% year-over-year. By property size: 1-bedroom properties average $259/night, 2-bedroom properties average $288/night, 3-bedroom properties average $385/night, 4+ bedroom properties average $641/night. Rates peak in December and are lowest in May.

Guests in Highlands book an average of 38 days in advance, down 23% from last year. By property size: 1-bedroom: 31 days, 2-bedroom: 35 days, 3-bedroom: 39 days, 4+ bedroom: 47 days. Larger properties tend to have longer booking windows as guests plan group trips further ahead.

Over the past year, the Highlands Airbnb and VRBO market has seen the following changes: supply declined 3%, revenue per listing decreased 33%, occupancy fell 19%, average nightly rates increased 13%, and lead time decreased 23%. These shifts reveal a tightening environment where price hikes have not offset the drop in utilization.

In Highlands, Saturday sees the highest booking demand while Tuesday has the lowest. Nightly rates peak on Friday and are lowest on Sunday. Weekends show 52% higher occupancy than weekdays.