Question 1

How many Airbnb and VRBO listings are in Highlands?

Accepted Answer

Over the 12 months ending September 2026, the Highlands market averaged 1,363 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, up 8% from a year earlier and up 22% over two years.

Question 2

How much do Airbnbs and VRBOs make in Highlands?

Accepted Answer

An average Highlands listing earns $41K/year. High-performing listings earn $96K, while low-performing listings earn $17K.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Median Highlands home prices by size are 1-bedroom $330K, 2-bedroom $439K, 3-bedroom $706K, and 4+ bedroom $1.9M.

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Average occupancy in Highlands is 27%, producing RevPAR of $90 per available night.

Question 5

Are short-term rentals legal in Highlands?

Accepted Answer

Rules vary across Highlands. Highlands: Moderate. Business license required, zoning compliance needed. Town enforces but many operate informally given tourism economy.
Cashiers: Lenient. Unincorporated area under Jackson County rules - minimal regulations, business license suggested. Very light enforcement.
Franklin: Moderate. Business license and zoning compliance required through Macon County. Standard enforcement, primarily complaint-driven rather than proactive monitoring. Verify requirements for the property's jurisdiction.

Question 6

Is the Highlands Airbnb and VRBO market oversaturated?

Accepted Answer

The Highlands Airbnb and VRBO market appears broadly balanced. Supply has grown 8% year-over-year, while RevPAR has increased 3%, showing no clear supply-demand imbalance.

Question 7

When is peak season for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Highlands?

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 Highlands?

Accepted Answer

The most common amenities are Internet (99%), Kitchen (98%), TV (97%). The strongest positive revenue associations are Ev Charger (+51%), Washing Machine (+48%), Pool (+23%).

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

Average daily rate in Highlands is $413, up 14% year-over-year. Rates peak in June and are lowest in January.

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

Guests in Highlands book an average of 42 days in advance, up 3% from last year. 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 Highlands?

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 54% 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.West Lake Glenville & Norton Surroundings	$41.8K 38 listings	9.4% 38 listings
2.Scaly Mountain	$32.2K 20 listings	7.7% 20 listings
3.Cullowhee & Northern Mountain Country	$31.0K 35 listings	7.6% 35 listings
4.Glenville & Eastern Lake Surroundings	$43.6K 38 listings	7.0% 38 listings
5.Highlands Town	$51.3K 155 listings	6.5% 155 listings
6.Highlands Mountain Surroundings	$53.1K 169 listings	5.0% 169 listings
7.Cashiers & Southern Plateau	$45.8K 90 listings	4.1% 90 listings