Richmond

As of May 2026, Richmond, Williamsburg, Charlottesville have 2,021 active Airbnb and VRBO listings. This represents a 1% decrease from the previous year.

The average Airbnb or VRBO in Richmond generates $42K per year. High-performing properties earn $78K/year, while low-performing properties earn $14K/year. The wide performance gap suggests that revenue is heavily concentrated in a subset of listings, as the overall market faces a 9.7% decline in revenue despite static supply levels.

Average home prices in Richmond vary by property size: 1-bedroom properties cost approximately $267K, 2-bedroom homes average $281K, 3-bedroom properties are around $365K, and 4+ bedroom homes average $475K. These prices reflect median home values across the Richmond, Williamsburg, Charlottesville area.

Airbnb and VRBO can be profitable in Richmond, with an average gross yield of 10% across all properties. High-performing properties achieve yields up to 19%, which is considered top for short-term rental investment. This yield spread highlights that market saturation currently impacts average earners more significantly than top-tier assets.

The average occupancy rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Richmond is 39%. This occupancy level, combined with an average nightly rate of $261, results in a RevPAR (revenue per available room) of $80 per day.

4+ bedroom properties demonstrate the strongest performance in Richmond, with an average gross yield of 14% and annual revenue of $70K. These properties balance purchase price ($475K), operating costs, and rental demand most effectively in the Richmond market.

Short-term rental regulations vary by jurisdiction in the Richmond area. Richmond: Moderate. Business license required, zoning restrictions in historic districts. Some enforcement through complaints. Williamsburg: Lenient. Business license needed, follows state lodging laws. Light enforcement, many operate freely. Charlottesville: Strict. Special use permit required, owner-occupancy mandate, density limits by zone. Active enforcement with violations pursued. Always verify current regulations with local authorities and obtain necessary permits before operating a short-term rental.

The Richmond Airbnb and VRBO market is currently showing balanced conditions. Supply has declined 1% year-over-year, while RevPAR has decreased 10%. This indicates balanced supply-demand dynamics. These metrics point to a market recalibrating where lower demand is being met with a slight reduction in available inventory.

Launch around May, 2-3 months before peak summer season (August peaks). This pre-peak timing lets you build reviews when competition is 9% lower than peak months. Avoid launching during peak season when established listings dominate, or slow months (December-February) when gaining traction is harder.

The most common amenities in Richmond listings include: Air Conditioning (100%), Kitchen (97%), Tv (91%), Washing Machine (87%), Heating (76%). Amenities that boost revenue the most include Hot Tub, Lake Access, Pool, with Hot Tub properties earning approximately 116% more ($109K/year vs $51K/year).

Monthly estimated revenue per listing in Richmond over the last 12 months: May: $2K, June: $2K, July: $3K, August: $3K, September: $2K, October: $3K, November: $3K, December: $2K, January: $2K, February: $1K, March: $2K, April: $3K. 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 Richmond is $261, up 26% year-over-year. By property size: 1-bedroom properties average $130/night, 2-bedroom properties average $183/night, 3-bedroom properties average $247/night, 4+ bedroom properties average $489/night. Rates peak in July and are lowest in February.

Guests in Richmond book an average of 32 days in advance, down 12% from last year. By property size: 1-bedroom: 27 days, 2-bedroom: 29 days, 3-bedroom: 31 days, 4+ bedroom: 43 days. Larger properties tend to have longer booking windows as guests plan group trips further ahead.

Over the past year, the Richmond Airbnb and VRBO market has seen the following changes: supply declined 1%, revenue per listing decreased 10%, occupancy fell 11%, average nightly rates increased 26%, and lead time decreased 12%. These shifts reflect a tightening environment where higher pricing strategy struggles to offset declining occupancy and shorter booking windows.

In Richmond, Saturday sees the highest booking demand while Monday has the lowest. Nightly rates peak on Saturday and are lowest on Tuesday. Weekends show 61% higher occupancy than weekdays.