Question 1

How many Airbnb and VRBO listings are in South Bend?

Accepted Answer

Over the 12 months ending September 2026, the South Bend market averaged 3,193 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, up 14% from a year earlier and up 38% over two years.

Question 2

How much do Airbnbs and VRBOs make in South Bend?

Accepted Answer

An average South Bend listing earns $48K/year. High-performing listings earn $134K, while low-performing listings earn $22K.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Median South Bend home prices by size are 1-bedroom $130K, 2-bedroom $198K, 3-bedroom $275K, and 4+ bedroom $333K.

Question 4

What is the occupancy rate for Airbnb and VRBO in South Bend?

Accepted Answer

Average occupancy in South Bend is 28%, producing RevPAR of $104 per available night.

Question 5

Are short-term rentals legal in South Bend?

Accepted Answer

Rules vary across South Bend. South Bend: Moderate. Registration required, $50 annual fee, safety inspections, owner-occupancy required for short-term rentals. Zoning restrictions apply. Enforcement is moderate with compliance checks.
Notre Dame: Lenient. No specific STR regulations; follows county rules. Minimal oversight, light enforcement in unincorporated areas.
Mishawaka: Lenient. Business license required, basic zoning compliance. No owner-occupancy mandate or density caps. Light enforcement, mostly complaint-driven. Verify requirements for the property's jurisdiction.

Question 6

Is the South Bend Airbnb and VRBO market oversaturated?

Accepted Answer

The South Bend Airbnb and VRBO market appears broadly balanced. Supply has grown 14% year-over-year, while RevPAR has increased 19%, showing no clear supply-demand imbalance.

Question 7

When is peak season for Airbnbs and VRBOs in South Bend?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 8

Which Airbnb and VRBO amenities matter most in South Bend?

Accepted Answer

The most common amenities are Air Conditioning (99%), Internet (99%), Heating (98%). The strongest positive revenue associations are Internet (+78%), Washing Machine (+75%), Pool (+75%).

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

Average daily rate in South Bend is $433, up 18% year-over-year. Rates peak in July and are lowest in March.

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

Guests in South Bend book an average of 39 days in advance, up 5% from last year. Booking windows range from 29 days for 1-bedroom listings to 47 days for 4+ bedroom listings.

Question 11

Which days of the week perform best for Airbnbs and VRBOs in South Bend?

Accepted Answer

Booking demand is highest on Saturday and lowest on Tuesday. Nightly rates peak on Saturday and are lowest on Wednesday. Weekend occupancy is 65% 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.St Joseph and Fair Plain	$55.8K 34 listings	24.7% 34 listings
2.Central and Northwest South Bend	$38.6K 32 listings	22.3% 32 listings
3.Benton Harbor and Northern Berrien County	$57.6K 36 listings	22.1% 36 listings
4.Dowagiac and Northern Cass Lakes	$47.6K 29 listings	20.4% 29 listings
5.Elkhart and Western Elkhart County	$33.3K 39 listings	19.6% 39 listings
6.Niles and Howard Township	$31.8K 38 listings	18.9% 38 listings
7.Mishawaka and Penn Township	$45.7K 40 listings	17.6% 40 listings
8.Stevensville and Lincoln Township	$60.0K 49 listings	17.3% 49 listings
9.Sunnymede and River Park	$46.0K 40 listings	16.3% 40 listings
10.Notre Dame and North St Joseph County	$44.3K 60 listings	16.2% 60 listings
11.Berrien Springs and Baroda Country	$45.0K 39 listings	14.6% 39 listings
12.Northeast and East South Bend	$38.1K 77 listings	14.6% 77 listings
13.Bridgman and Lake Township	$51.1K 44 listings	14.5% 44 listings
14.East Bank and Howard Park	$47.4K 35 listings	13.6% 35 listings
15.Three Oaks and Galien	$45.1K 41 listings	12.9% 41 listings
16.Chikaming Township	$62.2K 134 listings	11.0% 134 listings
17.New Buffalo City	$57.2K 101 listings	9.2% 101 listings
18.New Buffalo Township and Southwest Beaches	$63.2K 119 listings	8.6% 119 listings