Virginia Beach, Virginia Short-Term Rental Market Overview
Visitor Profile
Virginia Beach attracts a diverse array of visitors, notably families, couples, and outdoor enthusiasts, all eager to experience its scenic shoreline, vibrant boardwalk, and family-friendly attractions. Many come seeking a quintessential beach vacation, indulging in activities like sunbathing, surfing, and seaside dining, while others are drawn to the region’s outdoor adventures, including kayaking and hiking in scenic natural areas. The city’s rich maritime history, lively arts scene, and entertainment options cater to a broad spectrum of interests. For those interested in exploring more, the Virginia Beach Aquarium & Marine Science Center remains one of the top attractions that encapsulate the region’s charm and educational appeal, making it a must-visit destination for travelers seeking memorable coastal experiences.
Top Attractions
Virginia Beach is renowned for its stunning sandy beaches and lively boardwalk, which serves as the heart of its vibrant tourism scene. The Virginia Beach Boardwalk, stretching three miles along the Atlantic Ocean, offers everything from scenic views and outdoor concerts to eateries and shops, making it the perfect place for visitors to relax and enjoy the seaside atmosphere. Beyond the beach, travelers flock to attractions like the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, where they can explore marine life through engaging exhibits and interactive displays, and the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art, which showcases local artists and innovative art installations.
Nature lovers and adventure seekers will appreciate the city’s numerous outdoor parks, wildlife refuges, and water-based activities such as kayaking, paddleboarding, and nature hikes. The city also hosts seasonal festivals and events that add to its appeal year-round. Whether it’s exploring the natural beauty of state parks, enjoying family-friendly attractions, or experiencing the dynamic local dining and entertainment scenes, Virginia Beach offers a diverse array of sights and activities that draw visitors from around the world, eager to experience its coastal charm and lively culture.
Regulations
Virginia Beach, Virginia, maintains a structured regulatory framework for short-term rentals that balances property rights with community interests. Hosts considering entering the market should anticipate requirements that address licensing, zoning restrictions, occupancy limits, and tax responsibilities. Understanding these rules is essential for lawful operation and to maintain good standing within the local community. Regulations typically include provisions related to property use, safety standards, and reporting obligations, reflecting the city’s commitment to responsible hosting practices.
Key Regulatory Considerations:
– Licensing and Permits: Property owners must obtain permits from the city before listing their property as a short-term rental. This process often involves an application and may include fees. The city’s department overseeing business licenses is typically responsible for issuing these permits.
– Primary Residence Requirements: Regulations often specify whether an STR must be the host’s primary residence or allow non-primary residences. In many locales similar to Virginia Beach, there might be limits on the number of rental days allowed for non-primary residences.
– Zoning and Location: Certain zoning districts may prohibit or restrict short-term rentals. Property owners should verify the zoning classification of their property to ensure compliance with local zoning ordinances.
– Occupancy, Health & Safety: Limits on the maximum number of guests per property may apply, along with requirements for maintaining safety equipment such as smoke detectors, carbon monoxide alarms, and fire extinguishers.
– Tax Obligations: Hosts are generally required to collect and remit transient occupancy taxes and possibly other sales taxes. Compliance with state and local tax laws is mandatory.
– Operational Standards & Enforcement: Rules around noise, parking, maximum guest numbers, and behavior may also govern STRs, with penalties including fines or permit revocation for violations.
For the most current and legally binding information, property owners should consult the City of Virginia Beach’s Official Short-Term Rental Regulations Page to review detailed ordinances and application procedures. This resource provides authoritative guidelines directly from city officials, ensuring hosts can align their rental practices with community standards and legal requirements.
Virginia Beach, Virginia Market Performance Trends
Virginia Beach, Virginia Rental Market Insights
10-Year Market Growth
Growth chart data is not available for this location.
Booking Activity
- 1-3 Months:62.2% Booked
- 4-6 Months:53.5% Booked
- 7-9 Months:38.3% Booked
- 10-12 Months:10.8% Booked
Cancellation Policies
- Flexible:22.5%
- Moderate:23.7%
- Strict:45%
- Super Strict:45%
- N/A:0.9%
Minimum Stay
- 1 Day:404
- 2 Days:449
- 3 Days:214
- 4-6 Days:108
- 7-29 Days:114
- 30+ Days:132
