Rental Arbitrage in Savannah, GA
Capped in the historic districts and limited to overlay zones. Every short-term vacation rental in Savannah needs a city certificate. Non-owner-occupied rentals are allowed only in the STVR Overlay District and are capped at 20% of residential parcels per ward in the Downtown Historic District and Victorian Historic District. Owner-occupied rentals are exempt from the cap. Approximately 40 wards have reached capacity. Certificates are non-transferable. Read the rules and sources.
- Average daily rate
- $308.80
- Occupancy
- 59%
- Annual revenue potential
- $56,000
How Much Rent Can a Unit Here Carry?
- Most rent that breaks even
- $4,937
- Rent that leaves a 20% margin
- $3,728
At the market's average rate and occupancy, a unit books about 17.9 nights and $6,047 a month. The ceiling assumes 3-night stays, an $85 cleaning fee against a $75 clean, a 3% platform fee and $480 a month for bills, insurance, supplies and software. Market averages include every listing size, so a one-bedroom usually earns less. Treat these as upper limits for a lease negotiation, not targets.
Only in limited areas. Renters can only operate in certain zones, or with a special approval. Confirm the exact property qualifies before you sign. See where.
Run the Numbers for Savannah, GA
Pre-filled with the market's rate and occupancy, and a rent at the 20% margin ceiling. Replace the rent with the real asking rent of the unit you're considering.
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The Savannah, GA Market
AirDNA's Savannah market averaged a $308.80 daily rate at 59% occupancy over the last 12 months, about 17.9 booked nights and $6,000 of booking income a month. The market can include nearby beach areas, so a city apartment may earn less.
Rentals that aren't owner-occupied are allowed only in the STVR overlay district, which covers the Downtown, Victorian and Streetcar historic districts, and new certificates in the Downtown and Victorian residential zones are capped at 20% of parcels per ward. Several wards are at the cap with a waitlist. The question for a renter is whether a specific unit's ward has room, not whether Savannah allows it.
What a Unit Can Earn
At the market averages, a unit breaks even at about $4,940 a month in rent and keeps a 20% margin at about $3,730. Only sign a lease after confirming the ward has room for a new certificate.
Startup Costs
At a $3,700 rent, expect roughly $15,800 before the first booking: a one-month deposit, the first month's rent, about $7,500 of furnishing and $900 of setup. Add a cushion of a few months of costs. Work it out properly with the startup cost calculator.
Risks to Weigh
- Non-owner-occupied certificates only in the overlay district
- 20% cap per ward, with waitlists in capped wards
- Taxes: 8% city hotel-motel tax, $5 a night state fee and 7% sales tax
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I Get a Short-Term Rental Certificate for a Leased Unit in Savannah?
- Only inside the STVR overlay district, and only if the ward is under its 20% cap. Check the specific ward with the city before signing.
- What Rent Can a Savannah Unit Carry?
- At the market averages, a unit breaks even at about $4,940 a month in rent and keeps a 20% margin at about $3,730.
- How Much Does an Average Savannah Short-Term Rental Earn?
- AirDNA's Savannah market averaged a $308.80 daily rate at 59% occupancy over the last 12 months, with annual revenue of about $56,000. The market can include nearby beach areas.
- What Does a Savannah Certificate Cost?
- $400 for a new application and $250 a year to renew, through the city's online registration portal.
- Which Taxes Apply in Savannah?
- An 8% city hotel-motel tax, Georgia's $5 a night hotel-motel fee, and 7% sales tax.