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Zoning In on Profit: How Local Regulations Affect Short-Term Rental Investment Returns
Blogger
04 Jul 2025
Short-Term Rental Regulations and Profitability: A Data-Driven Analysis
In the world of short-term rentals, local regulations play a significant role in determining profitability. To explore this further, we'll be analyzing data from various cities and comparing their regulations and profitability.
Let's start with Kannapolis, NC, where the median sale price is $332,000 short term analysis shows that the city's STR regulations result in a median sale price higher than other cities. With homes typically staying on the market for 57 days, Kannapolis offers a relatively short median DOM compared to other cities.
Comparing this to Mobile, AL, which has a median price of $240,000, we can see a difference of $92,000. Mobile's median DOM is 35 days, which is significantly lower than Kannapolis. This suggests that Mobile's STR regulations may be more favorable for investors.
La Puente, CA, has a median sale price of $660,000 and a median DOM of 50 days. Monrovia, CA, has a median sale price of $1,175,000 and a median DOM of 22 days. While both cities have higher median prices, Monrovia's shorter median DOM makes it a more attractive option for investors.
In contrast, Council Bluffs, IA, has a median sale price of $393,995.5 and a median DOM of 236 days. This longer median DOM may indicate that Council Bluffs' STR regulations are less favorable for investors.
When comparing the number of homes sold, we see that Kannapolis, NC, has sold 63 homes, while Mobile, AL, has sold 146 homes. La Puente, CA, has sold only 1 home, while Monrovia, CA, has sold 12 homes. Council Bluffs, IA, has sold 2 homes, which is a relatively low number compared to other cities.
It's worth noting that La Puente, CA, has a significantly higher median sale price and a lower median DOM compared to Monrovia, CA. However, the number of homes sold in La Puente is much lower, which may indicate that the city's STR regulations are less favorable for investors.
Looking at the EXACT numbers, we see that Kannapolis, NC, has a median sale price of $332,000 with homes staying on the market for 57 days. Mobile, AL, has a median price of $240,000 with a median DOM of 35 days. La Puente, CA, has a median sale price of $660,000 with a median DOM of 50 days. Monrovia, CA, has a median sale price of $1,175,000 with a median DOM of 22 days. Council Bluffs, IA, has a median sale price of $393,995.5 with a median DOM of 236 days.
By analyzing these numbers, we can see that local regulations play a significant role in determining profitability in the short-term rental market. Cities with more favorable regulations, such as Mobile, AL, may offer higher returns for investors. On the other hand, cities with less favorable regulations, such as Council Bluffs, IA, may be less attractive for investors.
For a more in-depth analysis of short-term rental regulations and profitability, check out our top 10 short-term rental markets in Virginia and how they compare to other cities.
Ultimately, the key to success in the short-term rental market is understanding local regulations and how they impact profitability. By analyzing the data and comparing cities, investors can make informed decisions and maximize their returns.
For more information on short-term rental regulations and profitability, check out our short-term rental market outlook and which cities are poised for growth in 2025.
By staying up-to-date on the latest trends and regulations, investors can stay ahead of the game and achieve success in the short-term rental market.
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An in-depth analysis of short-term rental regulations and profitability in various cities.