Buford, Georgia Airbnb Market Data 2026: STR Report & Statistics

Source: AirROIReviewed by Jun Zhou, Founder @ AirROI
Updated:

How much can you earn on Airbnb in Buford, Georgia? Based on AirROI's 2026 dataset (April 2025 – March 2026), the short answer is $30,258 per year — at a $261 nightly rate, 40.5% occupancy, and a $107 RevPAR that reflects moderate rate-to-revenue efficiency with room to optimize.

At 117 active listings, Buford is a boutique market where moderate demand with room for well-positioned listings to outperform. Supply grew 138.8% and nightly rates have risen, creating an environment where the most bookable listings stand to capture outsized share. Hosts who pair competitive pricing with strong guest experience are well-positioned to convert the growing traveler base into consistent bookings.

Regulation is low with minimal registration requirements, pointing to an operator-friendly environment. In a market this size, differentiated listings with strong reviews can capture outsized returns relative to the competition.

What Are the Key Airbnb Metrics in Buford?

In Buford, the headline Airbnb metrics are $30,258 in average annual revenue,40.5% occupancy, $261 ADR, and $107 in RevPAR, and guests book about 37 days in advance.

Avg. Daily Rate (ADR)(?)
$261
The average rental revenue earned for an occupied room per day in Buford.
Occupancy Rate(?)
40.5%
Moderate demand with booking opportunities.
Avg. Annual Revenue(?)
$30,258
Average annual income for an Airbnb listing in Buford. Factors like property type, size, and location influence actual earnings.
RevPAR(?)
$107
Revenue per available rental night, combining occupancy and ADR into one efficiency metric.
Revenue Growth YoY(?)
-0.2%
Slight decrease (-0.2%) vs. last year.
Active Airbnb Listings(?)
117
Total number of active short-term rentals listed.
Avg. Booking Lead Time(?)
37 days
How far in advance guests typically book in Buford. Longer lead times indicate planned travel; shorter ones suggest last-minute demand.
STR Regulation Level(?)
Low
Fewer regulations, offering more operational flexibility.
Peak Revenue Month(?)
July
The month with the highest average earnings, indicating peak season in Buford.
Lowest Revenue Month(?)
January
The month with the lowest average earnings, indicating the low season in Buford.
Airbnb Data API
Access this data programmatically. 22 endpoints, 20M+ properties, 190+ countries.
API Access

How Much Do Airbnb Hosts Earn Monthly in Buford?

Understanding the monthly revenue variations for Airbnb listings in Buford is key to maximizing your short term rental income potential. Seasonality significantly impacts earnings. Our analysis, based on data from the past 12 months, shows that the peak revenue month for STRs in Buford is typically July, while January often presents the lowest earnings, highlighting opportunities for strategic pricing adjustments during shoulder and low seasons. Explore the typical Airbnb income in Buford across different performance tiers:

  • Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve $7,868+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
  • Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $5,117 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
  • Typical properties (Median) generate around $2,528 per month, representing the average market performance.
  • Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $1,116, often with potential for optimization.

Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in Buford

What Is the Monthly Airbnb Occupancy Rate in Buford?

Maximize your bookings by understanding the Buford STR occupancy trends. Seasonal demand shifts significantly influence how often properties are booked. Typically, Julysees the highest demand (peak season occupancy), while January experiences the lowest (low season). Effective strategies, like adjusting minimum stays or offering promotions, can boost occupancy during slower periods. Here's how different property tiers perform in Buford:

  • Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve 77%+ occupancy, indicating high desirability and potentially optimized availability.
  • Strong performing properties (Top 25%) maintain 60% or higher occupancy, suggesting good market fit and guest satisfaction.
  • Typical properties (Median) have an occupancy rate around 42%.
  • Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) average 22% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.

Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in Buford

What Is the Average Airbnb Nightly Rate in Buford?

Effective short term rental pricing strategy in Buford involves understanding monthly ADR fluctuations. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Buford typically peaks in December and dips lowest during April. Leveraging Airbnb dynamic pricing tools or strategies based on this seasonality can significantly boost revenue. Here's a look at the typical nightly rates achieved:

  • Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) command rates of $481+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
  • Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $306 or more.
  • Typical properties (Median) charge around $178 per night.
  • Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $99 per night.

Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in Buford

What Is the RevPAR for Airbnb in Buford?

RevPAR in Buford is currently $107. Because RevPAR combines nightly rates with realized occupancy, it is one of the cleanest ways to compare how efficiently listings turn demand into revenue across the market.

  • Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see $37 RevPAR.
  • Typical properties (Median) generate $78 RevPAR.
  • Strong performers (Top 25%) earn $154 RevPAR.
  • Best-in-class (Top 10%) achieve $218 RevPAR.

Average Monthly RevPAR Trend in Buford

RevPAR Insights for Buford

  • The average RevPAR in Buford is $107. This metric combines nightly rates with realized occupancy, making it one of the best single-number indicators of market efficiency.
  • The gap between the top 10% ($218) and bottom 25% ($37) is $181, indicating significant performance disparity driven by property quality, pricing strategy, and location.
  • RevPAR peaks in Jul and bottoms out in Jan, mirroring the broader seasonal demand pattern and suggesting opportunities for dynamic pricing.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Track your own RevPAR monthly against these Buford benchmarks. If your RevPAR falls below the median of $78, examine whether low occupancy or low ADR is the primary drag.
  • Top-quartile listings achieve $154+ RevPAR through a combination of competitive pricing, strong reviews, and strategic amenities. Target this tier through incremental improvements.
  • Use RevPAR rather than revenue alone when comparing properties of different sizes — it normalizes for available nights and gives a more accurate picture of performance.

Get Live Buford Market Intelligence 👇

Discover Buford Airbnb Analytics
🏠
🏠
🏠

Explore Real-time Analytics

When Is the Peak Season for Airbnb in Buford?

Buford's peak Airbnb season falls in July, June, August, while the softest stretch is January, February, March. Overall, the market shows highly seasonal trends requiring careful strategy, which should guide pricing, minimum stays, and cash-flow planning.

Peak Season (July, June, August)
  • Revenue averages $5,028 per month
  • Occupancy rates average 51.2%
  • Daily rates average $239
Shoulder Season
  • Revenue averages $3,534 per month
  • Occupancy maintains around 43.2%
  • Daily rates hold near $235
Low Season (January, February, March)
  • Revenue drops to average $2,301 per month
  • Occupancy decreases to average 31.3%
  • Daily rates adjust to average $247

Seasonality Insights for Buford

  • Airbnb seasonality in Buford is pronounced. Revenue swings sharply between peak and low months, which means pricing strategy, minimum-stay settings, and cash reserves all need to account for extended slower periods.
  • During the high season, the absolute peak month showcases Buford's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues climbing to $5,690, occupancy reaching 54.5%, and ADRs peaking at $258.
  • Conversely, the slowest single month marks the market's lowest point — revenue may dip to $2,076, occupancy could drop to 28.3%, and ADRs may adjust to $209.
  • Understanding both the seasonal averages and these monthly peaks and troughs in revenue, occupancy, and ADR is crucial for maximizing your Airbnb profit potential in Buford.

Seasonal Strategies for Maximizing Profit

  • Peak Season: Maximize revenue through premium pricing and potentially longer minimum stays. Ensure high availability and consider tightening cancellation policies to reduce last-minute gaps.
  • Low Season: Offer competitive pricing, extended-stay discounts, and flexible cancellation policies. Target off-season travelers like remote workers, budget-conscious guests, and travelers with flexible schedules.
  • Shoulder Seasons: Implement dynamic pricing that bridges peak and low rates. Target weekend travelers, local events, and business visitors. Slightly more flexible terms than peak season can help maintain occupancy without deep discounting.
  • In a highly seasonal market like Buford, building a cash reserve during the top months is essential for covering fixed costs during the slow period. Automated pricing tools can help capture demand shifts in real time.

Do You Need a License for Airbnb in Buford?

Low regulation and minimal registration activity in Buford, Georgia, United States point to an operator-friendly environment. That said, even low-regulation markets may have tax collection requirements, safety standards, or HOA rules that affect short-term rental operations. Always verify the latest short-term rental regulations and Airbnb license requirements directly with local government authorities for Buford to ensure full compliance before hosting.

(Source: AirROI data, 2026, finding no licensed listings among those analyzed)

What Are the Best Neighborhoods for Airbnb in Buford?

Buford is a smaller vacation rental market where a handful of neighborhoods drive most of the booking activity. Choosing the right area is especially important in boutique markets — there is less room for a mediocre location to succeed on volume alone. The areas below highlight where short-term rental demand is strongest and why.

Best neighborhoods for Airbnb in Buford
Neighborhood / AreaWhy Host Here? (Target Guests & Appeal)Key Attractions & Landmarks
Lake Lanier
A popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and vacationers seeking water activities and beautiful scenery. Ideal for family gatherings and summer rentals.
Lake Lanier Islands, Lanier World, Sunset Cove Beach, Fishing and boating activities, Paddleboarding
Historic Buford
Charming area with a rich history and a growing number of restaurants and shops. Great for travelers wanting to experience the local culture and community.
Buford Historic District, Theatre Buford, Local coffee shops, Boutique shopping, Cultural events
Mall of Georgia
The largest shopping mall in Georgia, attracting visitors for shopping, dining, and entertainment. Perfect for accommodating shoppers and visitors to the mall.
Mall of Georgia, IMAX Theatre, Minigolf, Diverse dining options, Seasonal events
Buford Dam Park
A scenic area offering trails, picnic spots, and water access. Attracts nature lovers and families looking for an outdoor retreat.
Buford Dam, Hiking trails, Picnic areas, Wildlife viewing, Lake access
Duluth
Nearby city with a vibrant nightlife and dining scene, attracting visitors who want a mix of relaxation and entertainment.
Duluth Town Green, Infinite Energy Center, Restaurants and bars, Concerts and events, Parks
Suwanee Greenway
A beautiful trail perfect for walking and biking, attracting fitness enthusiasts and families looking for a day out in nature.
Suwanee Greenway Trail, Parks, Outdoor activities, Family-friendly, Events
Bogan Park Community Recreation Center
A community center offering sports activities and family-oriented events, appealing to locals and visitors looking for recreational opportunities.
Bogan Park, Sports facilities, Swimming pool, Community events, Parks
Buford Highway
Known for its diverse dining options, Buford Highway attracts food lovers looking to experience various international cuisines.
Restaurants from diverse cultures, Food markets, Culinary events, Street food, Food tours

With 8 distinct neighborhoods showing meaningful short-term rental activity, Buford offers diversification within a single market. Investors can tailor their strategy — from high-turnover tourist zones to quieter residential areas that attract longer stays and remote workers.

What Types of Properties Are on Airbnb in Buford?

Room Type Distribution

Property Type Distribution

Market Composition Insights for Buford

  • The Buford Airbnb market composition is heavily skewed towards Entire Home/Apt listings, which make up 83.8% of the 117 active rentals. This indicates strong guest preference for privacy and space.
  • Looking at the property type distribution in Buford, House properties are the most common (72.6%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
  • Houses represent a significant 72.6% portion, catering likely to families or larger groups.
  • Smaller segments like hotel/boutique, outdoor/unique (combined 6.0%) offer potential for unique stay experiences.

Buford Airbnb Room Capacity Analysis (2026): Bedroom Distribution

Distribution of Listings by Number of Bedrooms

Room Capacity Insights for Buford

  • The dominant room capacity in Buford is 4 bedrooms listings, making up 21.4% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for families or small groups.
  • Together, 4 bedrooms and 2 bedrooms properties represent 41.9% of the active Airbnb listings in Buford, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.
  • A significant 49.6% of listings offer 3+ bedrooms, catering to larger groups and families seeking more space in Buford.

Buford Vacation Rental Guest Capacity Trends (2026)

Distribution of Listings by Guest Capacity

Guest Capacity Insights for Buford

  • The most common guest capacity trend in Buford vacation rentals is listings accommodating 8+ guests (41%). This suggests the primary traveler segment is likely larger groups.
  • Properties designed for 8+ guests and 4 guests dominate the Buford STR market, accounting for 57.2% of listings.
  • 49.6% of properties accommodate 6+ guests, serving the market segment for larger families or group travel in Buford.
  • On average, properties in Buford are equipped to host 5.1 guests.

How Do Listings in Buford Compare on Quality?

Listing quality in Buford can be approximated through presentation depth, bedroom count, and how often hosts disclose exact locations. These signals show how professionally the local supply base is merchandised.

Average Photos per Listing(?)
35.9
More photos correlate with higher conversion rates.
Average Beds per Listing(?)
3.6
Reflects the capacity profile of the local supply.
Exact Location Enabled(?)
21.4%
Builds guest trust and improves booking confidence.

Listing Quality Insights for Buford

  • At 35.9 photos per listing on average, Buford hosts invest well in visual presentation. Listings with 20+ photos consistently outperform in search ranking and conversion.
  • 21.4% of listings show their exact location. Lower disclosure rates can increase booking hesitation — guests want to know exactly where they are staying.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Enable exact location if possible — it removes a common source of guest uncertainty and can improve your listing's position in map-based searches.
  • Use these quality indicators as a self-audit checklist. Listings that exceed the Buford averages across all three metrics are better positioned for premium pricing.

What Amenities Do Airbnb Guests Expect in Buford?

Amenity Prevalence

Amenity Insights for Buford

  • Essential amenities in Buford that guests expect include: Free parking on premises, Wifi, Air conditioning, Heating, TV. Lacking these (any) could significantly impact bookings.
  • Popular amenities like Smoke alarm, Hot water, Coffee maker are common but not universal. Offering these can provide a competitive edge.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Ensure your listing includes all essential amenities for Buford: Free parking on premises, Wifi, Air conditioning, Heating, TV.
  • Prioritize adding missing essentials: Free parking on premises, Wifi, Heating, TV.
  • Consider adding popular differentiators like Smoke alarm or Hot water to increase appeal.
  • Highlight unique or less common amenities you offer (e.g., hot tub, dedicated workspace, EV charger) in your listing description and photos.
  • Regularly check competitor amenities in Buford to stay competitive.

Which Airbnb Amenities Boost Revenue in Buford?

Not every amenity matters equally. This table focuses on the amenities most associated with higher revenue in Buford, which makes it more useful for prioritizing upgrades than a simple popularity list alone.

AmenityPrevalenceRevenue WithRevenue WithoutRevenue Uplift
Kitchen
92.3%$32,361$5,026543.8%
Dryer
86.3%$33,984$6,738404.4%
Hot water
93.2%$31,968$6,968358.8%
Coffee maker
93.2%$31,951$7,191344.3%
Washer
86.3%$33,727$8,364303.3%
Hot tubHigh opportunity
6.0%$92,417$26,303251.4%
Refrigerator
90.6%$32,382$9,790230.8%
Microwave
91.5%$32,137$10,161216.3%
Dishwasher
72.6%$37,171$11,895212.5%
Children's playroomHigh opportunity
6.8%$78,510$26,717193.9%

Revenue Impact Insights for Buford

  • Kitchen tops the revenue impact list with a 543.8% uplift — listings with this amenity earn $32,361 vs. $5,026 without it.
  • High-opportunity amenities — Hot tub, Children's playroom — combine revenue uplift above 100% with prevalence under 10%, meaning most competitors haven't adopted them yet.
  • Kitchen, Dryer, Hot water, Coffee maker, Washer, Refrigerator, Microwave — while widespread — still correlate with meaningful revenue gains, making them table stakes rather than true differentiators.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Prioritize adding Hot tub — it has the best combination of high revenue impact and low market saturation in Buford.
  • Focus your upgrade budget on amenities in the top half of this table. Below-median amenities may improve guest experience but contribute less to revenue growth.
  • Highlight revenue-impacting amenities prominently in your listing title, photos, and description — guests can't value what they don't notice.

Dive Deeper: Advanced Buford STR Market Data (2026)

Ready to unlock more insights? AirROI provides access to advanced metrics and comprehensive Airbnb data for Buford. Explore detailed analytics beyond this report to refine your investment strategy, optimize pricing, and maximize your vacation rental profits.

Explore Advanced Metrics

Buford Airbnb Guest Demographics & Profile Analysis (2026)

Guest Origin: Domestic vs. International
Top 5 Cities of Origin
Top 5 Countries of Origin
Top 5 Languages Spoken
Guest Age Distribution (Birth Decade)

Guest Profile Summary for Buford

  • The typical guest profile for Airbnb in Buford consists of primarily domestic travelers (96%), often arriving from nearby Atlanta, typically belonging to the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group (50%), primarily speaking English or Spanish.
  • Domestic travelers account for 95.5% of guests.
  • Key international markets include United States (95.5%) and DC (0.7%).
  • Top languages spoken are English (70.7%) followed by Spanish (12.5%).
  • A significant demographic segment is the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group, representing 50% of guests.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Target domestic marketing efforts towards travelers from Atlanta and Charlotte.
  • Tailor amenities and listing descriptions to appeal to the dominant Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) demographic (e.g., highlight fast WiFi, smart home features, local guides).
  • Highlight unique local experiences or amenities relevant to the primary guest profile.
  • Consider seasonal promotions aligned with peak travel times for key origin markets.

What Are Airbnb Guest Ratings in Buford?

Listings in Buford average 4.89 out of 5 overall, with about 48.2 reviews per active listing and 47.0% of listings carrying the Guest Favorite badge.

Rating Breakdown by Category

Guest Rating Insights for Buford

  • With an overall rating of 4.89, Buford listings meet an exceptionally high bar. Guests consistently report strong satisfaction, which drives repeat bookings and referral traffic.
  • The strongest subcategory is Check-in (4.96), while Value (4.83) trails behind — a useful signal for hosts looking to prioritize upgrades.
  • 47.0% of listings carry the Guest Favorite badge, a strong trust signal that can meaningfully lift click-through and booking rates.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Focus improvement efforts on Value — even small gains in the weakest subcategory can lift overall ratings and search ranking.
  • Encourage guests to leave reviews after checkout. Listings with more reviews rank higher in search results and convert browsers into bookers more effectively.

Buford Airbnb Booking Patterns (2026): Available vs. Booked Days

Available Days Distribution

Booked Days Distribution

Booking Pattern Insights for Buford

  • The most common availability pattern in Buford falls within the 271-366 days range, representing 41.9% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
  • Approximately 83.8% of listings show high availability (181+ days open annually), indicating potential for increased bookings or specific owner usage patterns.
  • For booked days, the 91-180 days range is most frequent in Buford (41%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
  • A notable 18.0% of properties secure long booking periods (181+ days booked per year), highlighting successful long-term rental strategies or significant owner usage.

How Far in Advance Do Guests Book Airbnb in Buford?

Average Booking Lead Time by Month

Booking Lead Time Insights for Buford

  • The overall average booking lead time for vacation rentals in Buford is 37 days.
  • Guests book furthest in advance for stays during October (average 54 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
  • The shortest booking windows occur for stays in January (average 20 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
  • Seasonally, Fall (43 days avg.) sees the longest lead times, while Winter (25 days avg.) has the shortest, reflecting typical travel planning cycles.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Use the overall average lead time (37 days) as a baseline for your pricing and availability strategy in Buford.
  • For October stays, consider implementing length-of-stay discounts or slightly higher rates for bookings made less than 54 days out to capitalize on advance planning.
  • Target marketing efforts for the Fall season well in advance (at least 43 days) to capture early planners.
  • Monitor your own booking lead times against these Buford averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.

What Is the Average Length of Stay for Airbnb in Buford?

Guests in Buford stay about 6.3 nights on average, generating roughly 2,584 reservations and 22.1 bookings per listing in the latest AirROI dataset. The most common check-in time is 4:00 PM and check-out is 11:00 AM.

Monthly Length of Stay in Buford

Check-in Time Distribution

Check-out Time Distribution

Stay Pattern Insights for Buford

  • A mid-range stay length points to leisure-driven demand — weekend getaways and short vacations. Hosts should optimize for quick turnover efficiency while keeping the guest experience smooth.
  • At 22.1 bookings per listing, the turnover rate is high. Hosts with streamlined operations (self-check-in, automated messaging, reliable cleaners) have a structural advantage.
  • Stay lengths peak in Apr (6.7 nights) and shorten in Jan (4.1 nights). Adjust minimum-night requirements seasonally to match.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Leverage the longer-stay pattern by offering weekly discounts — even 5-10% off can convert browsing into bookings for guests considering an extended stay.
  • Set your check-in time to match or beat the market standard of 4:00 PM. Offering early check-in flexibility can be a low-cost differentiator.
  • Monitor length-of-stay seasonality to adjust minimum-night requirements — longer minimums during peak periods maximize revenue while shorter minimums fill gaps in shoulder seasons.

Buford Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis

Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement

1 Night (18.8%)

1 Night

22 listings

18.8% of total

2 Nights (31.6%)

2 Nights

37 listings

31.6% of total

3 Nights (9.4%)

3 Nights

11 listings

9.4% of total

4-6 Nights (6%)

4-6 Nights

7 listings

6% of total

7-29 Nights (7.7%)

7-29 Nights

9 listings

7.7% of total

30+ Nights (26.5%)

30+ Nights

31 listings

26.5% of total

Key Insights

  • The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in Buford is 2 Nights, adopted by 31.6% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for shorter, flexible bookings.
  • A significant segment (26.5%) caters to monthly stays (30+ nights) in Buford, pointing to opportunities in the extended-stay market.

Recommendations

  • Align with the market by considering a 2 Nights minimum stay, as 31.6% of Buford hosts use this setting.
  • If feasible, allowing 1-night stays, especially midweek or during low season, could capture last-minute bookings, as only 18.8% currently do.
  • A 2-night minimum appears standard (31.6%). Consider this for weekends or peak periods.
  • Explore offering discounts for stays of 30+ nights to attract the 26.5% of the market seeking extended stays.
  • Adjust minimum nights based on seasonality – potentially shorter during low season and longer during peak demand periods in Buford.

Buford Airbnb Cancellation Policy Trends Analysis (2026)

Limited

3 listings

2.6% of total

Super Strict 30 Days

2 listings

1.7% of total

Flexible (19%)

Flexible

22 listings

19% of total

Moderate (26.7%)

Moderate

31 listings

26.7% of total

Firm (36.2%)

Firm

42 listings

36.2% of total

Strict (13.8%)

Strict

16 listings

13.8% of total

Cancellation Policy Insights for Buford

  • The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in Buford is Firm, used by 36.2% of listings.
  • There's a relatively balanced mix between guest-friendly (45.7%) and stricter (50.0%) policies, offering choices for different guest needs.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Consider adopting a Firm policy to align with the 36.2% market standard in Buford.
  • Using a Strict policy might deter some guests, as only 13.8% of listings use it. Evaluate if potential revenue protection outweighs possible lower booking rates.
  • Regularly review your cancellation policy against competitors and market demand shifts in Buford.

How Much Are Airbnb Cleaning Fees in Buford?

Cleaning fees in Buford are meaningful operating levers, not just pass-through charges. What matters most is how often hosts charge them, how high they run relative to market norms, and how large a share of gross revenue they consume.

Average Cleaning Fee
$451
Median Cleaning Fee
$175
Listings Charging a Fee
88.9%
Fee as Revenue Share
10.7%

Cleaning Fee Insights for Buford

  • 88.9% of listings charge a cleaning fee, making it standard practice in Buford. Guests expect it and factor it into their booking decisions.
  • The gap between the average ($451) and median ($175) cleaning fee indicates some high-end properties are pulling the average up considerably.
  • Cleaning fees represent 10.7% of gross revenue on average — a significant line item that impacts total guest cost and competitiveness.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Price your cleaning fee competitively against the Buford median of $175. Fees significantly above market norms can deter bookings, especially for shorter stays.
  • Consider whether bundling the cleaning fee into a slightly higher nightly rate might improve conversion, since many guests filter by total price and separate fees can feel punitive.
  • Monitor competitor cleaning fees regularly. Airbnb's search algorithm factors in total price, so a well-calibrated cleaning fee can improve your listing's ranking.

What Do the Top Airbnb Listings in Buford Look Like?

Benchmark your potential! Explore examples of top-performing Airbnb properties in Bufordbased on Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) revenue. Analyze their characteristics, revenue, occupancy rate, and ADR to understand what drives success in this market.

Lake Cabin! Private Dock/Hot Tub/8 Beds/Pool Table

Lake Cabin! Private Dock/Hot Tub/8 Beds/Pool Table

Entire Place • 5 bedrooms

$121,885
Revenue
47.9%
Occupancy
$825.08
Daily Rate
Modern Luxury Lakehouse w/ Private Dock on Lanier

Modern Luxury Lakehouse w/ Private Dock on Lanier

Entire Place • 5 bedrooms

$121,552
Revenue
57.9%
Occupancy
$534.57
Daily Rate
Awesome Lake House Best Location

Awesome Lake House Best Location

Entire Place • 5 bedrooms

$120,289
Revenue
34.6%
Occupancy
$948.63
Daily Rate
Lake Lanier Islands - Marina View - Spa/Skeeball

Lake Lanier Islands - Marina View - Spa/Skeeball

Entire Place • 3 bedrooms

$115,910
Revenue
56.9%
Occupancy
$538.63
Daily Rate
Corporate Retreat Ready | Family Friendly

Corporate Retreat Ready | Family Friendly

Entire Place • 5 bedrooms

$108,938
Revenue
34.4%
Occupancy
$832.57
Daily Rate
Luxury Forest Retreat Near Venues+Waterpark+Golf

Luxury Forest Retreat Near Venues+Waterpark+Golf

Entire Place • 5 bedrooms

$104,433
Revenue
55.1%
Occupancy
$576.62
Daily Rate

Note: Performance varies based on location, size, amenities, seasonality, and management quality. Data reflects the past 12 months.

Who Are the Top Airbnb Hosts in Buford?

Learn from the best! This table showcases top-performing Airbnb hosts in Buford based on the number of properties managed and estimated total revenue over the past year. Analyze their scale and performance metrics.

Top Airbnb hosts in Buford by revenue
Host NamePropertiesGrossing RevenueStay ReviewsAvg Rating
Alexandria2$155,369254.96/5.0
Joy2$145,8381104.92/5.0
Michael BinhMinh Ho2$145,7592924.83/5.0
Joshua2$126,2391164.95/5.0
Arthur1$121,5521354.87/5.0
Crystal1$120,289495.00/5.0
Daniel1$115,9101055.00/5.0
Pedro2$114,1581724.99/5.0
Monica1$104,433624.97/5.0
Mary2$102,4621584.90/5.0

Analyzing the strategies of top hosts, such as their property selection, pricing, and guest communication, can offer valuable lessons for optimizing your own Airbnb operations in Buford.

Who Are the Airbnb Hosts in Buford?

Buford is a quality-focused market, with a high Superhost share and fairly mature operating standards.

Superhosts
66.7%
Professional Management
5.1%
Cohosted Listings
35.9%
Instant Book Enabled
5.1%
Simplified Pricing
69.2%

Host Profile Insights for Buford

  • With 66.7% Superhosts, Buford has an experienced host base that sets high guest expectations. New entrants should plan for competitive quality standards.
  • 5.1% of listings are professionally managed, reflecting a market still dominated by individual hosts.
  • 5.1% of listings have Instant Book enabled. Lower Instant Book adoption means many guests must request approval, which can slow conversions.
  • 69.2% of listings use Airbnb's simplified pricing (host-only fee), where the host pays the entire platform service fee and the guest sees one all-in price with no separate Airbnb service charge. High adoption signals a professional, PMS-connected host base — Airbnb mandates simplified pricing for software-connected listings.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Consider enabling Instant Book — it reduces booking friction and Airbnb's algorithm tends to favor Instant Book listings in search results.
  • With 35.9% cohosted listings, there may be a growing local market for property management services.
  • Benchmark your host metrics against these Buford averages regularly and adjust your hosting strategy based on what top performers do differently.

Top Professional Management Companies in Buford

These are the highest-grossing professional property management operations in Buford, ranked by total revenue across their portfolio. Their performance metrics offer a benchmark for what institutional-level hosting looks like in this market.

Top Airbnb management companies in Buford
CompanyListingsRevenueADROcc.Rating
Scott2$87,264$40739.5%4.99/5
Heber1$29,433$33035.4%4.81/5
Victoria1$28,685$16647.1%4.86/5
Hassan1$28,056$23132.8%4.87/5
Landing2$15,023$9838.5%4.57/5

Management Company Insights for Buford

  • The leading management company, Scott, operates 2 listings with $87,264 in gross revenue — a useful benchmark for what scale looks like in Buford.
  • Top managers average 1 properties each, suggesting professional management in Buford still operates at a relatively boutique scale.
  • Professionally managed listings in the top tier average 4.82/5 in guest ratings — demonstrating that scale and quality can coexist.

Recommendations

  • With only 5.1% of listings professionally managed, there may be an opportunity to differentiate through more structured operations and consistent guest experiences.
  • Study how top management companies price, position, and maintain their portfolios — their ADR and occupancy rates reflect strategies refined across dozens of listings.
  • If you're considering hiring a property manager, compare their portfolio performance against these benchmarks before committing.

How Does Buford's Airbnb Market Compare to Nearby Cities?

How does the Buford Airbnb market stack up against its neighbors? Compare key performance metrics like average monthly revenue, ADR, and occupancy rates in surrounding areas to understand the broader regional STR landscape.

Compared with Buncombe County, Buford has 6 percentage points lower occupancy and about $91 lower ADR. That helps frame whether this market is winning more on demand, pricing, or both.

Airbnb markets near Buford — performance comparison
MarketActive PropertiesMonthly RevenueDaily RateAvg. Occupancy
Sevier County68$7,270$590.2143%
Gilmer County26$5,823$483.1640%
Bogart12$5,389$696.9435%
Buncombe County12$4,926$352.3646%
Sevierville6,226$4,861$384.7546%
Union Mills15$4,813$459.5540%
Sautee13$4,694$436.6941%
Epworth77$4,680$425.7739%
Fannin County44$4,507$464.8036%
Six Mile57$4,481$466.4742%

Frequently Asked Questions About Airbnb in Buford

These quick answers summarize the most common investor and operator questions using AirROI's latest market data for Buford.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Buford?

Buford hosts earn about $30,258 per year on average, with an average nightly rate of $261 and RevPAR of $107. Those figures describe the typical revenue environment for active listings in Buford, Georgia, not the ceiling for the best operators. Source: AirROI 2026 data, Buford market, April 2025 to March 2026.

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Buford?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Buford is 40.5%. July is the strongest month and January is the softest, so hosts should expect demand to move meaningfully throughout the year rather than stay flat.

What is the average Airbnb daily rate in Buford?

Listings in Buford average $261 per night. The broader pricing spread also matters: lower-performing listings cluster closer to the lower quartiles, while premium homes can price materially above the city average when demand spikes or listing quality stands out.

How many Airbnb listings are active in Buford?

Buford currently has about 117 active Airbnb listings in AirROI's market dataset. That supply count helps explain how competitive the market is, how much depth there is for benchmarking, and whether the market behaves like a niche destination or a scaled urban market.

How strict are short-term rental regulations in Buford?

AirROI currently classifies the short-term rental regulation level in Buford as Low. The dataset also shows about 0.0% of listings with registration evidence. That is a market signal, not legal advice, so hosts should still confirm current licensing and compliance rules locally before listing.

What is the RevPAR for Airbnb in Buford?

RevPAR in Buford is about $107. That metric combines pricing and occupancy into one efficiency number, so it is often a better quick benchmark than ADR alone when investors want to compare how well listings convert nightly rates into realized revenue.

Is Airbnb profitable in Buford?

At 40.5% occupancy, Buford can be profitable — but margins depend heavily on operating costs, property acquisition price, and how well hosts optimize pricing across seasons. Average annual revenue is $30,258, but individual returns depend on property type, location within the city, and the host's operating efficiency.

How far in advance do guests book Airbnb in Buford?

The average booking lead time in Buford is about 37 days — a moderate lead time that gives hosts planning visibility while still benefiting from last-minute bookings. Hosts who understand their market's booking cadence can adjust minimum stays and pricing windows accordingly.

What are the best neighborhoods for Airbnb in Buford?

Based on AirROI's analysis, some of the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Buford include Lake Lanier, Historic Buford, Mall of Georgia. Each area attracts different guest profiles — from business travelers to leisure visitors — so the best location depends on the property type and target audience a host is aiming for. See the full neighborhood breakdown above.

What type of property performs best on Airbnb in Buford?

entire_home listings make up 83.8% of the active supply in Buford. The most common configuration does not always mean the most profitable — operators who identify underserved property types or bedroom counts can sometimes outperform the market average by filling a gap in local supply.

How does Buford compare to nearby Airbnb markets?

Among neighboring markets, Sevier County posts $87,245 in average annual revenue with 43.1% occupancy, compared to Buford's $30,258 and 40.5%. Comparing nearby markets helps investors understand whether a destination's performance reflects local demand or broader regional trends.

What is the average length of stay in Buford?

The average Airbnb stay length in Buford is about 6.3 nights. That matters for turnover, cleaning operations, and pricing strategy because shorter stays increase changeovers while longer stays can smooth occupancy and reduce operational friction.

What is the average Airbnb guest rating in Buford?

Airbnb listings in Buford average 4.89 out of 5 overall. About 47.0% of listings carry the guest favorite badge, which suggests a meaningful share of inventory is competing on review quality rather than price alone.

Which amenities boost Airbnb revenue in Buford?

Kitchen and Dryer are among the strongest revenue-linked amenities in Buford. In AirROI's latest dataset, listings with these amenities outperform those without on average revenue, which makes amenities analysis useful for prioritizing investment and listing upgrades.

Do Airbnb hosts charge cleaning fees in Buford?

Yes. About 88.9% of active Airbnb listings in Buford charge a cleaning fee, and the average fee is $451. The more important operating benchmark is how much of gross revenue that fee consumes, not just the absolute dollar amount.

What percentage of Airbnb hosts are Superhosts in Buford?

A 66.7% Superhost rate signals a highly competitive market where review quality and responsiveness are table stakes, not differentiators.

About AirROI Market Data

AirROI tracks over 20 million properties across 190+ countries and maintains 15+ years of historical performance data, making it one of the deepest Airbnb and STR intelligence platforms available. The analytics pipeline aggregates listing-level data monthly — revenue, occupancy, nightly rates, RevPAR, guest demographics, booking patterns, and competitive supply — so investors and operators can benchmark any market against its own history and against neighboring destinations.

Real estate investors, property managers, financial institutions, hedge funds, tourism boards, hospitality consultants, tech platforms, and academic researchers rely on AirROI data to underwrite acquisitions, optimize pricing, model macro trends, and conduct peer-reviewed research. Data is available through in-depth market reports like this one and the Airbnb API with 22 endpoints and an Airbnb MCP Server for AI agents.

AirROI proprietary analytics as of 2026-03-31. Metrics reflect trailing twelve-month aggregates from active listings. Revenue figures are market averages, not projections. Neighborhood descriptions are AI-generated and reviewed for accuracy. For full methodology, see the data methodology page.

Access Real-Time Airbnb API

This report is powered by our industry-leading Airbnb Data API, providing direct access to live short-term rental data from global markets like Buford. Use this data to build powerful analytics tools, discover investment opportunities, and inform your vacation rental strategy.

Get API Access