Lexington, VirginiaLexington, Virginia

Vacation Rental Management in Lexington, Virginia

Discover the best vacation rental management companies in Lexington, Virginia to maximize your revenue and create incredible guest experiences

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Lexington, Virginia Airbnb Management Overview

Lexington, Virginia, is a charming city that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, making it an attractive market for Airbnb hosts. The city is home to two historic universities, Washington and Lee University and the Virginia Military Institute, which draw a steady stream of visitors for academic events, graduations, and alumni gatherings. Additionally, Lexington's proximity to the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Maury River appeals to outdoor enthusiasts, while its rich Civil War history, including the Stonewall Jackson House and the Lee Chapel, attracts history buffs. The city's vibrant downtown area, filled with independent shops, restaurants, and art galleries, further enhances its appeal to tourists. This diverse mix of attractions ensures a broad range of potential guests for Airbnb hosts, from families and couples to solo travelers and business visitors.

In Lexington, Virginia, the Airbnb market experiences significant fluctuations due to the city's unique seasonal attractions and events. The peak season typically begins in late spring and extends through the summer, coinciding with the influx of tourists attracted by the city's rich history, outdoor activities, and festivals. The fall season also sees a surge in bookings due to the stunning fall foliage and the commencement of the academic year at Washington and Lee University and the Virginia Military Institute. However, the winter months tend to be slower, with a noticeable dip in bookings. Understanding these seasonal trends is crucial for hosts in setting competitive prices and optimizing their occupancy rates.

In Lexington, Virginia, Airbnb hosts must be aware of and comply with a variety of local regulations. The city requires that all short-term rental properties be registered and obtain a business license. Additionally, hosts are required to collect a 7% Transient Occupancy Tax from guests, which is then remitted to the city. Zoning regulations also apply, with certain residential areas being off-limits for short-term rentals. It's also important to note that the city has a limit on the number of guests that can stay in a rental property at one time, which is determined by the property's square footage. Violations of these regulations can result in hefty fines, so it's crucial to stay informed and compliant.

Managing Airbnb properties in Lexington, Virginia, requires a keen understanding of the local market dynamics. The city's popularity as a historic destination and its proximity to universities like Washington and Lee and Virginia Military Institute create a unique demand pattern. Peak seasons often coincide with university events, such as graduation and homecoming, which can lead to high occupancy rates and increased revenue. However, the off-peak season can present challenges with lower demand. To maintain profitability, it's crucial to implement dynamic pricing strategies that reflect these fluctuations. Additionally, maintaining high-quality service and cleanliness is essential to garner positive reviews and repeat bookings. Lastly, understanding the local community and fostering good relationships with neighbors can help mitigate potential issues and enhance the guest experience by providing them with a local's perspective.

In Lexington, Virginia, the Airbnb market thrives on the city's rich history and natural beauty. Properties that highlight these features, such as those with views of the Blue Ridge Mountains or proximity to historic sites like the Stonewall Jackson House, tend to be popular among guests. Amenities that cater to the outdoor enthusiast, such as bike storage or hiking gear, can also be a major draw. Additionally, given Lexington's reputation as a college town, properties that can accommodate visiting families or alumni, such as those with multiple bedrooms and ample parking, are also in high demand. Lastly, with a thriving local food scene, properties that offer full kitchens or outdoor grilling spaces allow guests to take full advantage of the local produce and meats available at the city's numerous farmers markets.

Market Overview

Lexington, Virginia, is a charming city that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, making it an attractive market for Airbnb hosts. The city is home to two historic universities, Washington and Lee University and the Virginia Military Institute, which draw a steady stream of visitors for academic events, graduations, and alumni gatherings. Additionally, Lexington's proximity to the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Maury River appeals to outdoor enthusiasts, while its rich Civil War history, including the Stonewall Jackson House and the Lee Chapel, attracts history buffs. The city's vibrant downtown area, filled with independent shops, restaurants, and art galleries, further enhances its appeal to tourists. This diverse mix of attractions ensures a broad range of potential guests for Airbnb hosts, from families and couples to solo travelers and business visitors.

Airbnb Seasonality

In Lexington, Virginia, the Airbnb market experiences significant fluctuations due to the city's unique seasonal attractions and events. The peak season typically begins in late spring and extends through the summer, coinciding with the influx of tourists attracted by the city's rich history, outdoor activities, and festivals. The fall season also sees a surge in bookings due to the stunning fall foliage and the commencement of the academic year at Washington and Lee University and the Virginia Military Institute. However, the winter months tend to be slower, with a noticeable dip in bookings. Understanding these seasonal trends is crucial for hosts in setting competitive prices and optimizing their occupancy rates.

Short Term Rental Regulations

In Lexington, Virginia, Airbnb hosts must be aware of and comply with a variety of local regulations. The city requires that all short-term rental properties be registered and obtain a business license. Additionally, hosts are required to collect a 7% Transient Occupancy Tax from guests, which is then remitted to the city. Zoning regulations also apply, with certain residential areas being off-limits for short-term rentals. It's also important to note that the city has a limit on the number of guests that can stay in a rental property at one time, which is determined by the property's square footage. Violations of these regulations can result in hefty fines, so it's crucial to stay informed and compliant.

Best Practices for Management

Managing Airbnb properties in Lexington, Virginia, requires a keen understanding of the local market dynamics. The city's popularity as a historic destination and its proximity to universities like Washington and Lee and Virginia Military Institute create a unique demand pattern. Peak seasons often coincide with university events, such as graduation and homecoming, which can lead to high occupancy rates and increased revenue. However, the off-peak season can present challenges with lower demand. To maintain profitability, it's crucial to implement dynamic pricing strategies that reflect these fluctuations. Additionally, maintaining high-quality service and cleanliness is essential to garner positive reviews and repeat bookings. Lastly, understanding the local community and fostering good relationships with neighbors can help mitigate potential issues and enhance the guest experience by providing them with a local's perspective.

Locations and Amenities

In Lexington, Virginia, the Airbnb market thrives on the city's rich history and natural beauty. Properties that highlight these features, such as those with views of the Blue Ridge Mountains or proximity to historic sites like the Stonewall Jackson House, tend to be popular among guests. Amenities that cater to the outdoor enthusiast, such as bike storage or hiking gear, can also be a major draw. Additionally, given Lexington's reputation as a college town, properties that can accommodate visiting families or alumni, such as those with multiple bedrooms and ample parking, are also in high demand. Lastly, with a thriving local food scene, properties that offer full kitchens or outdoor grilling spaces allow guests to take full advantage of the local produce and meats available at the city's numerous farmers markets.

How It Works

Meet with membership

Connect With Local Pros

Summer matches you with top vacation rental managers who know the Lexington, Virginia market and can help you maximize your revenue and improve guest experiences. 

We'll make sure to introduce you to Airbnb managers who offer the right services for your needs.

Get Onboarded

Seamless Onboarding

Your manager can handle everything—from listing setup and pricing optimization to guest communication and maintenance.

They’ll take care of professional photography, lockbox installation, profile setup, and everything you need to get your Lexington, Virginia property guest-ready.

Collect Revenue

Sit Back And Earn

With the right vacation rental property manager, your home is in good hands.

They'll handle the bookings, guests, pricing updates, and day-to-day operations while you enjoy stress-free earnings and more time for what matters most.

Who We Trust

What makes our partners stand out from other short-term rental property managers in Lexington, Virginia

Access to the Summer Network

Personalized Support

Each home and host is different. The best property managers work with you to find the services and support that make sense.

Best in class revenue Optimization

Demonstrated Earnings

Your investment is important. Our partners have proven they can substantially increase revenue on properties over market averages.

Accuracy with our technology

Tech-Forward Focus

The best property managers use data to make smart decisions, and technology to create seamless guest experiences.

Trusted brand reputation

Trusted Brand Reputation

We partner with property managers with Superhost status and high guest ratings, so guests always know what to expect.

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Who’s a good fit for a professional manager?

You think your short-term rental can make more money

Your property is not beating market averages, getting enough bookings, or does not have visibility across the major rental platforms.

You want a partner where you are valued

Our preferred managers build personal relationships with all of their owners and care about each property like it's their own.

You want hassle-free hosting

Whether you're down the street or a flight away, dealing with guest inquiries, cleaning, and everything in between is too time consuming and challenging.

Ready To Get Started Form

Get connected

We'd love to hear about what you're looking for, and we’ll connect you with top vacation property managers in your area!

FAQ

Answers to common questions

What is vacation rental property management?

Vacation rental property management is a service provider that maintains and improves a vacation rental on behalf of owners. They manage the ongoing operation, marketing, maintenance, and promotion of a vacation rental, short-term rental, or Airbnb property.

What services does a vacation rental manager offer?

Most managers offer partial or complete end-to-end management of vacation rental properties. Complete management includes all aspects of home maintenance, cleaning, guest and host communications, and marketing, pricing, and promotion of your property. In addition to these services, Summer connects owners and hosts with professional design and investing services for their vacation home.

Can they help me convert an existing home into a vacation rental?

Absolutely! Many property managers do onboard homes that were recently purchased or are being converted into vacation rentals. The best teams will provide advice, guidance, and services to help your home prepare for its short-term rental launch.

How long does the onboarding process take?

The onboarding process usually takes 2-4 weeks. This gives the manager and owner ample time to inspect the property, get it ready for guests, and get the listing live. In the event that owners need additional time to furnish or otherwise improve the property, the onboarding process can be extended.

Will I get a smart lock?

Yes, most managers provide a smart lock. This helps them operate the home and seamlessly let guests in. While there is some upfront expense associated with the lock and some additional time to set it up, there’s nothing worse than a guest not being able to access the property when they arrive.

Will they take updated photos of the property?

In most cases, your manager will hire a professional photographer to do a shoot at the home. This happens after the home is both cleaned and staged for photography. This helps the home stand out on vacation rental booking sites and results in better bookings overall. If you have really high-quality photos already, you can skip this step in the onboarding process.

How do I know my property will be safe with guests?

Professional managers put a number of security measures in place at the home to monitor noise and avoid unwanted guests in the property. Most also have built-in procedures for resolving any immediate guest issues involving parties, extra guests, and anything else in violation of the booking and local laws and requirements.