The Future of Airbnb and Short-Term Rentals in Raleigh

The rapid growth of Airbnb and short-term rentals in Raleigh has created both opportunity and confusion for investors. I’m Phil Slezak with Team With The Guarantee’s. Excellence is our Standard and Customer Satisfaction is our Passion. After guiding hundreds of investors and homeowners through Raleigh’s evolving regulations, I can confidently say the STR market is still profitable, but strategy matters more than ever in 2025.

Raleigh remains a high-demand destination driven by universities, corporate travel, medical tourism, and constant relocation. But new rules now shape how and where STRs can legally operate.

Let’s break down the rules, returns, and opportunities.

Raleigh’s Short-Term Rental Market Has Shifted — But Not Slowed

Airbnb Raleigh demand (Zillow Research — https://www.zillow.com/research) shows that bookings in the Triangle grew over the past few years thanks to:

• Conferences at RTP

• Visitors for NC State, Duke, and UNC

• Medical travel to WakeMed and Duke hospitals

• Sports and entertainment events

These drivers continue to keep occupancy rates strong, even as regulations change.

New STR Rules in Raleigh: What Investors Need to Know

short-term rentals Raleigh NC 2025 guidance (Raleigh Economic Development — https://raleighnc.gov/economic-development) outlines several key requirements:

• Registration with the city

• Designated zoning approval

• Owner-occupancy rules for certain property types

• Parking and safety requirements

• Limits on guest capacity

Some neighborhoods and HOAs have stricter guidelines, so compliance is critical.

What This Means for Investors

• STRs are still allowed in most zones

• Detached single-family homes often provide the most flexibility

• Condos may have HOA restrictions

• Investors must verify regulations before purchasing

Raleigh’s goal is balance — not elimination — of short-term rentals.

Why STRs Still Produce Strong ROI in Raleigh

Despite regulatory tightening, rental ROI Raleigh continues to remain strong. NAR Research — https://www.nar.realtor shows:

• High weekend occupancy rates

• Seasonal boosts from university events

• Stable mid-term demand from travel nurses

• Business travel returns fueling weekday bookings

Strategic STR operators continue to outperform long-term rentals when properly managed.

The 3 Types of Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Raleigh

1. Whole-Home Rentals

Most profitable but may require zoning approval.

2. Owner-Occupied Rentals

Allowed more widely — ideal for house hackers.

3. Mid-Term Rentals (30–90 Day Stays)

The fastest-growing category for:

• Traveling nurses

• Corporate relocations

• Insurance stays

This category often avoids traditional STR restrictions.

Best Raleigh Neighborhoods for STR Profitability

Based on tourism data and investor performance:

Downtown Raleigh

Great for weekend visitors and event traffic.

Brier Creek

Perfect for airport and RTP travel.

North Hills

Popular for business travelers and high-end stays.

Hillsborough Street

High student, family, and university demand.

Cary (where permitted)

Excellent for mid-term rentals and relocations.

STR Revenue Trends in 2025

Airbnb Raleigh performance (Zillow Research — https://www.zillow.com/research) indicates:

• Average nightly rates increased slightly

• Occupancy remains high during peak seasons

• Raleigh ranks among top-performing mid-size STR markets

Investors with modern, well-designed listings earn above-average nightly rates.

What Rising Regulations Mean for ROI Stability

Regulation typically creates:

• Less saturated markets

• More consistent revenue for compliant investors

• Stronger long-term value for legal STRs

Investors who follow the rules tend to outperform the short-lived, non-compliant operators.

Real Example: Investor Achieves 78% Occupancy in Brier Creek

An investor purchased a 3-bedroom townhome near RDU.

Results:

• 78 percent annual occupancy

• Strong weekday corporate bookings

• Minimal vacancy due to airport/tech travel demand

This highlights why Brier Creek remains a top STR zone.

FAQ Section

1. Are short-term rentals still allowed in Raleigh?

Yes, short-term rentals are still allowed in Raleigh, but they require compliance with zoning, registration, and safety rules. STR regulations explained by Raleigh Economic Development — https://raleighnc.gov/economic-development confirm that most single-family homes can still operate legally. Investors simply need to verify neighborhood or HOA-specific rules. Raleigh continues to support STRs as long as they meet community standards.

2. Which Raleigh neighborhoods perform best for Airbnb?

Downtown Raleigh, North Hills, Brier Creek, and Hillsborough Street consistently offer high occupancy and strong nightly rates. Zillow Research — https://www.zillow.com/research data supports the growing demand in these high-traffic areas. These neighborhoods attract corporate travelers, university visitors, and weekend stays. Investors who list modern and well-furnished properties see the strongest performance.

3. Is Airbnb still profitable in Raleigh in 2025?

Yes, Airbnb remains profitable in Raleigh due to tourism, relocation activity, and corporate travel. NAR Research — https://www.nar.realtor highlights strong rental ROI Raleigh across mid-term and short-term stays. Though regulations have tightened, compliant investors experience stable income and strong demand. The key is selecting the right location and property type.

4. What regulations affect STR investors the most?

The most impactful regulations relate to zoning approval, owner occupancy, parking minimums, and maximum guest capacity. Raleigh Economic Development — https://raleighnc.gov/economic-development explains that investors must register with the city and comply with safety requirements. HOAs may impose additional restrictions. Investors who stay compliant avoid fines and maintain long-term profitability.

5. Are mid-term rentals a good alternative to Airbnb?

Yes, mid-term rentals (30–90 days) are one of the fastest-growing segments in Raleigh. These rentals often bypass STR restrictions and attract nurses, relocating families, and corporate guests. Zillow Research — https://www.zillow.com/research shows consistent demand for mid-term stays across the Triangle. Investors benefit from lower turnover and stable income.

How Phil Slezak Real Estate Can Help You

At Phil Slezak Real Estate, brokered by LPT Realty, we do more than just help you find a home, we make sure your entire moving process is stress-free and seamless. Whether you’re buying, selling, investing, or relocating, we have the resources, expertise, and connections to guide you every step of the way.

Why Work With Us?

✔ Exclusive Off-Market Listings – Get access to homes before they hit the market.
✔ Zero-Commission Selling Options – Save thousands when selling your home.
✔ Relocation Assistance – We connect you with the best movers in Raleigh for a smooth transition.
✔ Buyer Home Guarantee – If your home isn’t perfect, we’ll sell it for zero listing commission.
✔ Sold Zero Commission – Maximize your profits with no listing commission when selling your home.
✔ Cash Offers – Get 4 cash offers on your home in minutes

Conclusion:

Raleigh’s short-term rental landscape is evolving, but opportunity remains strong for investors who understand the rules and position their properties strategically. With consistent demand from corporate travelers, medical visitors, and university-related stays, compliant STRs continue to outperform many traditional rental models. As Raleigh’s regulations mature, investors who adapt early gain the most stability, visibility, and long-term ROI. If you're planning to invest in STR or mid-term rentals, now is the perfect time to align your strategy with Raleigh’s updated framework.

📞 Call or text me at +1919-607-4844 or connect with me on social media. I help people just like you every week make smart real estate decisions, let’s chat about yours!

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