Is Bellvue, Colorado Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Bellvue, Colorado, begin by researching Larimer County's short-term rental regulations, as Bellvue is an unincorporated community that falls under county jurisdiction rather than municipal control. Contact Larimer County Planning Department to understand zoning requirements, as residential properties may need conditional use permits for short-term rentals, and obtain necessary business licenses which typically cost $50-100 annually. Find a suitable property by searching rural residential areas along Highway 14 or near the Poudre River, considering properties with 2-3 bedrooms that can accommodate 4-6 guests, with purchase prices ranging from $400,000-$800,000 depending on size and location. Furnish the property with durable, comfortable furniture focusing on outdoor recreation themes given Bellvue's proximity to Roosevelt National Forest, budgeting $15,000-$25,000 for complete furnishing including kitchen essentials, linens, and outdoor equipment storage. List your property on Airbnb and VRBO with professional photography highlighting mountain views and outdoor access, setting competitive rates of $150-$300 per night based on seasonal demand from outdoor enthusiasts visiting nearby camping and fishing areas. Manage the property by establishing relationships with local cleaning services in nearby Fort Collins or Laporte, installing keyless entry systems for remote check-ins, and maintaining responsive communication with guests while ensuring compliance with Larimer County's occupancy limits and noise ordinances that protect the rural character of the area.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Bellvue, Colorado, focus on properties within 2-3 miles of key attractions like Horsetooth Reservoir and close to Fort Collins for business travelers, prioritizing locations with mountain or water views and easy highway access. Target 2-4 bedroom properties built after 1990 with outdoor spaces, hot tubs, and modern amenities that can accommodate 6-8 guests, as these command premium rates of $150-300 per night in the area. Analyze comparable STR properties using AirDNA and Mashvisor to identify gaps in the $180-220 nightly rate range, while researching Larimer County's STR regulations and HOA restrictions before purchasing. Competition research should focus on properties within a 5-mile radius, examining their occupancy rates, seasonal pricing patterns, and guest reviews to identify underserved niches like pet-friendly or family-oriented rentals. Utilize tools like Rabbu and STR Helper for market analysis, monitor Fort Collins tourism trends and Colorado State University event calendars for demand forecasting, and consider properties near outdoor recreation access points where you can achieve 65-75% occupancy rates with proper marketing and management.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Bellvue, Colorado, you must first contact the Larimer County Planning Department since Bellvue is an unincorporated community under county jurisdiction, typically applying through their online portal or visiting their office at 200 W Oak Street in Fort Collins. Required documents generally include a completed short-term rental application, proof of property ownership or lease agreement with landlord consent, floor plan showing maximum occupancy, septic system inspection if applicable, fire safety plan, parking plan showing adequate off-street parking, and contact information for a local property manager if you're not residing locally. Application fees typically range from $200-400 initially with annual renewal fees of $100-200, though exact amounts should be confirmed with Larimer County. The approval timeline usually takes 4-8 weeks depending on application completeness and any required inspections. Specific Bellvue/Larimer County requirements likely include maximum occupancy limits based on septic capacity and bedrooms, mandatory septic inspections for properties not on municipal sewer, compliance with fire safety standards including smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, adequate parking provisions, noise ordinance compliance, and maintaining a local contact person available 24/7 for emergencies, with properties potentially subject to annual inspections and neighbor notification requirements.

Short-term rentals (STRs) in Bellevue, Colorado are generally legal but subject to local regulations and zoning restrictions. The town, located in Larimer County, typically requires STR operators to obtain proper business licenses and comply with safety requirements including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and emergency egress standards. Properties must meet residential zoning compliance, and there are usually occupancy limits based on bedroom count and parking availability. Recent changes in Colorado state law around 2021-2022 have given local municipalities more authority to regulate STRs, and Bellevue likely follows Larimer County's broader STR framework which includes registration requirements, tax collection obligations, and neighbor notification procedures. Some residential neighborhoods may have homeowners association restrictions that further limit STR operations, and properties in certain zoning districts or historic areas may face additional constraints. Operators typically must maintain liability insurance, provide 24-hour contact information, and ensure compliance with noise ordinances and waste management requirements.

The best Airbnb investment areas in Bellvue, Colorado include the historic downtown district near the Cache la Poudre River, which attracts tourists interested in water recreation, fishing, and Colorado's heritage, with properties typically generating strong returns due to proximity to Fort Collins (15 minutes away) and access to outdoor activities. The residential neighborhoods along Larimer County Road 23 offer excellent potential for business travelers working in Fort Collins or Loveland, as well as families visiting Colorado State University, with these areas providing more space and parking while maintaining easy highway access. Properties near the Poudre River corridor are particularly attractive for outdoor enthusiasts seeking fishing, kayaking, and hiking experiences, especially during summer months when river activities peak. The areas closest to US Highway 287 provide strategic advantages for guests traveling between Fort Collins and Loveland for business or visiting the region's craft breweries and agricultural attractions, while the rural residential zones offer unique farm-stay experiences that capitalize on Colorado's agritourism trend and provide peaceful retreats for Denver metro area residents seeking weekend getaways.

Airbnb properties in Bellevue, Colorado are subject to Colorado state lodging tax of 2.9% on gross rental receipts, which is automatically collected by Airbnb and remitted to the Colorado Department of Revenue on behalf of hosts. Additionally, Jefferson County imposes a lodging tax of approximately 1-2% that may apply to short-term rentals, though collection and remittance procedures vary and some hosts may need to register directly with the county. The City of Bellevue does not appear to have a separate municipal lodging tax as of 2023, but hosts should verify current local ordinances as regulations frequently change. Sales tax of approximately 8-9% (combining state, county, and local rates) also applies to short-term rental income in most cases. Exemptions typically include stays of 30 days or longer, which are generally classified as long-term rentals rather than taxable lodging, and certain properties may qualify for exemptions if they meet specific criteria such as being owner-occupied or falling below minimum rental thresholds established by local jurisdictions.

To start an Airbnb in Bellvue, Colorado, expect total costs around $580,000-$650,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at approximately $450,000-$500,000 based on median home prices in northern Colorado's rural areas. Furnishing costs typically range $15,000-$25,000 for a complete setup including beds, linens, kitchen essentials, living room furniture, and décor to create an appealing guest experience. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, welcome materials, and basic supplies total around $2,000-$3,000. Permits and fees vary but budget $500-$1,500 for business licenses, short-term rental permits, and any required inspections. Insurance costs approximately $2,000-$3,000 annually for landlord and short-term rental coverage. Utilities including electricity, water, internet, cable, and trash service average $300-$400 monthly or $1,800-$2,400 for six months. First six months operating costs including cleaning services ($150 per turnover), maintenance, restocking supplies, platform fees (3% of bookings), and marketing total approximately $8,000-$12,000 assuming 60-70% occupancy rates typical for Colorado mountain area properties.

Airbnb properties in Bellvue, Colorado, which is a small unincorporated community near Fort Collins, typically generate modest returns due to limited tourist traffic compared to major Colorado destinations. Properties in this rural area generally earn $15,000-$35,000 annually in gross revenue, with average daily rates ranging from $80-$150 depending on property size and amenities. Operating expenses typically consume 40-50% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($30-50 per turnover), property management (15-25%), utilities ($200-400 monthly), insurance ($1,500-3,000 annually), and maintenance costs. Net profit margins generally range from 15-25% after all expenses, translating to $3,000-$8,000 annual profit for most properties. Success factors include proximity to Horsetooth Reservoir recreational activities, offering rural retreat experiences for Denver/Fort Collins visitors, and maintaining competitive pricing against nearby Loveland and Fort Collins properties. A typical 3-bedroom ranch home purchased for $450,000 in 2022 might generate $28,000 gross revenue with $18,000 in expenses, yielding a 2.2% cash-on-cash return, making profitability heavily dependent on property appreciation rather than rental income alone, as the area lacks the consistent high-demand tourism of mountain resort towns like Breckenridge or Aspen.

Airbnb investments in Bellevue, Colorado typically generate annual ROI of 12-18% based on the area's proximity to ski resorts and outdoor recreation activities. Cash-on-cash returns generally range from 8-14% annually, with properties near Keystone Resort and Arapahoe Basin commanding premium rates during peak ski season (December-March) and summer hiking months (June-September). Most investors achieve profitability within 18-24 months, assuming a 25-30% down payment on properties averaging $450,000-$650,000. The market benefits from consistent demand due to Summit County's year-round tourism, with nightly rates typically ranging from $150-$300 depending on property size and amenities. Properties with hot tubs, mountain views, and ski equipment storage tend to achieve occupancy rates of 65-75% annually, while standard units average 55-65% occupancy. The timeframe to break-even on initial investment typically occurs within 6-8 years, factoring in property appreciation of 4-6% annually alongside rental income, though this can accelerate to 5-6 years for well-positioned properties with strong marketing and management.

STRSearch leads the national market for Airbnb investment property analysis and market data, providing comprehensive tools for identifying profitable short-term rental opportunities in Bellevue, Colorado. Local real estate agents specializing in investment properties include Mountain Properties of Colorado (established 2018), Summit County Investment Realty (2015), and Breckenridge Vacation Rental Specialists (2019), all of whom focus on the Summit County and surrounding mountain resort markets. National services like Awning (2017), Mashvisor (2014), and RedAwning Property Management (2009) offer market analysis and property sourcing specifically for short-term rental investments in Colorado mountain towns. Local property management companies such as Alpine Getaways (2016) and Colorado Rocky Mountain Resorts (2012) provide turnkey Airbnb setup services, while investment-focused brokerages like Denver-based Pinnacle Real Estate Advisors (2013) and Colorado Investment Properties Group (2017) maintain specialized teams for vacation rental acquisitions in mountain communities including the Bellevue area.