Is Broussard, Louisiana Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Broussard, Louisiana, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through the City of Broussard Planning Department, as short-term rentals may require special permits or be restricted in certain residential zones. Contact Lafayette Parish for any parish-level requirements and obtain a Louisiana sales tax license from the Department of Revenue since you'll need to collect and remit state and local taxes on bookings. Secure a business license from Broussard City Hall and verify if you need a short-term rental permit, which typically costs around $100-200 annually. Find a suitable property by purchasing or leasing in areas zoned for short-term rentals, focusing on neighborhoods near the Atchafalaya Basin or close to Lafayette for tourist appeal. Furnish the property with essential amenities including quality bedding, kitchen supplies, WiFi, air conditioning (crucial for Louisiana's climate), and local guidebooks highlighting Cajun culture and nearby attractions. Create your Airbnb listing with professional photos showcasing the property's proximity to Cajun cultural sites, swamp tours, and Lafayette's dining scene, setting competitive rates based on similar properties in the Lafayette-Broussard area (typically $80-150 per night). Manage the property by establishing cleaning protocols between guests, maintaining responsive communication, providing local recommendations for restaurants like Poche's Market or nearby Vermilionville, and ensuring compliance with occupancy limits and noise ordinances that Broussard may enforce in residential areas.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Broussard, Louisiana, focus on locations within 15-20 minutes of Lafayette's downtown area, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, and major employers like Schlumberger and CGI, as these drive consistent demand from business travelers and visiting families. Target 3-4 bedroom single-family homes or townhomes built after 1990 with modern amenities, full kitchens, dedicated parking, and outdoor spaces, as these appeal to groups visiting for Cajun culture experiences, festivals, and university events. Analyze pricing by researching comparable STRs on Airbnb and VRBO in the $80-150 per night range, accounting for seasonal fluctuations during Mardi Gras, Festival International, and football season when rates can increase 30-50%. Conduct competition research by identifying the 20-30 existing STRs in Broussard and nearby Youngsville, noting their occupancy rates, amenities, and guest reviews to find market gaps. Utilize AirDNA for market analytics, STR Helper for performance tracking, and local resources like the Broussard Economic Development Corporation for area growth projections, while monitoring properties near the planned I-49 South extension and new retail developments along Highway 90 that could boost future demand.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Broussard, Louisiana, you must first contact the Broussard City Hall at 201 E. 2nd Avenue or call (337) 837-6681 to obtain the short-term rental application form, as the city implemented STR regulations around 2019-2020. Submit the completed application along with required documents including a copy of your property deed or lease agreement, homeowner's insurance policy showing liability coverage of at least $1 million, floor plan of the rental unit, parking plan showing adequate off-street parking, contact information for a local property manager (if you live more than 50 miles away), and proof of payment for the annual permit fee of approximately $200-300. You must also obtain a business license from the city clerk's office for an additional $50-75 fee and ensure your property complies with Broussard's specific requirements including maximum occupancy limits of 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, quiet hours from 10 PM to 7 AM, and maintaining the property's residential character. The application review process typically takes 30-45 days, during which city staff will conduct a property inspection to verify compliance with safety codes, parking requirements, and zoning regulations. Once approved, you'll receive your STR permit which must be renewed annually, and you must also register with the Louisiana Department of Revenue for state tax collection purposes and remit the required 4% state sales tax plus any applicable local taxes.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are legal in Broussard, Louisiana, but operate under regulations established by Lafayette Parish and local municipal ordinances as of 2023. The city requires STR operators to obtain proper permits and business licenses, comply with zoning restrictions that typically limit STRs in certain residential areas, and adhere to occupancy limits, parking requirements, and noise ordinances. Properties must meet safety standards including smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and emergency exit signage, while operators are required to collect and remit local occupancy taxes. Recent changes in 2022-2023 have included stricter enforcement of existing regulations and enhanced registration requirements, with some residential neighborhoods implementing additional restrictions on the concentration of STRs to preserve community character. The city has been working to balance tourism revenue with resident concerns about neighborhood disruption, resulting in a regulatory framework that allows STRs while maintaining oversight through permitting processes and compliance monitoring.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Broussard, Louisiana include the historic downtown district near the Broussard City Hall area, which attracts visitors interested in local Cajun culture and serves business travelers visiting local government offices and nearby industrial facilities. The neighborhoods along Highway 90 corridor offer excellent accessibility for guests traveling between Lafayette and New Orleans, making them ideal for both leisure tourists exploring Acadiana region and business professionals working with local oil and gas companies like those in the nearby industrial parks. The residential areas near Broussard Park and the community center provide family-friendly accommodations for visitors attending local festivals such as the annual Broussard Boucherie Festival, while properties close to the Lafayette Regional Airport (approximately 15 minutes away) cater to business travelers and tourists flying into the region. The neighborhoods surrounding local restaurants and entertainment venues along Highway 182 benefit from food tourism, as visitors come to experience authentic Cajun and Creole cuisine, and these areas also serve guests attending events at nearby venues in Lafayette's entertainment district.

In Broussard, Louisiana, Airbnb hosts are subject to multiple lodging and occupancy taxes including the Louisiana state sales tax of 4.45%, Lafayette Parish sales tax of 4%, and a local hotel/motel occupancy tax of approximately 3-4% that applies to short-term rentals under 30 days. The City of Broussard may impose an additional municipal occupancy tax of 1-2%. These taxes are typically collected by Airbnb directly from guests at the time of booking for the state and parish taxes through their automatic tax collection service, while local occupancy taxes may require separate registration and remittance by hosts to the Lafayette Parish Tax Collector and City of Broussard on a monthly or quarterly basis. Hosts must register for a Louisiana sales tax permit and may need separate permits for local taxes, with remittance typically due by the 20th of the following month. Exemptions generally apply to stays of 30 days or longer, government employees on official business, and certain non-profit organizations, though documentation is required to claim these exemptions.

To start an Airbnb in Broussard, Louisiana, expect total costs around $185,000-$220,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at approximately $150,000-$180,000 based on median home prices in the area. Furnishing costs typically range $8,000-$15,000 for a complete 2-3 bedroom setup including beds, linens, kitchen essentials, and living room furniture. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and basic renovations average $2,000-$4,000. Permits and fees in Lafayette Parish generally cost $300-$800 including business licenses and short-term rental permits. Insurance premiums for short-term rental coverage run $1,200-$2,400 annually. Utility deposits and connections typically cost $500-$800 upfront. First six months operating costs including utilities ($150-$250/month), cleaning supplies ($100/month), maintenance reserves ($200/month), platform fees (3% of bookings), and marketing expenses total approximately $3,500-$6,000. Property management software subscriptions and professional cleaning services add another $1,000-$2,000 for the initial six-month period.

Airbnb properties in Broussard, Louisiana typically generate annual revenues of $15,000-$35,000 for single-family homes and $8,000-$18,000 for apartments, with occupancy rates averaging 45-65% due to proximity to Lafayette and oil industry activity. Operating expenses generally consume 40-60% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($75-$125 per turnover), property management (15-25%), utilities ($150-$300 monthly), insurance ($1,200-$2,500 annually), and maintenance costs. Net profit margins typically range from 15-35% for well-managed properties, with higher-end homes near Acadiana attractions achieving better performance. Success factors include strategic pricing during festival seasons like Festival International and Mardi Gras, targeting business travelers working in the petrochemical corridor, and maintaining properties that appeal to families visiting University of Louisiana Lafayette. Properties within 10 miles of Lafayette's downtown command premium rates of $85-$150 per night compared to $65-$95 for standard Broussard locations, while those offering amenities like pools or proximity to Cajun cultural sites see occupancy rates 20-30% above market average, resulting in annual net profits of $8,000-$15,000 for typical investment properties.

Airbnb investments in Broussard, Louisiana typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10% based on the local market dynamics. Properties in Broussard, located near Lafayette, benefit from oil industry workers, university visitors to UL Lafayette, and tourists exploring Acadiana region, with average daily rates of $85-120 and occupancy rates of 65-75%. Initial investment recovery usually occurs within 7-10 years, with monthly gross rental income averaging $1,800-2,800 for a typical 3-bedroom property valued at $180,000-250,000. The market shows steady demand due to Broussard's proximity to major employers like Chevron, ExxonMobil, and the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, with break-even on operating expenses typically achieved within 18-24 months of operation when factoring in mortgage payments, maintenance, cleaning fees, and platform commissions.

STRSearch is a leading national platform that helps investors identify profitable short-term rental properties in Broussard, Louisiana, using data analytics and market insights. Local real estate agents in the Lafayette-Broussard area who specialize in investment properties include Coldwell Banker Pelican Real Estate, RE/MAX Acadiana, and Keller Williams Realty Acadiana, with agents like those at Century 21 Bono Realty having experience in vacation rental investments. National services that assist with Airbnb property acquisition include Awning, which provides full-service property management and acquisition assistance, Mashvisor for property analysis and market data, AirDNA for short-term rental analytics, and Roofstock, which specializes in turnkey rental properties. Local property management companies such as Acadiana Property Management and Red River Property Management can provide insights into profitable rental markets in Broussard and surrounding Vermilion Parish areas. Additionally, BiggerPockets serves as a national real estate investment community with local Louisiana investor groups, while companies like Vacasa and RedAwning offer market analysis services to help investors identify high-performing Airbnb markets in the greater Lafayette metropolitan area where Broussard is located.