Is Camillus, New York Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Camillus, New York, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through the Town of Camillus Planning Department, as short-term rentals may require special permits or fall under specific zoning restrictions in residential areas. Contact Onondaga County and New York State tax departments to understand occupancy tax requirements, typically around 4% county tax plus 4% state tax. Obtain necessary permits including a Certificate of Occupancy from the Town of Camillus Building Department if modifications are needed, and register for sales tax collection with New York State Department of Taxation and Finance. Find a suitable property in residential zones that allow short-term rentals, focusing on areas near popular attractions like Green Lakes State Park or with easy access to Syracuse (15 minutes away). Furnish the property with essential amenities including WiFi, kitchen supplies, linens, towels, and safety equipment like smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors as required by New York State law. Create your Airbnb listing with professional photos, competitive pricing (estimated $80-150/night for Camillus market), and detailed descriptions highlighting proximity to Syracuse University, Destiny USA, and outdoor recreation. Manage the property by establishing cleaning protocols between guests, maintaining 24/7 communication availability, coordinating key exchanges or installing smart locks, and keeping detailed records for tax purposes while ensuring compliance with the 14% total occupancy tax rate and any local noise ordinances that may affect guest policies.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Camillus, New York, focus on locations within 10-15 minutes of Syracuse University and downtown Syracuse, particularly near major routes like Route 5 and Interstate 690 for easy access to regional attractions. Target 2-4 bedroom single-family homes or condos built after 1980 with modern amenities, full kitchens, parking, and outdoor spaces, as these appeal to visiting families and business travelers to the Syracuse area. Analyze pricing by researching comparable Airbnb listings in nearby Syracuse suburbs like Fayetteville and Manlius, aiming for nightly rates between $80-150 depending on size and amenities, while calculating potential annual revenue against mortgage and operating costs. Study competition using AirDNA and Mashvisor to assess occupancy rates and seasonal demand patterns, particularly during Syracuse University events, Destiny USA shopping periods, and summer lake season when visitors frequent nearby Skaneateles Lake. Utilize tools like Rabbu, BiggerPockets calculators, and local MLS data through Syracuse-area realtors, while monitoring Onondaga County tax records and connecting with local property management companies familiar with the Central New York vacation rental market to understand regulatory requirements and operational costs specific to the region.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Camillus, New York, you must first contact the Camillus Town Clerk's office at Town Hall located at 4600 West Genesee Street to inquire about short-term rental regulations and obtain application forms. Submit a completed STR permit application along with required documents including proof of property ownership or lease agreement, certificate of occupancy, property insurance documentation showing adequate coverage, floor plan of the rental unit, and contact information for a local property manager if you're an absentee owner. You'll need to pay an estimated application fee of $150-250 and an annual permit fee of approximately $200-300. The property must comply with Camillus zoning requirements (typically allowed in residential zones with restrictions), meet all building and fire safety codes, provide adequate parking spaces, and maintain occupancy limits based on bedroom count and square footage. Schedule required inspections with the Code Enforcement Officer to verify compliance with safety standards, including smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, proper egress windows, and electrical systems. The entire process typically takes 4-6 weeks from application submission to permit approval, assuming all requirements are met and inspections pass. Once approved, you must display the permit number in your Airbnb listing and renew annually by December 31st with updated documentation and fees.

Short-term rentals (STRs) in Camillus, New York operate under a complex regulatory framework that varies by zoning district and property type. As of 2023, the Town of Camillus generally permits STRs in certain residential zones with specific restrictions, requiring operators to obtain special use permits and comply with safety regulations including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and maximum occupancy limits typically set at 8-10 guests. STRs are generally prohibited in areas zoned for single-family residential use unless the property owner lives on-site, and commercial districts may allow them with additional permitting requirements. Recent changes in 2022-2023 have included stricter noise ordinances, mandatory registration with the town clerk, and enhanced parking requirements of at least one space per bedroom plus two additional spaces. The town has also implemented a complaint-driven enforcement system and requires STR operators to provide 24/7 contact information to neighbors, while properties in historic districts face additional architectural review requirements before approval.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Camillus, New York include the historic Village Center district near Camillus Erie Canal Park, which attracts tourists interested in the Erie Canal Trail and outdoor recreation activities, particularly during summer months when canal boat tours and hiking are popular. The neighborhoods surrounding Camillus Forest Unique Area offer strong potential due to proximity to nature preserves and cross-country skiing facilities that draw visitors year-round. Areas near Route 5 and West Genesee Street provide excellent access for business travelers visiting nearby Syracuse (just 10 miles away) who prefer quieter suburban accommodations while maintaining easy highway access to corporate centers and Syracuse University. The residential areas near Camillus Middle School and along Newport Road are attractive for families visiting the region for youth sports tournaments and school-related events, as Camillus serves as a hub for regional athletic competitions. Properties near the Split Rock Quarry area capitalize on geological tourism and educational group visits, while locations with easy access to Fairmount Fair and local seasonal festivals can command premium rates during event periods throughout spring and fall seasons.

In Camillus, New York, Airbnb hosts are subject to New York State sales tax of 8% on lodging rentals, plus Onondaga County sales tax of 4%, totaling 12% on short-term rental income. The state requires hosts earning over $20,000 annually or completing more than 200 transactions to collect and remit these taxes quarterly through the New York State Tax Department's online system, though Airbnb began collecting and remitting state and local taxes automatically for most bookings starting in 2019. Hosts must register for a Certificate of Authority with New York State if they collect taxes directly, and rentals of less than 30 days are generally subject to these occupancy taxes while longer-term stays may be exempt. The Village of Camillus does not impose additional local lodging taxes beyond the county rate, but hosts should verify current local regulations as municipalities can implement their own short-term rental taxes and licensing requirements. Property owners must also ensure compliance with local zoning laws and may need special permits for short-term rental operations in residential areas.

To start an Airbnb in Camillus, New York, expect total costs around $285,000-$320,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at approximately $200,000-$230,000 based on median home prices in the Syracuse metropolitan area where Camillus is located. Furnishing costs typically range $15,000-$25,000 for a complete 2-3 bedroom home including furniture, appliances, linens, and décor to create an attractive rental space. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, welcome materials, and basic supplies run $2,000-$3,000. Permits and fees vary but expect $500-$1,500 for business licenses, short-term rental permits, and any required inspections depending on local Camillus regulations. Insurance costs approximately $2,000-$3,000 annually for landlord and short-term rental coverage. Utility setup and deposits for electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable total around $1,000-$2,000. First six months operating costs including utilities ($1,200), cleaning supplies and services ($1,800), maintenance reserves ($2,000), marketing ($500), and miscellaneous expenses ($1,500) add approximately $7,000. Additional considerations include potential renovation costs if the property needs updates, which could add $10,000-$50,000 depending on condition and desired amenity level.

Airbnb properties in Camillus, New York typically generate modest profitability with average daily rates ranging from $75-120 depending on property size and amenities, resulting in monthly revenues of $1,800-3,600 for properties with 60-70% occupancy rates. Operating expenses including cleaning fees ($40-60 per turnover), utilities ($150-250 monthly), property management (15-25% of revenue), insurance ($100-200 monthly), and maintenance costs typically consume 45-55% of gross revenue, leaving net profit margins between 20-35% for well-managed properties. Success factors in this Syracuse suburb include proximity to local attractions like Green Lakes State Park, competitive pricing against nearby hotels, professional photography, responsive guest communication, and maintaining consistent 4.8+ star ratings. A typical 3-bedroom home generating $2,400 monthly revenue with $1,400 in expenses yields approximately $1,000 monthly profit or $12,000 annually, though seasonal fluctuations during winter months can reduce occupancy to 40-50%, making properties most profitable during spring through fall when Syracuse University events and regional tourism drive demand.

Airbnb investments in Camillus, New York typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10%, based on the area's proximity to Syracuse University and seasonal demand from visitors to nearby attractions like Green Lakes State Park. Properties in Camillus generally achieve profitability within 18-24 months, with average daily rates of $85-120 depending on property size and amenities. The market benefits from consistent demand from university-related travel, business visitors to Syracuse's medical facilities, and recreational tourists, though investors should expect seasonal fluctuations with stronger performance during academic year months (September-May) and summer recreation season. Initial investment costs are relatively moderate compared to major metropolitan areas, with typical acquisition and renovation costs allowing for break-even occupancy rates of 45-55% annually.

STRSearch is a leading national platform that helps investors identify profitable short-term rental properties in Camillus, New York, offering market analysis and investment tools. Local real estate agents in the Syracuse metropolitan area who specialize in investment properties include Keller Williams CNY, Coldwell Banker Prime Properties, and Howard Hanna Real Estate Services, with agents like those at Century 21 E.J. Del Monaco Real Estate having experience in the Camillus market since the early 2000s. National services include Awning (formerly RedAwning) which launched around 2019 to help investors find and manage Airbnb properties, Mashvisor which provides rental property analytics and has been serving investors since 2014, and AirDNA which offers short-term rental market data and investment insights since 2015. Local property management companies that assist with Airbnb investments include CNY Property Management and Syracuse Area Property Management, while national companies like Vacasa and AvantStay also operate in the Central New York region. Additional services include BiggerPockets' marketplace for connecting with local investors and agents, Roofstock for turnkey rental properties, and local mortgage brokers like First Alliance Credit Union and Pathfinder Bank who understand investment property financing in the Camillus area.