Is Eagle, Idaho Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Eagle, Idaho, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through the City of Eagle Planning Department, as Eagle requires short-term rental permits and has specific zoning restrictions that typically allow STRs in residential areas with conditions. Contact Eagle City Hall at 660 E Civic Lane to obtain the necessary business license and short-term rental permit, which costs approximately $100-200 annually and requires proof of insurance, parking plans, and neighbor notification. Find a suitable property by searching MLS listings, Zillow, or working with local realtors like Silvercreek Realty or Amherst Madison, focusing on areas near Eagle Island State Park or downtown Eagle for higher demand, with typical investment properties ranging $400,000-800,000. Furnish the property with quality furniture from local stores like Ashley HomeStore in Boise or West Elm, ensuring you include essentials like high-speed internet, smart locks, and professional photography equipment for listing photos. Create your Airbnb listing with competitive pricing around $150-300 per night depending on size and location, highlighting Eagle's proximity to Boise River activities and outdoor recreation. Manage the property by establishing cleaning protocols with local services like Merry Maids Boise, implementing keyless entry systems, maintaining responsive guest communication, and ensuring compliance with Ada County health regulations and fire safety requirements while tracking income for tax purposes through Idaho State Tax Commission guidelines.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Eagle, Idaho, focus on locations within 2-3 miles of Boise River access points, Eagle Island State Park, and downtown Eagle's shopping district, as these areas attract outdoor enthusiasts and families visiting the region. Target 3-4 bedroom single-family homes or townhomes built after 2000 with modern amenities, outdoor spaces like patios or decks, and parking for multiple vehicles, as Eagle attracts groups seeking spacious accommodations for river activities and Boise area exploration. Analyze pricing by researching comparable STRs on Airbnb and VRBO in Eagle and nearby Meridian, with successful properties typically commanding $150-250 per night depending on size and amenities, while ensuring purchase prices allow for 15-20% annual returns after expenses. Competition research reveals approximately 50-75 active STRs in Eagle as of 2023, with highest demand during summer months (June-September) and winter holidays, so differentiate through unique outdoor amenities, hot tubs, or proximity to recreational activities. Utilize AirDNA for market analysis, STR Helper for performance tracking, Mashvisor for investment analysis, and consult local property management companies like RedAwning or Vacasa who operate in the Boise metro area to understand operational costs, with Eagle's growing population and proximity to Boise's tech sector creating consistent demand for quality short-term accommodations.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Eagle, Idaho, you must first contact the Eagle Planning Department at City Hall located at 660 E Civic Lane to determine if your property is in a zone that allows short-term rentals, as Eagle restricts STRs to certain residential zones with specific conditions. Submit an application through the city's planning department including a completed STR permit application form, proof of property ownership or lease agreement with landlord consent, a site plan showing parking arrangements, floor plan indicating maximum occupancy, proof of liability insurance (typically $1 million minimum), contact information for a local property manager if you live more than 50 miles away, and acknowledgment of noise and nuisance ordinances. The application fee is approximately $200-400 with annual renewal fees around $150-250. You must also register with Ada County for tax collection purposes and obtain a business license from the state of Idaho. The review process typically takes 4-6 weeks, during which the city may conduct site inspections and notify neighboring properties. Eagle requires STRs to maintain off-street parking for each bedroom, limit occupancy to 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, display the permit number in all advertisements, maintain a guest registry, and respond to complaints within 2 hours if you're the local contact or have a property manager available 24/7.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are legal in Eagle, Idaho, but operate under specific regulations established by the city. Eagle requires STR operators to obtain a business license and comply with zoning restrictions that primarily allow STRs in residential zones with certain limitations on density and operational standards. The city has implemented occupancy limits, parking requirements, and noise ordinances specifically for STRs, while prohibiting them in some residential areas to preserve neighborhood character. Recent changes around 2021-2022 included stricter enforcement mechanisms and enhanced neighbor notification requirements. Property owners must also comply with Ada County health department regulations and state tax collection requirements, with violations potentially resulting in license revocation and fines up to $1,000 per violation.

The best Airbnb investment areas in Eagle, Idaho include the Eagle Island State Park vicinity, which attracts outdoor enthusiasts year-round for camping, hiking, and water activities on the Boise River, and the Eagle Hills neighborhood near Eagle Road and State Street, which offers proximity to both Boise's business district for corporate travelers and easy access to recreational areas. The downtown Eagle area along Eagle Road provides strong potential due to its charming small-town atmosphere, local events like the Eagle Fun Days festival, and proximity to the Boise River Greenbelt system that draws cyclists and nature lovers. The neighborhoods near Eagle Sports Complex benefit from youth sports tournaments and events throughout the year, while areas close to the Eagle Public Library and community center attract families visiting for local events and activities. Properties near the Boise River corridor are particularly attractive as they offer water recreation access, fishing opportunities, and scenic views that command premium rates, especially during summer months when river activities peak and the area hosts various outdoor events and festivals.

Eagle, Idaho imposes a 2% lodging tax on short-term rental accommodations including Airbnbs, which applies to stays of 30 days or less. This tax is collected by the host at the time of booking or check-in and must be remitted to the City of Eagle on a monthly basis by the 20th of the following month using the city's online portal or by submitting Form LT-1 along with payment. Ada County also levies an additional 1% transient room tax, bringing the total occupancy tax rate to approximately 3% for Airbnb properties in Eagle. Hosts are required to register with both the city and county tax departments before beginning operations and obtain the necessary business licenses. The taxes apply to the gross rental amount excluding cleaning fees but including any service charges. Exemptions typically include stays exceeding 30 consecutive days by the same guest, rentals to permanent residents establishing domicile, and accommodations provided to individuals displaced by emergencies when arranged through government agencies. Failure to collect and remit these taxes can result in penalties of 10% of the unpaid amount plus interest charges of 1% per month.

To start an Airbnb in Eagle, Idaho, expect total costs around $650,000-$750,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at approximately $600,000 based on Eagle's median home price as of 2023. Furnishing costs typically range $15,000-$25,000 for a complete 3-bedroom setup including furniture, bedding, kitchenware, and décor. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and basic renovations average $3,000-$5,000. Permits and fees in Ada County include business license ($50), short-term rental permit ($200-$500), and potential HOA approval costs totaling around $1,000. Insurance premiums for short-term rental coverage run $2,000-$3,500 annually, with first-year payment required upfront. Utility deposits and connections for electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable average $500-$1,000. First six months operating costs including utilities ($200/month), cleaning services ($100 per turnover), supplies and maintenance ($150/month), platform fees (3% of bookings), and marketing expenses total approximately $4,000-$6,000, assuming 60% occupancy rates typical for Eagle's tourism market.

Airbnb properties in Eagle, Idaho demonstrate strong profitability potential with average nightly rates ranging from $150-300 depending on property size and amenities, generating annual revenues of $35,000-65,000 for well-managed properties with 60-70% occupancy rates. Operating expenses typically include 25-30% for cleaning and maintenance, 3% Airbnb service fees, 15-20% for utilities and supplies, and 8-12% for property management if outsourced, resulting in net profit margins of 35-45% for debt-free properties. Success factors include proximity to Eagle's downtown area and Boise River greenbelt, modern furnishings, hot tubs or outdoor amenities, and professional photography, with properties near Eagle Island State Park and golf courses commanding premium rates. A typical 3-bedroom home purchased for $450,000 in 2022 generating $50,000 annually in Airbnb revenue with $28,000 in expenses yields a 4.9% cash-on-cash return, while luxury properties with mountain views near Eagle Hills Golf Course can achieve 6-8% returns due to higher nightly rates of $250-400 and strong demand from Boise-area visitors and business travelers.

Airbnb investments in Eagle, Idaho typically generate annual ROI of 12-18% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 8-14%, driven by the area's proximity to Boise and strong tourism demand from outdoor recreation activities. Properties in Eagle generally reach profitability within 18-24 months, with average daily rates of $150-220 depending on property size and amenities. The market benefits from year-round demand due to skiing at nearby Bogus Basin in winter and hiking, fishing, and lake activities in summer, with occupancy rates averaging 65-75% annually. Initial investment costs typically range from $400,000-650,000 for suitable properties, with gross rental yields of 6-9% before expenses, making Eagle a moderately attractive market for short-term rental investments compared to other Idaho destinations like Sun Valley or McCall.

STRSearch is a national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental properties for investors looking in Eagle, Idaho. Local real estate agents in the Eagle area who focus on investment properties include Silvercreek Realty Group, Boise Premier Real Estate, and Knipe Realty ERA Powered, with agents like Sarah Johnson and Mike Peterson who have experience with Airbnb investment properties. National services that can help identify profitable Airbnb opportunities in Eagle include Mashvisor, which provides rental property analytics, AirDNA for market data and revenue projections, and Awning for turnkey Airbnb investment properties. Local property management companies that cater to short-term rentals include Treasure Valley Property Management and Boise Airbnb Management, while national companies like RedAwning and Vacasa also operate in the Eagle market. Additional services include BiggerPockets for networking with local investors, Roofstock for online real estate investing, and local mortgage brokers like Academy Mortgage and Primary Residential Mortgage who understand investment property financing in the Eagle area.