Is Enfield, Connecticut Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Enfield, Connecticut, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through the Enfield Planning and Zoning Department, as Connecticut municipalities typically require short-term rental permits and compliance with fire safety codes. Contact Enfield Town Hall at 820 Enfield Street to obtain necessary business licenses and short-term rental permits, which may cost $100-300 annually and require property inspections. Find a suitable property by searching MLS listings through local realtors like Coldwell Banker or RE/MAX, focusing on areas near Bradley International Airport or downtown Hartford for higher occupancy rates, with average property prices ranging $200,000-400,000. Furnish the space with essential amenities including Wi-Fi, linens, kitchen supplies, and safety equipment like smoke detectors and fire extinguishers, budgeting approximately $5,000-15,000 for complete furnishing. Create your Airbnb listing with professional photos highlighting proximity to Six Flags New England (20 minutes away) and easy access to Hartford, setting competitive rates around $80-150 per night based on local market analysis. Manage your property by establishing cleaning protocols between guests, responding promptly to inquiries, coordinating key exchanges through lockboxes or smart locks, maintaining property insurance that covers short-term rentals, and keeping detailed records for tax purposes including Connecticut's 6.35% sales tax on short-term accommodations.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Enfield, Connecticut, focus on locations near Bradley International Airport (15 minutes away), the Connecticut River, and major highways like I-91 for business traveler accessibility. Target 2-4 bedroom single-family homes or condos built after 1980 with modern amenities, parking, and outdoor spaces, as these appeal to families visiting nearby attractions like Six Flags New England or corporate travelers to Hartford-area businesses. Conduct pricing analysis using AirDNA and Mashvisor to benchmark against comparable properties in Windsor, East Windsor, and Suffield, aiming for properties under $300,000 that can generate $100-150 per night during peak seasons (summer and fall foliage). Research competition by analyzing existing STR listings within a 5-mile radius, noting occupancy rates, pricing strategies, and guest reviews to identify market gaps. Utilize tools like Rabbu, BiggerPockets calculators, and local MLS data through Connecticut Realtors Association, while monitoring seasonal demand patterns driven by Bradley Airport traffic, Foxwoods/Mohegan Sun casino visitors, and Hartford business district proximity to ensure year-round profitability in this suburban market positioned between major Connecticut attractions.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Enfield, Connecticut, you must first contact the Enfield Planning and Zoning Department at Town Hall located at 820 Enfield Street to determine if short-term rentals are permitted in your specific zoning district, as regulations vary by zone. Submit an application for a Special Use Permit or Zoning Permit (depending on local requirements) along with required documents including a completed application form, site plan showing the property layout, proof of property ownership or lease agreement, certificate of occupancy, fire safety inspection certificate from the Enfield Fire Department, and liability insurance documentation with minimum $1 million coverage. Pay the application fee of approximately $150-300 and any additional inspection fees of around $75-150. The process typically takes 30-60 days and includes a public hearing before the Planning and Zoning Commission if required. Enfield specifically requires STR operators to maintain on-site parking for guests, provide 24-hour contact information to neighbors, limit occupancy to no more than 2 guests per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, and ensure compliance with all building and fire codes. Once approved, you must register with the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services for tax collection purposes and may need to renew your permit annually depending on local requirements.

Short-term rentals (STRs) in Enfield, Connecticut operate in a legal gray area as the town has not enacted specific regulations governing STRs as of 2023, though they are not explicitly prohibited. Property owners can generally operate STRs under existing zoning laws, but must comply with standard residential zoning requirements and may face restrictions in certain residential districts where commercial activities are limited. The town has been monitoring STR activity and considering potential regulations similar to other Connecticut municipalities, but no comprehensive ordinance has been adopted. STR operators must still comply with state tax requirements, including collecting occupancy taxes, and ensure their properties meet basic safety and building code standards. Recent discussions at town meetings have indicated potential future regulation development, particularly regarding registration requirements and occupancy limits, but current operations remain largely unregulated at the municipal level while being subject to existing zoning and safety codes.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Enfield, Connecticut include the Thompsonville Historic District, which attracts visitors interested in the area's rich industrial heritage and proximity to the Connecticut River, and neighborhoods near Enfield Square and Elm Street for business travelers visiting local corporations like LEGO Systems Inc. and other manufacturing facilities. The areas around Hazardville offer appeal due to their historic charm and accessibility to both Hartford (20 minutes south) and Springfield, Massachusetts (15 minutes north), making them ideal for guests attending events at the MassMutual Center or conducting business in the Hartford metropolitan area. Properties near the Enfield-Suffield border benefit from proximity to Bradley International Airport (30 minutes away) and appeal to visitors exploring the Connecticut River Valley's agricultural tourism and seasonal festivals, while locations close to Powder Hollow Golf Course attract golf enthusiasts and weekend recreational visitors throughout the warmer months.

In Enfield, Connecticut, Airbnb hosts are subject to Connecticut's state occupancy tax of 15% on rentals of less than 30 consecutive days, which applies to the total rental charge including cleaning fees but excluding separately stated taxes. The state tax is collected directly by Airbnb from guests and remitted to the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services on behalf of hosts who have opted into this service, though hosts can also collect and remit the tax themselves by registering for a Connecticut Tax Registration Number and filing monthly returns by the last day of the following month. Additionally, hosts may be subject to Enfield's local room occupancy tax, which is estimated at 3-5% based on typical Connecticut municipal rates, and this local tax typically must be collected by the host and remitted directly to the town's tax collector or finance department on a monthly or quarterly basis. Exemptions generally apply to rentals of 30 days or longer, rentals to permanent residents, and in some cases rentals under a certain dollar threshold per night, though hosts should verify current local requirements with Enfield's tax assessor office as municipal tax rates and collection procedures can vary and change over time.

To start an Airbnb in Enfield, Connecticut, the total costs would be approximately $385,000-$425,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at $320,000-$350,000 based on median home prices in the area as of 2023-2024. Furnishing costs typically range $15,000-$25,000 for a complete 2-3 bedroom property 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 total around $2,000-$3,000. Permits and fees vary but generally include business registration ($100), short-term rental permits ($200-$500), and potential zoning compliance costs totaling $1,000-$2,000. Insurance for short-term rentals runs $2,000-$3,000 annually, with the first year paid upfront. Utilities including electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable average $300-$400 monthly or $1,800-$2,400 for six months. First six months operating costs encompass cleaning services ($150 per turnover), maintenance reserves ($200 monthly), Airbnb platform fees (3% of bookings), property management software ($50 monthly), and miscellaneous supplies, totaling approximately $4,000-$6,000 depending on occupancy rates and property condition.

Airbnb properties in Enfield, Connecticut typically generate annual revenues between $15,000-$35,000 for entire home listings, with average daily rates ranging from $85-$140 depending on property size and amenities. Operating expenses generally consume 40-60% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($30-50 per turnover), property management (10-20% of revenue), utilities ($150-300 monthly), insurance ($800-1,500 annually), and maintenance costs averaging $2,000-4,000 yearly. Properties near Bradley International Airport and those offering business traveler amenities tend to achieve higher occupancy rates of 60-75% compared to the market average of 45-55%. A typical 3-bedroom home in Enfield generating $28,000 annually might incur $16,000 in expenses, yielding a net profit margin of approximately 43% or $12,000. Success factors include proximity to major employers like Aetna and Cigna in nearby Hartford, competitive pricing 10-15% below Hartford rates, professional photography, and maintaining superhost status. Properties with dedicated workspaces have seen 20-25% higher booking rates since 2020, while those offering long-term stays (28+ days) to corporate travelers achieve more stable revenue streams with profit margins reaching 50-60%.

Airbnb investments in Enfield, Connecticut typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10% based on current market conditions. Properties in Enfield, located between Hartford and Springfield, benefit from proximity to major employers like Aetna, The Hartford, and Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company, driving consistent demand from business travelers and relocating professionals. Average daily rates range from $85-120 depending on property size and amenities, with occupancy rates averaging 65-75% annually. Initial investment recovery typically occurs within 7-10 years, with monthly gross rental income of $1,800-3,200 for 2-4 bedroom properties. The market shows particular strength during fall foliage season and summer months when tourism to nearby attractions like Six Flags New England and Bradley International Airport creates additional demand. Cash-on-cash returns improve significantly after the third year as mortgage principal reduction accelerates and local market appreciation of 3-5% annually compounds returns.

STRSearch is a national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental properties for investors looking in Enfield, Connecticut. Local real estate agents who focus on investment properties in the area include Keller Williams Realty agents who specialize in rental property analysis, RE/MAX professionals with Airbnb investment experience, and Coldwell Banker agents familiar with the Connecticut short-term rental market. National services that can assist with Enfield properties include Mashvisor for property analytics and ROI calculations, AirDNA for market data and revenue projections, Awning for full-service Airbnb property management, RedAwning for vacation rental property identification, and Vacasa which provides market analysis for potential investment properties. Local property management companies like Connecticut Property Management Group and Hartford Area Property Services often help investors identify and manage profitable short-term rental opportunities. Additionally, BiggerPockets marketplace and Roofstock occasionally feature Connecticut investment properties suitable for Airbnb conversion, while local investment groups and meetups in the Hartford-Springfield area frequently share opportunities in nearby Enfield for short-term rental investments.