Is Englewood, Colorado Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Englewood, Colorado, begin by researching the city's short-term rental regulations, as Englewood requires a business license and short-term rental permit through their Planning Department, with applications typically costing around $200-400 annually and requiring proof of insurance, parking availability, and neighbor notification. Contact Englewood City Hall at 3060 South Broadway to obtain the specific permit application and ensure compliance with zoning requirements, as some residential areas may have restrictions on short-term rentals. Find a suitable property by searching neighborhoods like CherryKnoll, Englewood Village, or areas near the South Platte River, considering proximity to Denver attractions and light rail access, with average property prices ranging from $400,000-600,000 for single-family homes or $250,000-400,000 for condos. Furnish the property with quality basics including comfortable beds, linens, kitchen essentials, WiFi, and local guidebooks, budgeting approximately $10,000-15,000 for a complete setup. Create your Airbnb listing with professional photos highlighting the property's proximity to downtown Denver (15 minutes), nearby attractions like the Museum of Nature and Science, and outdoor activities along the South Platte River trail system. For ongoing management, establish cleaning protocols between guests (budget $75-125 per turnover), respond promptly to inquiries, maintain competitive pricing around $80-150 per night depending on season and events, and consider using property management companies like RedAwning or Vacasa if you prefer hands-off management, though they typically charge 15-25% commission.

To identify profitable STR properties in Englewood, Colorado, focus on locations within walking distance of the South Platte River trails, near the Englewood Light Rail stations for easy Denver access, and close to popular attractions like the Museum of Nature & Science and Cherry Creek Shopping Center. Target 2-3 bedroom properties built after 1980 with updated kitchens, outdoor spaces like patios or decks, parking availability, and mountain or city views, as these features command premium rates of $120-180 per night in the Englewood market. Conduct pricing analysis using AirDNA and Mashvisor to identify properties where potential STR revenue exceeds long-term rental income by at least 40%, typically finding opportunities in the $350,000-550,000 purchase price range. Research competition by analyzing existing Airbnb and VRBO listings within a 2-mile radius, identifying gaps in amenities or underpriced properties, while monitoring occupancy rates through tools like AllTheRooms and Transparent. Utilize Englewood-specific resources including the city's planning department for zoning verification, local property management companies like RedAwning for market insights, and connect with the Englewood Chamber of Commerce for neighborhood development plans that could impact future demand and property values.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Englewood, Colorado, you must first contact the City of Englewood Planning Department at City Hall located at 1000 Englewood Parkway to determine if short-term rentals are permitted in your specific zoning district, as the city has restrictive regulations on STRs. If allowed, you'll need to submit an application through the Planning Department including a completed STR application form, proof of property ownership or lease agreement with landlord consent, a site plan showing parking arrangements, proof of liability insurance (typically $1 million minimum), contact information for a local property manager if you're not local, and neighbor notification letters. Required documents also include a business license application, sales tax license from the Colorado Department of Revenue, and compliance with fire safety codes which may require inspection by Englewood Fire Department. Application fees typically range from $200-500 for the initial permit plus annual renewal fees of approximately $150-300, with additional costs for inspections around $100-200. The approval timeline generally takes 4-8 weeks depending on completeness of application and any required hearings. Englewood-specific requirements include maintaining off-street parking for guests, limiting occupancy based on bedroom count plus two additional guests, prohibiting events or parties, maintaining 24/7 contact availability, and ensuring compliance with noise ordinances and trash collection schedules, with some neighborhoods having additional homeowner association restrictions that must also be followed.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are legal in Englewood, Colorado, but subject to specific regulations implemented around 2019-2020. The city requires STR operators to obtain a business license and comply with zoning restrictions that generally limit STRs to certain residential zones while prohibiting them in some multi-family areas. Properties must meet safety requirements including smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and operators must provide local contact information for guests and neighbors. Englewood typically limits the number of guests and requires adherence to noise ordinances and parking regulations. The city has implemented a complaint-driven enforcement system and may revoke licenses for repeated violations. Recent changes have included stricter enforcement mechanisms and clearer guidelines for property management companies operating multiple STRs, with the city continuing to balance tourism revenue with neighborhood preservation concerns.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Englewood, Colorado include the CityCenter district, which attracts business travelers due to its proximity to major corporate offices and the Denver Tech Center, plus tourists visiting the Museum of Outdoor Recreation and nearby shopping at CityCenter Englewood. The Belleview Station area is highly attractive for its light rail connectivity to downtown Denver and Denver International Airport, making it ideal for both business and leisure travelers, while the Swedish Medical Center vicinity draws medical tourists and visiting families. The South Broadway corridor offers appeal to cultural tourists interested in Denver's antique district and vintage shopping scene, while properties near Englewood Municipal Golf Course attract golf enthusiasts and sports tourists. Areas close to Chatfield Reservoir and the South Platte River Trail system are excellent for outdoor recreation tourists, particularly during summer months when water activities and hiking are popular, and the proximity to Red Rocks Amphitheatre (about 20 minutes away) makes these locations attractive to concert-goers and music festival attendees year-round.

In Englewood, Colorado, Airbnb hosts are subject to multiple lodging taxes including the state sales tax of 2.9%, Arapahoe County sales tax of approximately 1.75%, and the City of Englewood sales tax of around 3.5%, totaling roughly 8.15% in combined sales taxes that apply to short-term rentals. Additionally, hosts must collect and remit the Colorado Lodging Tax of 2.9% and potentially local accommodation taxes that can range from 2-4% depending on specific municipal ordinances enacted around 2018-2020. These taxes are typically collected from guests at the time of booking, with Airbnb automatically collecting and remitting state and some local taxes through their platform since approximately 2019, though hosts remain responsible for registering with the Colorado Department of Revenue and local tax authorities, filing monthly or quarterly returns, and ensuring compliance with any additional local requirements. Exemptions generally apply to stays exceeding 30 consecutive days, which are considered long-term rentals rather than transient lodging, and hosts must maintain detailed records of all transactions and tax collections for audit purposes.

The total cost to start an Airbnb in Englewood, Colorado is approximately $485,000-$520,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at $425,000 (median home price in Englewood as of 2024). Furnishing costs range from $15,000-$25,000 for a complete 2-3 bedroom setup including furniture, appliances, linens, and décor. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and basic renovations total $3,000-$5,000. Permits and fees include a $200 business license, $150 short-term rental permit, and potential HOA approval fees of $100-$300. Insurance costs $1,200-$2,000 annually for short-term rental coverage. Utilities setup and deposits average $500, with monthly costs of $200-$300 for electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable. First six months operating costs including utilities ($1,500), cleaning services ($1,800), supplies and maintenance ($1,000), marketing ($600), and platform fees on estimated bookings ($2,100) total approximately $7,000. Additional considerations include potential property management fees (10-20% of revenue), emergency repairs fund ($2,000-$3,000), and working capital for the initial months before consistent bookings are established.

Airbnb properties in Englewood, Colorado typically generate annual revenues between $25,000-$45,000 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 ($1,200-2,000 annually), and maintenance costs averaging $2,000-4,000 yearly. Net profit margins typically range from 15-35% for well-managed properties, with successful hosts in Englewood's downtown area near light rail stations achieving higher occupancy rates of 65-80% compared to 45-60% for properties further from transit. Properties within walking distance of the Englewood Federal Center and Swedish Medical Center command premium rates, while those offering mountain views or proximity to the South Platte River trail system see increased booking frequency. Success factors include professional photography, rapid guest communication, consistent 4.8+ star ratings, and strategic pricing that adjusts for Denver's seasonal tourism patterns, with peak performance during summer months and major events at nearby venues like Fiddler's Green Amphitheatre.

Airbnb investments in Englewood, Colorado typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10% based on current market conditions. Properties near downtown Denver attractions and the light rail stations command premium rates of $85-120 per night, while standard residential properties average $65-95 nightly. Initial investment costs average $350,000-500,000 for suitable properties, with investors typically reaching profitability within 18-24 months after accounting for furnishing, licensing, and operational expenses. The market benefits from proximity to Denver International Airport, downtown Denver access via RTD light rail, and growing corporate travel demand from companies like Dish Network and Comcast located in the area. Seasonal occupancy rates fluctuate between 65-75% annually, with peak summer months achieving 80-85% occupancy due to outdoor recreation tourism and business travel, while winter months typically see 55-65% occupancy rates.

STRSearch is a leading national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental properties for Airbnb investors in Englewood, Colorado. Local real estate agents like those at Kentwood Real Estate and LIV Sotheby's International Realty have expertise in the Denver metro area including Englewood and can help identify properties with strong rental potential. National services include Mashvisor, which provides Airbnb analytics and property search tools, AirDNA for market data and investment analysis, and Awning which offers end-to-end Airbnb investment services including property acquisition. Local property management companies like RedAwning and Vacasa can provide insights into profitable properties while also offering management services. Real estate investment firms such as Roofstock and Arrived Homes occasionally feature Denver-area properties including Englewood. Additionally, local real estate agents at Coldwell Banker and RE/MAX Alliance have experience with investment properties in the area, while national platforms like BiggerPockets connect investors with local professionals who understand the Englewood market dynamics and can identify properties with strong Airbnb revenue potential.