Is Ferrisburgh, Vermont Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Ferrisburgh, Vermont, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through the Ferrisburgh Town Office, as Vermont requires short-term rental operators to register with the state and obtain a Vermont Meals and Rooms Tax license, while Ferrisburgh may have specific ordinances limiting rentals in residential zones or requiring conditional use permits. Contact the Addison County Regional Planning Commission for zoning compliance and apply for necessary permits including a business license from the town clerk and potentially a conditional use permit if operating in residential areas. Find a suitable property by working with local real estate agents familiar with Ferrisburgh's market, focusing on areas near Lake Champlain or scenic rural locations that attract tourists, with properties typically ranging from $200,000-$500,000 depending on size and location. Furnish the property with durable, comfortable furniture emphasizing Vermont's rustic charm, including quality linens, kitchen essentials, WiFi, and outdoor furniture to capitalize on the area's natural beauty. Create your Airbnb listing with professional photos highlighting mountain and lake views, emphasizing proximity to Burlington (20 miles), Middlebury College, and outdoor activities like hiking and water sports. For management, establish cleaning protocols between guests, install keyless entry systems, partner with local cleaning services like those in nearby Vergennes, and maintain responsive communication with guests while ensuring compliance with Vermont's 9% rooms and meals tax collection and remittance requirements to the Vermont Department of Taxes.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Ferrisburgh, Vermont, focus on locations within 10-15 minutes of Lake Champlain waterfront access, proximity to Button Bay State Park, and easy access to Route 7 for connectivity to Burlington (30 minutes north) and Middlebury (15 minutes south). Target properties with 3-4 bedrooms, outdoor spaces like decks or fire pits, lake or mountain views, and rustic Vermont charm including features like fireplaces, exposed beams, or farmhouse aesthetics that appeal to tourists seeking authentic New England experiences. Analyze pricing by researching comparable Airbnb listings in nearby Vergennes, Charlotte, and Shelburne, aiming for $150-300 per night depending on size and amenities, with seasonal adjustments for peak summer and fall foliage periods. Conduct competition research using AirDNA and Mashvisor to assess occupancy rates and revenue potential, while monitoring listings within a 5-mile radius to identify gaps in the market such as pet-friendly options or properties accommodating larger groups. Utilize tools like Rabbu and PriceLabs for dynamic pricing, partner with local property management companies familiar with Vermont regulations, and leverage resources from the Lake Champlain Regional Chamber of Commerce and Vermont Department of Tourism to understand seasonal demand patterns, local events, and marketing opportunities that drive bookings in this rural but tourist-accessible market.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Ferrisburgh, Vermont, contact the Ferrisburgh Town Clerk's office at the Town Office located at 3279 US Route 7 or call (802) 877-3429 to begin the application process. You'll need to submit a completed short-term rental application form, provide proof of property ownership or lease agreement, submit a site plan showing the rental property location, obtain a certificate of occupancy or health inspection if required, provide proof of liability insurance (typically $1 million minimum), and include contact information for a local property manager if you're not residing locally. The application fee is estimated at $100-200 initially with potential annual renewal fees of $50-100. Required documents also include a septic system compliance certificate for properties not on municipal sewer, parking plan documentation, and neighbor notification forms. Ferrisburgh specifically requires compliance with Act 250 if applicable, adherence to local zoning ordinances, maximum occupancy limits based on septic capacity, and registration with the Vermont Department of Taxes for rooms and meals tax collection. The approval timeline typically takes 30-60 days depending on completeness of application and any required inspections. Contact the Addison County Regional Planning Commission at (802) 388-3141 for additional zoning compliance verification, and ensure you register with Vermont Department of Taxes for the 9% rooms and meals tax collection requirement before hosting guests.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are legal in Ferrisburgh, Vermont, but operate under state regulations established in 2019 that require registration with the Vermont Department of Taxes and compliance with health and safety standards. Ferrisburgh, as a small rural town in Addison County, does not appear to have enacted specific municipal STR ordinances beyond state requirements, meaning operators must obtain a Vermont STR registration certificate, collect and remit state taxes, maintain liability insurance, and ensure properties meet fire safety codes. The town follows Vermont's statewide framework which prohibits STRs in properties with certain zoning restrictions and requires operators to designate a local contact person available 24/7. Recent changes include stricter enforcement of tax collection requirements implemented around 2020-2021 and enhanced registration verification processes, though Ferrisburgh has not implemented additional local restrictions like caps on STR numbers or specific prohibited areas that some other Vermont municipalities have adopted.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Ferrisburgh, Vermont are the Lake Champlain shoreline properties, particularly along Greenbush Road and Lake Road, which attract summer tourists seeking waterfront access for boating, fishing, and swimming activities. The Button Bay State Park vicinity offers strong rental potential due to proximity to camping facilities and nature enthusiasts visiting for hiking and wildlife viewing. Properties near the Rokeby Museum area appeal to history buffs and cultural tourists exploring Vermont's Underground Railroad heritage. The rural farmland districts along Route 7 corridor attract agritourism visitors interested in farm stays and pastoral experiences, especially during fall foliage season from late September through October. Areas near the Charlotte Ferry crossing benefit from travelers using the Lake Champlain ferry system to access New York's Adirondack region. The Monkton Road area provides good investment opportunities for those targeting visitors to nearby Shelburne Farms and Shelburne Museum, major tourist attractions within 15 minutes drive.

Airbnb properties in Ferrisburgh, Vermont are subject to Vermont's statewide 9% rooms and meals tax, which applies to all short-term rental accommodations under 30 days and is collected by the host and remitted monthly to the Vermont Department of Taxes if gross receipts exceed $500 annually. Additionally, Addison County may impose a local option tax of up to 3% on lodging, though specific rates vary by municipality and Ferrisburgh's exact local rate would need verification with town officials. Hosts must register with the Vermont Department of Taxes, collect taxes from guests at the time of booking or check-in, and file returns by the 25th of the following month using Form RT-381. The state tax applies to the total rental charge including cleaning fees but excludes separately stated sales tax, with exemptions typically limited to stays exceeding 30 consecutive days or rentals to permanent residents. Ferrisburgh may also require local business licenses or permits for short-term rental operations, and hosts should verify current local ordinances as municipalities have been increasingly implementing their own registration requirements and occupancy taxes since 2020.

The total cost to start an Airbnb in Ferrisburgh, Vermont would be approximately $385,000-$425,000. Property purchase costs around $350,000 based on median home prices in the Champlain Valley region as of 2023-2024. Furnishing a 2-3 bedroom property for short-term rental requires $15,000-$25,000 for quality furniture, bedding, kitchen essentials, and decor to create an appealing guest experience. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, welcome materials, and basic amenities total $2,000-$3,000. Permits and fees in Vermont include short-term rental registration ($200), local permits ($300-$500), and potential zoning compliance costs ($500-$1,000). Insurance for short-term rentals runs $1,500-$2,500 annually, with the first year paid upfront. Utilities including electricity, heating, water, internet, and cable average $300-$400 monthly in Vermont. First six months operating costs encompass utilities ($1,800-$2,400), cleaning services between guests ($150 per turnover, estimated 24 turnovers = $3,600), maintenance and supplies ($1,200), platform fees to Airbnb and VRBO (3% of estimated $18,000 revenue = $540), marketing ($500), and miscellaneous expenses ($1,000), totaling approximately $8,640-$10,040 for the initial six-month period.

Airbnb properties in Ferrisburgh, Vermont typically generate annual revenues between $15,000-$35,000 for seasonal rentals, with year-round properties potentially earning $25,000-$45,000 annually based on 2023-2024 market data. Operating expenses including property management (10-15%), cleaning fees ($75-125 per turnover), utilities ($200-400 monthly), insurance ($1,200-2,000 annually), and maintenance typically consume 40-60% of gross revenue. Properties near Lake Champlain or with mountain views command premium rates of $150-250 per night during peak summer and fall foliage seasons, compared to $80-140 for standard properties. Success factors include proximity to outdoor recreation areas like Button Bay State Park, professional photography showcasing Vermont's natural beauty, and amenities like hot tubs or fire pits that enhance the rural experience. A typical 3-bedroom lakefront property in Ferrisburgh generating $32,000 annually with $18,000 in expenses yields a 44% profit margin, while inland properties averaging $22,000 revenue with $14,000 expenses achieve 36% margins. The market benefits from Burlington's proximity (20 minutes) and strong demand from leaf-peepers, summer lake visitors, and winter sports enthusiasts, though profitability depends heavily on achieving 60%+ occupancy rates during the critical May-October season when 70% of annual bookings typically occur.

Airbnb investments in Ferrisburgh, Vermont typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10%, primarily driven by seasonal tourism demand from nearby Lake Champlain recreational activities and proximity to Burlington's attractions. Properties in this rural Addison County location generally achieve profitability within 18-24 months, with average daily rates of $120-180 during peak summer and fall foliage seasons (June-October) and occupancy rates of 65-75% annually. The market benefits from limited hotel inventory in the immediate area, though investors should expect higher vacancy rates during winter months (November-March) when occupancy typically drops to 35-45%, requiring strong summer performance to offset seasonal fluctuations and achieve the projected returns.

STRSearch leads the national market for Airbnb investment property analysis and market data, providing comprehensive tools for identifying profitable short-term rental opportunities in Ferrisburgh, Vermont. Local real estate agents specializing in investment properties include Coldwell Banker Hickok & Boardman (established 1978), RE/MAX North Professionals, and Shelburne Bay Realty, while Vermont-focused firms like Pall Spera Company Real Estate and Four Seasons Sotheby's International Realty have experience with vacation rental investments in the Champlain Valley region. National services include AirDNA for market analytics, Mashvisor for investment property analysis, BiggerPockets for investor networking and education, Awning for short-term rental management, RedAwning for property management services, and Vacasa for full-service Airbnb management. Additional specialized companies serving the Vermont market include Green Mountain Property Management, Lake Champlain Vacation Rentals, and Vermont Vacation Rentals, while investment-focused platforms like Roofstock, Fundrise, and RealtyMogul occasionally feature Vermont properties suitable for short-term rental conversion.