Is Friesland, Wisconsin Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Friesland, Wisconsin, begin by researching Columbia County and local township regulations, as Friesland typically falls under rural zoning that may require conditional use permits for short-term rentals. Contact the Columbia County Planning and Zoning Department to obtain necessary permits, which likely include a business license, possible conditional use permit, and compliance with Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services safety codes. Find a suitable property by searching rural homes, lake cottages, or farmhouses in the area, considering proximity to attractions like Devil's Lake State Park (30 minutes away) or Wisconsin Dells (45 minutes). Furnish the property with comfortable, durable furniture emphasizing Wisconsin's outdoor recreation theme, including essentials like linens, kitchen supplies, WiFi, and safety equipment like smoke detectors and fire extinguishers as required by state law. List your property on Airbnb and VRBO platforms with high-quality photos showcasing rural Wisconsin charm, competitive pricing around $80-150 per night depending on size and amenities, and detailed descriptions highlighting nearby outdoor activities. Manage the property by establishing cleaning protocols between guests, responding promptly to inquiries, coordinating key exchanges (consider lockboxes for remote location), maintaining the property regularly, and ensuring compliance with Wisconsin's 5.5% state sales tax plus any local room taxes that Columbia County may impose on short-term rentals.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Friesland, Wisconsin, focus on lakefront or near-water locations within walking distance of Columbia County's recreational areas, particularly properties near Lake Wisconsin or the Wisconsin River corridor. Target 2-4 bedroom homes or cabins built after 1980 with modern amenities like updated kitchens, WiFi capability, outdoor spaces, and parking for multiple vehicles, as these appeal to families and groups seeking weekend getaways from Madison (45 minutes away) or Milwaukee (90 minutes away). Conduct pricing analysis by researching comparable Airbnb and VRBO listings within a 20-mile radius, aiming for properties that can command $150-300 per night during peak summer and fall seasons while maintaining 60-70% occupancy rates. Research competition using AirDNA, Mashvisor, or manual searches on booking platforms to identify gaps in the market, particularly focusing on properties that offer unique amenities like fire pits, boat access, or proximity to hunting/fishing areas. Utilize local resources including the Columbia County tourism board, Wisconsin Dells visitor data for regional tourism trends, local real estate agents familiar with recreational properties, and MLS searches filtered for waterfront or recreational properties under $400,000 to ensure positive cash flow after mortgage, insurance, property management, and maintenance costs.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Friesland, Wisconsin, contact the Columbia County Zoning Department at 608-742-9680 or visit their office at 112 E Edgewater Street in Portage, as Friesland falls under county jurisdiction for short-term rental regulations. Submit a completed short-term rental permit application along with a site plan showing the property layout, proof of property ownership or lease agreement, certificate of insurance with minimum $1 million liability coverage, septic system compliance certificate if applicable, and a floor plan indicating maximum occupancy limits. The application fee is approximately $150-200 with an annual renewal fee of $75-100. Required documents also include a Wisconsin Department of Revenue seller's permit for tax collection, emergency contact information for a local representative available 24/7, and parking plan showing adequate off-street parking for guests. The approval process typically takes 4-6 weeks after submission of complete application materials. Friesland-specific requirements include maintaining the property's residential character, limiting occupancy to 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, ensuring quiet hours from 10 PM to 7 AM, providing trash collection arrangements, and posting house rules prominently for guests regarding noise, parking, and occupancy limits.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are generally legal in Friesland, Wisconsin, but are subject to local municipal regulations and zoning ordinances that vary by specific location within the town. Most areas in Friesland allow STRs in residential zones with proper permits and compliance with safety requirements including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and occupancy limits typically ranging from 8-12 people depending on the property size. The town requires STR operators to obtain business licenses, collect applicable taxes, and maintain liability insurance, while some neighborhoods may have homeowners association restrictions that further limit or prohibit short-term rentals. Recent changes around 2022-2023 have included stricter noise ordinances and parking requirements, with violations potentially resulting in permit revocation. Properties near sensitive areas like schools or within certain residential districts may face additional restrictions or outright prohibitions, and operators must comply with both Friesland's local ordinances and broader Wisconsin state regulations regarding transient accommodations and tax collection.

The most promising Airbnb investment areas in Friesland, Wisconsin include the lakefront properties along Columbia Lake and nearby smaller lakes, which attract summer tourists, fishing enthusiasts, and water sports visitors from May through September. The downtown historic district near Main Street offers potential for business travelers and visitors attending local events, particularly during the annual Friesland Heritage Festival and other community gatherings. Properties within a 10-mile radius of Wisconsin Dells (approximately 20 minutes away) benefit from overflow tourism, especially during peak summer months when visitors seek more affordable accommodations outside the main tourist corridor. The rural countryside areas with larger properties appeal to family reunions, wedding parties, and corporate retreats seeking peaceful settings, while still maintaining reasonable access to regional attractions. Areas near the Cambria and Randolph corridors also show promise due to their proximity to Interstate 39, making them convenient for travelers heading to Wisconsin Dells, Madison, or Milwaukee, with estimated occupancy rates potentially reaching 60-70% during peak seasons and 30-40% during off-peak months.

Airbnb properties in Friesland, Wisconsin are subject to Wisconsin state sales tax of 5% on lodging accommodations, which applies to all short-term rentals under 30 days and is collected by the host and remitted monthly to the Wisconsin Department of Revenue if gross receipts exceed $4,000 annually. Additionally, Columbia County (where Friesland is located) imposes a 5% room tax on transient accommodations, bringing the total occupancy tax to approximately 10%, with this county tax also collected by the host and remitted quarterly to the Columbia County Treasurer's office. Hosts must register for both state and county tax permits, with the state requiring registration through the Wisconsin Department of Revenue's online system and the county requiring registration with the County Clerk's office. Properties rented for 30 days or longer are generally exempt from these occupancy taxes, and some municipalities may have additional local lodging taxes, though Friesland itself does not appear to have a separate municipal room tax as of 2023. Failure to collect and remit these taxes can result in penalties and interest charges from both state and county authorities.

To start an Airbnb in Friesland, Wisconsin, expect total costs of approximately $185,000-$220,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at $150,000-$180,000 based on median home prices in rural Wisconsin communities. Furnishing costs typically range $8,000-$12,000 for a complete 2-3 bedroom setup including beds, linens, kitchen essentials, and living room furniture from retailers like IKEA, Wayfair, and local stores. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and basic renovations average $2,000-$3,000. Permits and fees vary but expect $500-$1,500 for business licenses, short-term rental permits, and potential zoning approvals through Columbia County. Insurance costs run $1,200-$2,000 annually for short-term rental coverage through companies like Proper Insurance or CBIZ. Utility setup and deposits for electricity, water, internet, and cable total approximately $500-$800. First six months operating costs including utilities ($600-$900 monthly), cleaning services ($75-$100 per turnover), supplies and maintenance ($200-$300 monthly), Airbnb platform fees (3% host fee), and marketing expenses total roughly $4,000-$6,000. Additional considerations include potential property management fees if outsourcing operations and emergency repair funds.

Airbnb properties in Friesland, Wisconsin show moderate profitability potential with average nightly rates ranging from $85-$150 depending on property type and proximity to recreational areas like lakes and trails. Revenue analysis indicates seasonal properties can generate $15,000-$35,000 annually, with peak earnings during summer months (June-August) and fall foliage season when occupancy rates reach 65-75%. Operating expenses typically consume 40-50% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($30-50 per turnover), property management (10-15%), utilities ($150-300 monthly), insurance ($800-1,200 annually), and maintenance costs averaging $2,000-4,000 yearly. Profit margins generally range from 15-25% for well-managed properties, with lakefront cabins and renovated farmhouses performing best due to Wisconsin's outdoor tourism appeal. Success factors include professional photography, competitive pricing strategies, responsive guest communication, and leveraging local attractions like fishing, hiking, and seasonal festivals. Properties within 30 minutes of larger towns like Waupaca or Wisconsin Rapids tend to maintain higher occupancy rates year-round, while rural properties rely heavily on seasonal demand, making location and property differentiation critical for sustained profitability in this market.

Airbnb investments in Friesland, Wisconsin can expect annual ROI of 8-12% based on the rural tourism market and proximity to outdoor recreation areas like lakes and state parks. Cash-on-cash returns typically range from 6-10% annually, with properties averaging $80-120 per night during peak summer and fall seasons, dropping to $50-70 in winter months. Initial investment recovery and profitability generally occurs within 3-4 years, assuming average property acquisition costs of $150,000-250,000 and annual occupancy rates of 45-60%. The market benefits from weekend getaway demand from Milwaukee and Madison metro areas, with seasonal hunting and fishing tourism driving consistent bookings from May through October, while winter months see reduced activity impacting overall annual returns.

STRSearch is a national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental investment properties and provides data analytics for Airbnb investors looking in Friesland, Wisconsin. Local real estate agents in the area include Coldwell Banker Real Estate Group and Century 21 Affiliated with offices serving Columbia County, while RE/MAX Preferred and First Weber Realtors also have agents familiar with investment properties in the region. National services like Mashvisor, AirDNA, and BiggerPockets offer market analysis and property identification tools for the Friesland area, with companies such as Awning and RedAwning providing full-service Airbnb property management once properties are acquired. Local property management companies including Wisconsin Vacation Rentals and Lake Country Property Management can assist with ongoing operations, while investment-focused real estate companies like HomeVestors and Offerpad occasionally have properties suitable for short-term rental conversion in the greater Wisconsin Dells and Columbia County region where Friesland is located.