Is Genesee Depot, Wisconsin Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Genesee Depot, Wisconsin, begin by researching local regulations through Waukesha County and the Town of Genesee, as this unincorporated community falls under county jurisdiction where short-term rentals typically require a conditional use permit and must comply with zoning ordinances that often restrict rentals to properties zoned for commercial or mixed-use, though some residential areas may allow them with proper permits. Contact Waukesha County Planning and Zoning Department to obtain necessary permits, which usually include a conditional use permit ($300-500), occupancy permit, and potential health department inspection, while ensuring compliance with Wisconsin state tax requirements including sales tax registration and room tax collection. Find a suitable property by focusing on areas near popular attractions like the Kettle Moraine State Forest or properties with lake access, considering that median home prices in the area range from $400,000-600,000, making purchase or lease agreements viable for vacation rental conversion. Furnish the property with quality furniture, linens, kitchen essentials, and safety equipment including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers as required by Wisconsin safety codes, budgeting approximately $15,000-25,000 for complete furnishing of a 2-3 bedroom property. List your property on Airbnb, VRBO, and other platforms with professional photography highlighting the rural Wisconsin charm and proximity to outdoor activities, setting competitive rates based on seasonal demand with summer rates typically 30-50% higher due to lake and outdoor recreation popularity. Manage the property by establishing cleaning protocols, guest communication systems, and maintenance schedules, while collecting and remitting the required Wisconsin sales tax (5.5%) and any applicable local room taxes, and consider hiring local property management companies like those serving the Lake Country area if you live remotely, which typically charge 15-25% of rental income.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Genesee Depot, Wisconsin, focus on locations within 10-15 minutes of Kettle Moraine State Forest and Lake Country recreational areas, as these drive significant tourist traffic year-round for hiking, skiing, and lake activities. Target 3-4 bedroom single-family homes or lakefront cabins built after 1990 with modern amenities, outdoor spaces, and parking for multiple vehicles, as families and groups comprise the primary visitor demographic. Conduct pricing analysis using AirDNA and Mashvisor to benchmark against similar properties in nearby Lake Geneva and Wisconsin Dells markets, aiming for average daily rates of $150-250 depending on seasonality and proximity to lakes. Research competition by analyzing existing STR listings within a 5-mile radius on Airbnb and VRBO, noting occupancy patterns, amenities offered, and guest reviews to identify market gaps. Utilize tools like Rabbu and AllTheRooms for local market data, consult Waukesha County tourism statistics, and connect with local real estate agents familiar with the Lake Country region to understand seasonal demand patterns driven by Chicago and Milwaukee weekend visitors seeking rural retreats.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Genesee Depot, Wisconsin, you must first contact the Waukesha County Planning and Zoning Department since Genesee Depot falls under county jurisdiction, and submit an application for a Conditional Use Permit which typically costs between $300-500. Required documents include a completed CUP application form, property deed or lease agreement, site plan showing parking areas and property boundaries, floor plan of the rental unit, proof of liability insurance (minimum $1 million), septic system compliance certificate if applicable, and a neighborhood notification list. You must also obtain a Wisconsin Department of Revenue seller's permit for tax collection, register with the Wisconsin Department of Tourism, and ensure compliance with local fire safety codes by scheduling an inspection with the local fire department. The timeline typically takes 60-90 days from application submission, including a mandatory public hearing before the County Board of Adjustments where neighboring property owners can provide input. Specific Genesee Depot requirements include maintaining adequate off-street parking (minimum 2 spaces), ensuring the property meets all residential building codes, limiting occupancy based on septic capacity, providing 24-hour contact information to neighbors, and maintaining the property's residential character without commercial signage, with annual permit renewal required along with payment of applicable room taxes to Waukesha County.

Short-term rentals (STRs) in Genesee Depot, Wisconsin are generally legal but subject to local regulations under Waukesha County jurisdiction. The unincorporated community falls under county zoning ordinances that typically allow STRs in residential areas with proper permits and compliance with safety requirements including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and occupancy limits. Property owners must obtain necessary licenses and may face restrictions on the number of guests, parking requirements, and noise ordinances. Recent changes in Wisconsin state law around 2021-2022 have generally favored property rights for STR operations while still allowing local municipalities to impose reasonable health and safety regulations. No specific prohibited areas exist in Genesee Depot itself, though individual homeowner associations or deed restrictions may limit STR activities, and operators must comply with state tax collection requirements for lodging.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Genesee Depot, Wisconsin are primarily concentrated around the Kettle Moraine State Forest Southern Unit vicinity, particularly properties within 1-2 miles of the forest entrance on Highway 59, as this location attracts year-round outdoor enthusiasts for hiking, camping, and winter activities. The historic downtown area near the Genesee Depot Museum and along Main Street offers charm for weekend getaway seekers and those interested in local history and antique shopping. Properties near Nagawicka Lake (approximately 3 miles northeast) are highly desirable for summer vacation rentals due to water recreation activities, fishing, and lakefront appeal. The area around Holy Hill National Shrine of Mary, though technically in nearby Hubertus, draws religious pilgrims and tourists throughout the year, making nearby Genesee Depot properties attractive for overflow accommodation. Additionally, homes positioned between Genesee Depot and Oconomowoc benefit from proximity to corporate retreats and business travelers visiting companies in the greater Milwaukee metropolitan area while offering a rural escape, with the added advantage of being within reasonable driving distance of Wisconsin's tourism corridor including Lake Geneva and Wisconsin Dells.

Airbnb properties in Genesee Depot, Wisconsin are subject to Wisconsin state sales tax of 5% on lodging accommodations, which applies to rentals of less than one month duration. Waukesha County imposes an additional 0.5% county sales tax, bringing the total base tax rate to 5.5%. The Village of Genesee Depot does not currently impose a separate room tax or occupancy tax as of 2023. Wisconsin requires short-term rental operators to register for a seller's permit and collect these taxes from guests at the time of booking or check-in, with remittance due monthly to the Wisconsin Department of Revenue by the 20th of the following month if monthly gross receipts exceed $1,000, or quarterly if less. Airbnb can collect and remit these taxes automatically for hosts who opt into their tax collection service, which began in Wisconsin in 2018. Exemptions include rentals to guests staying 30 days or longer, sales to tax-exempt organizations with proper documentation, and rentals where the total consideration is less than $75 per day. Hosts must maintain detailed records of all transactions and tax collections for at least four years and may be subject to additional local regulations regarding licensing and registration with the village.

To start an Airbnb in Genesee Depot, Wisconsin, the total costs would be approximately $385,000-$425,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at $350,000-$375,000 based on median home prices in this rural Waukesha County area. Furnishing costs would range $15,000-$25,000 for quality furniture, bedding, kitchen essentials, and decor to create an attractive rental space. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, welcome materials, and basic supplies would be $1,500-$2,500. Permits and fees including business registration, short-term rental permits, and potential HOA approvals would cost $500-$1,500. Insurance premiums for short-term rental coverage would be $2,000-$3,000 annually. Utility setup and deposits for electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable would require $800-$1,200. First six months operating costs including utilities ($900), cleaning supplies and services ($1,800), maintenance reserves ($1,500), marketing ($600), and platform fees on estimated $18,000 revenue ($2,700) would total approximately $7,500. Additional considerations include property taxes of roughly $8,000-$10,000 annually and potential property management fees if outsourced at 15-25% of revenue.

Airbnb properties in Genesee Depot, Wisconsin typically generate annual revenues between $15,000-$35,000 for whole-home listings, with average daily rates ranging from $85-$150 depending on property size and amenities. Operating expenses generally consume 40-60% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($50-$75 per turnover), property management (15-25% of revenue), utilities ($150-$300 monthly), insurance ($800-$1,500 annually), and maintenance costs ($2,000-$4,000 yearly). Net profit margins typically range from 25-45% for well-managed properties, with higher-end lake-adjacent homes achieving margins closer to 40-50% due to premium pricing during summer months (May-September). Success factors in this rural Wisconsin market include proximity to Oconomowoc Lake recreational activities, professional photography showcasing rustic charm, competitive pricing during peak seasons, and maintaining 4.8+ star ratings through consistent cleanliness and local amenities knowledge. Properties within 2 miles of lake access or featuring unique characteristics like restored barns or modern farmhouse aesthetics tend to achieve 20-30% higher occupancy rates (averaging 55-70% annually) compared to standard residential listings, with seasonal variations showing 80%+ occupancy during summer weekends but dropping to 25-35% during winter months.

Airbnb investments in Genesee Depot, Wisconsin typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10% based on the area's proximity to Lake Country recreational activities and Milwaukee metropolitan access. Properties in this market, particularly those near Lapham Peak State Park and the Kettle Moraine, can expect gross rental yields of $85-120 per night during peak seasons (May-October) and $60-85 during off-peak periods. Initial investment recovery typically occurs within 7-9 years, with monthly occupancy rates averaging 65-75% annually. The market benefits from consistent demand from outdoor enthusiasts, corporate travelers visiting nearby Waukesha County businesses, and weekend visitors from Milwaukee and Madison. Cash-on-cash returns are optimized when properties feature amenities like hot tubs, fire pits, or lake access, with well-positioned properties achieving break-even on operating expenses within 18-24 months and positive cash flow beginning in year 2-3 of operation.

STRSearch is a national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental properties for investors looking in Genesee Depot, Wisconsin. Local real estate agents serving the Lake Country area include Coldwell Banker Realty agents who understand the vacation rental market around nearby lakes, RE/MAX Realty Center professionals familiar with Waukesha County investment properties, and First Weber Realtors who specialize in lake area properties. National services include Awning which provides full-service Airbnb property management and acquisition assistance, RedAwning's investment property search platform, AirDNA for market analysis and property identification, Mashvisor for rental property analytics in Wisconsin markets, and Roofstock which occasionally features short-term rental properties in the Milwaukee metro area. Local property management companies like Lake Country Property Management and Wisconsin Vacation Rentals can provide insights into profitable properties, while investment-focused real estate groups such as the Real Estate Investors Association of Southeast Wisconsin offer networking opportunities to find deals in the Genesee Depot market.