Is Huntington, Vermont Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Huntington, Vermont, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through the Huntington Town Office, as Vermont requires short-term rental operators to register with the state and collect 9% rooms and meals tax plus 1% local option tax. Contact the Vermont Department of Taxes to obtain a Business Account Number and register for tax collection, then check with Huntington's zoning administrator about any local permits or conditional use requirements, as many Vermont towns require special permits for short-term rentals. Find a suitable property by searching real estate listings in Huntington or consider converting existing property, ensuring it meets fire safety codes and has adequate septic and water systems as required by Vermont health regulations. Furnish the space with quality bedding, kitchen essentials, WiFi, and safety equipment including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers as mandated by Vermont fire codes. Create your listing on Airbnb, VRBO, or other platforms with professional photos, detailed descriptions highlighting Huntington's proximity to skiing at Bolton Valley and hiking trails, and competitive pricing based on similar properties in the Chittenden County area. Manage your property by establishing check-in procedures, maintaining cleanliness standards, responding promptly to guests, collecting and remitting the required state and local taxes quarterly, and keeping detailed records of income and expenses for tax purposes while ensuring compliance with Vermont's 30-day advance booking requirement for some short-term rental categories.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Huntington, Vermont, focus on locations within 15-20 minutes of popular ski resorts like Bolton Valley or Sugarbush, properties with mountain views, and those near hiking trails or the Huntington River for year-round appeal. Target 3-4 bedroom homes built after 1980 with modern amenities, wood-burning fireplaces, hot tubs, and adequate parking for multiple vehicles, as these features command premium rates averaging $200-350 per night during peak ski season and $150-250 in summer. Analyze comparable properties on Airbnb and VRBO within a 5-mile radius, noting their occupancy rates, seasonal pricing fluctuations, and guest reviews to identify gaps in the market. Research competition density using AirDNA or Mashvisor, aiming for areas with fewer than 10 active STRs per square mile while ensuring sufficient demand exists through proximity to attractions. Utilize Vermont-specific resources like the state's tourism data, local real estate agents familiar with STR regulations, and tools like Rabbu or PriceLabs for dynamic pricing optimization, while ensuring compliance with Huntington's zoning laws and any HOA restrictions that may limit short-term rentals.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Huntington, Vermont, contact the Huntington Town Clerk's Office at the Town Office located on Main Road to begin the application process, as Vermont municipalities typically regulate short-term rentals at the local level. You'll need to submit a completed short-term rental permit application (available from the town clerk), proof of property ownership or lease agreement, a site plan showing the property layout, proof of adequate parking spaces, septic system compliance documentation if applicable, and evidence of liability insurance coverage of at least $1 million. The application fee is typically between $100-300 annually, though you should confirm current rates with the town office. Required documents also include a floor plan indicating maximum occupancy limits, emergency contact information for a local representative available 24/7, and compliance with Vermont Department of Health lodging regulations if renting more than two rooms. The approval timeline generally takes 30-60 days depending on application completeness and any required site inspections. Huntington specifically requires STR operators to maintain a guest registry, provide adequate waste disposal arrangements, ensure compliance with local zoning ordinances, and may limit the number of guests based on septic capacity and parking availability. You must also register with the Vermont Department of Taxes for rooms and meals tax collection if gross rental income exceeds $2,000 annually, and renewals are typically required annually with the town.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are legal in Huntington, Vermont, but operate under state and local regulations that require compliance with various requirements. Vermont state law allows STRs but mandates registration with the Department of Taxes, collection of rooms and meals tax (currently 9%), and adherence to health and safety standards. Huntington, as a small rural town in Chittenden County, does not appear to have specific municipal STR ordinances as of 2023, meaning properties generally fall under state regulations and standard zoning requirements. However, operators must still comply with local zoning laws, which typically allow STRs in residential areas but may have restrictions on commercial use in certain zones. Recent changes include Vermont's 2018 legislation (Act 160) that established statewide STR registration requirements and tax collection obligations, and ongoing discussions at the state level about additional regulations. Property owners should verify current local zoning compliance and ensure proper state registration, as enforcement has increased since 2019, with penalties for non-compliance including fines and potential prohibition from operating.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Huntington, Vermont are primarily concentrated around the Green Mountain National Forest access points and Route 17 corridor, which attract year-round outdoor enthusiasts for hiking, skiing at nearby Sugarbush Resort (20 minutes away), and fall foliage tourism. The Camel's Hump State Park vicinity is particularly attractive as it draws hikers to Vermont's third-highest peak, with peak seasons during summer hiking months and September-October leaf-peeping season. Properties near the Huntington River and Camels Hump Road offer appeal to fishing enthusiasts and nature photographers, while locations with easy access to Richmond and Waterbury (10-15 minutes) benefit from overflow demand when those more popular tourist destinations are booked, especially during Waterbury's craft brewery tours and Ben & Jerry's factory visits. The rural mountain properties with scenic views command premium rates during wedding season (May-October) as Vermont destination weddings have grown significantly, and winter properties near cross-country skiing trails and snowmobile routes attract cold-weather recreation visitors, making areas along Sherman Hollow Road and Dugway Road particularly viable for short-term rental investments.

Airbnb properties in Huntington, Vermont are subject to Vermont's statewide 9% rooms and meals tax, which applies to short-term rentals under 30 days and is collected by the Vermont Department of Taxes with quarterly remittance required by the 25th of January, April, July, and October. Additionally, Chittenden County imposes a 1% local option tax on lodging, bringing the total occupancy tax rate to 10% for Airbnb rentals in Huntington. Property owners must register with the Vermont Department of Taxes to obtain a Business Account Number and collect these taxes from guests at the time of booking or check-in, then remit them quarterly along with required tax returns. Exemptions include stays of 30 days or longer which are considered long-term rentals rather than transient lodging, and certain stays by permanent residents of Vermont may qualify for exemptions under specific circumstances. The town of Huntington itself does not impose additional local lodging taxes beyond the county-level tax, and collection can be facilitated through Airbnb's automated tax collection service where available, though hosts remain ultimately responsible for compliance with all applicable tax obligations.

To start an Airbnb in Huntington, Vermont, expect total costs around $485,000-$520,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at approximately $400,000-$425,000 based on median home prices in central Vermont's rural markets. Furnishing costs typically range $15,000-$25,000 for a complete 2-3 bedroom property including beds, linens, kitchen essentials, living room furniture, and décor to create an attractive rental space. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, welcome materials, and basic amenities total $2,000-$3,500. Vermont requires short-term rental permits and local business licenses costing $500-$1,200 annually, plus potential zoning compliance fees. Insurance premiums for short-term rentals run $2,500-$4,000 annually, significantly higher than standard homeowner's policies. Monthly utilities including electricity, heating, water, internet, and cable average $300-$450 in Vermont's climate. First six months operating costs encompass utilities ($1,800-$2,700), cleaning services between guests ($1,200-$2,400), maintenance and supplies ($800-$1,500), platform fees to Airbnb averaging 3% of bookings ($1,000-$2,000 estimated), and marketing expenses ($500-$1,000). Additional considerations include property taxes averaging $8,000-$12,000 annually and potential HOA fees if applicable, though rural Huntington properties typically avoid these restrictions.

Airbnb properties in Huntington, Vermont show moderate profitability potential with average nightly rates ranging from $120-180 during peak seasons (summer and fall foliage) and $80-120 in off-seasons, generating approximately $15,000-25,000 in annual gross revenue for well-positioned properties. Operating expenses typically consume 40-50% of gross revenue, including property management fees (15-25%), cleaning costs ($40-60 per turnover), utilities ($200-300 monthly), insurance ($1,200-2,000 annually), and maintenance reserves (5-8% of revenue). Properties within 15 minutes of Camel's Hump State Park or featuring mountain views command premium rates, with some hosts like those operating converted farmhouses near the Winooski River reporting 70-80% occupancy rates and net profit margins of 25-35%. Success factors include professional photography showcasing Vermont's natural beauty, amenities like hot tubs or fire pits, proximity to hiking trails and ski areas like Bolton Valley (20 minutes away), and targeting the Burlington metropolitan area market. Properties purchased around 2019-2020 for $300,000-450,000 have shown strong returns, though recent interest rate increases and increased competition from new hosts entering the market in 2022-2023 have compressed margins by approximately 5-10% compared to peak pandemic performance.

Airbnb investments in Huntington, Vermont typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10%, driven by the area's proximity to ski resorts like Bolton Valley and Sugarbush which attract year-round tourism. Properties in this market generally reach profitability within 18-24 months, with peak earning potential during winter ski season (December-March) and summer outdoor recreation months (June-September). The average daily rate for short-term rentals in Huntington ranges from $150-250 depending on property size and amenities, with occupancy rates averaging 65-75% annually. Initial investment costs are typically lower than more established Vermont resort towns, with median property prices around $350,000-500,000, making the barrier to entry more accessible while still capturing strong seasonal demand from visitors to nearby Green Mountain attractions and outdoor recreation areas.

STRSearch leads the national market for Airbnb investment property analysis and market research, providing comprehensive data on short-term rental performance in Huntington, Vermont. Local real estate agents specializing in investment properties include Coldwell Banker Hickok & Boardman Realty, Pall Spera Company Realtors, and The Luce Group at Keller Williams Vermont, who have extensive knowledge of the Mad River Valley market where Huntington is located. National services like Mashvisor, AirDNA, and BiggerPockets offer market analysis and investment calculators for Vermont properties, while Awning and RedAwning provide full-service Airbnb management solutions. Local property management companies such as Green Mountain Property Management and Vermont Vacation Rentals assist with day-to-day operations, and investment-focused firms like Roofstock and Arrived Homes occasionally feature Vermont mountain properties. Regional mortgage brokers including Union Bank and Bar Harbor Bank & Trust offer specialized financing for investment properties in the area, while companies like Furnishr and BNB Staging provide turnkey furnishing services for new Airbnb properties in the Huntington market.