Is Jeffersonville, Vermont Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Jeffersonville, Vermont, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through the Jeffersonville Planning Commission and Lamoille County, as Vermont requires short-term rental operators to register with the state and collect 9% rooms and meals tax plus 1% local option tax. Obtain necessary permits including a Vermont short-term rental certificate, business license from the town clerk, and ensure compliance with fire safety codes and health department requirements. Find a suitable property by searching local real estate listings, considering proximity to Smugglers' Notch Resort and Stowe Mountain Resort which drive tourism demand, with average nightly rates ranging $150-300 depending on season and amenities. Furnish the property with essential amenities including Wi-Fi, heating suitable for Vermont winters, quality bedding, kitchen supplies, and outdoor gear storage given the area's recreational focus on skiing, hiking, and mountain biking. Create your Airbnb listing with professional photos highlighting mountain views and proximity to outdoor activities, setting competitive pricing based on seasonal demand with peak rates during ski season (December-March) and fall foliage (September-October). Manage the property by establishing cleaning protocols between guests, maintaining responsive communication, coordinating key exchanges or installing smart locks, and partnering with local cleaning services and maintenance providers to handle the property remotely if needed, while ensuring compliance with Vermont's 90-day annual limit for short-term rentals in residential zones unless specifically zoned for commercial use.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Jeffersonville, Vermont, focus on locations within 10-15 minutes of Smugglers' Notch Resort and Stowe Mountain Resort, prioritizing properties with mountain or valley views, ski-in/ski-out access, or proximity to hiking trails and the Lamoille River. Target 3-4 bedroom properties with modern amenities, hot tubs, fireplaces, and adequate parking for multiple vehicles, as these features command premium rates during peak ski season (December-March) and summer months (June-September). Conduct pricing analysis using AirDNA and Mashvisor to benchmark nightly rates, which typically range from $150-400 depending on size and amenities, with occupancy rates averaging 60-75% annually. Research competition by analyzing similar properties within a 5-mile radius on Airbnb and VRBO, noting their booking calendars, guest reviews, and pricing strategies. Utilize Vermont-specific resources including the Vermont Department of Tourism data, local chamber of commerce insights, and tools like Rabbu or AllTheRooms for market analysis, while ensuring compliance with Jeffersonville's zoning regulations and any HOA restrictions that may limit short-term rentals in certain developments near the resort areas.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Jeffersonville, Vermont, you must first contact the Jeffersonville Town Clerk's office at the municipal building on Main Street to obtain a short-term rental registration application, as Vermont Act 78 (2023) requires all STRs to register with both state and local authorities. Required documents include proof of property ownership or lease agreement, liability insurance certificate ($500,000 minimum coverage), floor plan showing maximum occupancy, septic system compliance certificate, and completed life safety checklist including smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Submit your application to the Vermont Department of Taxes online portal with a $75 state registration fee, then file locally with Jeffersonville for approximately $100-150 municipal permit fee. The process typically takes 4-6 weeks for state approval and 2-3 weeks for local approval. Jeffersonville-specific requirements include parking for each rental unit, compliance with residential zoning setbacks, maximum occupancy limits based on septic capacity, quiet hours enforcement plan, and designation of a local contact person available 24/7 for neighbor concerns. You must also obtain a Vermont business license if operating more than two rental units and collect and remit 9% Vermont rooms tax plus 1% local option tax to the state quarterly.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are generally legal in Jeffersonville, Vermont, but are subject to state and local regulations that have evolved significantly since 2018-2020. Vermont state law requires STR operators to register with the Department of Taxes, collect and remit rooms and meals tax, and comply with health and safety standards. Jeffersonville, located in Cambridge, Vermont, follows the town's zoning regulations which typically allow STRs in residential areas with certain restrictions on the number of guests, parking requirements, and noise ordinances. The state implemented Act 250 review requirements for larger STR operations and many municipalities have adopted registration requirements, occupancy limits (often 8-10 guests), and provisions for neighbor complaint processes. Recent changes include stricter enforcement of tax collection, enhanced safety requirements including smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and some communities implementing caps on the total number of STR permits to address housing availability concerns. Property owners must also comply with any applicable homeowners association rules and ensure proper insurance coverage, with violations potentially resulting in fines or permit revocation.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Jeffersonville, Vermont are primarily concentrated around Smugglers' Notch Resort and the village center, with the Route 108 corridor being particularly attractive due to its proximity to world-class skiing at Smugglers' Notch and Stowe Mountain Resort, drawing year-round tourists for winter sports and summer outdoor activities. The historic village center offers charm for visitors seeking authentic Vermont experiences, while properties near the Lamoille River provide appeal for fishing and water recreation enthusiasts. The Cambridge-Jeffersonville border area benefits from overflow demand from Stowe's premium market at more affordable rates, and locations along the scenic Route 15 corridor attract leaf-peepers during fall foliage season and cyclists on the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail. These areas capitalize on Vermont's four-season tourism economy, with Smugglers' Notch Resort generating consistent demand through its family-friendly ski programs, summer camps, and corporate retreats, while the region's proximity to Burlington (30 minutes) creates additional business travel opportunities and weekend getaway demand from urban markets.

Airbnb properties in Jeffersonville, 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. Additionally, Lamoille County may impose a local option tax of up to 3% on lodging, bringing the potential total occupancy tax rate to 12%. Hosts must register with the Vermont Department of Taxes, collect taxes from guests at the time of booking or check-in, and remit payments monthly by the 25th of the following month using Form RT-381. Airbnb may collect and remit these taxes automatically for hosts in Vermont through their platform since approximately 2017, though hosts remain ultimately responsible for compliance. Exemptions typically include stays of 30 days or longer, which are considered long-term rentals rather than transient lodging, and accommodations provided to permanent residents. Hosts should also verify if Jeffersonville has implemented any additional local lodging taxes or registration requirements, as municipalities can establish their own regulations for short-term rentals within state guidelines.

Starting an Airbnb in Jeffersonville, Vermont requires approximately $485,000-$565,000 in total initial investment. Property purchase costs around $400,000-$475,000 based on median home prices in the area as of 2023-2024. Furnishing a 2-3 bedroom property with quality furniture, bedding, kitchenware, and amenities costs $15,000-$25,000. Initial setup including professional photography, listing creation, welcome materials, and basic renovations runs $3,000-$5,000. Vermont short-term rental permits and local licensing fees total approximately $500-$1,200 annually. Commercial insurance for short-term rentals costs $2,000-$3,500 per year. Utility setup and deposits for electricity, water, internet, cable, and heating average $1,500-$2,500. First six months of operating costs including utilities ($3,600-$4,800), cleaning services ($2,400-$3,600), maintenance and supplies ($1,500-$2,500), property management software ($300-$600), and marketing expenses ($500-$1,000) total approximately $8,300-$12,500. Additional considerations include potential HOA fees, property taxes, and a cash reserve for unexpected repairs or vacancy periods.

Airbnb properties in Jeffersonville, Vermont show moderate profitability potential with average nightly rates ranging from $150-250 during peak seasons (winter ski season and summer months) and $80-120 during off-peak periods. Properties typically achieve 40-60% occupancy rates annually, generating gross revenues of $25,000-45,000 for well-positioned homes near Smugglers' Notch Resort. Operating expenses including cleaning fees ($75-100 per turnover), property management (15-25% of revenue), utilities ($200-300 monthly), insurance ($1,500-2,500 annually), and maintenance ($3,000-5,000 annually) typically consume 45-65% of gross revenue. Net profit margins generally range from 15-35% for owner-operated properties, with higher margins achieved by properties offering ski-in/ski-out access or unique amenities like hot tubs and mountain views. Success factors include proximity to Smugglers' Notch Resort (within 5 miles), professional photography, responsive guest communication, and seasonal pricing strategies that capitalize on Vermont's winter sports tourism and summer outdoor recreation demand. Properties purchased around 2019-2020 for $300,000-500,000 have shown strong appreciation alongside rental income, though recent interest rate increases and increased local competition have compressed margins by approximately 5-10% since 2022.

Airbnb investments in Jeffersonville, Vermont typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10%, driven by the area's proximity to Stowe Mountain Resort and Smugglers' Notch ski areas which create strong seasonal demand from winter sports enthusiasts and summer outdoor recreation visitors. Properties in Jeffersonville generally achieve profitability within 18-24 months, with peak earning potential during ski season (December-March) when nightly rates can reach $200-350 for well-appointed properties, while summer months (June-September) command $150-250 per night due to hiking, mountain biking, and foliage tourism. The market benefits from limited hotel inventory in the immediate area, creating opportunities for short-term rental operators to capture overflow demand from nearby Stowe, though investors should expect seasonal fluctuations with lower occupancy rates during mud season (April-May) and late fall periods that can impact overall annual 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 Jeffersonville, Vermont. Local real estate agents specializing in investment properties include Coldwell Banker Hickok & Boardman Realty, Pall Spera Company Realtors, and Stowe Real Estate, with agents like Sarah Johnson at Green Mountain Realty and Michael Thompson at Vermont Country Properties focusing on vacation rental investments in the Stowe-Jeffersonville area since 2018. National services include Awning (formerly RedAwning) for turnkey Airbnb property management, Vacasa for property management and acquisition consulting, and AirDNA for market analysis and revenue projections. Specialized investment firms like Roofstock and Arrived Homes have expanded into Vermont markets as of 2022, while local property management companies such as Stowe Area Vacation Rentals and Green Mountain Vacation Rentals offer acquisition consulting services. Additional resources include BiggerPockets for networking with local investors, Mashvisor for property analysis tools, and local mortgage brokers like Union Bank and Northfield Savings Bank who understand short-term rental financing in Vermont's resort markets.