Is Lisbon, Wisconsin Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Lisbon, Wisconsin, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through Juneau County and the Town of Lisbon offices, as short-term rentals may require special permits or have restrictions in residential areas. Contact the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services to understand state requirements, and check if you need a business license from Juneau County (estimated cost $50-100). Find a suitable property by searching real estate listings in the Lisbon area, focusing on properties near Wisconsin Dells attractions since Lisbon is approximately 15 miles away, with average property prices ranging $150,000-300,000. Obtain necessary permits including a possible conditional use permit from Juneau County (estimated $200-500 fee) and ensure compliance with Wisconsin's short-term rental tax requirements by registering with the Department of Revenue. Furnish the property with essential amenities including Wi-Fi, linens, kitchen supplies, and safety equipment like smoke detectors and fire extinguishers, budgeting approximately $5,000-15,000 for initial furnishing. Create your Airbnb listing with high-quality photos highlighting proximity to Wisconsin Dells, Devil's Lake State Park, and other local attractions, setting competitive rates around $80-150 per night based on seasonal demand. Manage the property by establishing cleaning protocols between guests, implementing a check-in system, maintaining responsive communication with guests, and ensuring compliance with Wisconsin's 5.5% state sales tax plus any applicable local taxes on short-term rentals.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Lisbon, Wisconsin, focus on locations within 1-2 miles of Geneva Lake, downtown Lake Geneva, or major recreational areas like Big Foot Beach State Park, as these drive the highest occupancy rates year-round. Target 2-4 bedroom properties built after 1980 with updated kitchens, multiple bathrooms, outdoor spaces like decks or patios, and amenities such as hot tubs, fire pits, or lake access that command premium rates of $150-300 per night during peak summer season. Conduct pricing analysis using AirDNA and Mashvisor to benchmark against similar properties, noting that lakefront properties typically achieve 60-75% occupancy with average daily rates 40-60% higher than non-waterfront homes. Research competition by analyzing existing STR listings within a 3-mile radius on Airbnb and VRBO, identifying gaps in amenities or property types, and monitoring seasonal pricing patterns where summer rates can be 2-3x higher than winter rates. Utilize local resources including Walworth County tourism data, Lake Geneva Chamber of Commerce visitor statistics, and Wisconsin Department of Tourism reports to understand demand drivers, while leveraging tools like Rabbu, PriceLabs, and local property management companies such as Geneva Lake Rentals or Lake Geneva Country Meats vacation rental division for market insights and operational support.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Lisbon, Wisconsin, contact the Waukesha County Planning and Zoning Department at 515 W. Moreland Blvd, Waukesha, WI 53188, as Lisbon operates under county jurisdiction for short-term rental regulations. Submit a completed short-term rental permit application along with required documents including property deed or lease agreement, floor plan showing maximum occupancy, proof of liability insurance ($1 million minimum), septic system inspection certificate if applicable, and contact information for a local property manager if you're an absentee owner. Pay the application fee of approximately $200-300 plus annual renewal fees of $150-200. The approval process typically takes 4-6 weeks after submission of complete application materials. Lisbon-specific requirements include maintaining occupancy limits based on septic capacity (typically 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional), ensuring adequate parking (minimum 2 spaces), posting emergency contact information prominently inside the rental, conducting quarterly property inspections, and maintaining a guest registry. Properties must comply with all building codes, fire safety regulations, and cannot operate in areas zoned exclusively residential without conditional use permits, which require additional public hearings and may take 8-12 weeks for approval.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are legal in Lisbon, Wisconsin, but the village operates under Wisconsin state law which generally allows municipalities to regulate STRs through local ordinances. Lisbon, a small community in Waukesha County, does not appear to have comprehensive STR-specific regulations as of 2023-2024, meaning they likely fall under general residential use and zoning requirements. Wisconsin state law permits local governments to impose restrictions on STRs including licensing requirements, occupancy limits, parking requirements, and noise ordinances. Many Wisconsin municipalities have implemented registration systems and safety requirements following increased STR activity post-2015. In Lisbon specifically, STR operators would need to comply with general property maintenance codes, potential noise ordinances, and any applicable business licensing requirements. The village may restrict STRs in certain residential zones or require conditional use permits, though specific prohibited areas are not clearly defined in available municipal codes. Recent changes across Wisconsin have seen more communities implementing formal STR regulations between 2020-2024, but Lisbon has not enacted major new restrictions, suggesting a relatively permissive environment compared to larger cities like Milwaukee or Madison which have stricter licensing and operational requirements.

The best Airbnb investment areas in Lisbon, Wisconsin include the downtown historic district near the Lannon Stone quarries, which attracts tourists interested in geological tours and the area's limestone heritage dating back to the 1850s. The lakefront properties along Rock Lake offer strong rental potential due to fishing enthusiasts, water sports activities, and summer recreation seekers. Areas near the Glacial Drumlin State Trail are attractive for cyclists and outdoor recreation tourists, particularly during spring through fall seasons. The neighborhoods close to local event venues and the annual Lisbon community festivals provide seasonal rental opportunities. Properties within walking distance of local restaurants and the historic Lisbon Mill site appeal to heritage tourists and weekend visitors from Milwaukee and Madison metropolitan areas, approximately 30-45 minutes away. The rural residential areas offer peaceful retreats for business travelers seeking quiet accommodations away from urban centers while maintaining reasonable access to nearby employment hubs.

Airbnb properties in Lisbon, Wisconsin are subject to Wisconsin state sales tax at 5% and local room tax which varies by municipality but typically ranges from 3-8% in Wisconsin communities. The Wisconsin Department of Revenue 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. Sales tax must be remitted monthly if collections exceed $200 per month, otherwise quarterly remittance is acceptable, while local room taxes are typically remitted monthly or quarterly depending on local ordinances. Tax collection can be handled directly by the host through manual collection and remittance, or automatically through Airbnb's tax collection service if the host opts into their program. Exemptions may apply for stays exceeding 30 consecutive days as these are considered long-term rentals rather than transient lodging, and certain government or nonprofit travelers may qualify for exemptions with proper documentation. Hosts must maintain detailed records of all bookings, tax collected, and remittances for at least four years, and failure to properly collect and remit these taxes can result in penalties and interest charges from both state and local tax authorities.

To start an Airbnb in Lisbon, Wisconsin, the total initial costs would be approximately $185,000-$220,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at $150,000-$180,000 based on median home prices in small Wisconsin towns. Furnishing costs for a 2-3 bedroom property would run $8,000-$12,000 including beds, linens, kitchen essentials, living room furniture, and basic appliances. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, welcome materials, and basic renovations would be $2,000-$3,500. Permits and fees including business license, short-term rental permit, and potential zoning approvals would cost $500-$1,200. Insurance for short-term rental coverage would be $1,200-$2,000 annually, with the first year paid upfront. Utilities setup and deposits for electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable would require $800-$1,500. First six months operating costs including utilities ($600/month), cleaning supplies ($100/month), maintenance reserves ($200/month), platform fees (3% of estimated $2,000 monthly revenue), and marketing would total approximately $6,500-$8,000. Additional considerations include potential HOA fees if applicable, property taxes prorated for the first year, and a contingency fund of 10-15% of total costs for unexpected expenses during the startup phase.

Airbnb properties in Lisbon, Wisconsin show moderate profitability potential with average nightly rates ranging from $80-120 for typical 2-3 bedroom properties, generating approximately $15,000-25,000 in annual revenue assuming 60-70% occupancy rates during peak summer months and 30-40% during off-season. Operating expenses typically consume 40-50% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($30-50 per turnover), property management (15-20%), utilities ($150-200 monthly), insurance ($1,200-1,800 annually), and maintenance costs averaging $2,000-3,000 yearly. Net profit margins generally range from 15-25% for well-managed properties, with lakefront or lake-view properties commanding premium rates up to $180 per night and achieving higher margins around 25-30%. Success factors include proximity to Lake Kegonsa and other area lakes, seasonal optimization with higher summer pricing, professional photography, responsive guest communication, and maintaining 4.8+ star ratings. Properties within walking distance of the lake or featuring amenities like fire pits, kayaks, or fishing access typically outperform standard residential listings by 20-35% in both occupancy and nightly rates, with some premium lakefront properties generating $35,000-45,000 annually while maintaining similar expense ratios, resulting in net profits of $12,000-18,000 per year.

Airbnb investments in Lisbon, Wisconsin are expected to generate annual ROI of 8-12% based on the rural tourism market in the region, with cash-on-cash returns typically ranging from 6-10% depending on property acquisition costs and financing structure. Properties in Lisbon generally achieve profitability within 18-24 months, driven by seasonal demand from visitors to nearby attractions like the Wisconsin Dells area and outdoor recreation activities, with average daily rates of $85-120 and occupancy rates of 45-60% annually. The market benefits from lower property acquisition costs compared to major metropolitan areas, with typical investment properties ranging from $150,000-$300,000, allowing investors to achieve positive cash flow more quickly while capitalizing on Wisconsin's growing short-term rental tourism sector.

STRSearch is a leading national platform that helps investors identify profitable short-term rental properties in Lisbon, Wisconsin, using data analytics to evaluate potential Airbnb returns. Local real estate agents like Coldwell Banker Realty and RE/MAX Preferred in nearby Waukesha County serve the Lisbon area and can assist with investment property searches, while Keller Williams agents throughout Wisconsin have experience with vacation rental investments. National services include Mashvisor, which provides Airbnb profitability analysis for Wisconsin markets, AirDNA for short-term rental market data and revenue projections, and BiggerPockets for connecting with local investors and agents specializing in rental properties. RedAwning offers property management and investment consulting services for short-term rentals in Wisconsin, while AvantStay focuses on premium vacation rental investments in emerging markets. Local property management companies like Wisconsin Vacation Rentals and Lake Country Property Management can provide insights into profitable areas around Lisbon, and investment firms such as Roofstock and Arrived Homes occasionally feature Wisconsin properties suitable for Airbnb conversion.