Is Morrisville, Vermont Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Morrisville, Vermont, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through the Morrisville Town Office, as Vermont requires short-term rental operators to register with the state and obtain a business license, while Morrisville may have specific ordinances regarding rental properties in residential zones. Contact the Vermont Department of Taxes to register for the 9% rooms and meals tax and obtain necessary permits including a Certificate of Occupancy from the town. Find a suitable property by working with local real estate agents familiar with Morrisville's market, focusing on areas near Stowe Mountain Resort or downtown, with properties typically ranging from $200,000-$500,000 depending on size and location. Furnish the space with durable, comfortable furniture emphasizing Vermont's rustic charm, ensuring compliance with state safety requirements including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers. Create your Airbnb listing with professional photos highlighting proximity to skiing, hiking trails, and local attractions like Cold Hollow Cider Mill, setting competitive rates based on seasonal demand (higher during ski season December-March and foliage season September-October). Manage the property by establishing relationships with local cleaning services, maintenance contractors, and consider using property management companies like Vacasa or RedAwning if you're not local, while maintaining responsive communication with guests and monitoring reviews to ensure consistent bookings in this competitive Vermont tourism market.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Morrisville, Vermont, focus on locations within 10-15 minutes of Stowe Mountain Resort and near Route 100 for easy access to skiing and outdoor activities, as this area attracts year-round tourists seeking proximity to Vermont's premier ski destination. Target properties with 3-4 bedrooms, mountain or pastoral views, outdoor spaces like decks or fire pits, and authentic Vermont features such as exposed beams or wood-burning fireplaces, as these command premium rates of $200-400 per night during peak ski season (December-March) and $150-250 during summer months. Analyze comparable properties on Airbnb and VRBO within a 5-mile radius to establish competitive pricing, noting that properties closer to Stowe typically achieve 65-75% occupancy rates annually with average daily rates 20-30% higher than those further from ski areas. Research competition by monitoring listings in nearby Stowe, Waterbury, and Johnson to identify market gaps, particularly mid-range properties that offer luxury amenities without Stowe's premium pricing. Utilize tools like AirDNA for market analytics, STR Helper for performance tracking, and local resources such as the Lamoille County Chamber of Commerce for tourism data, while consulting with Morrisville-based property management companies like Green Mountain Vacation Rentals to understand local regulations, seasonal demand patterns, and operational costs specific to this market.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Morrisville, Vermont, you must first contact the Morrisville Town Clerk's office at 100 Portland Street or call (802) 888-6370 to begin the application process, as short-term rentals typically require a business license and zoning compliance review. Required documents generally include a completed business license application, property deed or lease agreement, site plan showing parking and egress routes, proof of liability insurance (minimum $1 million coverage), fire safety inspection certificate from the local fire department, and a septic system compliance letter if applicable. The application fee is estimated at $150-300 for the initial business license plus approximately $100 for zoning review, with additional inspection fees of $75-150 depending on property size. You must also register with the Vermont Department of Taxes for rooms and meals tax collection, which requires a separate application and $50 fee. The timeline typically takes 4-8 weeks from submission to approval, depending on inspection scheduling and any required modifications. Morrisville-specific requirements likely include maintaining adequate off-street parking (minimum 2 spaces), ensuring compliance with residential zoning setback requirements, providing 24/7 local contact information to neighbors and the town, and adhering to occupancy limits based on septic capacity and square footage (typically 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional). Annual renewal is required with updated insurance documentation and continued compliance verification.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are legal in Morrisville, Vermont, but operate under state regulations established in 2019 that require hosts to register with the Vermont Department of Taxes and collect applicable taxes including rooms and meals tax. Morrisville, as part of Lamoille County, follows Vermont's statewide STR framework which mandates safety requirements such as smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, emergency contact information, and compliance with local zoning ordinances. The town does not have specific municipal prohibitions against STRs, though properties must comply with existing residential zoning requirements and any applicable homeowners association restrictions. Recent changes include Vermont's 2023 legislation (Act 76) that allows municipalities to impose additional local regulations on STRs, though Morrisville has not yet implemented specific local ordinances beyond state requirements. Hosts must maintain liability insurance and ensure their properties meet health and safety standards, with violations potentially resulting in fines or registration revocation by the state.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Morrisville, Vermont are the downtown historic district near the Lamoille River, which attracts visitors year-round due to its proximity to local restaurants, shops, and the scenic river walk, plus business travelers visiting the town center. The neighborhoods near Copley Hospital offer strong potential for medical tourism and visiting family members of patients, providing steady occupancy throughout the year. Properties within a 10-15 minute drive of Stowe Mountain Resort and Smugglers' Notch capture overflow demand during peak ski season (December-March) and summer outdoor recreation periods, as these world-class destinations often experience accommodation shortages. The areas near Vermont Technical College see consistent demand from visiting families during graduation, orientation, and sporting events, plus academic conferences. The Route 100 corridor properties benefit from leaf-peeping tourism in fall (September-October) and summer visitors exploring Vermont's scenic byways, while locations near Cold Hollow Cider Mill and other local attractions draw day-trippers who often extend their stays when convenient lodging is available.

Airbnb properties in Morrisville, Vermont are subject to Vermont's statewide 9% rooms and meals tax, which applies to all short-term rental accommodations under 30 days and is collected by the host and remitted monthly to the Vermont Department of Taxes if gross receipts exceed $500 annually. Additionally, Lamoille County may impose a local option tax of up to 1% on lodging, though specific rates vary by municipality and collection is typically handled through the same state system. Hosts must register with the Vermont Department of Taxes, collect taxes from guests at the time of booking or check-in, and file returns by the 25th of the following month using Form RT-381, with payments made electronically through the state's online portal. Exemptions include stays of 30 days or longer, accommodations provided to permanent residents, and rentals to guests who qualify for sales tax exemptions such as certain government employees or nonprofit organizations conducting official business, though documentation must be maintained for exempt transactions.

To start an Airbnb in Morrisville, Vermont, the total costs would be approximately $385,000-$425,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at $300,000-$350,000 based on median home prices in the area. Furnishing costs for a complete 2-3 bedroom property would run $15,000-$25,000 including beds, linens, kitchen essentials, living room furniture, and décor. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, welcome materials, and basic amenities total around $2,000-$3,000. Permits and fees including business registration, short-term rental permits, and potential zoning compliance would cost approximately $500-$1,500. Insurance for short-term rental coverage adds $2,000-$3,000 annually. Utilities including electricity, heating, water, internet, and cable average $300-$400 monthly or $1,800-$2,400 for six months. First six months operating costs including cleaning services, maintenance, supplies, platform fees, and marketing would total $8,000-$12,000. Additional considerations include potential property improvements, emergency fund reserves, and seasonal heating costs which can be significant in Vermont winters.

Airbnb properties in Morrisville, Vermont show moderate profitability potential with average nightly rates ranging from $120-180 during peak seasons (winter ski season and summer/fall foliage periods) and $80-120 during off-peak months. A typical 2-3 bedroom property can generate annual revenues of $25,000-45,000, while expenses including mortgage payments, property taxes ($3,000-5,000 annually), utilities ($2,400-3,600), cleaning fees ($40-60 per turnover), maintenance, and Airbnb's 3% host fee typically total $18,000-32,000 annually. This results in profit margins of 15-35% for well-managed properties, with higher margins achieved by properties near Stowe Mountain Resort (15 minutes away) or those offering unique amenities like hot tubs or mountain views. Success factors include strategic pricing during peak ski season (December-March) and foliage season (September-October), maintaining high cleanliness standards, and leveraging Morrisville's position as a more affordable alternative to Stowe accommodations. Properties within walking distance of downtown Morrisville or with easy access to Route 100 tend to perform better, with occupancy rates of 60-75% achievable for well-positioned properties, while more remote locations may see 40-55% occupancy rates.

Airbnb investments in Morrisville, Vermont typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10%, driven by the town's proximity to Stowe Mountain Resort and year-round tourism appeal. Properties in downtown Morrisville or within 10 miles of ski areas command premium nightly rates of $150-250 during peak winter months (December-March) and $100-180 during summer/fall seasons, with average occupancy rates of 65-75% annually. Initial investment recovery and profitability typically occurs within 18-24 months for well-positioned properties under $400,000, while higher-end investments may require 24-36 months to reach consistent profitability. The market benefits from Vermont's strong vacation rental demand, limited hotel inventory in the region, and Morrisville's strategic location providing access to both Stowe and Smugglers' Notch ski resorts, though investors should account for seasonal fluctuations with winter months generating 40-50% of annual revenue.

STRSearch is a leading national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental properties for investors looking in Morrisville, Vermont. Local real estate agents like Coldwell Banker Hickok & Boardman Realty and Pall Spera Company Realtors have extensive knowledge of the Morrisville market and can identify properties with strong Airbnb potential near Stowe Mountain Resort. National services include AirDNA for market analytics, Mashvisor for investment property analysis, and BiggerPockets for connecting with local investors and agents. Vermont-based companies like Sugarbush Real Estate and Mad River Valley properties often work with investors seeking vacation rental opportunities in the area. Additional services include RedAwning for property management insights, AllTheRooms for competitive analysis, and local property management companies like Green Mountain Property Management that can provide operational support for Airbnb investments in the Morrisville region, which benefits from proximity to popular ski destinations and year-round tourism activities.