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 searching local real estate listings or considering converting existing residential property, ensuring it meets Vermont's safety requirements including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and proper egress windows. Furnish the space with quality furniture, linens, kitchen essentials, and amenities that appeal to visitors exploring the Green Mountains and Stowe area, focusing on comfort and local charm. Create your Airbnb listing with professional photos highlighting the property's proximity to outdoor activities, skiing, and Vermont's scenic attractions, setting competitive rates based on seasonal demand patterns typical to the region. Manage the property by establishing cleaning protocols between guests, maintaining responsive communication, coordinating key exchanges or lockbox systems, and ensuring compliance with Vermont's short-term rental tax collection requirements while building positive reviews to attract future bookings in this tourism-focused area near Stowe Mountain Resort.

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 mountain recreation. Target 3-4 bedroom properties with mountain views, hot tubs, fireplaces, and ski storage that can accommodate 6-10 guests, as these features 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, aiming for properties that can achieve 60-70% occupancy rates with average daily rates 20-30% above local hotel prices. Research competition by monitoring existing STR listings for availability patterns, guest reviews, and pricing strategies, while identifying gaps in amenities or property types that are underserved. Utilize tools like AirDNA for market analytics, STR Helper for revenue projections, and local resources including the Lamoille County Planning Commission for zoning regulations, Morrisville town clerk for permit requirements, and Vermont Department of Taxes for understanding rooms and meals tax obligations, while networking with local property managers and real estate agents who specialize in the Stowe-Morrisville corridor vacation rental 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 Vermont municipalities typically regulate short-term rentals at the local level. Required documents generally include a completed short-term rental application form, proof of property ownership or lease agreement with landlord consent, certificate of liability insurance (minimum $1 million coverage), floor plan of the rental unit, septic system compliance certificate if applicable, and fire safety inspection report from the local fire department. The application fee is estimated at $150-300 initially with annual renewal fees of approximately $100-200, though you should verify current rates with the town office. Morrisville likely requires compliance with zoning regulations (confirming STRs are permitted in your zone), adherence to occupancy limits based on septic capacity and square footage, provision of adequate parking spaces, installation of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, posting of emergency contact information and house rules, and maintaining a guest registry. The approval timeline typically ranges from 4-8 weeks depending on inspection scheduling and document completeness, with the process involving application submission, zoning compliance review, required inspections, and final permit issuance. You must also register with the Vermont Department of Taxes for rooms and meals tax collection (9% state tax) and obtain a Vermont business license if operating as a business entity.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are legal in Morrisville, Vermont, but operate under state-level 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, does not appear to have enacted specific municipal restrictions beyond state requirements, though property owners must comply with local zoning ordinances and may need permits for commercial use in residential areas. The state regulations require STR operators to maintain liability insurance, provide safety equipment like smoke detectors, and register annually while paying a $75 registration fee. Recent changes include enhanced enforcement mechanisms implemented around 2021-2022 to ensure compliance with tax collection and registration requirements. There are no specific prohibited areas within Morrisville itself, but individual homeowners associations or deed restrictions may limit STR operations, and operators must ensure their properties meet health and safety standards while respecting noise ordinances and parking requirements that apply to all residential properties in the town.

The most promising Airbnb investment areas in Morrisville, Vermont center around the Stowe Mountain Resort vicinity and downtown Morrisville's historic district, both capitalizing on year-round tourism driven by skiing at Stowe (just 10 minutes away), summer hiking, and fall foliage season which peaks in late September through early October. Properties near Route 100 corridor offer excellent accessibility for tourists traveling between major Vermont destinations, while the Lamoille Valley area provides scenic rural settings attractive to visitors seeking authentic Vermont experiences. The downtown area benefits from proximity to local businesses, restaurants, and the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail, which draws cycling and walking enthusiasts from May through October. Areas near Cold Hollow Cider Mill and other local attractions see consistent visitor traffic, and properties within walking distance of cross-country skiing trails and snowmobile routes perform well during winter months from December through March when Stowe's ski season drives regional accommodation demand.

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 Vermont Department of Taxes. Additionally, properties may be subject to Lamoille County's local option tax of up to 1% if enacted by the municipality, though Morrisville's specific local tax rate varies and should be verified with town officials. The Vermont rooms and meals tax is typically collected directly by Airbnb through their platform for participating hosts and remitted quarterly to the state, though individual hosts can also register directly with the Vermont Department of Taxes (form RT-381) and remit monthly if gross receipts exceed $500 or quarterly if under $500. Exemptions include stays of 30 days or longer, which are considered long-term rentals rather than transient accommodations, and certain nonprofit or charitable organization bookings. Hosts must obtain a Vermont Business Account Number and Rooms and Meals Tax License, and properties generating over $500 annually in rental income must register regardless of collection method, with penalties applying for non-compliance including interest charges and potential fines up to $500 per violation.

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 $2,000-$3,000. Permits and fees including business registration, short-term rental permits, and potential zoning approvals cost $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 total $8,000-$12,000. Property taxes, which vary by assessment, would add approximately $4,000-$6,000 annually. These estimates assume purchasing a turnkey property in good condition and may vary significantly based on property size, condition, and specific location within Morrisville.

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 times, generating approximately $35,000-55,000 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 ($200-400 monthly), insurance ($1,500-2,500 annually), and maintenance/supplies ($3,000-5,000 annually), resulting in net profit margins of 25-35% for successful operators. Properties within 10-15 minutes of Stowe Mountain Resort command premium rates, with some hosts like those operating renovated farmhouses or ski chalets reporting annual profits of $15,000-25,000 on properties valued at $300,000-500,000. Success factors include proximity to Stowe ski areas, professional photography, consistent 4.8+ star ratings, amenities like hot tubs or fireplaces, and active management during peak booking periods (November-March and June-October). Properties further from ski access or lacking winter appeal typically see 20-30% lower occupancy rates and reduced profitability, with some seasonal operators closing during mud season (April-May) to minimize expenses while maintaining competitiveness in this tourism-dependent market.

Based on Morrisville, Vermont market conditions, Airbnb investments typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10% depending on property type and location proximity to Stowe Mountain Resort. Properties within 10 miles of Stowe ski areas command premium rates of $150-250 per night during peak winter season (December-March) and $100-180 during summer months, while properties further from ski access average $80-150 in winter and $60-120 in summer. Initial profitability usually occurs within 18-24 months for well-positioned properties, with investors typically seeing positive cash flow by month 8-14 after accounting for mortgage payments, property management fees of 20-25%, cleaning costs, and seasonal vacancy rates of 35-45%. Properties purchased in the $300,000-500,000 range with 20-25% down payments generally achieve break-even faster due to lower debt service ratios, while luxury properties above $600,000 may require 24-36 months to reach consistent profitability despite higher nightly rates.

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 analysis and revenue projections, Mashvisor for investment property analytics, 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 and marketing, Awning for short-term rental investment analysis, and local property management companies like Green Mountain Property Management that can help maximize rental income. Real estate investment firms such as Roofstock and Arrived Homes occasionally feature Vermont properties, while local mortgage brokers like Union Bank and People's United Bank can provide financing specifically for investment properties in the Morrisville area.