Is Plymouth, Vermont Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Plymouth, Vermont, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through the Plymouth Town Office, as Vermont requires short-term rental operators to register with the state and obtain a Vermont Meals and Rooms Tax license, while Plymouth may have specific zoning restrictions or permit requirements for vacation rentals. Contact the Plymouth Zoning Administrator to determine if your property is in a zone that allows short-term rentals and obtain any necessary local permits, which typically cost $50-200. Find a suitable property by searching real estate listings in Plymouth, focusing on areas near Okemo Mountain Resort or scenic locations that attract tourists, with properties ranging from $200,000-800,000 depending on size and location. Once you secure a property, furnish it with quality, durable furniture, linens, kitchen essentials, and amenities like WiFi, focusing on a cozy Vermont aesthetic with an initial investment of $10,000-25,000 for a complete setup. Create your Airbnb listing with professional photos highlighting Vermont's natural beauty, competitive pricing around $100-300 per night depending on season and property size, and detailed descriptions of nearby attractions like Okemo, Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site, and outdoor activities. For ongoing management, establish cleaning protocols between guests, respond promptly to inquiries, maintain the property regularly, collect and remit the 9% Vermont Meals and Rooms Tax plus any local taxes, and consider hiring a local property management company if you live far from Plymouth, with management fees typically running 15-25% of rental income.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Plymouth, Vermont, focus on locations within 10-15 minutes of Killington and Pico Mountain ski resorts, as these drive year-round demand with winter skiing and summer mountain biking activities. Target properties with 3-4 bedrooms, hot tubs, fireplaces, mountain views, and ski equipment storage, as these features command premium rates of $200-400 per night during peak ski season (December-March) and $150-250 during summer months. Analyze pricing using AirDNA and Mashvisor to benchmark against similar properties, aiming for annual revenues of $40,000-70,000 for well-positioned homes. Research competition by studying occupancy rates and guest reviews of existing STRs within a 5-mile radius, noting that properties closer to ski access roads and with superior amenities consistently outperform. Utilize Vermont's tourism data from the Department of Tourism and Marketing, monitor Killington's event calendar for peak booking periods, and leverage local real estate platforms like Coldwell Banker Hickok & Boardman for market insights, while ensuring compliance with Plymouth's zoning regulations and obtaining necessary permits through the town clerk's office.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Plymouth, Vermont, you must first contact the Plymouth Town Clerk's office at the Town Hall located on Town Office Road to inquire about local zoning compliance and any municipal short-term rental regulations. Submit an application to the Vermont Department of Taxes for a Business Account Number and Meals and Rooms Tax license, providing your property deed, liability insurance certificate (minimum $1 million coverage), floor plan or property layout, and completed state tax registration forms. The state filing fee is approximately $50-75, while local permit fees typically range from $100-300 annually. Contact the Plymouth Zoning Administrator to ensure your property complies with local zoning ordinances, as some residential zones may restrict short-term rentals or require conditional use permits. You'll need to register with the Vermont Department of Health if offering more than basic accommodations, obtain a fire safety inspection certificate from the local fire department, and ensure compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act requirements if applicable. The entire process typically takes 4-8 weeks, depending on inspection scheduling and document processing times. Once approved, you must display your permit number in all online listings, collect and remit 9% Vermont Meals and Rooms Tax monthly, and maintain current liability insurance and safety certifications throughout your operation period.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are generally legal in Plymouth, Vermont, but operate under 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 rooms and meals tax, and comply with health and safety standards, while Plymouth as a small town in Windsor County likely follows the state framework without additional municipal restrictions. The state implemented comprehensive STR regulations around 2019-2020 requiring registration, taxation, and safety compliance including smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors, with operators needing to maintain liability insurance and provide emergency contact information. Recent changes have focused on tax collection enforcement and safety requirements, with the Vermont Department of Health and Department of Taxes increasing oversight since 2020. Plymouth, being a rural community, generally allows STRs in residential areas without the density restrictions seen in larger Vermont municipalities like Burlington or Stowe, though operators must still comply with state zoning laws and any applicable homeowners association rules.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Plymouth, Vermont include the Coolidge State Historic Site district, which attracts history enthusiasts visiting President Calvin Coolidge's birthplace and childhood home year-round, particularly during summer and fall foliage seasons. The Route 100A corridor near Plymouth Notch offers excellent potential due to its proximity to both the historic site and Killington Resort (approximately 15 miles away), making it attractive for ski tourists in winter and outdoor enthusiasts in summer. The area around Lake Amherst provides waterfront and near-waterfront investment opportunities that appeal to families and couples seeking peaceful retreats, especially during Vermont's peak tourism months of July through October. Properties near the intersection of Routes 100 and 100A benefit from easy accessibility while maintaining rural charm, attracting visitors to nearby attractions like the Vermont Country Store in Weston and Okemo Mountain Resort. The Plymouth Union area, with its authentic Vermont village character, appeals to tourists seeking quintessential New England experiences, particularly during maple syrup season in early spring and peak foliage in late September through early October.

Plymouth, Vermont imposes a 9% rooms and meals tax on short-term rental accommodations including Airbnbs, which consists of a 6% state rooms tax and a 3% local option tax that Plymouth has adopted. The tax applies to rentals of 30 days or less and is collected by the host from guests at the time of booking or check-in. Hosts must register with the Vermont Department of Taxes, obtain a rooms tax account, and file monthly returns by the 25th of the following month, remitting collected taxes electronically through the Vermont Tax Portal. Additionally, there is a 1% local option tax that may apply in some areas of Rutland County where Plymouth is located. Exemptions include rentals to permanent residents (stays over 30 consecutive days), certain nonprofit organizations, and government employees on official business. Hosts are required to display their registration certificate and provide guests with receipts showing the tax amount collected, with penalties applying for late filing or non-compliance.

To start an Airbnb in Plymouth, Vermont, expect total costs around $385,000-$425,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at approximately $350,000 based on median home prices in central Vermont's rural markets as of 2024. Furnishing costs typically range $15,000-$25,000 for a complete 2-3 bedroom property including beds, linens, kitchen essentials, and living room furniture from retailers like IKEA, Wayfair, and local suppliers. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and basic renovations average $3,000-$5,000. Vermont requires short-term rental permits and local business licenses totaling approximately $500-$1,500 depending on Plymouth's specific requirements. Insurance premiums for short-term rental coverage run $2,000-$3,500 annually through companies like Proper Insurance or CBIZ. Utility setup and deposits for electricity, water, internet, and heating typically cost $1,000-$2,000 initially. First six months operating expenses including utilities ($300-500/month), cleaning services ($75-125 per turnover), supplies and maintenance ($200-400/month), platform fees (3% of bookings), and marketing total approximately $8,000-$12,000 assuming moderate occupancy rates of 40-60% during Vermont's seasonal tourism patterns.

Airbnb properties in Plymouth, Vermont show moderate profitability potential with average nightly rates ranging from $150-250 during peak ski season (December-March) and $80-120 during off-season months. A typical 2-3 bedroom property can generate $25,000-45,000 in annual revenue, with expenses including property taxes ($3,000-5,000), utilities ($2,400-3,600), cleaning fees ($3,000-4,500), maintenance ($2,000-3,500), and Airbnb fees (3% host fee plus guest service fees). Net profit margins typically range from 15-25% for well-managed properties, with successful hosts like those operating near Okemo Mountain Resort achieving higher margins through strategic pricing during peak periods. Key success factors include proximity to ski areas, professional photography, consistent 4.8+ star ratings, and offering amenities like hot tubs or game rooms. Properties within 10 miles of major ski resorts like Killington or Okemo command premium rates, while those focusing on summer activities like hiking and leaf-peeping seasons can maintain 60-70% occupancy rates. The Vermont short-term rental market has grown approximately 15% annually since 2019, though new state regulations requiring registration and local compliance may impact operating costs by $500-1,000 annually starting in 2024.

Airbnb investments in Plymouth, Vermont can expect annual ROI of 8-12% based on the area's proximity to Killington and Okemo ski resorts, with properties averaging $200-350 per night during peak winter season and $120-180 during summer months. Cash-on-cash returns typically range from 6-9% annually, assuming a 25% down payment on properties valued between $300,000-500,000, with gross rental income of $35,000-55,000 per year after accounting for Vermont's short-term rental regulations and seasonal occupancy rates of 60-75%. Most investors achieve profitability within 18-24 months, particularly those purchasing properties within 15 minutes of major ski areas, though success depends heavily on property management efficiency and marketing during Plymouth's peak tourism periods from December through March and July through September.

STRSearch is a leading national platform that helps investors identify profitable short-term rental properties across markets including Plymouth, Vermont. In the local Vermont market, Green Mountain Real Estate Group and Vermont Investment Properties have agents experienced in vacation rental acquisitions, while Coldwell Banker Hickok & Boardman Realty has specialists familiar with Plymouth's tourism patterns. National services like AirDNA provide market analytics for the area, while Mashvisor offers investment property analysis tools that cover Vermont markets. RedAwning and Vacasa provide property management insights that can inform purchase decisions. Local property management companies such as Vermont Vacation Rentals and Okemo Valley Properties offer consultation on profitable property characteristics in the region. BiggerPockets connects investors with Vermont-focused real estate professionals, and companies like Roofstock and Awning (now part of RedAwning) have historically facilitated short-term rental property investments. Regional firms like Ludlow Area Real Estate and Century 21 Farm & Forest have agents knowledgeable about seasonal rental markets in central Vermont, while national mortgage specialists like Lima One Capital provide financing specifically for investment properties intended for short-term rental use.