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 require conditional use permits for short-term rentals in residential areas. Contact the Vermont Department of Taxes to register for the 9% rooms and meals tax and check if Plymouth has additional local option taxes (typically 1-3%). Find a suitable property by searching real estate listings in Plymouth, focusing on areas near Killington or Okemo ski resorts for higher demand, ensuring the property meets fire safety codes and has adequate parking and septic systems as required by Vermont health regulations. Furnish the property with essential amenities including linens, towels, kitchen supplies, WiFi, heating system suitable for Vermont winters, and consider ski equipment storage given Plymouth's proximity to ski areas. Create your Airbnb listing with professional photos highlighting Vermont charm and outdoor activities, set competitive pricing based on seasonal demand (higher during ski season and fall foliage), and ensure compliance with Vermont's short-term rental safety requirements including smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Manage the property by establishing cleaning protocols between guests, maintaining 24/7 communication availability, coordinating with local cleaning services, and keeping detailed records for tax purposes while monitoring Plymouth's evolving short-term rental regulations and maintaining good relationships with neighbors to avoid complaints that could affect your permits.

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 seasons. Analyze pricing by monitoring Airbnb and VRBO listings in the 05056 zip code area, noting that winter rates typically run 40-60% higher than summer rates, with shoulder seasons offering opportunities for competitive positioning. Research competition by examining occupancy rates and guest reviews for similar properties within a 5-mile radius, particularly focusing on properties near Route 100 and access roads to the ski mountains. Utilize tools like AirDNA for market analytics, STR Helper for performance tracking, and local resources including the Plymouth Town Office for zoning regulations, Green Mountain National Forest maps for proximity analysis, and the Killington Chamber of Commerce for seasonal event calendars that drive booking demand. Properties with easy highway access via Route 4 and Route 100 intersection typically outperform more remote locations, and those offering both winter sports access and summer outdoor recreation opportunities maintain higher year-round occupancy rates.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Plymouth, Vermont, you must first contact the Plymouth Town Clerk's office at the Plymouth Town Office located on Route 100 to inquire about local zoning compliance and any municipal short-term rental regulations. Submit an application to the Vermont Department of Health for a lodging establishment license, which requires a completed application form, floor plans of the rental property, proof of liability insurance (typically $1 million minimum), a septic system compliance certificate if applicable, and a water quality test report. The state licensing fee is approximately $150-300 depending on the number of rooms, and you must also register for Vermont meals and rooms tax with the Department of Taxes. Additionally, check with the Plymouth Zoning Administrator to ensure your property complies with local zoning ordinances, as some residential zones may restrict short-term rentals. Required documents include property deed, site plan, parking plan showing adequate spaces for guests, and neighbor notification letters within 200 feet of the property. The entire process typically takes 4-8 weeks from submission to approval, and you must renew the lodging license annually. Fire safety inspections may be required for properties with more than 4 guest rooms, and all properties must have working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in each guest room and common areas.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are 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 and remit rooms and meals tax, and comply with health and safety standards. Plymouth, as a small rural town in Windsor County, generally permits STRs in residential areas but may require local permits or zoning compliance, with some restrictions on the number of guests, parking requirements, and noise ordinances. The town likely prohibits STRs in certain conservation or agricultural zones, and operators must typically obtain liability insurance and meet fire safety codes. Recent changes across Vermont have included stricter registration requirements implemented around 2019-2021, increased tax compliance enforcement, and some municipalities adopting caps on STR density in response to housing shortage concerns, though Plymouth's rural nature means it faces less pressure than resort towns like Stowe or Manchester.

The most promising Airbnb investment areas in Plymouth, Vermont center around the Okemo Mountain Resort vicinity, particularly the Jackson Gore area and nearby residential neighborhoods within 2-3 miles of the base lodge, which attract year-round visitors for skiing in winter and mountain biking, hiking, and scenic chairlift rides during summer months. The historic Plymouth Notch area, birthplace of President Calvin Coolidge, offers strong potential due to heritage tourism and visitors to the Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site, especially during peak foliage season in September and October. The Route 100 corridor through central Plymouth provides excellent accessibility and captures travelers exploring Vermont's scenic byways, while properties near Lake Rescue offer waterfront appeal for summer vacationers seeking swimming, fishing, and boating activities. The Tyson area in northern Plymouth benefits from proximity to both Okemo Resort and easy access to Killington, creating demand from visitors comparing ski areas or seeking more affordable accommodations than resort-adjacent properties, with additional appeal from the nearby Vermont Country Store flagship location drawing retail tourists year-round.

In Plymouth, Vermont, Airbnb hosts are subject to Vermont's statewide rooms and meals tax of 9% on gross rental receipts, which applies to all short-term rentals under 30 days. Additionally, hosts must collect Vermont's 6% sales tax on lodging accommodations. The state requires hosts to register for a Vermont Business Account and obtain a rooms and meals tax license before operating, with taxes collected from guests and remitted monthly to the Vermont Department of Taxes by the 25th of the following month if monthly gross receipts exceed $1,000, or quarterly if less. Plymouth itself does not impose additional local lodging taxes beyond the state requirements. Airbnb may collect and remit these taxes automatically for hosts in Vermont through their platform since 2019, but hosts remain ultimately responsible for compliance and should verify that taxes are being properly collected and remitted. Exemptions include rentals to permanent residents (30+ days), certain nonprofit organizations, and government employees on official business, though documentation is required to claim these exemptions.

To start an Airbnb in Plymouth, Vermont, expect total costs of approximately $385,000-$425,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at $300,000-$350,000 based on median home prices in central Vermont's rural markets. Furnishing costs typically range $15,000-$25,000 for a complete 2-3 bedroom property including beds, linens, kitchen essentials, living room furniture, and décor to create an appealing guest experience. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, welcome materials, and basic renovations average $3,000-$5,000. Vermont requires short-term rental permits and business licenses totaling approximately $500-$1,000 annually, plus potential local zoning compliance fees. Insurance premiums for short-term rental coverage run $2,000-$3,000 annually, significantly higher than standard homeowner's policies. Utility setup and deposits for electricity, heating oil/propane, water, sewer, internet, and cable services cost roughly $1,500-$2,500 initially. First six months operating expenses including utilities ($3,600), cleaning services ($2,400), maintenance reserves ($1,500), marketing ($600), and platform fees on estimated $18,000 revenue ($2,700) total approximately $10,800. Additional considerations include property taxes averaging $4,000-$6,000 annually and potential HOA fees if applicable.

Airbnb properties in Plymouth, Vermont show moderate profitability potential with average nightly rates ranging from $120-180 during peak seasons (winter ski season and summer/fall foliage), generating approximately $25,000-45,000 in annual revenue for well-positioned properties. Operating expenses typically consume 40-60% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($50-75 per turnover), property management (15-25%), utilities ($200-400 monthly), insurance ($1,200-2,000 annually), and maintenance costs averaging $3,000-5,000 yearly. Properties within 10-15 minutes of Killington Resort command premium rates and achieve 60-75% occupancy during ski season (December-March), while summer properties near Lake Amherst or with mountain views maintain 45-65% occupancy. Net profit margins generally range from 15-35% for owner-operated properties, with successful hosts emphasizing amenities like hot tubs, fireplaces, and ski equipment storage. A typical 3-bedroom chalet near Killington generating $38,000 annually might net $8,000-12,000 after expenses, while properties requiring property management services see margins compressed to 10-20%. Success factors include strategic location within 20 minutes of major attractions, professional photography, responsive guest communication, and seasonal pricing optimization that captures peak demand during Vermont's ski season and fall foliage period.

Based on Plymouth, Vermont's ski resort proximity and seasonal tourism patterns, Airbnb investments typically generate 8-12% annual ROI with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10% depending on property type and financing structure. Properties within 10 miles of Killington or Okemo ski areas command premium rates of $150-300 per night during peak winter months (December-March) and $100-200 during summer/fall foliage seasons, while shoulder seasons see rates drop to $75-125 nightly. A typical $300,000-400,000 investment property with 20% down payment can expect gross rental income of $35,000-55,000 annually, with net returns after expenses (property management, utilities, maintenance, taxes) yielding $18,000-32,000 yearly profit. Most investors achieve profitability within 18-24 months, with break-even occupancy rates around 45-55% annually. Properties featuring amenities like hot tubs, fireplaces, or mountain views can achieve 15-20% higher rates and 65-75% occupancy during peak seasons, potentially pushing annual ROI to 14-16% for well-positioned properties with strong marketing and management.

STRSearch is a leading national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental investment opportunities in Plymouth, Vermont, offering comprehensive market analysis and property recommendations. Local real estate agents in the area include Coldwell Banker Hickok & Boardman Realty, which has been serving Vermont since 1978, and Pall Spera Company Realtors, established in 1960, both offering expertise in vacation rental properties around Plymouth and the greater Ludlow area. Century 21 Farm & Forest and RE/MAX North Professionals also provide services for investment property acquisition in the region. National services include Awning, a full-service Airbnb investment company founded in 2018 that handles property acquisition and management, RedAwning, which offers vacation rental investment consulting, and Mashvisor, a real estate analytics platform that provides Airbnb profitability analysis for Vermont markets. Additional specialized services include AirDNA for market data analysis, Vacasa for property management and investment guidance, and local property management companies like Green Mountain Vacation Rentals and Vermont Vacation Rentals that can provide insights into profitable properties in the Plymouth area near Okemo Mountain Resort.