Is Somers, Wisconsin Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Somers, Wisconsin, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through the Kenosha County Planning Department, as Somers operates under county jurisdiction for most zoning matters, and contact the Town of Somers clerk's office to verify any specific short-term rental ordinances or permit requirements. Obtain necessary permits which may include a business license from Wisconsin Department of Revenue, register for state and local taxes including Wisconsin sales tax and Kenosha County room tax (estimated 5-8%), and ensure compliance with fire safety codes through the local fire department inspection. Find a suitable property by researching areas near popular attractions like Lake Michigan shoreline or Kenosha County fairgrounds, considering properties with 2-3 bedrooms that can accommodate families visiting the region, and ensure the property meets residential zoning requirements for short-term rentals. Furnish the space with durable, comfortable furniture including quality mattresses, basic kitchen appliances, linens, towels, and local amenities information, while ensuring Wi-Fi connectivity and cable/streaming services. List your property on Airbnb and other platforms like VRBO, setting competitive rates based on similar properties in southeastern Wisconsin (estimated $80-150 per night depending on season and property size), and create detailed descriptions highlighting proximity to Wisconsin attractions and Lake Michigan activities. Manage the property by establishing cleaning protocols between guests, responding promptly to inquiries, coordinating check-ins/check-outs, maintaining the property regularly, and keeping detailed records for tax purposes while staying compliant with any evolving local regulations in Kenosha County.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Somers, Wisconsin, focus on locations within 1-2 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, particularly near Kenosha Sand Dunes or Camp Lake areas, as waterfront proximity drives 40-60% higher nightly rates averaging $180-250 versus inland properties at $120-180. Target 3-4 bedroom single-family homes or lakefront condos built after 1990 with modern amenities, outdoor spaces, and parking for 4+ vehicles, as families and groups comprise 70% of the market. Analyze comparable properties using AirDNA and Mashvisor to identify optimal pricing strategies, noting seasonal fluctuations where summer months (June-August) generate 65% of annual revenue while winter occupancy drops to 25-35%. Research competition within a 5-mile radius using Airdna, STR Helper, and manual searches on Airbnb/VRBO, focusing on properties with fewer than 50 reviews to identify market gaps. Utilize Kenosha County property records, Zillow rental estimates, and local Facebook groups like "Kenosha Area Real Estate Investors" for market insights, while considering Wisconsin's STR regulations requiring business licenses and potential HOA restrictions in lakefront communities, with successful properties typically achieving 12-18% annual returns when purchased under $400,000.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Somers, Wisconsin, you must first contact the Kenosha County Planning and Development Department since Somers operates under county jurisdiction for zoning and permits. Submit your application to the Kenosha County Courthouse at 1010 56th Street, Kenosha, WI 53140, or apply online through their permitting portal. Required documents include a completed short-term rental application form, proof of property ownership or lease agreement, floor plan of the rental unit, parking plan showing adequate spaces, septic system inspection (if applicable), well water testing results (if on private well), liability insurance certificate naming the county as additional insured, emergency contact information, and a $150-300 application fee depending on property size. The approval process typically takes 30-45 days after submission of complete documentation. Somers-specific requirements include maintaining a maximum occupancy of 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, providing adequate off-street parking (minimum 2 spaces), ensuring the property meets all building and fire safety codes, maintaining a local contact person available 24/7 within 30 minutes of the property, registering with the Wisconsin Department of Revenue for tax collection, and renewing the permit annually with a $75-150 renewal fee.

Short-term rentals (STRs) in Somers, Wisconsin are generally legal but subject to local regulations and zoning restrictions. The Village of Somers, located in Kenosha County, typically allows STRs in residential areas but requires operators to obtain proper permits and comply with occupancy limits, parking requirements, and noise ordinances. Properties must meet safety standards including smoke detectors and emergency egress requirements, and operators are generally required to register with the village and pay applicable taxes. Recent changes around 2022-2023 have seen Wisconsin municipalities, including Somers, implementing more structured regulatory frameworks for STRs, often requiring annual licensing, limiting the number of guests, mandating local contact persons for emergencies, and establishing penalties for violations. Some residential neighborhoods may have additional restrictions through homeowners associations, and properties near Lake Michigan or in certain zoning districts may face stricter limitations. The village typically prohibits STRs in areas zoned exclusively for single-family residential use without proper conditional use permits, and recent enforcement has become more stringent regarding advertising compliance and tax collection.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Somers, Wisconsin are primarily concentrated around the Lake Michigan shoreline, particularly near Petrifying Springs Park and the Kenosha County lakefront properties, which attract summer tourists seeking beach access and water activities from May through September. The area near Highway 31 corridor offers strong potential due to its proximity to major employers like Amazon fulfillment centers and Abbott Laboratories, generating consistent business travel demand year-round. Properties within walking distance of the Kenosha Regional Airport provide opportunities for corporate travelers and cargo industry professionals. The residential neighborhoods between 75th Street and 85th Street near Green Bay Road are attractive for families visiting the nearby Six Flags Great America (just across the Illinois border) and those attending events at the UW-Parkside campus. The rural areas near the Fox River offer appeal to outdoor enthusiasts and fishing tourists, particularly during spring and fall seasons when the area hosts various outdoor recreation activities and hunting seasons.

In Somers, Wisconsin, Airbnb properties are subject to Wisconsin state sales tax of 5% and room tax, which is collected at the local level. The Village of Somers imposes a room tax of approximately 8% on short-term rental accommodations, bringing the total lodging tax to around 13%. These taxes are typically collected by Airbnb directly from guests at the time of booking through their automated tax collection system, which has been in place since 2018 for Wisconsin properties. Airbnb then remits these taxes quarterly to the Wisconsin Department of Revenue for state sales tax and to Kenosha County (which encompasses Somers) for local room tax. Property owners who collect taxes independently must register with the Wisconsin Department of Revenue and file monthly or quarterly returns depending on their volume. Exemptions may apply for stays exceeding 30 consecutive days, which are generally considered long-term rentals rather than transient accommodations, and for certain government or charitable organization bookings, though hosts should verify current exemption criteria with local tax authorities.

To start an Airbnb in Somers, Wisconsin, expect total costs around $285,000-$320,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at approximately $250,000-$280,000 based on median home prices in the Lake Geneva area where Somers is located. 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. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and basic renovations average $3,000-$5,000. Permits and fees vary but budget $500-$1,500 for business licenses, short-term rental permits, and potential HOA approvals. Insurance costs approximately $1,200-$2,000 annually for short-term rental coverage beyond standard homeowner's insurance. Utility setup and deposits total around $500-$800 for electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable. First six months operating costs including utilities ($150-$250/month), cleaning services ($75-$125 per turnover), supplies and maintenance ($200-$400/month), and platform fees (3% of bookings) typically range $4,000-$7,000 depending on occupancy rates and seasonal demand in this popular Wisconsin lake region.

Airbnb properties in Somers, Wisconsin, located near Lake Geneva and the Illinois border, typically generate annual revenues of $15,000-$35,000 for well-positioned properties, with lakefront or lake-view units commanding premium rates of $150-$300 per night during peak summer months and $80-$150 during off-season periods. Operating expenses generally range from 40-60% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($50-$75 per turnover), property management (15-25% if outsourced), utilities ($200-$400 monthly), insurance ($1,500-$3,000 annually), and maintenance costs averaging $2,000-$4,000 yearly. Properties within walking distance of Geneva Lake or featuring amenities like hot tubs, fire pits, or boat access achieve occupancy rates of 65-80% during May through October, while standard residential properties average 45-60% annually. Success factors include proximity to Lake Geneva attractions, seasonal pricing strategies that capitalize on summer tourism and fall foliage periods, professional photography showcasing lake access or scenic views, and responsive guest communication. A typical 3-bedroom lake-adjacent property purchased for $400,000 in 2022 might generate $28,000 in annual revenue with $16,000 in expenses, yielding a 3% net cash return before mortgage considerations, though appreciation in this desirable recreational market has averaged 8-12% annually from 2020-2023.

Based on Somers, Wisconsin market conditions, Airbnb investments typically generate annual ROI of 12-18% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 8-14% depending on property type and location within the community. Properties near Lake Michigan shoreline or close to Kenosha attractions tend to achieve higher returns around 15-18% annually, while inland properties average 10-14%. Initial profitability usually occurs within 18-24 months for well-positioned properties, with break-even on cash investment typically achieved in 6-8 years. The market benefits from proximity to Chicago (90 minutes), Milwaukee (60 minutes), and seasonal lake tourism, with peak summer months generating 40-60% higher nightly rates than off-season periods. Average property acquisition costs range $200,000-$400,000, with successful operators achieving gross rental yields of 20-28% annually before expenses, translating to net returns of 12-18% after accounting for property management, maintenance, taxes, and vacancy rates of 15-25% typical for the Wisconsin lake region market.

STRSearch leads the national market for Airbnb investment property analysis and market research, providing comprehensive data on short-term rental performance in Somers, Wisconsin. Local real estate agents specializing in investment properties include Coldwell Banker Real Estate Group agents in nearby Kenosha (2019-present), RE/MAX Preferred agents covering the Lake Geneva area, and Shorewest Realtors who have served southeastern Wisconsin since 1976. National services include Awning (founded 2017) which offers full-service Airbnb investment management, RedAwning's property sourcing platform, Mashvisor's real estate analytics tools launched in 2014, and AirDNA's market intelligence platform established in 2015. Local property management companies that assist investors include Lake Geneva Area Property Management and Wisconsin Vacation Rentals, while national chains like Vacasa (founded 2009) and AvantStay provide comprehensive investment and management services. Additional resources include BiggerPockets' marketplace connecting investors with local agents, Roofstock's platform for rental property investments, and local mortgage brokers like First Weber Financial Services who understand investment property financing in the Wisconsin market.