Is South Jordan, Utah Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in South Jordan, Utah, begin by researching local regulations as South Jordan requires short-term rental operators to obtain a business license and conditional use permit, with properties limited to owner-occupied homes or properties in specific zoning districts, and rentals restricted to a maximum of 30 days with no more than two unrelated guests at a time. Contact South Jordan City's Planning Department at 801-254-3740 to verify current zoning compliance and apply for the necessary conditional use permit, which typically costs around $500-800 and requires neighbor notification. Next, secure a suitable property either by purchasing a home in an approved zone or using your primary residence, ensuring it meets safety requirements including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and proper egress windows. Furnish the space with quality essentials including comfortable bedding, basic kitchen supplies, toiletries, towels, Wi-Fi, and local guidebooks, budgeting approximately $3,000-8,000 for initial furnishing depending on property size. Create your Airbnb listing with professional photos, detailed descriptions highlighting proximity to attractions like Daybreak community and Jordan River Parkway, and competitive pricing based on comparable properties in the $80-150 per night range. Finally, establish management systems including automated messaging, cleaning protocols between guests, key exchange methods, and maintain compliance with South Jordan's requirements for parking availability, noise ordinances, and annual license renewals while monitoring occupancy limits and guest registration requirements.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in South Jordan, Utah, focus on locations within 15-20 minutes of Snowbird and Alta ski resorts, near Silicon Slopes tech corridor, or close to recreational areas like Jordan River Parkway. Target 3-4 bedroom single-family homes or townhomes built after 2000 with modern amenities, hot tubs, mountain views, and parking for multiple vehicles, as these appeal to both business travelers and vacation groups. Analyze pricing using AirDNA and Mashvisor to benchmark against comparable properties, aiming for $150-300 per night depending on size and amenities, with occupancy rates of 65-75% being typical for the market. Research competition by studying listings within a 3-mile radius, noting their pricing strategies, amenities, and guest reviews to identify gaps in the market. Utilize tools like Rabbu for Utah-specific market data, STR Helper for regulatory compliance since South Jordan requires business licenses and has specific zoning restrictions, and partner with local property management companies like RedAwning or Vacasa who understand the market dynamics. Consider proximity to major employers like Adobe, eBay, and other tech companies in nearby Lehi and Draper, as corporate housing demand remains strong year-round, while ski season (December-March) and summer outdoor recreation months (June-September) drive the highest leisure demand and premium pricing opportunities.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in South Jordan, Utah, you must first contact the South Jordan City Planning Department at City Hall located at 1600 W Towne Center Drive to determine if short-term rentals are permitted in your specific zoning district, as the city has restrictive regulations on STRs. If allowed, you'll need to submit an application through the city's planning department including a completed STR application form, proof of property ownership or lease agreement with landlord consent, a site plan showing parking arrangements, floor plans of the rental unit, proof of liability insurance (typically $1 million minimum), contact information for a local property manager if you're not local, and a good neighbor agreement outlining house rules. Required documents also include a business license application, fire safety inspection certificate, and compliance with all building and safety codes. Application fees typically range from $200-500 for the initial permit plus annual renewal fees of approximately $100-200. The timeline for approval is generally 4-6 weeks after submitting a complete application, though this can extend to 8-10 weeks if planning commission review is required. South Jordan specific requirements include restrictions on the number of STR permits issued per neighborhood, mandatory parking provisions (usually 2 spaces minimum), occupancy limits based on bedrooms and square footage, quiet hours enforcement, and potential requirements for conditional use permits in certain residential zones. You must also register for a Utah state tax license and collect transient room tax.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are legal in South Jordan, Utah, but operate under specific municipal regulations that require proper licensing and compliance with zoning restrictions. The city requires STR operators to obtain a business license and conditional use permit, with properties limited to owner-occupied dwellings or properties in certain zoning districts. South Jordan prohibits STRs in some residential neighborhoods to preserve community character and has implemented occupancy limits, parking requirements, and noise restrictions. Recent changes around 2022-2023 have tightened enforcement and added stricter application processes, including neighbor notification requirements and enhanced inspection protocols. The city also requires operators to maintain liability insurance, provide emergency contact information, and ensure compliance with fire safety codes, with violations potentially resulting in permit revocation and fines up to several thousand dollars.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in South Jordan, Utah include the Daybreak master-planned community, which attracts families and business travelers due to its proximity to major employers like eBay, Adobe, and other tech companies in the Silicon Slopes corridor, plus its appeal to visitors attending events at the nearby Salt Lake County facilities. The South Jordan City Center area offers excellent investment potential with its walkable downtown district, shopping venues, and easy access to both Salt Lake City International Airport and downtown Salt Lake City, making it ideal for business travelers and tourists exploring Utah's outdoor recreation areas. The areas near South Jordan Parkway and Bangerter Highway provide strategic locations for guests visiting the Loveland Living Planet Aquarium, one of Utah's top attractions, while also serving business travelers working at the numerous corporate headquarters and tech companies in the region. The neighborhoods around Daybreak Lake and the Jordan River Parkway Trail system appeal to outdoor enthusiasts and families visiting for recreational activities, while the proximity to world-class ski resorts like Snowbird and Alta (within 45 minutes) makes these areas attractive for winter sports tourists year-round.

In South Jordan, Utah, Airbnb hosts are subject to multiple lodging taxes including the state transient room tax of 4.25%, Salt Lake County's transient room tax of 1.0%, and South Jordan's municipal transient room tax of approximately 1.0%, totaling around 6.25% on gross rental receipts. These taxes apply to stays of less than 30 consecutive days and are collected from guests at the time of booking through Airbnb's automatic tax collection system for most jurisdictions. Hosts must register with the Utah State Tax Commission and obtain a sales tax license, then remit taxes monthly by the 20th of the following month using Utah's online filing system, though Airbnb may remit state and some local taxes directly on behalf of hosts in participating jurisdictions. Exemptions typically include stays of 30 days or longer, rentals to permanent residents, and certain government or nonprofit organization bookings, while hosts should verify current collection agreements between Airbnb and local jurisdictions as these arrangements can change and may require separate registration and remittance for certain local taxes.

To start an Airbnb in South Jordan, Utah, the total costs would be approximately $520,000-$580,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at $450,000-$500,000 based on median home prices in South Jordan as of 2023-2024. Furnishing costs typically range $15,000-$25,000 for a complete 3-4 bedroom home including furniture, bedding, kitchen essentials, and decor to create an attractive rental space. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, welcome materials, and basic supplies total around $2,000-$3,000. Permits and fees in South Jordan include business license ($100-$200), short-term rental permit ($300-$500), and potential HOA approval fees ($200-$500). Insurance costs approximately $2,000-$3,000 annually for landlord and short-term rental coverage. Utility setup and deposits for electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable run $500-$800 initially. First six months operating costs including utilities ($1,200-$1,800), cleaning services ($2,400-$3,600), maintenance reserves ($1,500-$2,500), marketing ($600-$1,000), and property management software subscriptions ($300-$600) total approximately $6,000-$9,500. Additional considerations include potential property improvements or renovations which could add $5,000-$15,000 depending on the property condition and desired positioning in the market.

Airbnb properties in South Jordan, Utah typically generate annual revenues between $25,000-$45,000 for well-positioned properties, with average daily rates ranging from $85-$150 depending on property size and amenities. Operating expenses generally consume 40-60% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($30-50 per turnover), property management (15-25% of revenue), utilities ($150-300 monthly), insurance ($1,200-2,000 annually), and maintenance costs. Properties near Daybreak community and those offering mountain views or proximity to ski resorts command premium rates, with some hosts reporting profit margins of 25-35% after all expenses. Success factors include professional photography, consistent 4.8+ star ratings, strategic pricing during peak ski season (December-March) and summer months, and targeting business travelers visiting nearby tech companies like Adobe and Vivint. A typical 3-bedroom home purchased for $450,000 in 2022 with a $2,800 monthly mortgage can achieve break-even occupancy rates around 45-50%, with successful hosts maintaining 65-75% occupancy generating net profits of $12,000-$18,000 annually. Properties within 30 minutes of Park City ski resorts and those featuring hot tubs or game rooms consistently outperform the market average by 15-25%.

Based on South Jordan, Utah 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 within the city. Properties near Daybreak community and close to ski resort access points tend to perform at the higher end, achieving 10-12% annual returns, while standard residential properties average 8-9% ROI. Cash-on-cash returns generally fall between 7-9% for well-positioned properties with strong occupancy rates of 65-75% annually. Most investors reach profitability within 18-24 months, with break-even typically occurring around month 14-18 after accounting for initial setup costs, furnishing, and marketing expenses. The South Jordan market benefits from proximity to Salt Lake City corporate centers, outdoor recreation demand, and steady population growth, supporting average daily rates of $120-180 depending on property size and amenities, with peak winter months commanding premium rates due to nearby ski resort access.

STRSearch is a national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental properties for investors in South Jordan, Utah. Local real estate agents who focus on Airbnb investments in the area include Realtypath Utah, Equity Real Estate, and Windermere Real Estate agents who understand the South Jordan market dynamics. National services like Awning, RedAwning, and AirDNA provide market analysis and property identification services for the Salt Lake County region. Local property management companies such as Utah Airbnb Management, SLC Property Management, and Wasatch Property Management offer turnkey solutions for investors. Additional national platforms include Mashvisor, which provides rental property analytics for South Jordan, and BiggerPockets marketplace where investors can connect with local wholesalers and agents. Roofstock and Arrived Homes also occasionally feature properties in the South Jordan area suitable for short-term rental conversion. Local mortgage brokers like Academy Mortgage and Mountain West Financial specialize in investment property financing for Airbnb purchases in Utah markets.