Is St. Martinville, Louisiana Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in St. Martinville, Louisiana, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through the St. Martin Parish Planning Commission and city hall, as short-term rentals may require special permits or have restrictions in certain residential zones. Contact St. Martin Parish for business license requirements and the Louisiana Department of Revenue for state tax registration, including collecting and remitting state sales tax of 4.45% plus local taxes. Find a suitable property by working with local real estate agents familiar with St. Martinville's historic district and residential areas, ensuring the property meets safety codes and has adequate parking. Obtain necessary permits including a business license from St. Martin Parish, fire department inspection clearance, and potentially a conditional use permit if required by local zoning. Purchase comprehensive insurance that covers short-term rentals, as standard homeowner's policies typically exclude commercial activities. Furnish the property with quality furniture, linens, kitchen essentials, and amenities that highlight the area's Cajun culture and proximity to Evangeline Oak and Acadian Memorial. Create your Airbnb listing with professional photos showcasing the property's connection to St. Martinville's rich Acadian history, competitive pricing based on local market rates (typically $80-150 per night depending on size and amenities), and detailed descriptions of nearby attractions like the Longfellow-Evangeline State Historic Site. Manage the property by establishing cleaning protocols between guests, responding promptly to inquiries and bookings, maintaining the property regularly, and providing guests with local recommendations for restaurants like Cafe Josephine and cultural sites throughout this historic Cajun town.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in St. Martinville, Louisiana, focus on locations within walking distance of historic downtown attractions like the Evangeline Oak and Acadian Memorial, or properties near Bayou Teche with water views, as these areas attract cultural tourists and outdoor enthusiasts year-round. Target 2-3 bedroom homes or cottages built after 1980 with authentic Cajun architectural features, modern amenities like WiFi and air conditioning, private parking, and outdoor spaces for gatherings, as these appeal to families and groups exploring Acadiana culture. Conduct pricing analysis using AirDNA and Mashvisor to benchmark against similar properties in nearby Lafayette (30 minutes away) and Breaux Bridge, aiming for nightly rates between $80-150 depending on size and amenities, with higher rates during festival seasons like the Boucherie Festival in February. Research competition by analyzing existing STR listings within a 5-mile radius on Airbnb and VRBO, noting that St. Martinville has limited inventory compared to larger Louisiana markets, creating opportunity for well-positioned properties. Utilize tools like Rabbu and AllTheRooms for market analysis, partner with local property management companies familiar with Louisiana STR regulations, and leverage the St. Martin Parish Tourist Commission's data on visitor patterns, while considering seasonal demand spikes during Mardi Gras, crawfish season (March-June), and fall cultural events that drive tourism to this historic Cajun community.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in St. Martinville, Louisiana, you must first contact the St. Martinville City Hall at 212 S Main Street or call (337) 394-2233 to inquire about short-term rental regulations and obtain the application form. Required documents typically include a completed STR permit application, proof of property ownership or lease agreement, certificate of occupancy, general liability insurance policy (minimum $1 million coverage), floor plan of the rental unit, emergency contact information, and parking plan showing adequate guest parking. You'll need to pay an estimated application fee of $150-300 plus an annual permit fee of approximately $200-500, though exact amounts should be confirmed with the city clerk. The property must comply with local zoning requirements, fire safety codes, and occupancy limits (typically 2 persons per bedroom plus 2 additional), and you may need to provide contact information for a local property manager if you live more than 50 miles away. Submit all documents to the Planning and Zoning Department, schedule any required inspections with the fire marshal and building inspector, and allow 30-60 days for processing and approval. Once approved, display your permit number in all online listings and renew annually by December 31st, ensuring compliance with St. Martin Parish tax collection requirements and Louisiana state lodging taxes.

Short-term rentals (STRs) in St. Martinville, Louisiana are generally legal but operate under state regulations and local oversight as of 2024. Louisiana requires STR operators to obtain a state license and collect occupancy taxes, while St. Martinville, as a smaller municipality in St. Martin Parish, typically follows parish-level zoning regulations that may restrict STRs in certain residential areas or require special use permits. The city has not implemented a comprehensive STR ban, but operators must comply with safety requirements, noise ordinances, and parking regulations. Recent changes at the state level have strengthened licensing requirements and tax collection enforcement, while some Louisiana municipalities have enacted stricter local controls on STR density and operations. Property owners in St. Martinville should verify current zoning compliance and obtain necessary permits from both state and local authorities, as regulations can vary by specific neighborhood and property type within the city limits.

The most promising areas for Airbnb investment in St. Martinville, Louisiana include the Historic Downtown District centered around Main Street and the Bayou Teche waterfront, which attracts tourists visiting the Evangeline Oak, Acadian Memorial, and numerous antebellum homes dating back to the 1800s. The Longfellow-Evangeline State Historic Site area offers excellent potential due to its proximity to the park's Acadian cultural attractions and frequent heritage festivals throughout the year. Properties near the St. Martin de Tours Catholic Church, one of the oldest continuously operating parishes in Louisiana (established 1765), benefit from religious tourism and cultural heritage visitors. The Bayou Teche corridor provides opportunities for guests interested in swamp tours, fishing, and eco-tourism activities. Areas close to the annual Louisiana Sugar Cane Festival grounds see increased demand during October events, while neighborhoods near local Creole and Cajun restaurants like Cafe Josephine and various boudin shops attract culinary tourists year-round. The residential areas along East Bridge Street and North Main Street offer good investment potential due to their walkability to major attractions while maintaining the authentic small-town Louisiana atmosphere that draws visitors seeking cultural immersion experiences.

In St. Martinville, Louisiana, Airbnb hosts are subject to multiple lodging taxes including the Louisiana state sales tax of 4.45%, St. Martin Parish occupancy tax of approximately 3%, and potentially a municipal hotel/motel tax of around 2-4% if applicable within city limits. These taxes are typically collected automatically by Airbnb through their tax collection service for most bookings, with the platform remitting payments directly to the Louisiana Department of Revenue and local tax authorities on a monthly basis. Hosts may need to register with the Louisiana Department of Revenue for a sales tax permit and potentially with St. Martin Parish for local occupancy tax collection if Airbnb doesn't collect certain local taxes automatically. The state sales tax applies to all short-term rental transactions under 30 days, while occupancy taxes specifically target lodging accommodations with stays typically under 30 consecutive days. Exemptions may include stays exceeding 30 days, certain government or military travelers, and potentially some nonprofit organization bookings, though hosts should verify current exemption criteria with local tax authorities as regulations can change and vary by jurisdiction.

To start an Airbnb in St. Martinville, Louisiana, the total costs would be approximately $185,000-$220,000. Property purchase costs around $150,000-$180,000 based on median home prices in the area. Furnishing a 2-3 bedroom property would cost $15,000-$25,000 including furniture, appliances, linens, and décor. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and basic renovations would be $3,000-$5,000. Permits and fees including business license, short-term rental permit, and tax registration would cost $500-$1,000. Insurance for short-term rental coverage would be $1,200-$2,000 annually. Utilities setup and deposits would cost $500-$800. First six months operating costs including utilities ($600-$900), cleaning supplies and services ($1,200-$1,800), maintenance ($800-$1,200), marketing ($300-$600), and platform fees would total approximately $3,000-$4,500. Additional working capital of $5,000-$8,000 should be reserved for unexpected expenses and vacancy periods during the initial months of operation.

Airbnb properties in St. Martinville, Louisiana typically generate annual revenues between $15,000-$35,000 for average 2-3 bedroom homes, with nightly rates ranging from $80-$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% if outsourced), utilities ($150-250 monthly), insurance ($1,200-2,000 annually), maintenance ($2,000-4,000 yearly), and local taxes. Properties near Bayou Teche or historic downtown areas command premium rates during Mardi Gras season and cultural festivals, with occupancy rates averaging 45-65% annually. A typical 3-bedroom Creole cottage purchased for $180,000 and renovated for $25,000 can achieve 12-18% annual returns after expenses, with break-even occupancy around 35%. Success factors include authentic Louisiana décor, proximity to cultural attractions like the Evangeline Oak and Acadian Memorial, professional photography, and responsive guest communication. Properties offering unique experiences such as swamp tour partnerships or Cajun cooking classes typically achieve 20-30% higher revenues than standard listings, though the limited tourist infrastructure compared to New Orleans or Lafayette constrains overall market potential.

Airbnb investments in St. Martinville, Louisiana can expect annual ROI of 8-12% based on the area's growing tourism interest in Cajun culture and proximity to Lafayette. Cash-on-cash returns typically range from 6-10% annually, with properties averaging $80-120 nightly rates during peak seasons and 40-55% occupancy rates year-round. Initial profitability usually occurs within 18-24 months, considering startup costs of $15,000-25,000 for furnishing and marketing a typical 2-3 bedroom property purchased at $120,000-180,000. The market benefits from cultural tourism, nearby Evangeline Parish attractions, and overflow demand from Lafayette's business travelers, though seasonal fluctuations occur with lower winter occupancy of 25-35% compared to spring/summer peaks of 60-70%.

STRSearch is a national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental properties for investors looking in St. Martinville, Louisiana. Local real estate agents in the area who work with Airbnb investors include Coldwell Banker Pelican Real Estate, Century 21 Bono Realty, and RE/MAX Acadiana, with agents like those at Keaty Real Estate Group having experience in investment properties around Lafayette Parish and surrounding areas. National services that can assist include Mashvisor for market analysis and property identification, AirDNA for short-term rental data analytics, and BiggerPockets for connecting with local investors and agents familiar with the St. Martinville market. RedAwning and Vacasa also provide property management services that can help investors identify suitable properties while offering management solutions. Local property management companies like Acadia Property Management and investment-focused realtors at Latter & Blum may also have experience with vacation rental properties in this historic Louisiana town, though the market is relatively small compared to larger tourist destinations like New Orleans or Baton Rouge.